Some newer INNOVV bullet cameras have an optical quirk worth knowing about if you run a lens protector. This article explains what it is, which cameras are affected, and the fix.
What’s going on
I first noticed this when I mounted a new INNOVV K3 in the exact spot my K2 had been — suddenly bodywork was in the frame that wasn’t before, and I saw slight vignetting (a dark object) in one corner. Since I design these lens protectors specifically to avoid any vignetting, this puzzled me.
After testing, the cause is clear: the camera’s field of view is shifted heavily to one side. Three of the four corners stay well clear of the protector, but the shifted corner creeps into view. This does NOT affect the K5 front camera.
I raised it with INNOVV on their forum with example photos, and they confirmed it’s a known issue with the current cameras:
Which cameras are affected
- K2 (and C5, same camera): very minor shift, nearly centered — the eccentric spacer is available if needed, but usually isn’t necessary.
- K3: significant offset to one side.
- K5 rear (same camera as K3): significant offset to one side.
- K5 main/front: not affected.
The fix — an eccentric TPU sleeve
For the K2/K3/C5/K5-rear, I designed a slightly asymmetrical TPU sleeve that shifts the camera about 0.7 mm to one side to move the off-center lens away from the protector’s edge.
To use it: insert the eccentric sleeve like the standard one, then rotate it so the thicker side faces the corner where the vignette appears. There’s a small index cut in the sleeve so you can rotate it with a fingernail without removing it from the housing. Expect some trial and error to line the shift up with the optics.
Note: for the most heavily offset cameras, the eccentric can minimize but not always fully eliminate the vignette — a larger protector redesign is the only way past the current adjustment limits, while keeping a consistent fit.
How to get the eccentric sleeve
- Past orders: since this stems from INNOVV’s inconsistency, it’s listed for the cost of shipping + material. If shipping isn’t practical (e.g. international), email requests@jk3d.us and I’ll gladly share the .STL so you can print your own in TPU.
- New orders (since 8/29/2021): all K2/K3/C5/K5-rear orders include the eccentric TPU spacer alongside the standard centered one.
Hopefully INNOVV corrects this in future revisions — until then, this is a solid way to work around it.