BoxFilter Instructions 5 - Mounting Method

As previously mentioned, the BoxFilter holder 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.

To determine if the hook and loop strap will work, place it across the front of the lens opening, with the smooth side of the strap against the camera. Hold one end of it against the camera near the lens, and wrap the rest of the strap around the camera back to and across the lens and first end of the strap. Pull the slack out of it. You should now be able to easily hold it in place, and it should make a straight line around the camera, starting and ending near the lens. (Disregard the excess.) With it held in place, inspect it all the way around to see if it interferes with any camera controls or functions, such as shutter release etc. It’s also very common on many rollfilm cameras for the red window to be in line with the lens, meaning the strap covers it. While the width of the BoxFilter’s slots allow for some variance in the placement of the strap, it may not be enough to avoid things like the red window etc.

These pictures show clearly how the strap would cover the red window on this Brownie Bullet camera. Therefore, the elastic bands are used for mounting.
NOTE: The strap must lie in a straight line on the camera! Don’t try to snake it around things, causing a crooked path. This could result in it slipping during use. Not all cameras can use the hook and loop strap, which is OK, and why the 2 elastic bands are supplied.

If you’ve determined that the strap won’t work on your camera, click here.

Testing hook and loop strap on a Brownie Bullet.

Strap covers the Brownie Bullet's red window.

If you've determined the strap will work on your camera, you can now use it to mount the BoxFilter, as follows:

Remove the strap and BoxFilter from the camera.

With the smooth side of the strap toward the center of the BoxFilter, insert it through one of the slots, from back to front. At least 2.5” must extend forward past the front of the BoxFilter. Fold the strap back and over the edge of the BoxFilter, pressing it firmly onto itself, making as much contact as possible. Then place the BoxFilter over the lens. It can be a little trickier if the spacer is used, as its flat surface can slide around somewhat.

Hold the BoxFilter in position and run the strap snugly around the camera, as you did before. Pull out all the slack, insert it through the other BoxFilter slot, and press it together as you did previously.

The goal is for the strap to secure the BoxFilter tightly to the camera, without damaging it in any way, as shown below.

The correct amount of tension will vary depending on the type of camera. Cameras made of metal, plastic, or Bakelite are stronger than, for example, an old box camera made of cardboard. Use caution when mounting the BoxFilter on such cameras, or any camera which may have any sort of delicate projections, knobs, etc.

NOTE: The supplied hook and loop strap is long enough to work even with large box cameras and folding cameras. Thus, you may have excess length left over. We recommend just leaving it, pressing it together. However, if it;s so long that it hangs all over and gets in the way, you can of course trim it. Keep in mind that you may need that length for other cameras you own, or will get in the future.

Installing strap onto BoxFilter holder.

Installed with strap onto a Kodak folding camera

BoxFilter installed with strap onto a Kodak Junior Six-16 folding camera. Step-up ring, filter, and hood are ready for action!
(Image courtesy of Bill Larson)

BoxFilter installed with strap onto a Kodak
Brownie Flash Six-20 camera. Red filter is in place.
(Image courtesy of Jeffrey W. Kilgo)

BoxFilter installed with strap onto a Kodak Pony IV camera.
37-49mm step-up ring and orange filter are mounted.
(Image courtesy of Bill Larson)