Modular macro flash diffuser (for Laowa 25mm)

thingiverse

### __I wanted a macro photography flash diffuser that was fully 3D printable and would fit on the bayonet mount of my Laowa 25mm 2.5-5X supermacro lens. The beauty of this design is that you can easily layer any number of diffusers (3D printed or not) onto the threaded base to get the amount of diffusion you want, and your diffuser stays with the front element of the lens as it moves.__ __There four parts to this build:__ __Part 1, the threaded base:__ This attaches to the bayonet mount on the front of the lens. A short version is available to be used with the two thin diffusers shown here, and a "long" version is available that allows for other diffuser materials up to about 10 mm thick. You only need to print either the short or long version, not both. Depending on your printer's accuracy you may need to slightly scale this part to get a snug fit on your lens bayonet mount. Print in PLA, PLA+, or ABS for best results. __Parts 2 and 3: the diffusers:__ Two are shown here. The files for these include a larger "top" diffuser and a small "bottom" diffuser, to be arranged as shown in the photos above. Each diffuser fits over the threaded base and is secured by tightening down the nut. If you desire more diffusion you can easily print multiples and layer them, or simply rotate the "bottom" diffuser and it will nest inside the "top" diffuser to provide more diffusion. Print in flexible white TPU for best results and durability. __NOTE:__ You can also use your own diffuser, such as packing foam, just cut an approximately 55 mm diameter hole in it and attach it to the threaded base. __Part 4, the nut:__ This thin "nut" has a flange on it that secures diffusion material against a matching flange on the threaded base. Depending on your printer's accuracy you may need to scale the nut slightly to get a proper fit onto your threaded base. Print in PLA, PLA+, or ABS for best results. __Printing tips:__ Print the threaded base and nut with their flat sides against the print bed for best results. Print the diffusers with a slow print speed and right-side-up, with the diffuser base flat against the print bed. No supports were needed on my Creality CR-10 V2. Print in flexible white TPU to allow these to bend as you smush them against trees etc. Print the threaded base and nut with 3 or 4 walls and just 20% infill. This keeps the parts lightweight yet strong and it shouldn't break if you don't crank too hard on the nut. __Tips on use:__ If your flexible TPU diffusers get bent out of shape while stored in a bag, simply leave the entire diffuser assembled and face up overnight. I've done this multiple times now and the diffusers always return to their original rounded shape by morning. Over time the 3D printed bayonet mount will wear away, so print a couple extra bases to have as backups should you need them. This diffuser was tested on a Canon M50 using just the onboard flash. I was able to get excellent illumination and diffusion at 2.5 to 3.5:1 magnification on the Laowa 25mm. I expect it will also work with a more typical speedlite setup but have not tested this. __Make new diffusers!__ Any diffuser you make with a 55 mm hole and a roughly 8 mm flange will fit onto the base included here. You can layer and rotate multiple diffusers to get unique light patterns or eliminate troublesome hotspots. __NOTE: This design is protected under a creative commons non-commercial license. You are free to remix the design, but this design and any derivatives from it are banned from commercial sale. If you want me to make more diffuser types for it just say so in the comments. If you like it, you can send me a tip through Thingiverse.__