I am aware
VR labs published an article on their page about confirming the earlier waves of the lenses were shipped out with ill fitting adapters, and this had been rectified. However when I asked them to clarify further and if this was still an issue in any way, I received no response.
Therefore, I had been following the topics elsewhere about making your own adapter because the fit quality of the VR labs lenses were still poor according to recent buyers (and they also are expensive lenses).
I have since gone the DIY route and having received all the pieces back, they are fitted and working 100% in my Rift. There is less than 1mm of space between the two lenses(inserts and the original Rift), that can be adjusted minutely back out to about 1.5-2mm if you desire.
I suspect most people will get them as close as possible without touching, as they stay in place.
The version I used (#2 below) :
Adapters
1.
Popular round lens base design comes in 40mm and 43mm variant, to be used in conjunction with Zenni Optical models
450015 or
550021 respectively.
2.
Revised version of above, includes wider adapter frame, tighter fit and detachable lens inserts. Comes in 40mm and 43mm variant, to be used in conjunction with Zenni Optical models
450015 or
550021 respectively.
3.
Alternative design for Zarruchi lenses, good option for
Australian based users who want local dealings
4.
VR lab official
Uses the Rift standard sized lens
**
5.
VR lab lens alternative. Similar to what you would receive from VR labs, yet with a stronger fitting one piece frame. Uses the Rift standard sized lens**
** Sizes are HxW:
Rift - 51.8mm x 54.7mm
Vive - 50.1mm 46.7mm
Where to print/buy
h
ttps://www.3dhubs.com/3dprint
1. Upload your .stl file(s) {which you downloaded earlier from the links above in this post}
2. Select 'General Purpose Plastics'
3. In the filter section, select 'Recommended' and then leave the others at default.
4. To the right, input your location either by zip/post code, state/province and/or country
5. Below that is a 'materials' search box. Input "PLA" no quotes and then hit the Enter key
6. Browse your results
Things to look for :
- Available material - ideally they offer ABS, though PLA will do. Additionally clicking on 'See All Materials' (if given) will bring up another window, that indicates other materials available and on the right side column, the cost to change the micron or layering level. As a reminder, 200 microns is fine for this adapter, and 100 is even better).
- The price (which is calculated for one quantity of the print .stl you uploaded
- The delivery service they offer and it's related price
- The ready by date is how soon it can be made, not delivered.
None of them speak about infill, though I suspect as long as it's structurally intact, then it does not matter - in fact the less infill the better to save weight on your face.
If you are a UK resident, I highly recommend using George's shop as pictured above. He was able to make them the same day and shipped the next business day. The print was expected, finished well and fit as intended.
Go here to reach a
quote link for him (click on
Get a Quote From this Hub at the top right)
Please give George a try if you are UK based. Feel free to ask questions. He's an engineer and physicist...a 'boffin' as it were.
If you have any others to suggest, please do and we can compile a list based on location for everyone's ease of access and use.
Where to buy lenses
40mm
43mm
Rift standard
Australia/NZ geo specific (or is it sympathetic?)
Notes on the Lenses
First and foremost, if you have not had an eye exam in less than a year, have one done. It may be premature, though better to be accurate now than order lenses that are for an aged prescription.
If ordering from Zenni, I would recommend that you meet your prescription in every way possible including Prism***
- Anti reflective - oleophobic coating
- No blueguard**
- No high index* (unless your prescription requests it)
- No other features
*** Prism is extremely important when using the Rift and other similar devices.
Also know that prisms are usually spread across both eyes. If you have a prism in your right eye of +3.0, your prescription most likely reads +1.5 prism on each eye, and then the the direction or 'base' which could be "up" or "out"
If you have a really low prism such as +0.50 then it's unlikely it is spread onto both eyes, as the lower number you get, the less possible it is to split the prism. Zenni do offer 0.25 though I wouldn't risk it. Stick with the recommendation by your optometrist.
Zenni will ask you to submit information for both eyes if you opt for a prism adjustment. If you only have it on one eye, then leave the other eye information blank.
** The jury is still out on the significance of blue light when using digital devices and whether it affects your melatonin. If it is not in your glasses prescription, then skip it.
* High index is about aesthetics in most cases, for those with high prescription that results in thick lenses, it allows them a more thinner pleasant looking lens. The extra thickness should be on the back side of the lens, not the front, meaning it won't cause spacing issues between the Rift lenses and the adapter lenses. This is another reason to avoid reversing the orientation of the lenses as done by VR lens labs.
Installation
- Do one lens at a time
- Pay careful attention to the top area of the lens alignment while it is still in the glasses frame. It is advised to mark it with a Sharpie or similar style marker at the top's flat side. You will not see it in your view when playing
- When removing the lenses, check the underside of where the frame meets the lens to see if there's a small screw. If so, loosen it and the lens will come free ; otherwise they may be push out lenses. Zennis listed above are the screw type.
- When you slot the lens into groove of the adapter or adapter frame, pinch it at the top and bottom firmly but not excessively. Then put it up to your respective eye and gently rotate it with the free hand - just to ensure that the 'top' point you marked earlier does indeed give you the best vision. You will know because to much deviation and you will start to lose focus or clarity. Once you are happy with the alignment, you are done. If you are using the version with removable inserts, do as recommended above for the alignment, yet then also hold it a bit tighter afterwards while you insert it into the frame itself. Once it's in, it will be harder to rotate than before though it can be done if you need final adjustments.
Final figures (including shipping)
- 43mm lens adapter print - $9
- Prescrption Zenni 43mm lenses with Prism and anti glare $32.95
If you do not have a prism, then subtract $9.95 and if you live in America the shipping may be less.
Final thoughts
- Eliminated the pain and inconvenience of glasses
- Eliminated the pain and inconvenience of contacts
- Means Lasek doesn't have to be in your future
- Cost effective vs other marketed solutions
- Suitable for any one whom already has prescription or plano glasses
- Confirmed working, stable
- Provides better FOV
- Protect your Rift lenses
- Makes sharing the Rift with others easier and better, particularly with the hot swap adapter versions
If you've been toying with this idea, take the plunge, it is worth it. The turn around time for all the parts was less than two weeks, despite being the Christmas season.
