Removing the lens hood of my Nikon 10.5mm lens is something that took quite a bit of courage. Especially since I still remember paying SG$1,150 for it several years back. Now that I have upgraded to an FX (full frame) camera, I did not want my old DX fisheye to become obsolete. I thus embarked on a journey to convert my DX lens into an FX lens. Take a look at the ‘before & after’ shots.

I used a fine tooth hacksaw to do the removal and a nail file to smoothen out any rough edges. I used and A4 paper to protect the lens. Simply shove the paper into the gap between the lens and the hood, then tape them together. I also taped up the body to protect it from scratches.

The next step is to mark out the part for removal. I marked along the point where the hood petals dip and meet. Keep the pencil firm and just rotate the lens.

Then saw away… SLOWLY ! ! ! Use your thumb to help guide the saw. I cut my nails flat just for this project. The saw cuts through the plastic very easily so you do not need all your macho strength to do this job. Take it slow and steady.

The pieces of the hood come off really easily and all that is left after that is to file off any rough edges and to clean off any stray particles. I used a can of compressed air to blow the whole lens clean. That’s it… my DX lens is now and FX lens. It works perfectly.