The Handmade/ Modified Lens

[Fragomeni]

Hello all. I was hoping that we could open up a discussion on handmade and modified lenses. This isn't a discussion of the validity of such techniques or whether or not you like them so lets keep those comments out of here please.

There are many photographers who have taken the concept of Holga photography and taken it to the next level by making and modifying their lenses to help get the closer to their vision. Some such photographers include Peter Liepke and Susan Burnstine to name just a couple. Some such techniques include molding lenses out of plastic, breaking or damaging glass lenses, modifying filters and using them in front of the lens, etc. If you have experience with making or modifying lenses please chime in and discuss your process and modifications. Detailed explanations of the various methods to make a lens would be appreciated. Feel free to include images of your work with these lenses as examples.

This should be an interesting conversation. Thanks all who contribute!

 

[BobCrowley]

Perhaps cobbled is the term to describe what I often do with loose lenses made for something other than picture taking. Here is a taped up example, one of many different combinations of condenser lenses, old magnifiers, etc. that I often play with.

Of course the Speed Graphic is the real secret to such experimentation.

http://new55project.blogspot.com/2010/11/9-f3-portrait-lens.html