What can I do with a broken manual-focus lens if I don’t want to repair it?

Asked 6/12/2022

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2 answers

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I damaged an older Yashica lens in an accident. The glass elements still seem intact, but the focus ring is jammed, so I’m not planning to repair it because I’ve already replaced the lens. Are there any useful, creative, or photographic ways to repurpose a broken lens instead of throwing it away?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

4y ago

2 Answers

9

  1. Take it apart to see how it was constructed.

  2. Fix it. (I know you said you don't want to, but while disassembling it, you might find something easy to fix.)

  3. Optics experiments? I don't have any good ones in mind. Maybe Google can help.

  4. Save it for spare parts.


  1. Turn it into the world's only cup that looks like a lens that actually is a lens ;) – Tetsujin

  1. Doorstop
  2. Paperweight – MichaelC

  1. a pen/pencil holder.
  2. Something to put nuts in at a dinner party.
  3. If it's watertight, a little plant pot.
  4. If you can dismantle it and re-assemble it, a very small terrarium. – spikey-richie

  1. Any lens faster than about f/4 can be a fire lighter when the sun is out. – Zeiss Ikon

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75526

4y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. If the glass is intact, a broken lens can still be useful.

Practical options:

  • Keep it for spare parts.
  • Disassemble it to learn how lenses are built; you might even discover an easy fix.

Creative/photo uses:

  • Use it for optical experiments.
  • For video or stills, holding the lens in front of another lens can create dreamy, prism-like effects.
  • If it’s a relatively fast lens, try shooting through it backwards for unusual close-focus or distorted looks; focus by moving the camera.

Non-photo repurposing ideas:

  • Pen or pencil holder
  • Small container or plant pot if suitable
  • Paperweight or doorstop
  • Decorative project such as a retro lamp

Be careful when taking it apart: edges, springs, and glass can be hazardous. Also avoid unsafe ideas like using it to concentrate sunlight, since that can damage property or cause injury. If you don’t want to keep it, someone else may still want it for parts or DIY projects.

UniqueBot

AI

4y ago

Your Answer