The HAL 9000's most defining visual characteristic is the eye. The original HAL 9000 eye was a Nikkor fish-eye lens and in my world, a fish-eye lens is characterized by the "bulbous" protrusion. Given that the original lens is very expensive and that alternatives come and go, I decided to see what I could find that allowed creating a good looking, inexpensive lens (eye) from components. In doing so, I came across LED projector lens (used in cars and projectors I believe). And so far I'm delighted with it.
I wanted the lens to be glass and preferrably, when complete, imitated the lens elements as well as the multi-coated coloring of a real lens. Hopefully someone here can help with that.
My personal goal it to create a very good imitation. For me, it doesn't need to be 100% perfect as long as it catches the essence. If you want 100%, have at it.
Everyone, feel free to add the conversation herein and build on the design. BTW ... this need not be used only for a HAL/SAL 9000. It may be usable for other props.
This builds on the phenomenal work here: https://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=119324
Also credit due here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1805762 He uses clear plastic ornament bulbs cut to size.
The LED lens as received is a four piece assembly (Glass lens, reflector (blue in images from protective plastic), mounting ring and retaining ring). It was less than $9 delivered. Search eBay for "70mm Lens + 79mm Reflector Collimator" or similar.As I recall, there were other sizes that was a few mm +/- and may be more screen accurate in dimensions.
I'm not sure if I'll use all the components and are included here FYI.
Overall assembly
Mounting ring
Lens dimensions
Flange thickness
Below is the approximate lens height.
View attachment IMG_0477T.jpg
Inside dimension (where curve starts)
Outside dimension
Below is the reflector, still in blue plastic. Dimension shown is the center square. I'm not sure if this will be usable.
Since it is recessed, there is room for additional lens elements without needing (maybe) to go deeper into the prop. One problem, as I see it, with some of the camera lens options is that the lens protrudes from the back. And cutting a hole in the wall is not an option!!!
So there is the start. I hope this is fun and helpful.
- - - Updated - - -
Here are a couple more pictures:
Retaining ring
Mounting flange
I wanted the lens to be glass and preferrably, when complete, imitated the lens elements as well as the multi-coated coloring of a real lens. Hopefully someone here can help with that.
My personal goal it to create a very good imitation. For me, it doesn't need to be 100% perfect as long as it catches the essence. If you want 100%, have at it.
Everyone, feel free to add the conversation herein and build on the design. BTW ... this need not be used only for a HAL/SAL 9000. It may be usable for other props.
This builds on the phenomenal work here: https://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=119324
Also credit due here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1805762 He uses clear plastic ornament bulbs cut to size.
The LED lens as received is a four piece assembly (Glass lens, reflector (blue in images from protective plastic), mounting ring and retaining ring). It was less than $9 delivered. Search eBay for "70mm Lens + 79mm Reflector Collimator" or similar.As I recall, there were other sizes that was a few mm +/- and may be more screen accurate in dimensions.
I'm not sure if I'll use all the components and are included here FYI.
Overall assembly
Mounting ring
Lens dimensions
Flange thickness
Below is the approximate lens height.
View attachment IMG_0477T.jpg
Inside dimension (where curve starts)
Outside dimension
Below is the reflector, still in blue plastic. Dimension shown is the center square. I'm not sure if this will be usable.
Since it is recessed, there is room for additional lens elements without needing (maybe) to go deeper into the prop. One problem, as I see it, with some of the camera lens options is that the lens protrudes from the back. And cutting a hole in the wall is not an option!!!
So there is the start. I hope this is fun and helpful.
- - - Updated - - -
Here are a couple more pictures:
Retaining ring
Mounting flange
