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Have you ever wished you could make your own custom camera lens without breaking the bank? With the Crazy DIY Lens Project, you can! This innovative project uses 3D printing technology to transform a disposable camera lens into a unique digital optic for your DSLR or mirrorless camera.


Crazy DIY Lens Project: 3D Printing a Digital Lens from a Disposable Camera


In this post, we'll dive into the details of the Crazy DIY Lens Project, including its history, how it works, and the benefits of creating your own digital lens. We'll also provide tips and tricks for getting the best results and discuss potential challenges you may encounter.


The History of the Crazy DIY Lens Project

The Crazy DIY Lens Project was created by a photographer and 3D printing enthusiast named Mathieu Stern. In 2015, Stern had the idea to repurpose a cheap and simple plastic lens from a disposable camera into a digital lens using 3D printing. He experimented with different lens designs and printing materials until he landed on a working prototype.

Since then, Stern has shared his design with the photography community, and many people have successfully printed their own custom digital lenses.

How It Works

To create a digital lens using the Crazy DIY Lens Project, you'll need a few key materials:
  • A disposable camera
  • A 3D printer and printing materials
  • A lens adapter for your camera

First, you'll need to disassemble the disposable camera and remove the plastic lens. Next, you'll need to use 3D printing software to design your lens. The software should allow you to input the exact measurements of the plastic lens you removed from the disposable camera. Once you have your design, you can print it using a 3D printer and the appropriate materials.

Finally, you'll need to attach your newly printed lens to a lens adapter that fits your camera mount. With the adapter in place, you can attach your custom digital lens to your camera and start shooting!

The Benefits of Creating Your Own Digital Lens

There are several benefits to creating your own digital lens using the Crazy DIY Lens Project. First, it's a great way to experiment with different lens designs and create a lens that is customized to your specific needs. Second, it's a much more affordable option than purchasing a traditional camera lens, especially if you already have access to a 3D printer.

Additionally, the 3D printing process allows for a high degree of precision and customization, so you can fine-tune your lens design until you achieve the desired results. Plus, creating your own lens can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Best Results

If you're interested in trying the Crazy DIY Lens Project for yourself, here are some tips and tricks for getting the best results:Experiment with different lens designs and printing materials to find what works best for your needs.

Be patient and take your time with the design and printing process. It may take a few tries to get the results you want.
Consider investing in a high-quality lens adapter to ensure a secure and accurate fit with your camera.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from others who have tried the Crazy DIY Lens Project before.

Potential Challenges

While the Crazy DIY Lens Project can be a fun and rewarding project, there are some potential challenges to keep in mind. For example, the 3D printing process can be time-consuming and may require some trial and error to get the results you want. 

Additionally, the quality of the lens you create may not be as good as a traditional camera lens, especially for more complex photography needs.

In conclusion, the Crazy DIY Lens Project is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of amateur photographers and makers. By repurposing a disposable camera lens and combining it with modern 3D printing technology, the creators of this project have made it possible for anyone to experiment with optics and create their own unique lenses.


While this project is not without its challenges and limitations, it is a great way to learn about the science of optics and experiment with different designs and materials. With some patience and perseverance, anyone can create their own custom lens and use it to capture unique and memorable images.


In the ever-evolving world of photography, it is important to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring new possibilities. The Crazy DIY Lens Project is just one example of the kind of innovative thinking that drives the industry forward and inspires the next generation of photographers and makers.


So, whether you are an experienced professional or an enthusiastic amateur, why not give the Crazy DIY Lens Project a try and see what kind of unique and creative images you can create?




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