Tutorial: GoPro Hero 5, 6 or 7 Lens change

A quick tutorial on how you remove the lens protector and how you can change the focus of the lens. In some situations, you may want to do some close-up video work or maybe you want your GoPro Hero to be used as a scope camera which requires it to be much closer than the typical 11" to 12" that the typical GoPro needs in order for the image to be clear.
Here is a link to an article that I wrote that will help you with the proper settings to be able to get your focus right.
www.airgunnati...
UPDATE:
I have deleted the links that were provided back when I made this video because all the sources that I provided were no longer available. I do however offer the Eaglevision Cam 12mm 1/1.8" Lens.
hajimotoproduc...
There is another KZbinr named Owl Muso and he has another useful method that you may find useful.
• Installing Non-Fisheye...

[@jeremyking6146]

I was told by gopro tech support that you couldn't replace the inner glass lens and the camera was junk if it got scratched which mine is! That makes me mad. Thank you for the video and taking the time to show this!

[@clgraham82]

Dude, your videos are great...very detailed and well spoken!

[@HajimotoProductions]

Ok, I'll take that 😊 But seriously, thanks for taking the time to comment, it really is appreciated.

[@Pelletonix]

Awesome tutorial dude! Looking to get into scope cam footage, this is a big help. Thank you

[@HajimotoProductions]

You sir are welcome! Now with the Side-Shot Available for GoPro users and now the video on how to change the focus, existing GoPro owners can scope cam til the cows come home. Thanks for stopping by and say hi Pelletonix

[@HunterOne_Productions]

Thank you for this valuable information. Very much appreciated.

[@HajimotoProductions]

You are welcome Hunter One, thanks for the comment and support!

[@airhunterabe1465]

Is the clear GoPro hero 7 hard case a regular case you just drill holes in to it to adapt it to the sideshot mount?

[@albahar0690]

Excellent addition, thanks Haji

[@abitoutside]

Ohh man I am excited to add this to my side shot.

[@kevinJmadsen]

Thanks for the video and links. A better way to remove the stock lens is to use a 5/8" 5C collet, so as not to damage the plastic lens housing. The Side-Shot I bought would not hold the camera centered well enough, causing edge distortion just like you get when your eye is not centered. I had to machine a 1" long piece of 1.5" ABS pipe to fit around the scope and inside the outer ring of the Side-Shot to hold it centered, back far enough and exclude light around the eyepiece perimeter.

[@edwinsnell5078]

Finally!!! Great vid thanks so much. What are the details of the lens you used? 16MP and?

[@HajimotoProductions]

In the description

[@MrTUBER408]

Great video Haj. The lens swap is a great idea. I noticed your great looking Invicta watch. I collect watches. Mainly Invictas. I have a Pro Diver that looks just like yours. You have great taste in watches!

[@HajimotoProductions]

Hey Don! Yes I am a bit of a watch hoarder, LOL Thanks for the kind words, view and comment!

[@duggerinc]

Thanks for doing this vid, chipped mine and thought it was done for.

[@HajimotoProductions]

You are very welcome, thank you for the view and comment.

[@alecruzcruz9047]

It works just fine. I like it.

[@HuzzaTVDreamBook]

Nice information vlog episode ❤️🔥

[@HajimotoProductions]

🙌

[@jlsol]

Great and helpfull video, thanks!!!!

[@HajimotoProductions]

Thank you for the view and comment!

[@mrblink9753]

@@HajimotoProductions just turning the lens will it affect the quality when shooting distance video? Clearer/sharper

[@paulandrews3785]

Great video buddy 😉

[@HajimotoProductions]

Thanks for the visit

[@rushzeen]

very informative, what are the other cheaper lens compatible?

[@everythingairgunninguk6954]

Hi hajimoto I have found a lens has close to the one you purchased but would like you to check it and let me know if this will work with my action cam thieye 4k. I bought a cheaper lens just to test and it goes onto the crosshairs fine but how do you zoom in. Or is it the Ken's I have might not have the zoom in process. Anyway let me know on this lens if you will has I think it's better then the other 2 previously listed.

