GoPro Hero 3+ Infinity Focus Mod - Fix Your Hero3+ Focus!

[@6Foot4Honda]

when he took that tool out i was like OHHH SHITTT haha

[@iftibashir]

lol - Im not a DIY person so my toolbox is rather limited! Not the most ideal tool for the job but it done the trick! ;o)

[@therealjpow]

Didn't expect to see you here! ;) *****

[@culbreath201]

Lol me too!

[@Hoodville13]

Broo i found your comment lol!! Love your vids man

[@Fearlessfront]

Hahahaha! I love it! 0:30 "You won't have to take the camera apart" 1:38 he starts taking it apart... lol!

[@iftibashir]

Removing a lens cap is hardy taking the camera apart. If you think thats taking a camera apart, then I wouldn't attempt this if I were you.

[@Fearlessfront]

iftibashir Well, you are removing pieces of the camera, so ya, your taking it apart! And you didn't remove the lens cap, you removed the bezel... And no, I wouldn't attempt this, especially the part where you grab a camera lens with a pair of metal pliers, and twist it till you hear the adhesive crack, Those lenses are made of plastic, or glass depending on the model... And the adhesive is there to help keep the lens from vibrating... So that's gone...

[@voodoo304]

iftibashir you have obviously never seen any vids by Fearlessfront. If there was anyone id trust taking something apart, itd be him. I wouldn't be trying to break my GoPro either.

[@jcat5150]

Yeah, that piece is a 'wear and tear' part, replaceable by the consumer. I know that and don't even own a GoPro (yet)...lol Thanks for the post ifti. I am leaning toward the White version for budgetary concerns and I'm told it doesn't have the same problem but this is good info.

[@iftibashir]

Mike Lee Neither the White or Silver were known to have this issue. Nevertheless, all new Black Editions should now be fine ;o)

[@BengaliFilmmakers]

Good tutorial, but no before after images?? Seriously?? That's what you should have kept in the edit at the beginning.

[@Tallguysrc]

I had a out of Focus GoPro Hero3+ I decided to contact GoPro and see what they would do for me. my whole story started on 11/21/13 two days later was contacted my GoPro and asked to send in some sample pix. after looking at a video I had posted and some pictures I was giving a RA to return my Camera to GoPro. They sent me a Packing slip and Free Return postage slip all I had to do was box up the unit and take it to the local fedex shop. My camera was dropped off at fedex the Saturday before Thanksgiving. 11/23/13 I figured I would not here anything from them until after the Thanksgiving weekend as Im sure they take a few days off. So Monday 12/2/13 I contacted them using my case # on there website around 9:30am and got a email back around noon the same day saying that my new camera was being shipped out the next day. 12/3/13 good new my camera arrived on 12/4/13 and works fantastic no focus issues. I was even sent a 20% off coupon for there online store for Accessories.... Great Job GoPro....

[@JasonLeeBoydPhotography]

I was nervous as hell to try this with my out of focus GoPro Hero 3+, but I dove in after watching your video. Just like the rest... Images that were close were sharp but the foreground was blurry. This operation was piece of cake! Looks and works great man, thanks a million!!!

[@iftibashir]

Jason Boyd Glad it worked out for you!

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks for this tip. I was very disappointed comparing focus on a new GoPro 3+ to a beat up GoPro 2. Followed your instructions and focus is now excellent, but mine needed more like 5mm of rotation for good distance focus.

[@ValterKabas]

I did it and, wow, now I'm happy with my gopro. It's a bit risky, but the result is very good. Thank you so much!

[@markflick2890]

