What can I repurpose as replacement lens cap for 03 fisheye ens?

NotSteve · 08-19-2013, 02:34 PM

Hey everybody,

Well, I've finally gone and lost the lens cover for the 03 fisheye lens. Seems to pop off a bit too easily on its own or pop out of my pockets more than other lenses (or maybe I just use it more than the others). I should have learned my lesson and put a bit of scotch table on the inside edge to reduce the circumference and make it a bit grippier -- too late for that now.

So, naturally I can order a replacement for about $10 + tx and shipping from any number of places, but that really seems a bit pricey. Since I can't be the only one having this problem, I thought I'd see if anyone else already figured out an alternative or could suggest one. I've got this feeling there is something that I'm just not thinking of -- some small commonly available plastic container I can just cut the end off -- which could be used.

Got any bright ideas?

Last edited by NotSteve; 08-19-2013 at 06:54 PM.

Kobayashi.K · 08-19-2013, 03:19 PM

Lately I was looking into the math required to make your own hood and came across the following threads:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/do-yourself/135542-diy-lens-hoods-no-math-required.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134700-optimum...culator-4.html

Perhaps you can get some ideas there.

**crewl1** · 08-19-2013, 03:33 PM

Find a source for individual units of these.
Kapsto 250 / 33.7 Polyethylene Protective Cap For Pipes, Yellow, 33.7 mm Tube OD (Pack of 100): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

You could try a plumbing supply shop.

For mine I found a generic plastic 33.7mm cap on ebay but don't see any at the moment.

snostorm · 08-19-2013, 03:39 PM

Hi NotSteve,

I'd probably try making one. You could use either resin coated paper or get some thin plastic sheet from a hobby or craft store (model makers use this kind of stuff for a lot of things) -- I've also used flexible thin plastic cutting boards from culinary stores. Trace around the front of the lens, then add 2x the depth that you want to the diameter and cut out the circle. Then cut wedges equal to the difference in circumference between the inner circle and outer, and fold them down, then use a good grade of electricialn's tape (I like 3M because it's thin and flexible and the adhesive doesn't get gummy over time) to cover and keep the sides in shape.

it's a little strange that you bring this up now -- yesterday, I noticed that my 03 cap was getting too loose, and I used some of the 3m tape to make it fit tighter. . .

Scott

Teddy 738 · 08-19-2013, 06:27 PM - **1 Like**

Hi NotSteve
Try a Pipe endcap from a Building Supply or Plumbing Store.
They are plastic,var.Colors used on Steel and/or EMT pipes
to protect the ends.I have a blue one in my hand and it is very
tight on the FE.

Ted

NotSteve · 08-19-2013, 06:50 PM

Wow, that was fast. Thanks to each of you for all the great suggestions! The 03 is such a winner on the Q -- gotta make sure it stays protected. Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order.

pinholecam · 08-19-2013, 07:03 PM

I had the misfortune to loose my 03 cap in Tokyo recently.

When I had time at night, I made a hood out of card and some tape.
That tided me over till I gave in and just bought a replacement from the Pentax Forum (in Shinjuku)

Teddy 738 · 08-19-2013, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by NotSteve

Wow, that was fast. Thanks to each of you for all the great suggestions! The 03 is such a winner on the Q -- gotta make sure it stays protected. Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order.

Hi
Let us know how it goes,if you can't find one,PM me and i'll send you one.
Good Luck.

Ted

GibbyTheMole · 08-20-2013, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by NotSteve

So, naturally I can order a replacement for about $10 + tx and shipping from any number of places, but that really seems a bit pricey.

LOL... That seems more than a bit pricey.

Kobayashi.K · 08-20-2013, 07:55 AM

Well, 10 USD is actually cheep

. I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it

GibbyTheMole · 08-20-2013, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by Kobayashi.K

I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD).

Agreed... That is a ripoff.

NotSteve · 08-20-2013, 05:59 PM

Well, I guess no one picks up photography because it's a cheap hobby, at least not most ordinary folk.

