![LimoStudio [1 Pack] 33 inch Diameter White Umbrella for Photography Video Studio, Lighting Reflector, Light Diffuser Control](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518nZBb2jRL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
3/22/2012 UPDATE TO MY ORIGINAL REVIEW -
I have purchased 3 of these from Amazon. The 2nd & 3rd times, I just went to the previous purchase in my history and clicked on the first item and ordered again. The first two I got came from seller JRFOTO INC, now known as Fancier Studio. I did not notice the third time I ordered that the item came from a different supplier, HDE. Now, HDE shipped FAST and was great in that respect, and the price was the same as I paid before, but not Prime eligible, just a lower price plus shipping that was the same total. No problems with that seller.
However, I have a SIGNIFICANT problem with Amazon representing the third item as the same as the first two! When I clicked on the item I previously purchased to make another purchase, Amazon defaulted to HTE as the Seller, and I didn't even notice the supplier was different. The choice to purchase the item from Fancier is there if you go to look at other sellers. But the big problem is not that the seller is different, per se. The big problem is that the item itself is different. This item I am reviewing from Fancier has two significant differences, in spite of the fact that the items look almost identical in the photos.
The one from Fancier (JRFOTO INC) has a METAL shoe clamp, and a slightly larger mounting hole in the base. The one from HTE has a PLASTIC shoe clamp, and a slightly smaller hole in the base. For me these differences are all the difference in the world, as the plastic shoe clamp does not have the range of adjustment that the metal one does, and my expensive Rode SVM microphone will slip right out of the shoe, even with the shoe clamp tightened as far as it will go. Furthermore, the pole on the microphone stand that I am using for this will fit into the mounting hole on the base of the one from Fancier, but the one from HTE won't go on.
In fairness, the mounting hole size difference is very slight, and the hole could be enlarged easily with a drill bit of the appropriate size. Also, the shoe on the Rode SVM is a bit smaller and thinner than most, and that's why it wouldn't fit snugly. The one from HTE did tighten sufficiently to snugly hold the other shoes I have. Looking closely, I can see that the tightening screw is bottoming in its hole before the shoe clamp has reached the end of its available travel, and that is what is limiting its adjustment range. So if the screw were shortened just 1mm or so, it would have sufficient travel to snug that smaller shoe on the Rode SVM. Even at that, I found that when I tightened the locknut on the Rode SVM shoe, it held ok.
But all-in-all, I prefer the metal shoe holder.
So, to me the difference between the one from HTE and the one from Fancier is worth the additional $2 cost (including shipping).
Here is my original review:
This flash shoe holder is well-engineered, solidly made, and provides a host of mounting and configuration options. It's amazing they can build something this good at such a low price. And the fact that it's Prime eligible is a double-bonus! ~NOTE~ NOT Prime eligible anymore.
| Manufacturer | DTOL |
|---|---|
| Part Number | DTOL-Bracket-2335 |
| Item Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.79 x 1.57 x 4.33 inches |
| Item model number | H02 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 1 Pack |
| Color | Bracket |
| Material | Plastic, Metal |
| Item Package Quantity | 30 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
