2026-04-09 A Generic Modifier for a SLR's Built-in Flash

Sometimes you can get the greatest fun out of the smallest item. Take this generic flash modifier for example. Since starting this story I have—

• had three sessions trying it out 
  
• tried capturing it mounted on the camera three times too
• learned it has adjustments 
  
• learned the camera could be adjusted to its drawbacks

It seems simple enough. It slides onto the accessory shoe of your SLR and places a sail shaped diffusor in front of the camera’s pop-up flash. This was my first lesson as after the first shoot I noticed—while trying to capture the modifier from the side—all the side sockets for the arms are there so you can centre the “sail” in the path of your pop-up flash’s reflector. I made the adjustment setting the arms into the second set of holes up from the bottom. There are eight sets of holes.

I should also mention the modifier mounts into the accessory shoe and initially—having fear of damaging the camera or the modifier’s shoe—the plastic shoe was projecting uncomfortably towards my eye. I feared I might cause myself damage trying to see through the viewfinder. 

As I grew more used to the mounting I found I could force the shoe into the mount further and the camera seemed to be sturdy enough to handle it.

In theory a flash modifier is there to perform specific tasks—

• soften the edges of shadows thrown by the direct flash
• even out any “hot spots” caused by the pop-up flash’s tube/reflector
• spread the flash in case the pop-up flash isn’t wide enough

You can also add the open nature of the modifier’s construction might soften the illumination with splash back from the ceiling/walls/floor. You will be losing some power, but maybe the shot will be improved the same way “bare-bulb” illumination made rooms seem naturally lit. 

Speaking earlier about learning about my camera while shooting examples, I was referring to a close-up shot that the camera/flash overexposed (I think with the modifier in place, but it could be straight flash). I found in the camera’s many menu’s an adjustment to the flash’s exposure, so I dialled in a stop less and it fixed everything.

There is plenty of room between using a pop-up flash and setting up umbrella flash on stands. This modifier fits into that space. It might make your images “almost professional” rather than a straight flash grab shot.

In the first attempt of showing what this modifier could do I shot in my room at night with the ceiling light providing enough light for the Canon EOS 1100D to focus and also testing out an 85 mm f/1.8 lens. This wasn’t a brilliant test—as the lens is a trifle “tight” in view so any light fall-off was not going to show—but note the edges of the shadows. Also note the contrast—any highlights will be brighter.

Now check out the same shadows and note the drop in contrast. The framing leaves a lot to be desired as it took some wrestling with the camera to remove the modifier. You could have some fun trying to  convince yourself you have to have this modifier in your bag on your next family wedding!
    This modifier costs under $15 brand new. It might solve a problem you have found with your camera’s pop-up flash.   Even if it doesn’t solve anything you know about now, it looks professional and sets you apart.