Anyhow Kobayashi, I sympathize, that is crazy expensive for a hood. On the other hand I think generic 49mm thread hoods are readily available on ebay... I was fortunate that when I broke the hood for my 55-300mm, a generic duplicate item was easily found online for much cheaper price than the OEM part.

For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across.

Anyhow, very good leads given by forum members to find the right item. Pipe end caps located at Lowe's, but far too big. Will update when I get it sorted. Alternatively, thanks very much for the kind offer to send one Ted. I'll you know.

Originally posted by Kobayashi.K

Well, 10 USD is actually cheep

. I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it

**monochrome** · 08-20-2013, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by NotSteve

For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across.

Hah Hah! Mine just came today and I had (still having) precisely the same discomfiting sensation. There are throw-away end caps on all kinds of partially assembled household furnishings to protect them during shipping - I think that's what I'm remembering (I save that kind of stuff in a big jar on my workbench).

Or it is some kind of bottle cap with the threads shaved off the inside.

snostorm · 08-20-2013, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by Kobayashi.K

Well, 10 USD is actually cheep

. I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it

Hi Kobayashi,

I picked up one of these for my FA 50/1.4 and F 50/1.7. It's not an OEM copy relatively light plastic, but hasn't proven to be fragile, and it's convenient enough -- snaps on like a pinch cap, either forward for use, or reversed for storage, and a 49mm pinch cap will fit on it while reversed. Being square, I doubt that the shorter FL will cause any vignetting. Might be worth a try.

Sorry for taking an OT turn. . .

Scott

GibbyTheMole · 08-20-2013, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by NotSteve

For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across.

Here's a thing to remember with the cap for the 03, though... If you look at the inside, there are little protrusions that stop the cap from making contact with the convex front element. If you stick something else on there, unless it's deep enough for the focusing ring to stop it, it might rub up against the glass. That's what I'd be concerned about with a DIY cap on that particular lens. If it was a regular flat lens with filter threads, it wouldn't be a problem.

08-19-2013, 02:34 PM	#1
NotSteve Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 200	What can I repurpose as replacement lens cap for 03 fisheye ens? Hey everybody, Well, I've finally gone and lost the lens cover for the 03 fisheye lens. Seems to pop off a bit too easily on its own or pop out of my pockets more than other lenses (or maybe I just use it more than the others). I should have learned my lesson and put a bit of scotch table on the inside edge to reduce the circumference and make it a bit grippier -- too late for that now. So, naturally I can order a replacement for about $10 + tx and shipping from any number of places, but that really seems a bit pricey. Since I can't be the only one having this problem, I thought I'd see if anyone else already figured out an alternative or could suggest one. I've got this feeling there is something that I'm just not thinking of -- some small commonly available plastic container I can just cut the end off -- which could be used. Got any bright ideas? Last edited by NotSteve; 08-19-2013 at 06:54 PM.

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08-19-2013, 03:19 PM	#2
Kobayashi.K Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 716	Lately I was looking into the math required to make your own hood and came across the following threads: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/do-yourself/135542-diy-lens-hoods-no-math-required.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/134700-optimum...culator-4.html Perhaps you can get some ideas there.

08-19-2013, 03:33 PM	#3
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Find a source for individual units of these. Kapsto 250 / 33.7 Polyethylene Protective Cap For Pipes, Yellow, 33.7 mm Tube OD (Pack of 100): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific You could try a plumbing supply shop. For mine I found a generic plastic 33.7mm cap on ebay but don't see any at the moment.

08-19-2013, 03:39 PM	#4
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Hi NotSteve, I'd probably try making one. You could use either resin coated paper or get some thin plastic sheet from a hobby or craft store (model makers use this kind of stuff for a lot of things) -- I've also used flexible thin plastic cutting boards from culinary stores. Trace around the front of the lens, then add 2x the depth that you want to the diameter and cut out the circle. Then cut wedges equal to the difference in circumference between the inner circle and outer, and fold them down, then use a good grade of electricialn's tape (I like 3M because it's thin and flexible and the adhesive doesn't get gummy over time) to cover and keep the sides in shape. it's a little strange that you bring this up now -- yesterday, I noticed that my 03 cap was getting too loose, and I used some of the 3m tape to make it fit tighter. . . Scott

08-19-2013, 06:27 PM - 1 Like	#5
Teddy 738 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 54	Hi NotSteve Try a Pipe endcap from a Building Supply or Plumbing Store. They are plastic,var.Colors used on Steel and/or EMT pipes to protect the ends.I have a blue one in my hand and it is very tight on the FE. Ted

08-19-2013, 06:50 PM	#6
NotSteve Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 200 Original Poster	Wow, that was fast. Thanks to each of you for all the great suggestions! The 03 is such a winner on the Q -- gotta make sure it stays protected. Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order.

