Unleashing the Light: A DIY 80mm F0.5 Lens Adventure
Scratch-Built Low F-Number Lens Constructed
Ready to dive into the world of photography lens creation? Buckle up! We've got an exciting project on our hands that's bound to tickle your DIY curiosity - the making of an 80mm F0.5 lens with a Sony E-mount. Intrigued? Let's take a closer look!
[Rulof] has taken up the challenge of crafting a lens that's prized for its light-gathering capabilities, yet notoriously expensive and tricky to manufacture. Here's a sneak peek into his innovative approach.
To kick off, Rulof isn't starting from scratch - he's rummaging through the second-hand market for a lens from an old projector. Why? Because it's got what he needs - a huge aperture. However, it's far from being a photographic lens, and that's part of the adventure!
One fascinating aspect of Rulof's creation is his choice of diaphragm for the variable aperture. Instead of a standard photographic diaphragm, he's opting for a drafting aid designed for drawing circles. Talk about thinking outside the box! This unconventional selection is paired with the triplet from an old SLR lens in a 3D-printed enclosure.
So, how does this mishmash of components turn into a functional lens? We can't deny that it's a testament to DIY ingenuity. Whether it will make the cut in terms of quality, only time will tell. But one thing's for sure - it already boasts that coveted bokeh, or the dreamy, blurred background effect that photographers love.
However, we know from our experiences meddling with lens systems that achieving the perfect balance in a compound lens like this one isn't a walk in the park. Tuning the various components requires precision and patience. In Rulof's case, sharpness seems to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Now, you might wonder, why don't we see more projects like this in the world of photography? Well, it's probably because cameras are expensive investments. But rest assured, lenses do sometimes find their way into our DIY playgrounds.
Curious about the intricacies of Rulof's project? The Hackaday article or video might offer the insights you're craving![1] So, grab your popcorn and join the adventure! Lens design, here we come!
[1] Specific details about Rulof's project and potential challenges can be found in the Hackaday article.
As Rulof delves into the creation of his innovative lens, he's not afraid to resort to unconventional methods, including using a drafting aid designed for drawing circles as a diaphragm for the variable aperture, along with a triplet from an old SLR lens housed in a 3D-printed enclosure. This project showcases the potential for hacking technology, using gadgets beyond their original purpose to achieve a goal, in this case, a functional lens.
