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.
finally i got the lens i cannot wait to use your way of modifying
Hi Tarek,
It’s a great lens. Enjoy your photography and stay inspired.
Damien.
Hi Damien,
would it work on my xf 60mm 2.4 R if i use Maxsima – 39mm UV Objectif Filter and 39 to 52mm step up ring to put 52mm close up lens on my lens? I might to remove retaining ring and glass of this UV filter to do the spacer but i don’t know if i can do or manage it?
Would be great if you help!
Many Regards,
Fred
That is exactly what I have done to fit ND filters.
Regards, Vic
Cheers Vic :)
Hi Frederic,
Quite possibly. I’ve never seen the construction of Maxsima filters so I can’t help you there.
Cheers, Damien.
What lens is better for portrait photography? I am new to the Fuji family and I shoot loads of head shots and I torn… Please help!
Hi Anon, Your answer is here: https://www.prophotonut.com/2015/01/31/portraits-fujifilm-x-series-lenses/ I wrote the feature because you are not alone. Cheers, Damien.
Would the dimensions of the cut remain the same for the 35mm? Thank you for sharing this by the way. Much appreciated.
Hi Scott,
No the 35mm has a different angle of view and this hood would heavily vignette.
Cheers, Damien.
Thanks for the details about the lens hood mask. I’m encountering situations where the contrast of this lens really turns mushy. So far I’ve only seen that in extreme conditions in full sun. It reminds me of my worst Leica lens – the M Telemarit 90mm f/2.8. The only Leica lens I ever came to despise. (I know for some that was a great lens, but I also know there were many copies that were like mine.) Otherwise I’m liking the 60mm. In fact in some situations I use Fuji’s 35mm lens hood on it as it is much less intimidating a presence. I have just ordered the lens cap.
Hi Lance, I needed to cover the cap in sticky velvety stuff designed to stop light reflection as I was getting reflections off the cut edge of the cap. I have a lot of the sticky velvety stuff left if you want me to send you some. Just drop me an email with your address to damien@lovegrovephotography.com
Kind regards, Damien.
Damien:
Thanks for your generous offer. I have some adhesive sheets that are made to blacken telescope tubes to cut down on reflections. I’ll try some of that. Please do keep me apprised of any further developments in your modding of the lens hood.
Lance
Cheers Lance :)
Thanks for the tips on the filter size adaption. I’ve been looking for something like this for the same reasons as you.
I wanted a smaller hood than the giant supplied by Fuji and as I use third party circular metal hoods on all all my primes I had the rectangle hood from the 35mm left over (it looked strange on the 35) I used that fitted to the bayonet of the 60mm, it is compact and and I have no problems with flare. The macro extension clears it too but then the hood is less useful so that’s where a protective shading hand comes in.
Hi Vic, You are welcome. Damien.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi Alfred,
I’m not sure about your macro issue. I’ve not shot that close yet ;)
Regards, Damien.