[@michaeldimmitt9974]

The video "gets real" when he pulls out the toilet paper

[@HajimotoProductions]

LOL

[@AKWAITI]

The video is excellent and very useful... How do I get a 3.4 mm lens and hope you help me ... Thanks

[@HajimotoProductions]

I provided direct links to the products in the video. Please refer to the description information of the video and please notice that I recommend the 8.25MM more than the 3.4mm mentioned in the video which I also provide a link to in the video's description. If you are using a mobile device the little down arrow to the right of the video title will open the description area.

[@AKWAITI]

Thank you very much ... I wish you health and wellness

[@mattlee4617]

Great video, much appreciated. On the Side-Shot website it says that the best lens to use is a 12mm, but you actually use a 3.4mm lens. Is the 3.4mm lens most appropriate for Side-Shot application? Thank you.

[@HajimotoProductions]

In the video description, you will notice that I give a link to an 8.4 or 8.5mm lens which I think is a much better size. 12mm is just too strong as far as I am concerned. 3.4mm is great for 720 or lower video but 1080 or higher not so much.

[@emilbaligod1935]

@@HajimotoProductions Hi, where can i buy a 12mm for my gopro hero 7 to fit my sideshot. www.side-shot.com/online-store/Gopro-Side-Shot-NOW-AVAILABLE-p121959190 It will be delivered in a few days

[@mrblink9753]

I have now tried turning the lens counter-clock wise and I can assure you the picture gets even more out of focus. So my question is how much will it affect to change the lens? I find out the original lens in the gopro7 is 12MP and I see the suggested one is 16MP. How much difference will it be changing it and what is the difference between 3.7 and 8.5?

[@michaelbell1608]

Follow

[@pcpcondor1621]

Can you use it for GoPro 7 black ?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes

[@jjadey1752]

Does the lens from the 5 black fit the 7 black and vice versa

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes it does

[@jjadey1752]

@@HajimotoProductions thank you for the reply matey and the help appreciate it

[@jorgemarin6980]

Could that lens you installed be used in a eaglevision scopecam?

[@HajimotoProductions]

The lens in the camera can both be used in the EV Scope Cam yes

[@pcpcondor1621]

Can you give me the exact link for me to buy?

[@GoingOn-dx6fk]

You absolute legend I just made my own scope cam and need to change lens out was a bit paranoid about taking GoPro part but feel a bit more confident do u reckon a 16mm lens be better ?

[@HajimotoProductions]

36 Going On 21 The maximum lens size should be 12 mm. Anything larger and the image becomes so large in frame that you see the center of the crosshairs. Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate them.

[@HajimotoProductions]

@@ragecams I have never been able to find product very easily on your website to be honest. If you could provide me with a link, I would consider picking one up and sharing my results. I only speak to products I have used myself.

[@rnbspowa7of69]

Thank you !

[@steadywhoop]

Thanks for video ! Does the Hypersmooth works properly with this lens ?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes it does

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

$78 Bucks w/shipping. Hmmmm.... Might have to use the drone more! LOL Thanks - EXCELLENT video!!

[@HajimotoProductions]

Looking forward to you drone videos! Thanks for the support!

[@bartikyan]

I did the same with gopro 4 back in the day when DJI drones jad no built in camera, but it was quite shaky when shot hand held, now gopro 7 with it's stabilizer is completely different story... Is the stabilizer function working properly?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes the stabilization does a good job. I mean it does not replace a good gimbal but pretty good.

[@jamesdenny4734]

got use... as always... Thanks

[@HajimotoProductions]

Thanks James for the view and comment!

[@87Vdavid]

I just go the side shot for the GroPro 6 black but I can’t get it to focus even after adjusting like you showed on the video. I did not replace the lens. Could that be the problem?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Hey David, I would suggest that you read this article I wrote, it may be helpful. www.airgunnation.com/topic/scope-cam-evolved-a-hajimoto-side-shot-collaboration/page/3/#post-479728

[@owlmuso]

Hi David. I like Hajimoto's approach to lens focus. However, another way to focus your lens is to hook your camera up to a computer monitor via the HDMI port and point the camera at an object further away (during the day). Having the image displayed on a monitor (much bigger than the screen at the back of the GoPro) makes the focusing a lot easier. If it would help I literally today posted a video on swapping a Peau Productions lens for the stock GoPro lens where I discuss focusing. Look at my profile to find it, if you like.

