Macro Flash for P&S Digital Camera 

 

Point and shoot digital cameras, even an entry level one, can have remarkable macro capabilities. Some of the more advanced models can focus a subject as close as 1 cm, but the lens can obscure ambient light or the built-in flash. For best results, an off-site slave flash should be used.

In this project, a dual flash with flexi gooseneck was built. The best thing is that the flexible gooseneck is easily bent to direct the light exactly where you want. Another feature is that it has 8 preset levels (3% ~ 40%) of output power to provide the most appropriate level of illumination.

The Finished Look

 

The Electronics

The electronics can be divided into 3 functional circuitries, namely, the inverter, the optical slave and the Xenon tube circuitries.

Warning

This project requires appropriate safety measures against the high voltage parts. The high voltage will remain in the circuitry even the power is shut down, and can cause injury, death or other damage if touched. Inexperienced person should do it under supervision of an experienced person. 

Disclaimer

The author specifically disclaims any and all liabilities for any of your damages arising from following this post. The information provided here is for sharing the experience only.

   

The Inverter

The inverter is basically rebuilt from an older flash gun. The good thing is the simplicity (less than 10 parts); the bad thing is that it still draws 150mA even the HV capacitor has been fully charged.

   

 

The Optical Slave

It is basically a ripple counter. Once it receives 2 pulses, it will trigger the Xenon tube through the SCR, and then reset the counter. 

   

The 2nd option is that it will trigger the Xenon tube for every pulse received so that it fires both the pre-flash and the main flash.

    

The Xenon Tube Circuitry

Nowadays, IGBT is employed to control the output power of a Xenon tube, but it is harder to use it for DIY projects due to its requirement of a matched driver and their tiny package. For this project, the preset levels of output power are provided by a mix of capacitors connected in series with the tubes.

   

 

Integration

 

Optical Diode Mounting

The optical diode is mounted at the bottom of the diffuser so as to avoid misfire due to other flashes used in the same scene.

 

Work in Progress

 

Test Shots

 

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End of the project

 

 

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