Here are the notes I made to myself after I experienced focus problems with the Hero 3+, watched the video and attempted to clear up my focus issues: Remove outer lens ring by gently prying up on ring at the 12 o’clock position and at 4 and 8 o’clock position around ring with a skinny blade like those found on pocket knives. Remove inner lens ring by using a small screwdriver to pry up ring. This ring holds front element of lens in place, so take care not to have the element fall off lens while you are rotating barrel. Note that the inner ring has detents that allow it to fit snugly over the lens barrel and snap in and out of place. Grasp lens barrel with a needle nose pliers and rotate. There will be some resistance due to the glue bond holding the lens in place, breaking free. This glue was applied during manufacture to prevent lens rotation. With gentle pressure, the barrel will crack loose and allow rotation. Don’t let the pliers slip and scratch the front element. Turn the barrel counter-clockwise to achieve infinity focus. Turn the barrel clockwise to allow the camera to focus closer to the lens. Very small rotational movement is needed to drastically change focus setting. Reattach inner lens ring and test camera focus. Be sure inner ring detents line up with those on the lens barrel. It’s important to run your post-adjustment test with the inner ring attached, since it holds the front lens element in place. If the front element is loose or out of position, you won’t be able to accurately gauge whether or not your adjustment is correct. Reattach outer lens ring. Be sure to line up clips on the ring with the clip receivers on the lens barrel.

[@Danielino77]

Hi Bro, what kind of camera you used to shoot this video?

[@iftibashir]

+Danielino77 - Canon DSLR

[@Danielino77]

Thanks a lot

[@Sparky1701]

Thanks Ifti. Finally had the courage to do it. Plugged it into the TV and pointed it out the back to verify and adjust the focus as I could see it on the screen

[@iftibashir]

Glad it helped ;o)

[@okidoke4822]

Thank you. I bought a used GP3+Black and wondered why the sharpness was crap when capturing the road ahead from inside my car windscreen, where the dashboard was very clear and the road ahead out of focus. I had to rotate my lens about 4mm to get a sharp image. Thanks very much. Mine never made a noise, but I did very slightly scratch the edge of my lens ( doesn't affect the image) but then put a bit of tape on the pliers and carefully moved it. Cheers.

[@iftibashir]

Glad it helped!

[@stefanrahovean]

I bought the gopro 3+ silver to film my tennis matches. I got it brand new in dec 2014 from gopro's website. I did all the research that I could before buying it, however, because of the super wide angle lens, the camera showed a very good image quality for the near player, while the far player was foggy and out of focus. Initially I thought it was the infinity focus issue and I did this mod without any success. The main issue with this mod is that if you grab the lens too tightly with the plier the outer lens will pop out because it's only held in place by 4 small glue points. That's exactly what happened to me while trying to adjust the focus. I didn't have an HDTV so I tried to take photos of every position and then sent it wirelessly to the iPad. I think an HDTV works better for refocusing the lens. Anyway, I believe that some of these gopros come out of focus because of poor quality control and then if you're not in a rush you're better off sending it back for them to refocus it. As for myself, I needed a smaller angle 99 degrees lens anyway so I'll just get one from peauproduction guys. Good luck and try not to grab too tightly :)

[@wreckidiver7291]

I just got my 3+ silver and see exactly what you are talking about. Can you post example pics of before and after? would be a huge addition to your video. Thanks for posting.

[@Lion_McLionhead]

Had a 3 that was sharp at infinity, a 4 that was near sighted, a 7 that was sharp at infinity. The 4 is much more aggressively adhered, but it did turn. It chewed up the plastic, so it's a 1 time adjustment.

[@shrimpfarmer]

I did it and the results are much better than without your mod. Thanks for posting this up.

[@RaufZero]

Any befor/after test shots?

[@skate4free7]

this is what i'm waiting for..

[@Alexbeaudet]

Hope this helps... excuse the setting and my straight face :) www.flickr.com/photos/115961878@N08/12215830744/lightbox/

[@skate4free7]

duuuuuuuuude i can DEFINITELY see the difference there lol no worries on the face bro! Thanks for the link! i actually did the same fix on my cam but haven't REALLY tested for clarity

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Nice one, just did the mod and works a treat. I used the pliers on a standard leatherman which worked well, not really much of a crack at all and no heating required. Cheers

[@richardibrahim8979]

Brilliant video - the mod was very easy and made a significant improvement to the mid-range clarity. However, the resolution of my Gopro Hero 3+ Silver still doesn't matchthe superb clarity of my Mobius action cameras.

[@kelseyfowler5923]

Do you think they have fixed the issue on newer "batches" of the GoPro Hero 3+? Have you heard any reports of better focus on GoPros purchased more recently? Thank you

[@kenlorig9239]

Just found this ....... If your camera serial has 0813, 0913, 1013 or 1113 AND it came with firmware v1.00 when new, then your camera is one of the earlier batches that were mainly affected with the focal issue.

