DIY Camera Lens

[@MichaelMa]

I think this is less of a DIY and more of an expert craftsman with decades of experience doing something amazing.

[@LongTran-yv2nq]

Do it yourself - after decades of practicing

[@aserta]

Well, not really. I tried my hand at lens making in high school. My art teacher had an exposition and part of the set was a ton of lenses he gathered over the years. I captured a few of the big ones and did just about the same thing he does. So that's simple (but not cheap, i spent two summer's worth of savings, and half a year's time to make the two i made, funny enough, i never did anything with them). As for the lathe work, well, aside from knowing your speeds and feeds, and having a lathe that can cut metric, miniature threads, it's not really black magic. NOW, that's not to say it's not hard, some aspects (like lens knowledge after you've made it, or how to design it) are hard, and require a lot of page turning, but seriously, it's not something outside the realm of someone with some cash and time to spend every weekend. Mind you, people have been making telescopes from scratch for decades now. And arguably, those can be a bit more complicated, both in scope, size, and knowledge. So it's not much about experience, rather...how willing you are to meet the demand half way. FYI, he does have some mistakes in the lens cutting, something i learnt the hard way, where he got lucky. You don't leave a live edge on them, and you don't cut them with such a rigid setup. Evidenced by the chips present. On bad days, you can flake the whole surface, something i've seen happen to a few bloggers.

[@mickcard7293]

Hahaha yeah! 100%

[@ff-qf1th]

@@aserta what is a "live edge"?

[@BboyKeny]

​​@@ff-qf1thI assumed he meant a sharp edge. But might be incorrect

[@xn0funx]

Sir, You deserve so much respect.

[@kilohn]

Fantastic video. As an optical engineer, I knew I would have loved to learn the art of lens making, as soon as I met some of the passionate people praticing it. This is a wonderful opportunity to share my awe with my friends. Thank you for this!

[@keynonketcher1525]

kilohn can you suggest which lens to choose for making projector lens

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Beautiful. It looks like you made your lens grinding machines yourself as well? I find that even more interesting than the finished lens!

[@matswernersson8781]

The grinding and polishing machine is really simple to make. This type is called the Zeiss grinding machine. My lathe and mill are from Sherline. They are small affordable hobby machines. I'm using bisquit cutters covered with diamond powder to cut the blanks and to generate the approximate curves. The whole set of cutters can be purchased from China for about $10.

[@Drollfilms]

is it possible to make an anamorphic lense with this?

[@OktoPutsch]

@Natsbert : just calculate its optic and you can make it.

[@eliezermexicanimation]

@@matswernersson8781 haver you ever made anamorphic lens?

[@ScandzaVaeringjar]

I know how to boil eggs tho.

[@matswernersson8781]

Please tell me how. I burned mine

[@vizhakraho]

we're all proud of you!.

[@KeithSelmes]

My eggs boiled dry and exploded. Makes a noise like an electrical fuse blowing. (Don't ask how I know what fuses blowing sound like)

[@primecontent]

ahaha!

[@MetalSlugzMaster]

My goodness...you literally made everything. I don't think there's anyone else that's come close to doing this, at least here on YT.

[@SCM]

good to know that after the zombie-apocalypse someone still can make new lenses ;). truly amazing job!

[@inqinst1323]

Exactly my thoughts

[@TheVibeS1337]

We need protection services on this guy at all times

[@Aldo7899]

Moon Seongmu who is to take photographs of all the beautiful zombies? 😞

[@longde]

As a lens collecting nerd, dissasembling them for service, and obsessing over lens designs and differences between versions of the same lens, I SALUTE YOU, this was amazing, particularly the last part where the mechanical assembly was done, complete with fitting the diaphragm leaves and a nice ball bearing mechanism. The only thing missing was coating the lens surfaces by vapor deposition, are you planning to coat your lenses in the future? Cheers

[@CaptDicker]

Exceptional quality and craftmanship, this is why I have no problem paying $650 or more for a $1200 lens, no way I could make the lens for less than I could purchase one.

[@Mart77]

I was quite skeptical the whole way through but the last photo absolutely changed my mind. Very well done mate!

