Backscatter HF-1 Strobe Reduction Ring Set 

with Macro and Super-Macro restrictors

This is an updated version of similar set I created last year. I decided to update and make it a bit more flexible, inspired partly by the Retra design.

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1746548-reduction-ring-set-for-backscatter-hf-1-strobe-v2#profileId-1856417

There is a primary reduction ring that does not block the light path but slightly limits spread of the wide-angle beam. I've found this useful for reducing flare and glow with very wide-angle lens (fisheye, etc) in less than crystal clear water. You can add additional restrictors with 60mm and 38mm apertures. These are useful for macro scenes and help to limit illumination of background features.

The rings are printed with PETG. There are three TPU rubber parts that hold the rings in place. The largest is a Bumper than can be placed on the HF-1 permanently and protects the strobe from bumps and scratches even when not using the reduction rings. I wish I'd done this when I first got the HF-1s as mine are pretty dinged up on the leading edge. Two smaller rubber gaskets are stretched over the macro rings and provide enough friction to hold the rings in place securely. Diffusors and Color filters can be used in combination with the set.

Here is a comparison of the effects of the reduction rings. Shot from a distance of about 1 meter with a 15mm FE lens:

Hi Dave,

I was just about to send you a PM about this, but I assume your inbox is full.

So here are my questions:

Since I don't have a 3D printer myself, I'd like to have a friend print the reduction rings and the base for the HF-1 backscatter that you designed.

He's now asking which material to use.

You wrote that it should only be printed in PETG. Is that correct?

There's also PETG CF, which is supposedly even more temperature-resistant.

By the way: I think it's great that you share your designs! They're very practical and money saving.

Best regards,

Wahrmut

3 hours ago, waso said:

Hi Dave,

I was just about to send you a PM about this, but I assume your inbox is full.

So here are my questions:

Since I don't have a 3D printer myself, I'd like to have a friend print the reduction rings and the base for the HF-1 backscatter that you designed.

He's now asking which material to use.

You wrote that it should only be printed in PETG. Is that correct?

There's also PETG CF, which is supposedly even more temperature-resistant.

By the way: I think it's great that you share your designs! They're very practical and money saving.

Best regards,

Wahrmut

Thanks for asking! I hope these work out for you as well as they have for me!

Yes, PETG is the best material for this model. PETG-CF would likely be fine. It's actually not as strong, but it tends to print a bit nicer cosmetically. Use TPU 95 or 90 for the rubber gasket parts.

Thanks a lot for your help, Dave!

Dave,

These look great! Thank you!

Any concern about blocking the heatsinks with the bumpers? I can’t see whether they would impede water access to any of the cooling fins.

Evan

2 minutes ago, ACHiPo said:

Dave,

These look great! Thank you!

Any concern about blocking the heatsinks with the bumpers? I can’t see whether they would impede water access to any of the cooling fins.

Evan

No issues with heat. Only about 1cm of the heat sink is covered. I have had no problems with the HF-1 strobes using the bumpers and reduction rings.

Edited 16 hours ago16 hr by Dave_Hicks

Thanks!