[@bubu090]

My Hero 3+ Silver definitely had this issue. Needed 1,5mm turn. Now it still has sharp closeups (although softer than original), and twice as sharp images at long distances.

[@EddieMitz]

Good video. I just did this on mine...a little hesitant at first, but very simple once you crack open the second ring and break the adhesive holding the lens in place.

[@omnimations]

Tip when doing this be sure to not let the pliers slip when turning it, it may slide and scratch the lense, also dont squeeze too hard...

[@CameronLaird]

I can't believe people are still saying that the problem doesn't happen with the 3+ Silver. I bought another yesterday and it is exactly the same. Out of focus from about 2m to infinity. Bugger the warranty, fixed it myself and it's like a new camera.

[@pulpstoryteller]

Thanks for the video. I just picked up a new Hero3+ Black on ebay. I videotaped my softball game from behind the backstop with it, and the picture was horrendous compared to my regular Hero 3 Black. I followed your instructions and now it it is in focus, just like ESPN HD video. Tip: Connect GoPro Hero3+ Black to HDMI cable, plug it into your Big Screen TV, print out an eye chart, set eye chart 20 feet away, and start adjusting the lens until the eye chart is clear on the second row of letters on your TV, using 1080 Medium view video, which is resolution I need to video tape softball games.

[@mrmurphy172]

Agreed. You should show an example of picture clarity before the mod and after.

[@iftibashir]

Check the link to the forum thread with tons of examples - its in the post above......

[@jeffway8659]

I just purchased a used Hero 3 BE that had focus issues and your how to saved my camera. I was so disappointed after getting this camera and seeing that everything looked worse than the Hero I had just taken back. Now this this is crystal clear. Thanks you so much!!!

[@iftibashir]

Jeff Way Glad it helped!

[@MrMattWebb]

iftibashir Question. I followed this mod. Previously, only things in the cameras face were in focus. Now it is comparable to my Hero 3. Twisting the lens back counterclockwise, I hit a brick wall where it would turn no longer. Is this the default setting? What happens if I continue turning the lens clockwise? I noticed I twisted the lens clockwise to the point nothing was in focus, so I twisted it back to the original position and just went with roughly 4mm. Can you verify? Thanks for the great video.

[@alvaroalonso259]

Incredibly easy, very noticeable results, thank you man!

[@fc1133]

I wish you would have provided some "proof" of your statement. I heard this before, but never found a "before and after" video... Anyhow, thanks for posting.

[@cvonp]

Brilliant! I recently purchased a Hero 3+ BE for use with my multirotor and was very disappointed with the resulting footage. Close focusing was tack sharp but the infinity focus was muddy even at 2.7 with a stabilized gimbal. Then I discovered your refocusing tip and decided to give it a try. WOW. I did did a side-by-side comparison of two 12MP stills of my neighbors fence and trees from about about 10 m away. The refocused image was far and away crisper and more detailed. Meanwhile, objects as close as 5 cm are still sharp. Thanks!

[@iftibashir]

Glad it helped! ;o)

[@KristiyanKostadinov]

could you please share a sample? I am thinking the same for my f550

[@cvonp]

Kristiyan Kostadinov Hi Kristiyan. I'll check the memory card later today to see if the before-and-after shots are still on it (pretty certain I erased them). Otherwise, I'll try to post a sample image from a fixed distance that you can compare with your camera. As an aside, the sweet spot for refocusing seems to be rotating the lens CW between 2mm and 2.5mm.

[@cvonp]

Kristiyan Kostadinov Here you go. This is a center crop at 100% shot through a double-pane window, hand-held. Sharpness is set to minimum, Protune is ON and GoPro Color is ON. madrhino.com/_temp/gopro_post_focus.jpg

[@KristiyanKostadinov]

this is looking really good ! I am having gimbal issues, but as soon as i sort the gimbal will d the gopro focus mod :-))

[@TuanTran-bp2gj]

Works like a charm! Much clearer, thanks!!

[@simonmusic1681]

It really works. Was sceptical at first but it is realy easy!