[@garetclaborn]

I looked so hard for anything even resembling diy lens and finally found this. thanks so much . now i just have to wonder, could it work with just some glass made of beach sand on a deserted island xD

[@salian1531]

What's happening at 0:32 onwards? Looks like concave curve generation using a sine table at first sight, but the bottom disk isn't rotating, and then the next screen shows a lens with two convex surfaces which you then block with some green ... pitch? Would be super helpful if you could post something about the process. Thanks for the amazing video.

[@mikeno62]

That’s just amazing to see how you made the lens elements and all the other components, I really like the way the lens renders the image. What a great video it is.

[@bradjohnson9671]

Mats, I have to say this is one of the most bad assed projects I've ever seen on the interwebs. Hats off to you for sure! Absolutely a DIY project. It's amazing what you can do with a small lathe and mill. Go slow and take your time and use sharp tools! There is a reason they call the metal lathe the "King of machine tools". So many different skills and disciplines used for this project. I love the way you scrounged the materials and reused other bits (the aperture leaves), I'll bet you have a pile of old lenses that are missing some screws too.... Well done sir!

It's so beautiful to see how you built it ✨ the images are stunning, thank you ! Cheers from France

[@tomreeves5791]

Absolutely astonishing but come on! This is no DIY project. Outstanding that someone can do this at home but as someone else posted, this is a master craftsman ... not a guy with a garage full of tools. Excellent work.

[@jroseme]

Holy smokes, this is the real deal! That video shot looked great.

[@TC-rv6sz]

Man, after watching this incredible process, I'm never going to complain about not having autofocus again 😫✋️🙏 Awe-inspiring video. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@SyanArtStation]

Now I understand why the lens are so expensive..

[@tor9885]

No, it’s because pure optimization

[@ToBeIsWasWere]

What? Commercial lenses are not hand crafted one by one. Also lenses like this are dirt cheap on ebay, you can get them for undeer 30$.

[@zaydabbas1609]

They're easily manufactured all by machine, but it's the calibration and fine tuning that makes them cost so much.

[@RedForShort]

And that lens doesn't include electronics, motors or firmware either!

[@h7opolo]

great editing and filming and craftsmanship resulting in clear images with an artisanal arcing distortion effect.

[@dansv9778]

Can you list all the machines you need to create the lens please ?🙏 We will love and be a lot more if you start making tutorials on this

[@CiaccheAzzione]

i would love to know that too!

[@photonforager]

This is amazing. If you ever do a more step by step version I would be very interested. I just finished a course in optical design, so seeing this was pretty enlightening for how really works. Great job!

[@photonforager]

Also, how could you tell that you would get the swirly bokeh in zemax? Is it some kind of purposeful aberration?

[@matswernersson8781]

ryan galloway I payed special attention to spot diagrams. Aiming for elliptical spots (tangential) at defocusing on the plus side of the focal plane. On the minus side the effect is sagittal like exploding outwards from the center. It is of course astigmatism with a sponful of coma that makes it. But it is difficult to visualize what it will look like. Whish I had Zemax, I just have the Oslo light that is restricted by the number if surfaces

[@photonforager]

Mats Wernersson, thanks for the reply! Okay so a bit of coma and astigmatism. I still have zemax from a school license, but I'll have to switch to the trial Oslo soon. If you ever make a video explaining how to make a lens in more detail I would be very interested. Again, great work!

[@KhoaNguyen-rk9dz]

Outstanding! The final product looked like a true factory made lens, rather a DIY product!

[@ronysetiawan7184]

one of the most untouchable technology for newbie .. exclusive and very expensive .. we can only watch, without being able to practice it .. but many thank's, this a bit cures my curiosity :)

[@kevinli6502]

That is so awesome! I know lenses are hard to make but for some reason this makes it feel more down to earth than I first imagined.

[@BrianMoore-gp8ot]

Your grinding jig linkage thing is neat!

[@psef87]

I love it. What a masterpiece and craftmanship. You must be a wizard!

