Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair

Flip up lens caps

Mongoose
Posted 30/07/2011 - 17:40 Link
Just thought I'd share an idea which my Dad has had for a lens cap which is difficult to lose, specifically for wildlife situations where speed of cap removal is paramount, but protection of the front element remains important.

They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so here is a 3000 word essay on the subject

Comment Image


Comment Image


Comment Image


The cap is a "bushwacker" optic cover designed for a rifle scope, and the largest available size is just right for a 58mm front element like the one on the 55-300 as well as quite a few other Pentax lenses. Securing it in place is a bit of a pain, but can be achieved fairly successfully using a cable tie. Dad says "it will come off if you pull hard enough", for example when enthusiastically removing the camera from a tight fitting camera bag, but for the most part it stays put.

We showed this to Chris@SRS this morning and he reckoned it's a pretty good idea so we thought we'd share it.

BTW, lighting for two of the above shots was provided using a "Rogue" flash bender supplied by Chris this morning. Thanks Chris! works like a charm!
you don't have to be mad to post here



but it does help
techno-terminator
Posted 30/07/2011 - 17:46 Link
Now I like that idea - I always have problems parking my lens cap

BUT

What happens if you are using a hood - like the petal shaped ones ?
let the education continue

proud owner of a couple of cameras and a few bits and bobs
Algernon
Posted 30/07/2011 - 17:54 Link
They've had them for years on Sony camcorders, but I've
never really liked the idea. Always snapping shut when
you don't notice it.

There used to be a black cord with a sticky fixing at either
end which just let the lens cap dangle in the air.
Half Man... Half Pentax ... Half Cucumber

Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff

Algi
Mongoose
Posted 30/07/2011 - 18:24 Link
Techno,

Unfortunately that is the problem with this idea, you can't use the petal hood with it, the rubber thing (technical term there!) does extend in front of the front element by an inch or so, so you get some benefit there but it's probably not as good as the original hood. The 55-300 doesn't come with a petal hood anyway so we haven't found it to be a problem for us.

Algernon, the beauty of the rifle scope ones is they're sprung, so they can't close on you at an awkward moment. We all find the solutions which work best for our needs
you don't have to be mad to post here



but it does help
Mike-P
Posted 30/07/2011 - 18:36 Link
Mongoose wrote:
The 55-300 doesn't come with a petal hood anyway so we haven't found it to be a problem for us.

The retail version does.

I am presuming you can't store the hood reversed either.
Gwyn
Posted 30/07/2011 - 18:36 Link
http://optechusa.com/accessories/converter-cap.html

Sorry they beat you to it - and they are sprung.

And you can still get the black cord sticky dangly things if you look hard enough. You can also make them fairly easily yourself.
Edited by Gwyn: 30/07/2011 - 18:36

Add Comment

To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.