[@curso88]

Hello I need to buy the GoPro HERO 3 Black Edition for my Dji Phantom 2 to make aerial video projects. This problem affects all GoPro HERO 3+ cameras or is a puntual problem in some units? What model is it advisable to buy? Regards

[@iftibashir]

All new stock should come with focus set to infinity now, so if purchasing new you should be OK (as long as the retailer has new stock - not old unsold stock).

[@iftibashir]

No its not possible by serial - as even some of the older units have been recalled from distributers and fixed - so batch number is no indication any further. You can either purchase and test the camera by taking an image and zooming in 100% to check clarity, or I know a very good online retailer where they guarantee all new stock (I purchase my GoPro gear from them myself!). Based in the UK, although they do ship worldwide - let me know if you would like their details. ;o)

[@iftibashir]

Cool. Enjoy!

[@JaydenLawson]

iftibashir I bought my 3+ Silver a few weeks ago and the infinity focus is DISGUSTING. I can't believe how bad it is - I was going to fork out the cash for a black until I found this video. Will try it - thanks so much.

[@photoboyjet]

Thanks for the tip! I just did the infinity focus mod on my Hero 3+ and just that small adjustment makes a world of difference. I did soften the adhesive holding the lens with a hair dryer before trying to turn the lens. The focus on my GoPro was not bad to start with, but after shooting some landscape shots with it and viewing them on a big monitor, depth of field was shallower than expected with a nearly fisheye lens. Softness was especially noticeable in tree branches or foliage past "selfie" range. GoPro should admit to changing the focus on the 3+ or maybe offer a distance setting switch on future models. That way folks into "selfie" photography and the drone flyers would be happy. Again, thanks for the tip.

[@squarewheelsorguk]

Thank you! I followed the steps, everything was just as you described (right down to tape on the pliers' jaws just slipping). Once the adhesive cracks, further adjustments are relatively easy. And the results at 2.5mm clockwise are very obvious! Many thanks!

[@S0ULTunes]

yes, that helps! Quality is now better!

[@_jurist]

All I can say is thanks. The video was so damn out of focus unless it was right in front of the camera. Followed the directions and it is a snap.. Thanks man..

[@draxxes1]

hold my beer............ I GOT THIS!

[@PaulM708]

Why no before and after shots to compare the too. I would like to see the difference before i tried this myself.

[@iftibashir]

If you take a look in this forum thread, there are tons of pics showing before and after etc..... goprouser.freeforums.org/difference-in-focal-range-sharpness-hero3-blk-vs-plus-t14637.html

[@minirto]

ALTHOUGH i wouldn't recommend the bulky tools used here (i used much smaller tools) this mod made a noticeable difference. I made a before and after shot and vid from a marked location with stuff close and far. My lens was not near as hard to turn and never made a pop sound from glue breaking. Foreground stayed the same sharpness and the background was improved. Thank you for the video on this mod.

[@SakisPallas]

it didnt work for me , the lens didnt move at all , and i kinda scratch the plastic ring around the lens. i also use a hair dryer but still didnt move . any suggestions?

[@billmalec]

Was very easy to do. I found the outer ring harder to remove, the inner easy, and turning the lens the easiest. Have not tested quality of image yet.

[@adriandavid5098]

Excellent tutorial. Answers many questions.

[@lucasmateucci]

Nice video! Mine has lack of sharpness too, so i tried to do the focus fix on the lens. First when I had access to the lens, I tried to turn it clockwise but it does not turn. It only can be turned counter-clockwise. Should I force the turning or it can break the lens? Thank You

[@45AndAFifth]

Very nice show me video. I have Silver 3+ with the same issues, show up more in low light conditions. If you use an Ipad to view the image be aware that the preview is not as crisp as the photo/video shot. I adjusted the lens the first time and it looked better. Went to adjust again and like a few others the lens popped out. Be very careful and do not touch the bottom of the lens or the internal lens. You can put it back in place an the outer small ring keeps it in place and partly seals it and the larger outer ring has 2 gaskets on it for sealing it. I think it is better but still not that great so I will use it for more up-close shots.

[@AjamXM]

is there any example of the effect of doing this?

