want to make or convert light into Focus light for underwater photography Help please

[globalmark]

Hi

I want to make some sort of focus light for underwater photography - NOT a focusable light , basically a lamp with a wide beam (min 60˚ but upto 120˚+ is fine) doesnt need a long throw so much as usually used pretty short range.
something like this http://www.bigblue.com.hk/ff-1x5-afo.html or http://www.backscatter.com/sku/fe-ledfl.lasso with maybe bit more lumens/power
needs a sensor or auto shut off so when underwater flash (strobe) fires then this actually turns off for a second or two.

Or Suggestions of a Lamp i can buy and simply add a sensor ?

Does anyone have any ideas where to start - where I can buy a sensor or this parts and what bulb (Led) is best that does not have a hotspot and a wide beam - and any ideas with driver wiring etc.
Can either mod a existing dive torch or make a drop in module change something but need l need help really with the electrics other bit i should be able to sort out ..
I have had a really good search online and here also but couldn't find much on DIY Focus lamps with the auto Off feature ..

Thanks in Advance all
cheers Mark

 

[Walterk]

In what respect are the bigblue and the backscatter not fulfilling your needs?
I would think your questions on the driving part are better answered in an electronics forum; here the majority make mods from readily available building blocks, and your timer-strobe-flash function is quite specific for photographic equipment.

 

[globalmark]

Hi Walterk

thanks for the reply , - good suggestion the Electronics forum , i shall ask there . But don't really want to get to technical , i want to buy the fewest parts i can to build not go soldering circuit boards (beyond my skill level)
the Backscatter torch I already have and works ok but plastic , floods often and just not enough power - but has the useful auto off feature when flash fires ..
the Bigblue - seems ok But they are expensive and reading reviews from people complain they are massive in size , focus lights should be small and light as clip on top of camera housing .
And i like the challenge of building my own .

Thanks for the thoughts though ,
mark