Pop Up Diffuser Confusion

[LeslieDigs]

So right now I cannot afford a speedlight. It's on the wish list hanging on the fridge along with about 6 other things I want.

With that being said, I ordered a Gary Fong Puffer. I haven't been happy with it. There are about 6 or 7 holes to position it, and I just can't get lighting to soften at all. Either I am doing something wrong, or it just doesn't work.(I'm gonna guess user error).

I thought about getting something different possibly the lumiquest one LumiQuest® Photographic Accessories | Soft Screen

or one like this (I have no idea what the brand name of this style is): New Pop up Flash Diffuser Nikon D300 D200 D80 D40x UK - eBay (item 160379897948 end time Dec-20-09 01:45:50 PST)

One encloses the flash and the lumiquest is open on the sides. Any advice on all of this?

Thanks!

[zona5101]

humm - you can buy frosted plastic sheets at Walmart in the craft section for about a $1 and make your own. I have also seen pop up difusers made out of translucent 35mm film holders - you cut out a slit to fit the canister over your flash... You're asking a bunch out of a little tiny tube that is mounted in the worst possible place.

[PS*]

i haven't used my puffer much but i do like what it does for the price. you have to get it positioned right in the center of the flash bar for it to work.
i tried the 35mm film canister but it didn't do much for me, had better luck with tissue.