[@ericchamberlain9260]

Hey one thought here. If you hook up the wifi with your phone you can see the shifting focus so you can get it right. Then put the ring back on.

[@iftibashir]

Its possible, but you will get a low quality stream on the phone - using HDMI is best as you can link to a larger screen with a sharper image, hence get the focal point spot on ;o)

[@geuken]

iftibashir does the hero 3+ silver have the same issue as the black? not impressed off the photo quality on mine.

[@matthewhall435]

Would this mod effect your warranty at all ?

[@Theeslickness]

Question: Since you can turn the lens, could you remove the entire lens without a full tear down? I've taken the lens off 3 GoPro3s, all required a full tear down.

[@iftibashir]

No it still requires a tear down to some degree unfortunately.

[@Theeslickness]

iftibashir Thanks its good to know my experience in the tear down is still needed =D.

[@markophoto1]

I performed the adjustment as described though I needed to adjust even further. Worked nicely. Now if they would just dial back the compression some at least on the stills I"d be happy. Thanks for posting!

[@MichalMates]

Thanks a lot man! The results are awesome. I tried 1mm 2,5 mm and 5mm .. The 2,5mm seems to be really the best

[@iftibashir]

Cool! Glad it helped!

[@luiz6b]

Thanks a lot man, I am from brazil and I had some misunderstandings for your speech, but i did it on my 3+ Silver (01/2014), the infinity focus now is perfect so many said that the fix applies just for black, now i can say here, it applies for the silver too.

[@vkaudiovisual2556]

+Luiz Henrique Becker legal, eu to querendo fazer isso na minha 3+ silver, mas estou bem apreensivo , tentei um pouco e ja machuquei consideravelmente as laterais do plastico da lente, fora o risco de arranhar a propria lente, então desisti por enquanto, mas nao definitivamente. Vc sentiu como se quebrasse algo internamente para fazer isso? Esse giro é natural ou é forçado? aquela conexao da lente é roqueavel mesmo ou é encaixada? Vc usou alicate como o demonstrado? Alguma recomendação extra? Obrigado!

[@luiz6b]

+contas diversas fiz exatamente como no vídeo, marquei com lápis e usei o mesmo alicate, parece agressivo, porem quanto menor o alicate maior o risco dele escapar na lente, a primeira tampa saiu fácil, a segunda deu pra ouvir um som de quebrar, que foi a cola original, depois que ela quebrou foi um pouco mais suave para girar, faça alguns testes antes da modificação e compare depois de feito, a minha melhorou muito o foco, principalmente pra oq esta próximo, não precisa colar novamente, mesmo sem cola ela ainda fica bem firme, abraço!

[@vkaudiovisual2556]

+Luiz Henrique Becker O meu problema é com o foco no infinito, tenho utilizado a gopro com drone e o foco na grama logo ele ainda está saindo do chao é perfeito, porém tudo que está mais distante fica meio sem definição, sei que tem a ver com a própria abertura da lente(f2.8), mas como não utilizo muito com objetos próximo então valeria a pena tentar focar mais no infinito. Mas sinto que é preciso uma força bem forte e fica a sensação que vai quebrar algo, parece bem arriscado principalmente pelo fato de que minha camera tem apenas 1 mes , ainda está na garantia e sei que esse processo anularia imediatamente esse contrato. Obrigado pelo feedback!

[@vkaudiovisual2556]

+Luiz Henrique Becker tentei novamente e consegui, eu havia tentado fazer isso aplicando uma fita(silvertape) ao redor da "boca" do alicate para evitar riscos à lente, mas isso so dificultava o "grip", tomei coragem retirei a fita e apliquei força com o alicate diretamente na gopro, girou!! Ja testei e vi que ficou bem melhor para o meu uso, mesmo em low light, amanhã farei testes em campo com boa luz e certamente terei uma opinião ainda melhor. Muito obrigado!

[@armanarellanotv514]

hello sir.. im not sure if i do have focus problem with my hero 3 black edition.. i use it to film my son's basketball games.. to get the closest focus, i sit at the front row and use narrow field view.. 1080/48fps.. but the videos are not sharp..they blurry or grainy.. can hardly recognize the players..there is not much problem with close objects though.. please advice.. thank you.

