Permanently Preventing Fogging of the GoPro Lens

Friday, January 02, 2009 / Posted by Rambo /

I'm currently testing a few permanent solutions to fogging internally of the "Wide Angle" GoPro Lens. Nothing peeves me more than excitedly loading the days footage into the PC, only to find 40mins of it is engulfed in fog and useless, especially as i know there were some hooten' runs on it.

Here is what I'm testing and why it will work.

Protective Vents provide continuous airflow in sealed housings without allowing contaminants to enter because of the proprietary expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane in the vent. This unique ePTFE membrane has a low surface tension, so it repels liquids, such as water, oil, and surfactants, as well as preventing dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the housing.

You will need to drill a small hole in the case (about 3mm, i will be able to give you the tested location) and glue or press fit one of these little vents in the picture below. The alternative is to drill the same hole size and glue a stick on piece of the vent fabric over the hole. I like the first option better as it's permanent but just have to be sure there is no interference with the cam in the case.

I will have some feedback on the results in a couple of days. But test so far indicate it is a bloody ripper.

Cheers Rambo

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6 comments:

Comment by Mindy on January 04, 2009

I once tried to use rain-x on my lens for water spots. BIG MISTAKE!

Comment by Rambo on January 04, 2009

RainX needs to be rubbed on then polished off. If you leave a thick layer of film on there, the silicon in the formula causes "oil ringing" or "rainbowing" around high contrast areas of the footage.

I would NEVER put RainX on a camera lens, only a waterproof case port like on the GoPro.

Comment by hanshead on March 13, 2009

Rambo,
Just curious about your test results...
Is the case still fully submersible with the vents? How deep?
Aloha,
Eric

Comment by Rambo on March 13, 2009

Yes Eric it works very well, but it's not for everyone as you have to modify the case and void your warranty.

However, condensation will eventually claim your GoPro anyway if it continues to fog so it may in fact prolong the cam.

Cheers Rambo

Comment by Drizzle on August 15, 2009

I'm having trouble with my GoPro fogging. Where did you purchase the Gore "Press-Fit Vents" from? Can they be purchased on-line? With a vent installed how deep can you take the camera? Finally; you state that "...i will be able to give you the tested location" - please, I'd like to know where.

Comment by dan on November 16, 2009

mine is fogging also. pisses me off, some frigging good waves today and it was fog smeared.

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