macroPhone - an iPhone macro lens

macroPhoneMosaic.jpg

When I need to photograph a small object with my iPhone, the fixed focus lens makes for a pretty horrible image. Inspired by this post, I took a 50mm lens from an old SLR and started using it as an improvised macro lens by holding it in front of my iPhone.

I decided to make a mount for the whole contraption. I realized that the little plastic coffin from the iPhone packaging would work pretty well. I cut a piece of mousepad to cushion things, and mounted it all with a couple of zip-ties and a rubber band. Now, I just slip my phone into the thing and snap away! Here's the Flickr set for larger photos.


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Comments

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Posted by: Tim Cox on November 19, 2008 at 7:42 PM

Alternative

I wrote about a quick an easy solution for this that is smaller than a credit card and free... that is if you're nice to your target pharmacist

http://macapper.com/2008/11/18/rdy-macapper-exclusive-instant-macro-lens-for-iphone/


Posted by: Rachel Hobson on November 19, 2008 at 8:55 PM

Genius!

This makes me all kinds of giddy ... I love it! I'm always getting frustrated at not being able to take clear macro shots with my iPhone.


Posted by: John Park on November 19, 2008 at 9:04 PM

Tim, that's very cool. Certainly more likely to fit in your pocket, too!


Posted by: Anonymous on November 19, 2008 at 9:23 PM

Thats just retarded... u cant fit it in your pocket... looks like it takes forever to setup.. just to take photos with a poor quality camera


Posted by: Sam on November 19, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Or...

Or, just use a small magnifying glass. Basically the same, but maybe a different focal length or distance.


Posted by: jeremy vest on November 20, 2008 at 2:08 PM

Macro using a Jewlers loupe

I have been experimenting with iPhone macro for about 6 months.

I suggest you buy a $5 20x-40x jewlers loupe from amazon.

Here are some of my images. As you will see, they are very clear. As you this is very small and you can put it in your pocket.

http://eyepixs.com/jeremy


Posted by: Dave Delaney @ Griffin Technology on November 21, 2008 at 2:22 PM

Clarifi

Full Disclosure, I work for Griffin Technology.

The need for a macro-type lens on the iPhone was inspiration for our Clarifi. You can check out the case here: http://tinyurl.com/3zhtjr

There's also a Twitter group for photos shot with it: http://flickr.com/groups/clarifi/

Cheers,
Dave


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