[@adrian19990525]

Is it fixed from the factory for the currently built new Hero3+ Black?

[@75mandel]

Video before and after? Lens adjustment

[@Alexbeaudet]

I just did it and side by side shots from my 3 Black and 3+ Black now seem to finally share the same focus.

[@Alexbeaudet]

just did some before and after shots and the 2mm really does it! I stacked my 3+ on top of my 3 and took pictures standing about 16ft from the GoPros and the focus difference is really striking! The 3+ is now as sharp as the 3 but with less grain in the picture. Awesome.

[@Alexbeaudet]

www.flickr.com/photos/115961878@N08/12215830744/lightbox/

[@nik-nj3qw]

After making this mod, does this mean that photos of subjects at 4 feet or less will come out blurry?

[@JaydenLawson]

LEGENDARY VIDEO. Thanks so much! Totally fixed my blurry 3+ Silver.

[@LuisMorales-ko2vf]

My Hero3+ Silver Edition lens broke today, can you say if this method is effective for taking the whole lens apart and installing a new one?

[@Craigo5000]

Great tutorial! Is this possible on the new entry level Hero? I know this camera is permanently housed in a case but there is also a KZbin video showing the camera being removed from the housing. I suppose it is a similar procedure? Thanks

[@CKDMJ]

It cannot be removed from the case without disassembling the camera piece by piece as the housing is the case on the Hero. There is a tear down on KZbin for it though.

[@michaelguild]

Just did this mod. Totally easy.

[@IanCresswell]

Worked perfectly. Thank you so much for this tut!

[@Tallguysrc]

Go to there website and open a case number they should email you back and require a serial# of your camera and a copy of your sales recipt. My exchange only took about two weeks

[@fatchunk3678]

i was nervous but this was easy, one thing i would say is that make sure you measure it, I lost my place and started having to trial and error to get the best results. I found that about 2.3 mm gave me best result (i think)

[@LN1video]

Nice video and tip! One thing you forgot to mention is that when you perform such "surgery" yourself, your warranty becomes invalid. Could be cool if GoPro made two focus modes on their next model. One for closeup and one for landscape :D

[@liveinvandownbyriver]

EASY fix. thanks for the video. Took me about 5 min. Take his advice and use masking tape around the camera body, I put a tiny scratch on the body from my screwdriver.

[@pianoplayer888]

When I attempted turning the lens, I found that the plastic I had to grip with the pliers (not the two outer rings I'd already removed) gave way before the adhesive did, resulting in shredding all around it. I eventually got it to turn, but I don't see how you managed to keep the plastic in such good shape, or how you got it to turn so easily.

[@iftibashir]

I didn't even realise that plastic gave way!! I just held the lens rather tight and turned!

[@NoName-gc9tu]

iftibashir when ever i take a pic of an action shot (moving object) it ALWAYS comes out blury should i do what you said in the video?

[@ultifix2251]

I was putting a 3d printed thing on my gopro lens and I accidently rotated the outside plastic 45 degrees, thing I damaged anything or put it out of focus? or just the spun the outer plastic thing.

[@ultifix2251]

+UltiFix I mean 90 degrees

[@ultifix2251]

+UltiFix Bump

[@iftibashir]

+UltiFix No its not that easy to rotate the lens!

[@ultifix2251]

+iftibashir Awesome, thanks!

[@snells-window]

Do you think this would work in the other direction? ie to enable the lense to focus closer... I need it focusing down to within an inch or so or the lense.

[@iftibashir]

pseudechis Yes, should do - not sure you'll get it that close though.

[@adrianhoward7253]

Hi. I’ve got a hero 3+ and can’t connect it to my iPhone 7 via WiFi to the GoPro app. The WiFi on my phone won’t pick up the hero 3+. Can you help please.

[@shaneee5]

Hy, you are rotating the lens which you marked, or next to this the plastic ring?? You said rotate clockwise, but in the video you did anti clockwise.?! I bought a hero 4 silver and it has got focus problem. Thanks

[@iftibashir]

Rotate the inner lens that was marked. The lens is rotated clockwise - I hold the lens and rotate the camera body anti-clockwise, hence the lens itself is moving in a clockwise direction.

