Laurie,
Have you found a fiber optic setup yet? If not, you might be interested in something that Pete Ganzel has put together (ex:
http://www.pbase.com/pganzel/image/91003812 ). He uses some ancient B&L mini light guides as the basis for his design, and I have found a source for these (independent from him, although it may be his source too). These very small light guides (length 12", diam. < 1/4") can be found at "Surplus Shack" for $50 (
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/t1531.html ). I bought a set of these, and found it simple to attach them to one of the twin lights of a Canon MT-24EX (which I believe you use). The base of the guide goes into half of a plastic container (painted white inside, black outside) that fixes to the flash; and the tips of the guides attach to a 72mm lens hood that surrounds the objective/ lens. I don't have photos of my set-up to share yet but I do have an image of one result.
See image
HERE.
Image is of the head a small micropezid fly from Ecuador. [Shot with a Leitz 4.3x/0.15 lens on bellows, about 190mm extension, Canon EOS 40D; HF, 35 layers]
Although this US-based solution doesn't help you the issue re. the hassle of importing items, it seems effective and inexpensive. If you or anyone is interested, I can eventually put together more info & images of my little fiber-flash setup.
Cheers, Eric
Admin edit: to confirm with posting guidelines