A lot of photographers are under the impression that UV filters are useful for protecting the front lens element. I used to subscribe to that, but they eventually just become dust collection filters on my desk, so I have finally found a use for mine. At one time I had a 55mm threade lens that I could use my Cokin filters on, but it came to a demise fitting with my careless attitude of equipment (I tend to drop my stuff). So, I've had these filters and the holder that would only fit on a 55mm lens and no lens to use them with.
Lately I've been infatuated with my 50mm 1.8 Canon lens that has 52mm filter threads, and have been shooting more black and white film. I really wanted to use my filters, so I've been on the hunt for a 52 to 55 step-up ring for the Cokins. I know I can order one online, but I don't like waiting (even though I could have had it two months ago) and it's much more satisfying to build a tool out of the detritus of a messy desk.
With that in mind today, I gathered together my two VERY worthy UV filters and a hammer. I then took these outside with the full intention of breaking the glass out, which I did very successfully. I would like to recommend using safety glasses of some sort, eye protection is great, especially if like me, you use your eyes for photography.
After the breaking of the glass and making sure the slivers of UV glass in my eyes were not serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room, I cleared a space on my desk to begin work, which is placing an old film envelope from the local one hour lab on my laptop keyboard.
This is a very critical point. Take time to be sure that the threads you will screw into the lens are not the threads that you put super glue on. Luckily I didn't make that mistake. Although I did glue my finger to my coffee cup. That isn't such a bad mistake, I like my coffee. Once I had the right sides glued, I place them together and waited a bit for the glue to cure. I don't know if the vapors from drying super glue can harm a lens element, but I didn't want to take that chance. Seriously.
I also don't know how long the glue will last, so eventually I will get something better. There also seems to be some light leakage between the metal rings. That may or may not have an effect on the pictures I take, probably not. I think it won't matter as my photography isn't in any class that requires perfection yet.
I took my camera out today and shot a roll of Ilford Delta 400 (about a week from now I should see results) with the red filter I have. I shot a roll of the Ilford c-41 film, just to see how it performs and a couple rolls of cheap Kodak 200 iso that the local one hour lab gives me with every processing order.
When I get results back I will post along with a shot of my now useful UV filters!