[@shaneee5]

Thanks man.

[@ralphdaub]

Worked for me! Took a picture before, after a small movement, and after a larger movement. Definitely improved the sharpness! =)

[@GraydonTranquilla]

How much heat is required to loosen the glue that prevents the lens from turning? After three attempts to turn the lens for better long distance focusing I dared go no further. I used a pair of vice grips which I don't think can do the job and am scared of cracking the lens or lens ring.

[@iftibashir]

Dont burn it!!It shouldnt need much heat - just so its warm to the touch I would imagine. I didnt use heat myself....

[@chrizopras]

I have a Hero3+ Silver now and the cheap Hero 2014. The Hero is much sharper than the Silver, though it's from 11/2014?! The comparison is so horrible? I'm now stuck between fixing it or just returning it... Because the Silver has better video settings and can film in darker rooms. Ughhh.

[@conroyr2209]

This sounds almost too easy to be true! Going to give it a go tomorrow, thanks for the video.

[@iftibashir]

Just be careful when gripping the lens so you don't slip etc!

[@conroyr2209]

iftibashir Done! You don't even need to take the second plastic ring off, I just wrapped my pliers in tape so as not to damage it. There are some small marks, but they are covered up by the big outer ring anyway. 2-2.5mm clockwise rotation seems best for me. I've only managed to test it inside a room at night, with all the lights on, so not exactly ideal GoPro operating conditions but already I can notice the difference in 12MP photos. Thanks again for the video!

[@buddyawesome1]

Will I have the issue with my 3+ silver bought in mid June this year?

[@onlytheplanes]

Wow this got my camera much sharper. Thanks for that tip!

[@hungrycamperfilms]

iftibashir Hi! Just bought my 3+ BE (second hand), how can I check my model date? Wondering if the problem is fixed in my model already... ?

[@kenlorig9239]

***** Did you find out the answer to this ? I am in the same boat.

[@ksteiger]

I've noticed that my only focal problem is in the "narrow" view. Everything else seems fine but "Narrow" just seems completely out.

[@Raddekopp]

Thanks for your video. I am having the same issue with a Hero4Black. Is there a fix for it as well?

[@iftibashir]

Process is almost completely the same - just the plastic surround may come off slightly differently.....

[@sunnycoastvideos]

I recently purchased a used GoPro hero 3+ black and noticed this problem almost immediately. The infinity focus is woeful. Would you still recommend this mod as the best fix ? Thanks.

[@iftibashir]

Yes

[@4apples]

I just bought the silver 3+. Cant focus at things up close, like 10 cm (4 inches) Any fix for that?

[@edjwenwo9742]

Does adjusting lens affect the sharpness close up at all, or is there no loss of clarity and it only enhances the sharpness far away.

[@iftibashir]

Close up will appear slightly smoother. You need to decide on which you'd rather have before attempting this mod - or leave a mark like I did in the video so you can easily refocus the camera depending on what you are shooting....

[@1JeffJames]

What about an example?

[@quebeckilo7347]

Didn't work for me. I was _very_ careful to follow the procedure - had my doubts when I saw that honkin big ugly electrician's plyer you used to fix yours in the video. Even with gentle force I ended up destroying the part upon which the lens is mounted (glued). It wouldn't turn at all and, being made of cheap, soft plastic, it simply fell apart. Perhaps the adhesive on my camera was stronger than usual. If the part had been made of metal instead of plastic it probably would have worked better When I contacted GoPro to see about getting a repair, they refused, claiming they do not offer a for-pay repair service. If it had been under warranty that would have been a different story, but I bought mine second hand. Now I have an expensive battery charger/audio recording device Watcher beware.

[@BenVacher]

Hellow again, so doing this mod is a bit fiddly... Is the camera still as robust as it was before after turning the lens? Like you say it "clicks". Does this not make the lens more loose and prone to wobble? Thanks :)

[@iftibashir]

No, the initial click is the adhesive giving way, but the lens is still quite firmly in place, and there is still more then enough adhesive to hold it firm. Put it this way - even after moving the lens you will no be able to move it by hand, you still need to grip it with something to turn, as the ahdesive is still quite strong.