[@87Vdavid]

Owl Muso Checked out your video. Thanks for the help

[@HajimotoProductions]

@@owlmuso I appreciate and respect your approach to explaining the use of the HDMI cable method. I use this method often but did not show it in the video because the video specifically shows how to use the GoPro in conjunction with the SideShot . I think your video adds some needed information and with your permission will add a link to your video in my description as another approach.

[@owlmuso]

@@HajimotoProductions Thanks man that would be awesome and generous of you. I think we approach the same topic from different perspectives, and I like your logical step through and that you cover things I don't, and maybe vice versa. I will likewise link back to your video. This is the power of the KZbin community! Good to connect :)

[@pcpcondor1621]

gopro 7 black attached to the side shot cam, choose which lens you want?

[@HajimotoProductions]

8.25mm lens from Peau Productions works perfectly.

[@pcpcondor1621]

Hajimoto Productions ok, thanks you

[@fakestreamedia5309]

hello, I got the recommended Peau Production lens, did the install as per directions but I just can't it to focus on the cross hairs. unscrewing the lens as far as it goes isn't working. I can focus on the a playing card from about 2 inches, but any closer it gets blurry. Any thoughts? Thank you for the video!

[@HajimotoProductions]

FakeStreaMedia check email response

[@williamthomas176]

Side shot says a 12mm works best. Have you tried the 12mm vs the 8.25mm? Thanks for the great video

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes I have and I think the 12mm is too much lens.. It zooms in too much for proper editing. It work well for 4k video but the frame rate is so low that the reason you have a scope cam installed is defeated as you are not able to see the pellet in flight.

[@williamthomas176]

Hajimoto Productions . Thanks so much. Just ordered the side shot and I’ll order the 8.25 lens u recommended too.

[@BigpawdogginDecoyingcoyotes]

i was looking at the side shot web site and it recommends a 12mm for best result for my go pro 7. Where can i find one?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Take a look at the EagleVisionCam 12mm offerings eaglevisioncam.com/product-category/camera-mount/

[@AH-bt8rl]

I have just tried fitting the Eaglevision Cam 12mm 1/1.8" Lens to my GoPro Hero 7 Black to use with my Eaglevision scope cam and I am having a huge problem with focusing... The problem being that it is at the perfect focal point before the thread on the new lens even engages the thread in the gopro... any attempt to screw the lens in puts it further out of focus... Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Your description of the lens not being engaged in the threads doesn't align with my experiences with the installation. While I agree that it may not require much threading in, it should be engaged in the threads in order to focus. I recommend installing some orings on the threads of the lens prior to installation which will act as a compressible stop that helps with this.

[@raymondmemolandes5937]

Again...Great video....I see that the lens has en ir filter...have you tried to see if it can night vision with it by removing the filter?

[@HajimotoProductions]

I have IR Filterless lenses on a dedicated GoPro Hero 4 Black for all my night shooting, but your right, if you remove the filter you will capture most of the IR light.

[@AlwaysCovered1227]

Is it possible to get the crosshairs to go full screen

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes, swapping lens with a 12mm will do that for you

[@dannywarren1549]

So this is the best lense for scope filming ? And where is the easiest place to get one , , cant seem to find them anywhere

[@HajimotoProductions]

I suggest you look in the video description as I give links to the lenses. The best and quickest is the PEAU lens and yes i give link to that one too ;)

[@frankmontoliu2341]

Can you change the lens on a go pro hero 4 silver ??

[@HajimotoProductions]

You need to use pliers and really twist hard on the lens back and forth to break the glue/epoxy they used to bond the lens in. Here is a video that demonstrates this process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpm0loyrod-jipI

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Is the stock lens glass?

[@tonimo3345]

Can i replace GoPro Hero 7 lens with Hero 5 lens?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Are you asking if a a lens from a 7 will fit a 5 or vice versa? If so, yes they are interchangable. The 5,6,7 are the same body, the 2,3,4 are the same, the 9,10,11,12 are the same body.