08-19-2013, 07:03 PM	#7
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,709	I had the misfortune to loose my 03 cap in Tokyo recently. When I had time at night, I made a hood out of card and some tape. That tided me over till I gave in and just bought a replacement from the Pentax Forum (in Shinjuku)

08-19-2013, 07:06 PM	#8
Teddy 738 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 54	Originally posted by NotSteve Wow, that was fast. Thanks to each of you for all the great suggestions! The 03 is such a winner on the Q -- gotta make sure it stays protected. Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order. Hi Let us know how it goes,if you can't find one,PM me and i'll send you one. Good Luck. Ted

08-20-2013, 04:30 AM	#9
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Originally posted by NotSteve So, naturally I can order a replacement for about $10 + tx and shipping from any number of places, but that really seems a bit pricey. LOL... That seems more than a bit pricey.

08-20-2013, 07:55 AM	#10
Kobayashi.K Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 716	Well, 10 USD is actually cheep . I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it

08-20-2013, 08:00 AM	#11
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Originally posted by Kobayashi.K I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). Agreed... That is a ripoff.

08-20-2013, 05:59 PM	#12
NotSteve Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 200 Original Poster	Well, I guess no one picks up photography because it's a cheap hobby, at least not most ordinary folk. Anyhow Kobayashi, I sympathize, that is crazy expensive for a hood. On the other hand I think generic 49mm thread hoods are readily available on ebay... I was fortunate that when I broke the hood for my 55-300mm, a generic duplicate item was easily found online for much cheaper price than the OEM part. For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across. Anyhow, very good leads given by forum members to find the right item. Pipe end caps located at Lowe's, but far too big. Will update when I get it sorted. Alternatively, thanks very much for the kind offer to send one Ted. I'll you know. Originally posted by Kobayashi.K Well, 10 USD is actually cheep . I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it

08-20-2013, 06:19 PM	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by NotSteve For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across. Hah Hah! Mine just came today and I had (still having) precisely the same discomfiting sensation. There are throw-away end caps on all kinds of partially assembled household furnishings to protect them during shipping - I think that's what I'm remembering (I save that kind of stuff in a big jar on my workbench). Or it is some kind of bottle cap with the threads shaved off the inside.

08-20-2013, 07:25 PM	#14
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Originally posted by Kobayashi.K Well, 10 USD is actually cheep . I need a MH-RA 49 hood for the FA43, its here 52,- Euro (about 45,- USD). I think I'm going to make one from a filter ring + short tube glued to it Hi Kobayashi, I picked up one of these for my FA 50/1.4 and F 50/1.7. It's not an OEM copy relatively light plastic, but hasn't proven to be fragile, and it's convenient enough -- snaps on like a pinch cap, either forward for use, or reversed for storage, and a 49mm pinch cap will fit on it while reversed. Being square, I doubt that the shorter FL will cause any vignetting. Might be worth a try. Sorry for taking an OT turn. . . Scott

08-20-2013, 08:14 PM	#15
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Originally posted by NotSteve For the 03 fisheye, I just got such a sense of deja vu looking at the lens cap when I still had it -- it seemed terribly familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen one before. I mean it is so generic it probably isn't even a lens cap but something else that someone at Pentax stumbled across. Here's a thing to remember with the cap for the 03, though... If you look at the inside, there are little protrusions that stop the cap from making contact with the convex front element. If you stick something else on there, unless it's deep enough for the focusing ring to stop it, it might rub up against the glass. That's what I'd be concerned about with a DIY cap on that particular lens. If it was a regular flat lens with filter threads, it wouldn't be a problem.