I wanted to create a cheap and simple way to protect the glass lens of our expensive front cameras from flying debris. Though a reflective coated plano lens would have been preferred (very cost prohibitive), I settled on using a glass watch crystal held on by rubber heat shrink. The mineral glass is 25mm diameter and 2mm thick (a tad larger and/or thinner is ok), and internal reflections are minimal under most conditions. The tubing was heat formed around a steel socket-set piece matching the diameter of the camera, with a bit overhanging the glass to keep it in place. This produced a snug fit that won't slip off the camera until you want it to for cleaning or replacement. Total cost of materials under $5.
ps- Apparent in the below images, it has already saved my lens from a rock chip after only 100 miles of testing!
Using a watch glass as protection lense and a heat shrink to hold the glass in place is a smart idea. I though about a lense protection, too, but planned to 3d print something to hold the glass. But your idea is better.
Any chance you could make me one or two, I would be more than happy to pay for them !
Sure! I picked up a couple extra lenses since shipping was more than a single product. I would need to get $10 each, plus shipping? Prob not worth it if you're not in the US.
You can email me at dvdplayfairATyahooDOTcom
Can you post a shopping list of what you use and where to find it? I too think a lens protector on the front camera is more than prudent.
FYI, I made my own too. Have a VIO POV video system, and I had extra lens protectors. They are larger than needed, but I worked a few layers of electrical tape on the Innovv camera body and it fit nice and snug on the front. :D
nice. wonder if you can make me 3 or 4. money isn't an issue of course. Can i email you?
In my case, I only have a spare or two. I tried searching online, but had no luck finding more available. Perhaps the best option (if you don’t have something you could repurpose) is to go to camera shops with the diameter of the camera body and see if anything would work...in my case, the protector was just and optically pure plastic cap. I have to be gentle cleaning it as I can (and have) scratched up a prior one by dirt grinding against the material while cleaning.
Alex, if you were referring to my protector, I made several more.
Email me at dvdplayfairATyahooDOTcom if interested.
That worked great, Macericola!
Alex, I have enough parts to make up another batch... Will get back to you early next week when complete.
Cracking Idea - Just ordered the parts off Ebay - Thanks for the great innovation. should save $$$$