In the previous DIY article DIY: 1980s Flash to LED Fill Light, we took apart the infrared synchronizer. In this article, we'll continue to show you how to convert that synchronizer into an LED fill light that can be used with modern smartphones. If you're interested, keep reading!
Used two Osram 5600K 3W LEDs, each with its own built-in lens.
The lights are powered by a 1.5A adjustable constant-current driver, with the two LEDs connected in parallel to keep the temperature lower. A power bank circuit board was repurposed to handle the voltage boost and charging.
Everything fits neatly inside the original casing.
Cut an opening on the back to expose the adjustment knob, added a piece of plastic as a diffuser, and placed a charging port on the front.
The brightness is decent, though some light is lost due to the reflective bowl.
The original flash used a single AA battery, but you can modify it to run on one 14500 lithium battery.
The whole setup is compact and portable, making it great for photographing small objects or even as a handy flashlight.
Note: The USB port was removed from the power bank circuit board.