Introducing the Retro-Modular Flash System: A New Era of Precision and Flexibility in Flash Photography
The Modular Flash System redefines creative lighting by merging retro-inspired ergonomics with state-of-the-art wireless control and intelligent exposure technology. Designed for both analog and digital photographers, this system integrates seamlessly with Westcott’s FJ-series flashes and introduces a patent-pending reflective scene metering trigger that enables automatic TTL-like flash exposure—even on vintage film cameras. With interchangeable components including a customizable bracket, touchscreen remote, and integrated metering interface, the Modular Flash System offers a lightweight, intuitive, and scalable solution for photographers who demand both style and performance in every shot.
Where it all began… the year, 1977 - I was a design engineer for the Vivitar Corp. in Santa Monica California. My assignment, create a modular flash system for wedding and event photographers. The result, a state of the art system, reviewed by Bert Keppler of Modern Photography Magazine. Awarded a U.S, Patent
Not only is the modular flash system able to provide walk around lighting, adding additional lights and modifiers, create dramatic set lighting: 4 each FJ-80 flash units, 2 each Westcott strip light soft boxes, 1 each Westcott, small Octa box and a 30 inch umbrella for fill.
Are You an Early Adopter of Innovative Tech Gear?
If you thrive on staying ahead of the curve and want to be among the first to experience the future of flash photography, we invite you to contact David Lloyd Engineering at (480) 284‑5516. Please leave a voicemail if we miss your call—due to the increase in spam calls, legitimate inquiries may be screened. For a more reliable connection, feel free to send a text message.
Note: This modular flash system is currently being presented to Westcott for potential collaboration and scaled production. In the meantime, a limited number of hand-built units are available by special order for discerning photographers and lighting enthusiasts. Each unit is crafted with precision and care by David Lloyd Engineering.
Conceived 50 years ago by David Lloyd, a young design engineer for the Vivitar Corporation, the opportunity to reintroduce a modular system for flash photography, has now come full circle - Fast forward to April, 2025. A New Era, to salute film photographers and digital photographers alike. The redesign of the Retro-Modular Flash System. A simple bracket to accommodate 35mm and medium format film cameras, and of course modern DSLR’s and Mirrorless cameras. The pièce de ré·sis·tance, a perfectly reintroduced replica of the Graflex 3-cell Flash Handle. Not only does it support a multitude of reflectors, soft boxes and umbrellas, it interfaces with the Westcott FJ-80 ecosystem, and it raises the light above and to the side of the optical axis of your camera, to produce flattering and powerful lighting.
A breakthrough in modern technology - The Westcott FJ-X3 Touch Screen Radio Remote. Add this new redesigned remote trigger to your camera bag and not only control multiple Westcott flash units for your digital workflow, you can now include auto-exposure technology for your film cameras. Uniquely measuring the light being reflected from the scene, this new innovation, sends TTL equivalent signals back to the Westcott FJ-80 ecosystem providing automatic flash exposure metering for film based cameras.
The Retro-Modular Flash System, puts you, the photographer back into a high level of creative control. From soft light to the retro look of the photographers of the 1940’s to the 1990’s, and reintroducing automatic flash exposure for film photographers, and digital photographers alike, while adding a level of versatility that keeps you in control of how you want to light your subject. Here’s to the round pegs in the square holes, the misfits, the ones who think they can change the world and do…
From drawing board to reality, The new FJ-X3 Touch Screen Radio Remote Trigger
Still have the magnesium filled flash bulbs? No problem, create a totally vintage experience for your customers, place your vintage camera on FP sync…
🔧 Ready to Be Part of the Next Evolution in Flash Photography?
Be among the first to experience the precision, modularity, and creative freedom of the Modular Flash System—designed for discerning photographers who value innovation and craftsmanship.
📞 Call or Text David Lloyd Engineering at (480) 284‑5516
📩 Prefer texting? It’s the best way to bypass spam filters and connect directly.
⚠️ Note: While this system is under review by Westcott for potential large-scale production, hand-built units are now available for early adopters and professionals who want to lead—not follow.
A Demo Video to promote the Retro-Modular Flash System, featuring vintage styling and modern application—
where classic design meets cutting-edge performance. Watch as timeless camera aesthetics are paired with intelligent flash control, wireless TTL triggering, and real-world shooting scenarios that highlight the system’s elegance, adaptability, and innovation in action.
Limited availability. Custom orders. Built for creators.
Hello, my name is Elena, I am the social media agent for David Lloyd Engineering, a modern design facility, located in Chandler Arizona.
With decades of experience as a photographic and aerospace design engineer for Lockheed Martin, Teledyne Camera Systems, Photo-Sonics, and the Vivitar Corporation, David has newly developed his modular flash system tailored for today’s photographers. It’s built on a simple camera bracket and a faithfully recreated Graflex flash handle—blending classic form with modern function.
What sets this system apart is its ability to deliver automatic flash exposure for film photographers, perfectly integrating with Westcott’s FJ-80 ecosystem.
The goal? Flexibility. Mount LED panels, modern flashes, or light modifiers—all on one universal base. No tools. No wires. Just smart, efficient design.
We’ve tested it across formats—from a Westcott FJ80 to a vintage Rolleiflex—and it performs beautifully. Clean, adaptable, and production-ready.
This isn’t a concept. It’s built, photographed, and tested. With Westcott’s expertise, it could become the foundation of a forward-thinking lighting system that honors analog roots while serving today’s creative workflows.
Let’s talk.