Making the LPK-M

After several decades of experimenting with pinhole photography and building my own cameras, I wanted something pinhole-like and portable for my rangefinder. The idea of a travel camera - I remembered an old college experiment where I'd replaced my camera lens with a magnifying glass. I couldn't get the results I wanted back then, as I didn't fully grasp how the elements worked. But that seed of blurred images stuck with me.

I began making prototypes. A hybrid pinhole-lens, something that existed between primitive optics and pinhole photography. At first it was just for me. Then other photographers started asking if I could make them one too.

THE EVOLUTION

The MKI was trying too hard to be a "good lens" (in the traditional sense). Over time, I let the conventional idea of sharp-perfection go. The MKIII embraces what makes this lens unique: dreamlike images with subtle sharpness fading to painterly distortion at the edges.

Photographers who've used it tell me it feels similar to working with pinhole but with its own character. And being able to shoot handheld is what they find most refreshing and different.

HOW IT WORKS

The LPK-M uses a simple high-quality glass element (made in Japan) combined with a fixed micro aperture. The center delivers pinhole-like sharpness while the edges create a beautiful smearing effect.

Focal Length: ~28mm equivalent
Aperture: Fixed at f/32 or f/64
Focus: Fixed focus
Mount: Leica M mount

SHOOTING WITH IT

This lens is NOT for everyone. But once one understands its limitations, it can create refreshing unique images for street, travel, and abstract nature photography. . .

There is no need for focusing - simply shoot and spend your time on composition and shutter speed. The small aperture often means higher ISOs or slower speeds, which requires a different way of seeing.

It's suited for daylight handheld shooting, but also interesting for long exposure and ICM work.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHERS SAY

"What surprised me when I got home and opened the files was how much more 'pop' the results had than I was expecting... The single glass element here doesn't make for high contrast, that's for sure, but it definitely brings something to the table a pinhole lens doesn't."

Quote: Hamish Gill - 35mmc

WHO IT'S FOR

This lens is for art photographers seeking experimental results, street photographers wanting a distinctive aesthetic, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted, DIY punk, one-of-a-kind optics. If you're working on creative projects that need an unconventional look, this might be it.

WHERE I'M AT

This is something I'm super proud of. What seems minimalist and simple has had so much time and thought put into making it just simple and fun to use. The MKIII is still handmade and I try to keep them in stock, but they often sell out quickly. Please contact me if you'd like to order one.

I'm starting to think about what's next. I want to combine all my experience, experiments, and creations from the last 27 years into one piece - the LENS PUNK camera. A primitive-inspired wooden box camera with the LENS PUNK lens fitted. Something that brings everything I've learned (or un-learned) together.

Want to see more examples? Check out the full review at 35mmc