After many flips, rolls and crashes, the camera flew off and hit a rock. The plastic lens sustained some minor scratches that were barley noticeable in the videos.

But I decided to replace the OEM lens with a new one since they are readily available on Amazon or eBay for anywhere from $10 to $15.

The correct lens to purchase is a 170 degree wide angle 2.5mm lens with an M12 thread. They are most commonly marketed as being compatible with the GoPro HERO1 or HERO2 action cameras.

I bought the Techno Earth® 2.5mm Lens.

The only tools needed to complete this lens change procedure are a small flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers.

You can use your fingernail to lift up a corner or carefully use a small flathead screwdriver.

Once you have the cover popped off, set it aside in a safe place.

Then gently pry up the plastic ring that surrounds the lens with the small flathead screwdriver.

You may have to re-insert the screwdriver in several locations around the plastic ring to remove it.

Very carefully grip the old lens with the pliers and slowly rotate it a fraction of a turn in the clockwise direction.

By rotating the lens a tiny bit in the clockwise (tighten) direction, you will break the glue seal that was used at the factory to keep the lens from vibrating out of focus.

Once you feel or hear the glue seal "crack" or "snap" loose, you can release the pliers.

You may need to use the pliers at first but then the lens should be loosen enough to turn by hand.

Continue turning the lens in the counterclockwise direction until it can be removed from the front of the camera.

Be sure to keep the camera faced down on a clean and lint-free micro fiber cloth or other similar surface.

Try to avoid getting any dust or other debris in to the lens opening on the camera since it may settle on the CMOS image sensor and affect the image quality.

Keep the front of the camera facing down so that the loose glue doesn't fall down on to the sensor.

The lens that I bought and recommend is the Techno Earth® 2.5mm Wide Angle 170 Degree Lens for the GoPro Hero 2.

Using glue or Teflon tape may help prevent the lens from vibrating out of focus if you are using the camera on a motorcycle, R/C quadcopter (drone) such as the DJI Phantom, go-kart, or in a race car.

Attach a micro HDMI cable to the video out port on the camera and connect it to a big screen TV or a large computer monitor.

Double check that the lens has been properly focused by pointing it at both near by objects (such as your face) in a well lit room and at objects about 50, 100 or 150 feet away.

Once you are satisfied that the focus is as sharp as possible, carefully pop on the plastic ring over the lens.

Enjoy your new lens and crystal clear videos from your repaired SJCAM SJ4000 action camera!

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