Making a Camcorder Lens Cap

I recently bought a new camera bag for my camera, camcorder and accessories. Nothing wrong with it. I paid $23.95 (£12) for it on special on Amazon.

I put the camcorder in the bag lens down and worried that if an object from another compartment got underneath the lens it might damage the opening mechanism. So decided to make a lens cap on my 3D Printer that fits over the lens hood.

The code was very simple::

//Lens cap for camcorder

// Variables

capexd=71.7;  //external diameter of lens
thk=2;      //thickness
hyt=5;      //cap height

//End variables

$fn=100;

difference(){
    
translate([0,0,0]) cylinder(h=hyt+thk,d=capexd+(thk*2));
    
translate([0,0,thk]) cylinder(h=hyt+thk,d=capexd);   
    
}    

The result looked OK:

It took me a few test prints to get the size exactly right. I wanted it to slip on easily but not fall off. A 0.2mm adjustment made all the difference.

They only took a few minutes each to print.

The final result was quite pleasing.

Well, I was pleased anyway. It fits nicely and protects the lens mechanism. I could spray paint it black I suppose but being yellow means I can find it! and it is only used while the camcorder is in the camera bag.

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The process involved goes right over my head Bruce but I like the result :+1:

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It is a practical thing to make (I am not a 3D print model maker) and a bit of fun for me, I just enjoy the challenge.

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well done Bruce. I don’t have to bother as the HC-X1500 comes with a detachable shutter

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Do show

here it is Bruce


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sorry, yes, see it now, mine’s built into the camera. (can you buy a replacement?)

Edit:

It’s OK found 'em. $90 on Amazon

Just interested.

Excellent!

Looks good, but that’s not the shutter, surely? … not that I know anything about camcorders.

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No, it like the lens cover on compact cameras that opens when the lens comes out as the camera is turned on.

On my camcorder it jumps open when you turn on the camera either by opening the screen, pulling out the viewfinder or pressing the “on” button but I think on RS’s it is a manual affair separate from the camera - sort of a lens hood arrangement.

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Cool! What 3D printer do you have?

The cheapest - a Flashforge Adventurer 3 - it can only print something 150mm by 150mm by 150mm but for most things I need that is enough.

Occasionally I make things out of PET if they are to be used outdoors but most of the time am happy with PLA.

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