Thought this interesting, but perhaps not a subject for APUG - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23579866
When I was a child my parents gave me a toy that was basically DIY optics projects. It included a telescope, binoculars, and a 35mm camera with telephoto lens. It was all plastic that snapped together. Unfortunately, I never successfully assembled the camera - but it did help me learn.
There are very nice sets for analogue plastic cameras, like: "DIY Recesky Twin Lens Reflex TLR Camera Assembly Set". They can be found on Ebay for about $15. Real fun and better than a Lomo.
