Fuji X-Pro1 60mm lens hood mask and filter step up fix.

May 9th, 2012

My Fuji X-Pro1 with its 60mm f/2.4 lens, hood and matte mask.

Hood mask

I researched the lens hood mask using black insulation tape placed across the Fuji hood and tested for vignetting at minimum focus and infinity focus at f/2.4 and f/22. It was quite easy to see the effect and any differences each time I moved the insulation tape further out from axis. Eventually I settled on a position that gave no noticeable vignetting at any setting and I measured the hole size. The 60mm lens hood mask is a 77mm push on Kaiser 6977 lens cap with a 54mm x 36mm hole cut in with a scalpel. Obviously I used a metal safety straight edge during the cutting process. I packed out the core of the lens cap with card and I built up the outside with card too to make a level and firm cutting surface. Since I took this picture I have chamfered the outer edge of the lens cap aperture with a scalpel and a fine file to create a crisp sloping edge. This avoids having a shiny reflecting surface close to the lens axis. I noticed a bit of flare kick back off the mask aperture today when shooting a challenging contre Jour shot. It’s tweaks like these that make all the difference between an okay shot and a perfect shot. Making the mask was easy, it’s very effective and can be used on demand or become permanently glued in place once tested.

Fuji X-Pro1 60mm f/2.4 Macro with the filter ring spacer and 39-52mm step ring adapter in place.

Step up ring

I bought a cheap ebay 39mm uv filter pitched as a protector for the 60mm Fuji lens on Ebay. It cost me £6 including postage. I removed the retaining ring and the glass and kept the outer ring to use as a spacer. I then used Locktite to bond a Kood 39mm to 52mm step up ring onto my spacer. When attached to the lens there is a 3mm clearance between the step ring and the front bezel of the lens. The lens hood easily fits over this step ring assembly. I can now use my 52mm ND and Polarising filters on all my Fuji lenses. At today’s workshop I used a 4 stop ND on this lens to change a flash exposure from ISO 200, 1/160th, at f/11 to the same at f/2.8. It was the perfect result for the picture.

Here is a shot of Chloe F taken with the Fuji 60mm lens on today's workshop.

Please feel free to add your experiences with this lens.

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6 Comments Add your own

1. Alfred | May 9th, 2012 at 3:36 pm

Hi Damien,

I was one of the commentors asking more details on your lens hood mask. I didn’t expect such a nice writeup from you. Very much appreciated!

I wonder if this mask might help with flare / reflection issues when using this lens in macro mode. I’ve run into this problem a couple of times.
2. Teck | May 9th, 2012 at 4:36 pm

Hi Damien, I am a bit confused why you would need to put a spacer in-between the lens and stepup ring. I was thinking of using just placing the 39 mm to 52 mm ring to existing lens thread.
3. Jack | May 10th, 2012 at 1:02 pm

Great idea about the lens hood. However, Damien I have a more pressing question: Could you please roughly explain to me how you lit the model on the sofa. It’s gorgeous.
4. damien | May 10th, 2012 at 11:40 pm

Hi Teck,

If you look at the front of your 60mm lens you will see that the filter thread is set down into the lens unit and it is imposible to screw a step up ring onto the lens without a spacer.

Regards, Damien.
5. damien | May 10th, 2012 at 11:59 pm

Hi Alfred,

I’m not sure about your macro issue. I’ve not shot that close yet

Regards, Damien.
6. damien | May 11th, 2012 at 12:09 am

Thanks Jack,

Haha, if I told you that I’d have to shoot you. The shot is featured on my new ‘Simply Boudoir’ video download due for release this afternoon. Tip: I used no artificial lighting whatsoever. Cheers, Damien.