Comments about Stroboframe Stroboframe U-Pro Flash Bracket for all Digital & 35mm SLR Cameras:

Performs as advertised. Needs a better detent to hold position (portrait or landscape).

Comments about Stroboframe Stroboframe U-Pro Flash Bracket for all Digital & 35mm SLR Cameras:

The Stroboframe U-Pro flash bracket looks like a bracket that would do the job, and it does. It gives you options to set the flash very high off the camera and even set the flash are various angles, either down toward the subject or aimed at the ceiling for bounce (which really isn’t necessary if the flash unit has tilt and swivel capabilities).It arrived last Friday and I played around with it some on Saturday and then did a big shoot on Sunday.Out of the box, putting it together is fairly simple. But the instructions could be written a bit more clearly and it also would be nice to have better illustrations. It also would help if the parts were more clearly identified in the instructions. Nonetheless, it was fairly easy to assemble and I did it in about 5 minutes. All the hardware and tools you need are included.The bracket can easily be set up for right-handed shooter or left-handed shooters. It comes defaulting to right-hand. To set up for left hand you do have to perform some disassembly of the unit as shipped. But everything is counter sunk so it’s just a matter of flipping things over. Still, I’m glad I’m not left handed. It probably would have added another 15 to 20 to be ready for use after assembly.About the only accessory you need that isn’t provided is a flash shoe with a 3/8” mounting hole. Other than that every thing you need to just basically get started is included in the package. I added a Acratech QR mount to mine to be compatible with the mounting plates I have on my cameras. After using it pretty intensely I will use the cork they supplied so that the QR mount doesn’t twist while in use (it was a minor problem while shooting). I also mounted a QR plate on the bottom of the bracket so I can quickly and easily mount the assembly with camera to a tripod.One nice thing is that this thing stands up on a table top with the camera mounted and doesn’t seem to be unbalanced at all (even with the QR plate on the bottom). You don’t need to adjust anything to make it stand, just put it down.The horizontal to vertical swivel works very smoothly. There is a nice, solid click when each position is reached. This doesn’t mean that the camera is locked down in the new position. While it is somewhat locked in place it doesn’t take much pressure to turn the camera, something that happened more than once while on a shoot. It wasn’t a hindrance nor a design flaw, just something to keep in mind when working with the bracket.There is a nice twist knob on the flash side handle that can be used to help hold the bracket with the camera. But I didn’t particularly like of feel of holding it with the knob. The flash mounts a good 6 inches or so above the camera – even with a battery grip on the camera. And the flash can be moved even higher if you like, a good 10 inches higher.I used a Photoflex shoe mount adapter with the unit, which gave me possible another 5 inches of height. It also gave me more flexibility for angling the flash as needed. I also experimented with using a bounce umbrella but I really needed a smaller umbrella. I also found that the flash sometimes wanted to swivel around but that was more a problem with the Photoflex adapter than with the bracket itself.I was shooting at a local blues jam and worked for about 4 hours with the bracket at the shoot, with only a couple of breaks (I’ll post photos later). If I have any complaint it’s that with the camera this thing can start to feel pretty heavy after awhile. I shot with on Canon 40D without the battery grip and my shoulder are still sore the next morning. I’d hate to think how I’d feel if I’d shot with the battery grip attached.All in all, I’m pretty happy with this flash bracket. Despite the couple of drawbacks I noted above this is a very solidly built piece of gear and it really gets the flash off the camera. I enjoyed being able to quickly change orientation while shooting on the move. It certainly was easy to hold and keep things steady (despite the weight with the camera). The price was reasonable ([$]), especially since it didn’t require a lot of optional accessories to be immediately useful like another bracket I had considered in the same price range.I’ll post some photos later of the bracket as I it set up. You really don’t need the Photoflex adapter but I like it and will keep it on.I'm using an Canon OC-E2 cord to connect the camera to the flash.