Fenix HP10 diffuser work around

[pub]

This is a branch from many topics discussing the diffuser for a Fenix HP10(search for fenix diffuser).

I’ve wanted to shoot the series below since I got my Fenix 2 Christmases ago and I finally got a chance this weekend to do so. (No PP on the photos, just resizing)

Control – no diffuser (high power):


Container with end cut off (high power):


Complete container (high power):


Complete container (turbo):


I use translucent film containers for my diffusers. They snap snugly (real tight, it’s hard to knock off even if you bump it against something & actually protects the lens) onto the second cooling fin of the Fenix and no, I haven’t notice any difference in the temperature.

I use a complete container when I want full diffusion and a container with the end cut off when I want to use the uninterrupted throw of the Fenix and have a little spill. The amount of spill will vary with the opaqueness of the plastic and how far the cut is from the lens.

[Cody JW]

What kind of film container?? The film containers I can think of would be too big for the HP-10 head. Can you elaborate?

[pub]

Jeff,

They are Fujifilm 35mm film containers that I get from a local photo shop. I hear Costco sell Fujifilm in the states.

They have a locking groove around the inside diameter of the open end to capture the cap. This groove fit perfectly around the HP10 head. They measure 31mm in diameter & 50mm tall.

[MUD]

Thanks Pub! I made a few of these today and they work pretty good. I'm now experimenting with cutting slots in the bottom to give me a little more light at my feet.

[pub]

there you go... gud idea, i'll try that next, thanks cavemud

[Cody JW]

:kewl: Thanks Pub! I made a few of these today and they work pretty good. I'm now experimenting with cutting slots in the bottom to give me a little more light at my feet.

The light around my feet (or lack of) is the ONLY problem I have with the HP-10. Other than that I think it is a great light for the money. Not a Sten , but only 65-70 bucks, and it appears to be waterproof or at least very resistant.

[jsniffin]

having trouble picturing this can you post some pictures of the actual lamp with this on it please?

[pub]

sure james, here's an open ended one:

[NZcaver]

I applaud your ingenuity. I've used those clear 35mm film cannisters for other unorthodox purposes. Lack of flood in the HP10 is definitely a negative for me, and the factory diffuser is pretty ineffective. That's a major reason why I haven't got one.

But... doesn't that protrusion get hung up on things? And what about the flare in the top of your peripheral vision? I'd think that would get kinda annoying.

Pity Fenix doesn't make an upgraded model with a side by side spot and flood beam...

[Cody JW]

I applaud your ingenuity. I've used those clear 35mm film cannisters for other unorthodox purposes. Lack of flood in the HP10 is definitely a negative for me, and the factory diffuser is pretty ineffective. That's a major reason why I haven't got one.

But... doesn't that protrusion get hung up on things? And what about the flare in the top of your peripheral vision? I'd think that would get kinda annoying.

Pity Fenix doesn't make an upgraded model with a side by side spot and flood beam...

Maybe this canister can be cut down so it does not stick out so far. I am amazed Fennix designers cannot do this on their own. I would be happy to pay extra if they could design something in to it.

[pub]

I applaud your ingenuity. I've used those clear 35mm film cannisters for other unorthodox purposes.

Thanks Jansen! I too use these for many different things like a diffuser for cameras with a pop-up flash. It softens up the otherwise harsh flash.

Also, the Fenix on turbo with a complete canister (full diffusion) puts out enough light for photography in small rooms and passages. It eliminates the blotchiness with painting.
[joke]You might call it the Sustained Helmet Illumination Technique![/joke]

But... doesn't that protrusion get hung up on things? And what about the flare in the top of your peripheral vision?

Yes, it protrudes but in the caves I go to, easy ones, it’s not a problem but if needs be, I just pop it off. Looks like the Stenlight and Scurion might protrude more?



The canister is not visible at all with my helmet but might be if the helmet has a narrower profile. Actually, the light from the very tip of the canister hits the base of the nose and the eyes are shadowed by the helmet’s rim:

Pity Fenix doesn't make an upgraded model with a side by side spot and flood beam...

I agree… but who knows, they just might in the future.

[NZcaver]

[joke]You might call it the Sustained Helmet Illumination Technique![/joke]

That's a good one, Jerry!

I think it was Fuzzy Hair Man who previously mentioned the scotch tape method of diffusing the HP10 beam. I'm still thinking that would be worth trying, and be simpler and less obtrusive. Actually if you cut a circle of translucent tape which only covers about half the lens (in the middle), this should preserve the spot while also improving the flood. Or perhaps find a small translucent stick-on convex bubble? Hmmm... I wonder.

[MUD]

We used to use ordinary kitchen wax paper for our diffuser on electric lights. It will make the light a little yellow also, mimicking carbide lamp light. I'll try some on my Fenix and see how it works.

[snoboy]

Glad "Press'n'Seal" is supposed to work well. Haven't tried it yet.

[YuccaPatrol]

satin scotch tape works well too as improvised diffuser material