[@BenVacher]

Ok, I'll just purchase one. See if it has a problem. If it does then i'll do the mod. I might start doing some tech videos... So I could film me doing the mod. If i do i'll be sure to link to your video and give you credit for your tutorial though ;)

[@HomemadeVideos929]

Plastic lens cover was loose i after I did this. Any way to tighten?

[@micheletrungadi2451]

Very very very and very thanks for this tips! I fix focus on my Gopro 3 Black about 5 minutes ago with this video and the result is incredible! :-)

[@billmalec]

How about doing this with the camera on and viewing the focus change on your phone, etc?

[@iftibashir]

Yes, although you wouldn't really want to do it on a phone screen. You could connect a HDM cable to it and watch it live on your TV screen, that way you refocus and view the image at the same time to get the optimal focal point.

[@MiKeTuScAnI]

Made it....ufff can wait to try it.

[@emmettmulroy6138]

was this an issue with all 3+ cameras? mine seems ok

[@miablo]

"... and without taking your camera apart ...." That's great until you start taking the camera apart !!!

[@GrowingDownUnder]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@iftibashir]

I hardly take the camera apart - I wouldn't call taking a plastic ring off as taking the camera apart!

[@matejhilmer7815]

Hello, does this work with Hero 3 black too? I use it for aerial photo and it seems to be out of focus on larger distances. Also it looks like image detail is partially blurred by camera software, is there any way to disable it? Thanks!

[@iftibashir]

The lip around the lens is slightly smaller, so harder to grip onto - but in essence, yes the process would be the same.

[@BenVacher]

GoPro did actually say that all products past November will have no lens problems.

[@iftibashir]

No they have not acknowledged any problem at all. They actually say thats how the cameras was made - a better close focus for those who film themselves etc. But at a trade for distant focus, which is what most people use their camera for! They get you to send sample photos etc, then if they agree you send the camera to them. They refocus it by doing exactly as in this video and then send it back in around 30 days!

[@iftibashir]

If they said this, then its like them admitting earlier cameras did have an issue, and they would need to recall them. Some forum members have the newest batch, and still have mixed results.

[@BenVacher]

iftibashir Interesting. Why would people want an action camera for close ups...? A wide majority of people use them for scenery views. So are you saying not all cameras have this problem? I heard only ones with a 9 in the serial code are affected.

[@iftibashir]

StoriesFromTheMouth Exactly! It seems GoPro made this version more for surfers and skiers etc, who want to film themselves! After rotating the lens 2mm like the vid shows, you get good focus at all lengths, close and far, so they really do need to alter their manufacturing process. It will probably be done in silent though, so as to not admit to any issue or pay for any product recalls! The serial shows the actual date. Both 0813 and 0913 models seem to have the issue. The new batch are now 1013, and people are still getting mixed results. After the focus mod, the issue is almost non-existent.

[@jamesb72]

iftibashir Gopro don't seem to be announcing this officially (presumably to avoid a recall/mass returns) but seem to be fixing the focus when they update firmware to v1.04. You can tell the manufacture month from the serial underneath box HD3BB1013xxxxxx 1013 would be October 2013, doesn't seem conclusive yet which batch are coming with corrected focus out of the box, 0813 and 0913 have problems, 1013 seem to be a mix, so hopefully 1113 onwards will all be OK.

[@cnewski]

I turned about 1mm, and tested it. Seems the like the left side of my videos is blurry while the right is tack sharp. Would this happen if I didn't turn enough or is my lens tilted?

[@iftibashir]

cnewski May be a misaligned lens - I would contact GoPro with that one.

[@cnewski]

iftibashir I'm not sure it was like that before I tinkered with it though. Not sure what GoPro would do at this point.

[@Dynasty619]

Do you think the newer batches of the gopro 3+ black are fixed or do u still have to fix it I just picked one up yesterday and was gonna use it mainly for pics and timelapse

[@iftibashir]

Check the serial for the manufacture date - if its after Xmas then you should be OK

[@BenVacher]

Is there a way to test the focus using a ruler?

[@tpack06]

Are both black and silver hero + models known to have this focus issue?

[@iftibashir]

I havent heard of any issues with the Silver ;)