Need a replacement factory lens for the Raspberry Pi Camera V2 NOIR

Question

Is it possible to get a replacement factory lens for the Raspberry Pi Camera V2 NOIR? I scratched the lens when trying to re-focus it. It is frustrating that the V2 cameras are not focused to infinity which is what I was trying to do when I scratched the lens. Does anyone have any tips on refocusing the camera to infinity?

DAB · Answer

Hi Matt,

While the lens appears to be focused other than infinity, that is because the focus was set for the IR spectrum.

In visible, light, the lens is slightly out of focus for infinity. When you use a filter to just pass the near IR wavelengths, you will find it properly focused for far field objects.

I would just go to someplace like Edmond scientific and get a replacement lens, but honestly, for the cost, it would be easier just to replace the camera.

That said, I would find an old film or digital camera and just embed the IR sensor using its lens.

You have lots of options with just a clear sensor.

DAB

andyydna · Answer

I, also scratched my camera lens. I found this thread searching for just the lens — no luck, but Adafruit does sell the adjusting tool Lens Adjustment Tool for Raspberry Pi Camera PRODUCT ID: 3518.

shabaz · Answer

Hi Mathew,

I don't know where a replacement lens could be obtained from (I think some people sell third party larger lens mounts but more expensive than the camera), but if the scratch isn't large it may still be usable.

Regarding focusing the lens, some people have had success with a credit card and knife, see here:

https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=176701

and here:

https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=145815&start=200#p971545

There is also a 3D-printed tool option but pricey to order if you don't have a 3D printer to create it. I have tried the 3D-printed option and although it works it isn't a spectacular tool either, even if you get it professionally 3D-printed, because the cutout needs to be fairly precise.