Newbie question about a DIY Lens

[ynnek]

I recieved my camera as a gift recently, a Kodak EasyShare Z981. It has a 26x optical zoom. The lens is not interchangeable. My question is can I build a lens that can slip onto my camera to give me a longer range. I am a machinist, so I have acces to the equipment & the skills to produce precision parts.

[sk66]

Since they sell them, I would guess you could if you can find the optical parts.. (not that I would recommend either approach)

[ravncat]

How much experience do you have with making polishing lenses and designing aspherical lenses and applying optical coatings?

Basically you're looking to build a teleconverter. for the front end - it's difficult to produce a nice one - i would say most of the ones you can purchase, tend to reduce image quality - especially wide angle converters...

[ynnek]

I was not implying I wouuld fabricate the lens itself, but fabricate a lens assembly with purchased optics. It is more curiosity than anything. Being a machinist, my mind is always thinking, "oh, I can make that" Sorry for the confusion.