Craft a filter adapter from a cereal box.
In photography, there are many situations where the photographer chooses to use filters. Filters come in a many different styles, some fit on your lens and some fit on your flash. Since not all lens and flash units are the same size, this often results in the photographer having to purchase multiple filter adapters to use on different pieces of equipment. Construct a filter adapter using materials you most likely have in your kitchen in as little as a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Measure the diameter of your flash unit. Take note of the specific length of each side. Using a flat-edged ruler, draw a straight line using the sum of the diameter measurements across the long side of the cereal box, about 1 inch from the edge. From the end of this line, draw another line as to connect it to the edge of the box. This should give you a long rectangle that is 1-inch tall and long enough to wrap around your flash.
2. Measure 1/2 inch from the end of the rectangle and mark another line, connecting it to the long rectangle from step 1. This should give you a 1-inch-by-1/2-inch box that extends from the rectangle. Cut the strip from the cereal box, leaving both the large and small rectangle connected. You should have one long strip with two rectangles marked onto it.
3. Use a sharp craft knife to avoid tearing the cardboard.
Mark a line on the cardboard strip for each side of your flash unit, using the measurements you made note of in step 1. Start from the end that does not have the added 1/2 inch to it. You should now have four marks on your strip of cardboard.
4. Place a ruler on one of the marks a hold in place while folding the cardboard to form a crease. The ruler will assure that the fold is straight. Repeat this until all of the marks are creased.
5. Cut a line using the craft knife, lengthwise through the two sides that are measured to fit the short sides of your flash unit. The lines should be 1/8 inch from the edge and run from one crease to the other. You will have two separate cuts; do not connect the them. This is where your filters will be inserted into the mount.
6. Paint both sides of the cardboard to match the color of your flash unit. Do not saturate the cardboard or it will become soggy and fall apart. Coat it lightly enough so that it is solid in color. This may require two light applications. Allow to dry completely.
7. Fold the cardboard piece at the creases to form a rectangle with a 1/2-inch overlap. Glue the overlapping flap to the next section so that the rectangle holds together on its own. Slide your preferred filter into one of the slots until it goes through to the other slot just enough to hold it into place. Slide the adapter onto your flash unit.
Tags: your flash, flash unit, your flash unit, inch from, another line