[@Novak596]

Dude that lens came out so clean looking 🤩 well done! I was wowed the whole time 😮

[@meadsource]

I came here from a Corridor Digital video (called "the paper challenge") that had this video linked in the end credits. You've impressed someone over there!

[@sirpablo]

That's one of the best bokeh i ever seen.

[@MaxGarrett]

I've been thinking of trying to make a camera lens for 'lo fi' cinematography - and this has been very inspiring!

[@mohamadnahas3150]

0:22 - Alien radio signal

[@jimkoral3824]

1:01 Aw, baby lens hungry?

[@RobinGuymer-Gizz]

A truly remarkable piece of home engineering. Just awesome Mats.

[@omermagen824]

The dude freaking made a lens. Just like that. Respect.

[@CiaccheAzzione]

This is the coolest thing i have ever seen related to photography. After hard searching i finally found something that makes you see the actual process of creating a camera lens. I want to try so hard to do this myself! The only thing is i'm broke lol and i don't know where to get all these materials, if only you could provide a step-by-step guide! i'll make a statue to your person!!!!

[@4trait]

Simply inspiring, creating lenses or optical designs is an art in itself. I consume this type of content a lot and I try to make my own lenses with the remains of broken lenses or binoculars and telescopes (basically anything that has a lens), but my biggest challenge is having access to an optical project, do you know where I can find it?

[@EugenioTrainer]

Awesome job looks like Helios 44 style and I would love to buy one of your lenses, thanks for sharing

[@chris_1337]

Wow, incredible job! Any plans to do another lens anytime?

[@goldsman]

Impressive! Could you add some notes to explain what is happening in some of the steps?

[@Aussieeeee]

GIVE THIS MAN A MEDAL!!! Great Job, I pulled apart my L series lens once and was amazed by how much goes into them. Was interesting to see a lens be built! Disclaimer: DO NOT EVER PULL YOUR LENS APART UNLESS YOU WANT TO THROW IT AWAY - Learned that the hard way.

[@JasonRennie]

No need, he can make one himself!

[@Aussieeeee]

Haha probably

[@dulljumbo4321]

i really thought i was gonna save some money on a lens huh

[@gewurzbonon9039]

Mats your work is super impressive. Thanks for sharing!

[@ditarf85]

I'm completely blown away!

[@Jkauppa]

try molten glass/plastic spin casting, lower melting temperature for plastic, liquid form essential

[@willg125]

Just read through your website. Your work is amazing!

[@augustineapdrai]

Impressive craftsmanship,

[@maximilianlindner]

I can't even tighten my shoestrings properly, but you just made yourself a FREAKING LENS :0 Great job man!

[@TheAndyroo770]

Wow, that's awesome, you mad man! Now make a 60mm f/1.4 (and send it to me! - EF mount please).

[@frame_by_frame]

Fantastic, what a cool set of machines.

[@jisoolee4708]

Amazing work Sir.

[@xolarwind]

UNREAL! What talent!!

[@yusufc3463]

Hı first of all great work Would you give a little bit information for exemple u use spherometer how did you cut how measure Thé Curves i want to make a lens for telescope.Any advice Would be great Thanks

[@StatisticsGuru]

You are very talented. Amazing stuff here.

[@dereksuperstrong1210]

This is a super. Professional machinist craftsman professional lens maker definitely worked for one of the big brands in his life a super inventor

[@smallelephant_og]

cool distortion. adds a nice lo fi vibe

[@seventeendegree]

Have you ever tried to recreate hard to get classics like the Zeiss 50mm 0.7 or a Plasmat? Is there any lens out there that impresses you?

[@ff-qf1th]

Now THAT is a DIY camera lens 👏👏good on ye

[@Jonathankuchera]

This is amazing; But I would really like to learn more about the math behind figuring out how lens need to be shaped. Any suggestions?

[@parthdave437]

Same here bro did you figure out??

[@Jonathankuchera]

@@parthdave437 unfortunately no.

[@ariqkamil571]

*omagaddd this diy doesn't use autotune music!*

[@AnimeshBis]

I love your clips and this lens.