[@tonimo3345]

@@HajimotoProductions yes, thank you. I have hero 5 and 7, but my hero 5 is dead and Hero 7 have issues with lens. So I'm about to use my hero 5 lens as replacement for hero 7 lens

[@LukeWilda]

Does this keep the water proofness

[@HajimotoProductions]

As stated at 13:08 yes

[@Beemanshooter]

Can the GoPro 8 be used with side shot

[@HajimotoProductions]

The 8 has a different shape than the 5, 6 or 7 unfortunately.

[@ausbare140]

That was great I know I would be scared I would do something wrong. I have been wanting to change the lens to less of a fish eye.

[@HajimotoProductions]

You are welcome glad the video helped.

[@SalehMagrabi]

Thanks a lot.

[@HajimotoProductions]

You are welcome. Thank you for the view and comment.

[@aljawisa]

Not one single video online of someone removing the glue that holds the lens mount adapter online. Most lens do not screw in and out of gopro cameras without fighting to screw those lenses in. Gopro and sony like to alter their thread pattern so you just can't swap out the lens with ease. If you ever rip open a cheaper camera, you'll find any lens can be screwed in and out with ease. So lets just replace the lens mount adapter in a gopro. However no one on line seems to be trying to do this.

[@HajimotoProductions]

Speaking only for myself, I can't every video showing everything so give it go so everyone can see how its done.

[@mrblink9753]

just turning the lens will it affect the quality when shooting distance video? Clearer/sharper?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Yes because you are changing the focus from 12" to infinity down to 3" to about 36" .

[@mrblink9753]

@@HajimotoProductions zooming in it will be a focused image, but will the rest of the picture get blurred out?

[@mrblink9753]

to explain; I want to shoot sports, it will be from a distance. I need a lense that is clear from distance and will not get worse quality when zooming in post editing or a lense I can zoom in while recording. ANY IDEAS?

[@HajimotoProductions]

If you are using the GoPro as an action camera and not for macro work, you will focus it just as you would any other GoPro lens and the entire frame will be in focus just as the fisheye lense is. The lens is not only clear in the center, you will have the issue if you by a cheap 1MP lens.

[@mrblink9753]

@@HajimotoProductions thank you for answer. But will it be better with 16MP than 12MP? By the way.. I don't know about the terms with this, so a stupid question; what is macro work?

[@raymondmemolandes5937]

Wow...thanks so much....I thought I would have to pay $900 for that go pro the does that...do they sell that case separately?....nice video...keep up the good work

[@HajimotoProductions]

Raymond, I am not sure if they will sell the case separate due to the fact the material the case made from is acrylic and very very easy to cross thread and ruin. They are working on a solution but currently, it is not available. Keep an eye on their store page www.side-shot.com/online-store

[@raymondmemolandes5937]

@@HajimotoProductions thanks...I have the sideshot...it's the gopro case I need ...I also have the phone skope one also....and I really needed this lens

[@NismoFreak240]

Where can I get a factory replacement lense?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Check on Ebay there lots of vendors

[@HajimotoProductions]

Eaglevisioncam.com has a few.

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

Hey Haji do you have the one the 3 to swap out the lens?

[@HajimotoProductions]

The GoPro Hero 4 is the same and yes I do kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJfCeYCmht6DgLs

[@AlfredoRius]

THANKS!!!

[@TylerJames-gf8ms]

Amazing

[@yakuzahi]

Thanks for replying my email.

[@mrblink9753]

Hajimoto: can you please answer my last post?

[@HajimotoProductions]

I did, focus is focused. The level of uniformed focus is 100% contingent on the quality of the lens. But the intent is, if the lens is properly focus in the center, everything else should be in focus also. This is not a zoom lens to be clear, they are fixed lenses.

[@Savagewoodworker]

Thanks man. I needed this video. I scratched my lens cover filming construction videos. Time for a new lense and lense protector. Cheers. Check out my channel if you have a min. Thanks

[@user-sw5op9pz5h]

Veri good. Si lo haces en español puedes ganar mucho dinero....;) Saludos.

[@andrewyrich6363]

Thank you!

[@HajimotoProductions]

You're welcome!