A 3D-printed, two-tone orange and white device labeled 'ADAPTED OPTICS' sits on moss, embodying Thomas Spicher's vision for a customizable lens company.

Thomas Spicher Transforms Thrift Store Find into Customizable Lens Company, Adapted Optics

2026-09-05

From Thrift Store Camera to Innovative Lens with a Customizable Lens Company

Thomas Spicher, inspired by a serendipitous thrift store find—a Kodak VR35 K12 camera—has launched Adapted Optics, setting the photography world abuzz with his “Everyday Lens.” This innovative enterprise introduces a 3D-printed body paired with a lens reclaimed from a disposable camera, melding nostalgic film charm with modern precision.

Vintage Kodak VR35 K12 film camera with a built-in flash on display. — Kodak VR35 K12

The Journey Begins

The adventure started when Spicher stumbled upon the Kodak VR35 K12. This moment sparked his creativity; he disassembled the camera, adapted its lens to his mirrorless setup, and was captivated by the results. “Luck led me to this discovery,” Spicher recalls, while explaining how a brass ring and helix teeth uniquely fit his design vision.

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Thomas Spicher surrounded by various lens parts, focusing on an open project. — Thomas Spicher with a bunch of lens parts

The Everyday Lens: Versatile and Accessible

Spicher eventually honed in on a lens from disposable cameras, ensuring every Everyday Lens features the same optics. Available mounts include Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and more. As an adaptable lens provider, every lens features manual focus and interchangeable apertures ranging from f/7 to f/23, plus a cross-shaped aperture for creative bokeh effects.

Black 3D-printed lens adapter and fasteners on a green cutting mat, labeled 'ADAPTED OPTICS'. — A 3D-printed black circular lens adapter labeled “ADAPTED OPTICS” sits next to a small rectangular strip containing four integrated nut-shaped fasteners on a green cutting mat.

Different mounts necessitate adjustments due to varying flange distances, maintaining an infinity focus. “Leica and Canon require the lens nearer to the body, whereas Nikon’s needs sit further away,” Spicher elaborates, showcasing the flexibility of his designs.

Night scene with a ticket booth next to a brightly illuminated carnival stall. — A ticket booth stands next to a brightly lit carnival game stall at night.

Launching Adapted Optics

The passion project evolved into Adapted Optics, a full-fledged enterprise. Originally unsure of his career path, Spicher’s graphic design background couldn’t hold his interest. “Curiosity led me here through trial and error,” he states. His story encourages others to follow their passions, no matter the risk.

Person wearing a cap and holding a camera with an orange 3D-printed lens cap. — A person wearing a baseball cap holds a camera with a bright orange, circular 3D-printed lens cap in front of their face.

Beyond lens design, challenges like branding and marketing were formidable. These tasks, Spicher says, can lead to burnout after the initial excitement fades.

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Innovation Through Customization

Spicher emphasizes the uniqueness of his offerings compared to competitors who often compromise on control. As a specialist in tailored optics, the Everyday Lens allows users to customize focus ring texture, color, and mount. A cinema version caters to professional filmmakers with modifiable gears for a follow-focus system.

Exploded view of aligned mechanical components with 'ADAPTED OPTICS' engraved. — An exploded view of four mechanical components aligned vertically on a grid, with the text “ADAPTED OPTICS” engraved on the bottom piece.

“Camera lenses should express creativity,” asserts Spicher, highlighting his focus on personalization.

Hand holding a small 3D-printed camera lens with a glass center, blurred backdrop. — A hand holds a small, circular, 3D-printed camera lens assembly with a glass element in the center against a blurred workbench background.

If this customization becomes an obstacle, Spicher mentions reevaluating to ensure efficient production without sacrificing quality.

A Fresh Take on Photography

The Everyday Lens, compact and lightweight, aims to inspire photographers to capture the world in new ways. Spicher shares, “This lens reignited my passion for photography,” and hopes others will feel the same.

Red Porsche 924 modified for off-road with rally lights, parked on forest dirt path. — A red Porsche 924 modified for off-road use with a roof rack, spare tire, and rally lights sits on a dirt path in a forest.

Get Yours Soon

The Everyday Lens by this innovative product from Adapted Optics will be available to preorder soon, with an initial run of 50 custom units. Interested photographers can sign up for notifications on the company’s website to be among the first to experience this innovative tool.

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

What inspired Thomas Spicher to start Adapted Optics?

Thomas Spicher was inspired to start Adapted Optics after discovering a Kodak VR35 K12 camera in a thrift store. This find sparked his creativity and led him to adapt its lens to his mirrorless setup, resulting in captivating outcomes.

What features does the Everyday Lens offer?

The Everyday Lens features a 3D-printed body with a lens reclaimed from a disposable camera, manual focus, and interchangeable apertures ranging from f/7 to f/23. Available mounts include Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and more, catering to photographers’ needs.

How can photographers try the Everyday Lens?

The Everyday Lens will be available to preorder soon, with an initial run of 50 custom units. Interested photographers can sign up for notifications on the company’s website to be among the first to experience this innovative tool.