I've heard the name of this used, and I was wondering what the flash simulates. Basically I am looking for someting that will replicate a camera flash without being too cumbersome to activate. Any input?



Peace
Pete

The FISM Flash does indeed replicate a camera flash.

Cumbersome? Well that's for you to decide.

You could use an old battery powered flasher from an older camera. I'm talking about one of those flashers that detaches (sp?) from the camera. It fits in your hand. Depending on the size of your hand, it could not be extremly visable. On the back there is a little button to make it flash. You could probably get one at an antique store or a pawn shop.

I don't really know anything about the FISM flash though, so I can't help you there.

Here's the gist. I want to patter about how great the audience has been, reach into mid air and produce a disposable camera (just the shell), as I ask the group to huddle together, I take their picture, complete with flash.



Peace
Pete

Hi Pete,

There's a gimmick sold that will allow you to set off a square flash bulb (without the camera). I can't remember it's name, but I'm sure that any good dealer can help you with this.

On the subject of the FISM flash, I don't believe that they are being made any longer.

John

If you charge a disposable camera's flash and thwack (not a word but you get the pic) the camera on you palm or somewhere, It will flash but not take a picture.
Just thought that was cool...

I used to work in a photo lab. There are quite a few things you can do once you remove the film. You've gotta take the battery out too. DO NOT PUT A SCREWDRIVER INTO THE CONTACTS. I'll tell you it is not fun!

Peace
Pete

Pete,

Go to HollywoodMagic they got the FISM flash in stock last time I was there. Call them to see if it is still in stock.

G0THIKE

Hocus Pocus sells it. It is called "Flash Burst"
I purchased one a few months ago from them.

Who invented the Fism Flash?

It is a John Cornelius invention. I believe the original was triggered by a toe switch or something of this sort. The newer version was triggered by a system on your belt/waist. To my knowledge, none are being made anymore.

I use a rewired emergency strobe for my flashes. I buy mine from Airccraft Spruce supply. They make mostly airplane parts, but at the same time they have many high-intenisty, battery-powered strobes.

The Flashcube device is simply a little piece of tin!
MagicCubes (which are getting harder to find) wil fire when a contact is either shorted or broken by this lttle tin piece. I can't remember which. You get 4 flashes from the cube.

I have a brand new Fism flash that I would consider selling. I was disappointed that this new model does not have a foot switch like John used to make so I have not used it. It is a great device to mount on the front of a prop such as an animal cage appearance to misdirect for a second. For that reason I have not sold it as I may use it for that purpose.

Regarding your idea of a pretend camera production..I do the same concept in some shows but instead produce a real camera and take the audience picture. I enjoy the pictures later as they remind me of why I am in this business.

There is a "Flash Burst" made by Dancing Spring Magic:

http://www.dancingspringmagic.com/directory_indx.htm

Here's the description from their web site (all Caps from the web site, sorry ) ---

PRODUCE STROBE FLASHES OF LIGHT AT ANY TIME DURING ACT. STROBE GOES BEHIND YOUR TIE OR UNDER SHIRT. POWER UNIT STRAPS TO BACK AT BELT LINE. TOE SWITCH OPERATES THE FLASH AT WILL. FLASH APPEARS TO COME FROM NOWHERE OR FROM HANDS HELD IN FRONT OF YOUR BODY. OVER 200 FLASHES ON TWO AA BATTERIES - 5 SECOND RECYCLE TIME. SAFETY SWITCH TO PREVENT UNWANTED OR ACCIDENTAL FLASH AT WRONG TIME

I've use Fism Flash for years, I don't like it much because the flash is not too bright!

I've used FISM flash for awhile now and love it. The flash is plenty bright enough for me. Acer has a great idea in the Magic Menu with one. That is the routine I use.

I used FISM Flash in the past. The only thing I disliked about it was the fact you had to move your hand to your waist to trigger it. The trigger system had to be pressed manually. Flash Burst has a toe switch which allows both hands to be occupied. A good example is with a vanishing bird cage.

Think about it...

I use the ankle switch. I'm not sure what the toe switch is like, but it seems that it would be likely to accidentally go off to me. The ankle switch takes and unnoticeable amount of natural movement and doesn't accidentally go off and you don't have to do anything with your hands. I specifically looked for one with an ankle switch when I bought one. Not sure how you rig one for a toe switch.

sd

There were a video clip of it at showtheatre.com a few time ago... Perhaps it is still there.

Regards

Why not just use the disposable camera as is? The flash works forever as the battery is replaceable simply by taking the case apart, and the camera costs under ten bucks! Forget about the film... who cares?... but if you want, you can remove it and throw it away (or even have it developed!) You just need the case and flash.
On a similar cheap note: I use the flash units from disposable cameras for dozens of stage effects. The witch's cane from "Into the Woods," Gandalf's staff from "The Hobbit" and the cat's camera from "Honk!" to name a few recent shows where I built a cannibalized flash unit from a $10 disposable camera right into the props. Low-budget gag and a great effect every time. (You need to do a bit of soldering... part of the trade skill set.)