BoxFilter Instructions 3 - Checking the Fit

Simply put, the BoxFilter holder fits over the front of the camera’s lens. It secures to the camera body using either its hook and loop strap, or the 2 elastic bands. The strap is the easiest and simplest method, but depending on the camera, it may cover the red window, shutter release, or other controls. In such cases, the elastic bands are used, as they can be positioned to avoid interfering with these items.

Begin with the BoxFilter holder alone, without strap, bands, or spacer installed. GENTLY try to place it over the front of the lens barrel horizontally, and center it there. If the rear round collar lies flat against the front face of the camera, with no gaps around its entire circumference, and doesn’t block or impede any controls, etc. you’re good so far, so click here.

BoxFilter holder lying flat on camera front.

Side view showing rear collar of BoxFilter
against face of camera.

Gaps between the lens barrel and BoxFilter.

If the BoxFilter interferes with any controls etc or the rear collar of the BoxFilter touches the camera face but because of the camera’s shape there are gaps, you will need a spacer, so click here.

On some cameras with large lens barrels, the BoxFilter's rear collar may rest on the front of the lens barrel. Some may even have a lens barrel whose front fits snugly and evenly inside the rear collar of the BoxFilter. Either of these may be perfectly fine even though the rear of the BoxFilter is not against the face of the camera, as long as a solid seal is made all the way around without rocking. The goal is to get a light-tight seal between lens and BoxFilter, regardless of exactly how it is achieved.

Checking fit on a Baby Brownie Special.

BoxFilter resting on a Baby Brownie Special.

Bottom view, showing how the rear collar is resting nicely on the wide tapered lens barrel. This will work well, as long as the mount is tightened securely, since the plastic body is slick.

Once the BoxFilter is placed, look CAREFULLY at the very front of the lens barrel. If it protrudes forward AT ALL into the front filter mounting ring, it is likely to scratch or break any installed filter. Thus, a spacer is required, so click here.

Nothing must protrude into the filter ring.

If anything protrudes into the filter ring, a spacer may correct it, so click here.