[@chicobraz4335]

Wow !! How about an anamorphic prime or adater ! I'll buy one from you Asap

[@Nostalgickiddo]

So much informative. I LL start my own camera company now 😊

[@neail5466]

😶 you will knock off Nikon /cannon, what a quality!!!!! I have a question what kind of abrasive used to finalize (smooth up ) the lens?

[@sajidullah]

Too much talent here

[@VGScreens]

This is incredible.

[@Ryuuken24]

Even at F8 it wasn't sharp, corner focus was weird too. I liked the red ring, like an L lens, good stuff.

[@kingghidorah8106]

That's top notch! I have made some schemes for a 50mm *f0.8* lens (by naming it as brand, would be "Goshawk Optics *_Bubo_* " (Bubo, the scientific name for the Great Duke owl), and I know I have all means except the glass and polishers XD.

[@syeedmohammeduzzalhossain5452]

I'm blown away, man. Respect!

[@JM-nf4rj]

I have never seen anything like this before.. And I thought I was good.. In that case, You're genius!

[@lr5867]

What? No electron beam coatings? Slacker! :) Awesome DIY!! Gorgeous Helios-like bokeh, BTW...

[@ttx777]

Впечатляет! Только не будет ли осыпаться краска с лепестков диафрагмы?

[@ghiassie]

Yes, really DIY!!! Because everyone has at least one or two set of these machines at home!!!

[@Locuslokalokuza]

The clarity is awsome. This is home industry btw, not diy.

[@PaulHofreiter]

This is so impressive and so cool.

[@SeanHodgins]

Incredible!

[@shaun9625]

Truly amazing! I'd like to see a video where you explain each step either in text or adding narration. I'd also like to see you do a lens that doesn't have the blur effect on the edges. I know that was the intent for this one, but might look like an unintentional result to some. Also, have you ever made one with internal electronics to control focus and iris, that would work on the newer DSLRs?

[@tiboat8h]

That's my new favorite video on YT ! Im impressed !!!

[@shonkylovesgaming1766]

Can you please share a video making a Telephoto lens like 600mm f/4 ?

[@onursoyturk7548]

Are you kidding? It's not a DIY Project, it's completely professional!

[@allanhmelnitski978]

Wow, something like a Helios lens!

[@awsomegamer2775]

Awsome man. Hats off :)

[@mdesa007]

That's amazing work! Really impressive

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Do you have the 20-Hour long Masterclass version of this video? I'd pay good money to get a long and detailed version of this uploaded to one of the tutorial websites. Pleaseeeeeeee

[@JonathanVaucher]

Me too ! I want to see a detailed comprehensive video on this. I need to craft a special (unobtainable) negative meniscus auxiliary lense for my Zeiss Axioskop 50 microscope so I can finally a full field of view illumination when using a 1.25x plan-neofluar objective.

[@Saman6633]

Very very nice really!!! thank you for sharing and your great idea!!!

[@JulianMakes]

Wonderfully done!

[@vh1385]

Great work Mats! Can you recommend a good resource on diy lens centering?

[@jayalterEgoz]

That was beautiful

[@PointyGorman]

Amazing work, do you have a website or document with information? Great work really!

[@BayandurPogosyan]

Damn, I'd love to own a copy of that.

[@dedskin1]

When i examined lenses cleaned by optic fiber wipes i found that it leaves antireflection coating , a purple one , so if i could make something like this i would just wipe it with those wipes and give it antireflection coating , the rest of the lenses ive seen made a junk compared to this , its really good . Usable even .

[@TheScottdavis86]

Well, scratch this off the list of projects I'm willing to attempt.

[@pamanthanos9742]

al ready 4 yeats yahh. and i still dreaming to make 1 lens like this

[@slap_my_hand]

That is some really swirly bokeh

[@ALI-TECH]

Amazing job!

[@ibrahimal-khalaf8008]

nothing short of brilliant!

[@dulljumbo4321]

all the shots here have a speeding bullet 2 hell album cover vibe

[@DongIn2012]

Amazing... You have a great talent.

[@MarceloKuroi]

Arguably the most awesome thing I watch this month on YT, but it's not DIY at all.

[@IvanSanchezDS]

Amazing. What kind of career do I have to study to learn such things???