Errr! Chipped My Gopro Lens

[SalvageSV]

Went to film an updated segment for the exhaust install video I've been working on and made the mistake of not having a protective lens on with the frame mount. I set the tripod down and the legs weren't set right and it tipped right over. Lens first onto the concrete.

The chip is just below center. Luckily it doesn't affect the image too much. I've got a slight soft spot in the bottom of the frame. I think I can live with it.

What sucks is that it was my primary camera ... a 3+ Black. I've got a 3 Black that's my secondary but it doesn't have the same features and the color isn't as good. Not sure if I'll keep using the 3+ with damage as the primary or move to the 3. At least I have a backup though, right?

Either way, it's just annoying and I thought I'd rant to you all. I haven't reached out to GoPro about a repair, but it seems like their fix is to sell you a replacement. Awesome.

 

[MiGlyRides]

Oh no! That's a sad read, now we're expecting pics in the What have you done to your bike today thread & a video are you going to leave the fall in the edited video?

 

[SalvageSV]

Oh yeah! I need to put some pics in there. I installed a front fender too!

The camera wasn't running when it fell. I had just walked outside and put it down in the garage before grabbing tools and what not.

 

[MiGlyRides]

Oh yeah! I need to put some pics in there. I installed a front fender too!

The camera wasn't running when it fell. I had just walked outside and put it down in the garage before grabbing tools and what not.

That's the worst! not even footage of the moment.. Well hopefully it's somewhat salvageable (for use) like you say.

 

[ChunksLife]

damn thats so unlucky what was the chances of it landing on the lens

 

[SalvageSV]

damn thats so unlucky what was the chances of it landing on the lens

Pretty good, actually. It protrudes from the front by about 1/8".

 

[SalvageSV]

The damage.

 

[Redmonkey]

If its glass could you polish it out?

 

[SwissMotard]

You can replace the lenses.

 

[SalvageSV]

You can replace the lenses.

Not from what I've found. You can get replacements for the housings, but not the convex lens on the camera itself. If you have seen one, shoot me a link!

 

[SwissMotard]

You can 100% replace the lens as I've done it before by buying a very cheap broken GoPro and swapping it out.

As you already have 2 just swap your lenses around.

 

[SalvageSV]

Oh, I'm with you now. Yeah, that may be an option.

 

[SwissMotard]

Be warned, it's a pain to do so take your time.

 

[SighBored]

Good luck with the fix.

 

[jthomas]

Bugger! Good luck fixing it up.

 

[mykb93]

I have the excact same issue with my 3. My daughter dropped it and now its chipped right in the middle of the lens. I have searched youtube to find diy videos but seems like to much work. I was actually looking today at the Sena cameras. Might be time for a change.

 

[SalvageSV]

Yeah, I'm currently weighing options. The issue isn't too bad, but there is a soft spot in view. See attached with focus on front wheel area.

I'm weighing taking it to a jeweler for a quote on polishing to see if it might just make it less noticeable, but I'm worried about an overall degradation of the image with that process.

 

[mykb93]

Mine is A LOT worse than that. In this image... that entire black spot dead center... Yep that's what mine looks like.