Simple Filters for SF L1

[half-watt]

Inexpensive and exceedingly simple filter mod for SF pre-Cree L1. Haven't tried it on a higher output E-series due to concerns about heat perhaps(???) melting the plastic filter disk. if i did try it on a new Cree L1, then i'd probably not perform step 4 below (to give the filter disk more distance away from the light's lens and heat source) and afix the filter disk to the MiniMag lens holder via some mechanism (tape or glue).


1. Purchase for ~$4.95 a MiniMagLite Accessory Kit.

2. Use the clip contained in the kit for a Fenix AA or CR123A (yes, it even fits 123A barrel, albeit snugly) - nothing goes to waste!

3. kit contains rubber filter holder and several plastic filter disks. as is, filter holder is too long/deep to cause filter disk to be held snuggly in place by bezel of E-series light.

4. will need to cut down the rubber filter holder. it's about 2cm wide. mark around perimeter so that between 0.5cm and 1cm will be cut off (your choice - i've done 1cm, but less could be cut off and it will still work.

5. take some translucent (NOT clear) Scotch tape and cover the clear plastic filter disk with the tape and trim. this acts as a diffusion filter for proximity/task lighting (similar to how the Petzl MyoXP and TikkaXP filters work).


i use this arrangement on a pre-Cree L1 with either a RED disk or the Scotch-modified clear disk.

the LOW ~1.1Lumen output of the pre-Cree L1 is very low and great with the RED disk for preserving one's dark adaptation (if that is a concern for any), and the Scotch-modified clear disk makes for great low/no glare task/proximity lighting for close up tasks or reading.

the Mfr. claimed 90h burn-time from a single CR123A for the L1 on LOW output makes this a very attractive option.

i also use a JakStrap II (the one with the Velcro loop for holding/retaining the flashlight to the band) for hands-free operation (like right now as i'm typing this Post on my laptop).

 

[Bullzeyebill]

That is a great use for the MM filter holder. I use them on the tail caps of Surefire C series lights for tail standing. I have found that the transluscent scotch tape reduces overall output drastically. A better solution would be fitting (if possible) a flashlightlens.com LDF UCL lens into the filter holder. I have not tried it with the smaller diameter led lights, but it works very well as a replacement for the diffusion lens in a C series SF diffusion filter holder. Of course, per your thread title, this would not be a simple filter setup.

 

[half-watt]

That is a great use for the MM filter holder. I use them on the tail caps of Surefire C series lights for tail standing. I have found that the transluscent scotch tape reduces overall output drastically. A better solution would be fitting (if possible) a flashlightlens.com LDF UCL lens into the filter holder. I have not tried it with the smaller diameter led lights, but it works very well as a replacement for the diffusion lens in a C series SF diffusion filter holder. Of course, per your thread title, this would not be a simple filter setup.

agreed on the light reduction when using Scotch tape. for my purposes, the pre-Cree L1 still produces sufficient light with the clear filter disk covered with Scotch tape. For some though, they may need more diffused light depending upon the task at hand.

what i failed to mention is that i often use both disks (i.e. red-disk + Scotch-taped-clear-disk) combined to get more diffuse (and dimmer) red light which has less effect on dark adaptation.