Mathieu Stern, a Paris-based photographer and filmmaker renowned for his experimental photography techniques and creative YouTube tutorials, has taken lens modification to an entirely new level. The innovative creator recently attached wheels to a specialized probe lens, transforming what he calls the "weirdest lens" into an even more unconventional cinematic tool capable of capturing unique, super-low-angle moving footage from ground level.
Stern's latest experimental project centers around Laowa's groundbreaking periscope probe zoom lens, a product from a brand well-known for producing unusual and inventive optical equipment. Rather than simply testing and reviewing the lens in traditional ways, Stern decided to push its capabilities further by converting it into a rolling, ground-level cinematic device that opens up completely new creative possibilities for both photographers and filmmakers seeking unconventional perspectives.
"This is without a doubt the weirdest lens I have ever used. But I wanted to make it even weirder," Stern explained about his motivation behind the modification. The photographer has partnered with Laowa over the years to explore the potential of their most unique lens designs, and this collaboration represents his most ambitious modification project yet. The periscope probe zoom lens draws its inspiration from naval periscope technology, which was originally invented in 1854 and later refined during World War I for military applications.
The innovative lens system consists of two main components: a removable probe section and a main body that houses all the manual controls, including focus, zoom, and aperture adjustments. According to Stern, the probe itself can be rotated both horizontally and vertically, while various accessories can be attached to enhance its flexibility and expand its creative applications. This design allows cameras to access previously impossible spaces and capture footage from angles that conventional lenses simply cannot achieve.
One of the most impressive features of this lens is its incredibly close focusing distance of just half a centimeter, making it exceptionally well-suited for macro photography work. This capability allows photographers to make small subjects appear larger-than-life in their images. Additionally, Stern notes that the probe component is completely waterproof, enabling photographers and filmmakers to capture striking underwater shots without worrying about damage to the equipment.
Given the lens's considerable size and mechanical complexity, proper stabilization is essential to prevent magnified camera shake that could ruin footage. Stern experimented with various stabilization methods, including tripods, camera sliders, and tabletop setups to fully test the lens's potential in different shooting scenarios. However, his most creative and inventive modification came when he decided to add wheels to the lens support system, effectively transforming it into a low-angle, mobile camera rig capable of smoothly following subjects at ground level.
"By adding wheels, I've unlocked so many new possibilities," Stern enthusiastically shared about his modification. The combination of the periscope probe lens's zoom capability with the wheeled mobility system enables photographers to create sophisticated dolly zoom sequences from perspectives that were previously impossible to achieve. Stern expressed anticipation for even more creative possibilities as Laowa plans to release additional probe heads in the future, hinting at unexplored methods for capturing dynamic and unusual perspectives.
The rolling periscope setup, combined with Stern's characteristically inventive approach to photography, perfectly demonstrates the playful and experimental side of modern photography and filmmaking. This unique lens system allows creators to explore previously unseen angles, peek into extremely tight spaces, and achieve smooth, fluid low-to-the-ground shots that traditional camera equipment could never accomplish. The modification represents a perfect blend of technical innovation and artistic creativity.
Mathieu Stern's Paris-based experiments continue to reinforce his well-established reputation as a boundary-pushing creator who consistently blends technical ingenuity with artistic curiosity. His work extends far beyond simply testing new lenses or equipment; instead, he actively challenges conventional ideas about how cameras can interact with and document the world around us. Through his combination of inventive rigging techniques, unusual optical equipment, and a fearless approach to experimentation, Stern continually discovers new methods for capturing perspectives that were previously considered impossible.
"With a lens that can peek into impossible spaces and roll across the floor for unique point-of-view shots, I hope to inspire photographers and filmmakers to rethink what's possible behind the camera," Stern concluded. His innovative approach emphasizes the limitless creative possibilities that emerge when technical innovation meets artistic vision, encouraging other creators to push beyond traditional boundaries and explore new ways of seeing and documenting the world through their cameras.
