Focusing the Raspberry Pi HQ Camera

 Here's the procedure I use to focus the Raspberry Pi 12MP HQ Camera. In this example I am using the Arducam 2.8-12mm C-mount lens.

12MP HQ Camera

Arducam 2.8-12mm Lens

Initial Focus Procedure

1) Loosen the HQ camera back focus lock screw and insure the back focus ring is screwed all the way into the camera (clockwise).

2) Since the Arducam Lens has a C-mount, you need to screw the C-CS adapter into the HQ Camera.

3) Screw the lens into the C-CS adapter.

HQ Camera attached directly to a Raspberry Pi case using a mini ball head.

4) Being careful to not unscrew the lens, the C-CS adapter or the back focus ring; adjust the lens focus to the "FAR" setting.

5) Aim the camera at something far away.

6) In a Raspbian terminal window type "raspistill -t 0" to stream the camera image to a screen.

"raspistill -t 0" streaming to a monitor

7) As you watch the screen, slowly unscrew the back focus ring until you get a sharp image. Then the assembly is aligned for the FAR focus setting.

8) Tighten the back focus screw.

9) Test the configuration by using the lens focus ring to focus on something near.

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Reference

HQ Camera assembly

Some Pi cases are pre-drilled to facilitate attaching a camera

DIY Raspberry Pi Long-Term Unattended Time-lapse

GBTPi is designed to for long-term unattended operation. It inherits GBTimelapse’ powerful and versatile scheduling and camera control abilities. GBTimelapse has been used for over a decade in hundreds of long-term installations worldwide.

Periodic images can be captured over a period of days, weeks or months to document the progress of a project. The camera and computer can run indefinitely. Progress is monitored by email alerts from the capture software or by remote access software. Images can be emailed periodically or uploaded via FTP. GBTPi can automatically convert the images sequences into time-lapse videos.

• Set begin/end at fixed times of day or times relative to sunrise and sunset
• Specify a schedule of different capture intervals at different times of day
• Define different capture schedules for days of the week
• Automatically makes a video for each day or session
• Sends emails sample images to you periodically or uploads FTP images
• Manages Raspberry Pi image storage like a DVR by keeping the most recent
• Remotely monitor and control over the internet with a wi-fi or Ethernet connection
• Download videos and/or images over the internet

Internet Connection Options

• Use an Ethernet cable if available.
• Use the RPi internal wi-fi if you have a strong wi-fi signal.
• Use a wi-fi extender if you have a weak wi-fi signal.  Bearifi Extender $58

Parts List

• 24VHeater/Fan enclosure  $80
• BuckConverter $13
• Raspberry Pi 4B Kit $150
• RaspberryPi HQ Camera $84
• Arducam 2.8-12mmLens $65
• GBTPiSoftware $98