M1 with collimator and aspherical lens (more beamshots added)

Here are some newbie mods. No soldering no circuit building, just like playing lego
First, I put collimator from my 1w lux bike light to M1.
The first try was disappointing. The beam profile is awful.
Beamshot #1


So I ground the collimator to make cree deeper into the collimator.
I think I'm somewhat successful with it, though crude workmanship.


Beamshot#2


Setting aside the practical use of the light, I tried to make this little thrower throw monster!!
so I ordered this aspherical lens(30mm/15mm)
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/155504

It fits almost perfect to M1.
M1's modular design really works!

Here's look.


Beamshot is almost what I'd imagine.
Beamshot #3

reference beamshot: M1 with smooth type reflector
beamshot #4


** beamshot #2 and #3 have same exposure. #1 and #4 are not.

Using aspherical lens, there's a problem.


As you see, lens would easily gather scratches.
I won't carry it in my pocket or bag until I find solution for it.
Anyway, it's fun. Enjoy!

beamshot # corrected.

more beamshots added below https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/1911047&postcount=11

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

What you need is one of "Self Defense" bezels with extremely long "points" on it to protect the tip of the lens. It's a bargain at only $10,000

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

Impressive, experiment!

Now show us some real outdoor beamshots for comparison before I place my order for a M1 and the lens :lolsign: please.

BTW, does M1 and D-mini has the same lens diameter and focal length I wonder

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

Cool :thumbsup:

Does it throw further than with the stock reflector? It looks like you may be able to move the lens a bit closer and focus more of the light into a tighter spot. (Something more on the lines of this)

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

I remember reading that thread, and it's a beautiful lens, but I wonder if a lens that was symmetrically aspherical (like a lentil) might work better and/or keep the lens protected? ala other lensed lights like the inova x1v.1, dorcyAAA, RiverRock, etc...

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

@2xTrinity
Is it made of Kryptonite or somethig?

@Lowtec
It's still bright outside. I'd do that but I'm not sure when I'd be able to.
Don't have d-mini, sorry.

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

The aspherical lens looks impressive. Outdoor comparison beamshots would be great.

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

@cryhavok
I'm pretty sure it does. Actually, the beamshot #2 is taken at day, #3 is taken at night.
And I moved the lens little closer to the led using additional o-ring after taking the beamshots above, and got better focus.

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

So in order word, the beam might have a better focus if you had a lens with longer length since you can't get the lens any closer? is it how it works? :lolsign:

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

LowTEC said:

So in order word, the beam might have a better focus if you had a lens with longer length since you can't get the lens any closer? is it how it works? :lolsign:

Click to expand...

If you position the LED right at the focal point of a good quality lens, it will actually project an image of the emitter surface -- several traces are clearly visible in the case of the Cree.

While a longer focal length would produce a better focus, it's best to use the widest diameter lens with the shortest focal length possible (many of the Surplus Shed lenses have a diameter that is more than double the focal length), this is because the only light that becomes collimated is the light going straight out from the LED that is intercepted from the LED, so it helps to be as close as possible to the lens. The light reflected by any sort of reflectors will be projected as a bright "ring" that will be more distracting than useful.

A longer focal length lens would probabyl require two lenses -- ideally a total internal reflective lens that converged onto an aspheric lens -- that would take ALL the light from the LED, focus it into a point, and then the aspheric would project that into a collimated beam. That sort of system would work for a hotwire or HID.

What I would be interested in seeing would be a good fresnel lens that would fit in a flashlight, or even something like an HID lantern. That way we can get short focal length and large diameter without needing massive lenses. Focusing several thousand lumens into a beam as tight as the ones shown would be awesome.

Re: M1 with collimator and aspherical lens

Here are some comparative beamshots.
M1 is on slightly used ultrafire 18650.
All on high mode.

#1~#4 on same exposure. 4, 1/60
#1 Empty wall for reference.


#2 M1 with aspherical lens


#3 M1 with stock smooth-type reflector


#4 P1Dce high with slightly used Titanium brand CR123A.



#5-#6 several stops under exposure 8, 1/60

#5 M1 with aspherical lens


#6 M1 with stock smooth-type reflector


Enjoy!