$10 Cell phone photography tip

[Jschulze]

So... I don't have a gallery.... or any really great photos of my coins (yet). However I do have tip for those, like me that use iPhones or similar, for quick pictures of coins.

Anyway I bought a cheap phone attachment kit, thinking I wouldn't get much out of it but it actually works pretty well. Anyway, check out these quick test pics.

I thought those lens kits were all junk but they aren't bad!

In the kit:
Macro
Fisheye
Wide-lens

Josh

PS: the first pic is a little out of focus but it is just due to quickly taking test pictures.

[Akropolis]

Splendid! Amazing for a cell phone!
Well done!
PeteB

[Akropolis]

And what model phone do you use?
PeteB

[Jschulze]

I couldn't find the brand name on the components last night but after some searching I found that the brand is called Lieqi. A Google seach of "Lieqi, phone, camera" should find them.

It appears that there are newer, fancier, and a bit more expensive ($20) ones out now but I'm sure with some looking you could find the same ones I bought for around $10 (I got them a year ago for a trip and am just now trying them out). Edit: I just found some listed on eBay for $5.

I use a iPhone (6) but I think these could be used for about any phone as they just clip on over the edge of your phone to sit over the lens.

The macro (close-up) lens is awesome and works really well but to be honest the wide-lens and fisheye aren't great (at least I haven't gotten them to work well yet).

Anyway, for those looking for a cheap way to do some macro shots, these do work really well and aren't too expensive.

Josh

[Molinari]

Thanks for the tip, Josh.  I just ordered one.

[stlnats]

+1 to all of the other comments.  Amazingly good, detailed photos.  Thanks for the tip!

 

[Akropolis]

Just curious: what did you use to take the third photo?
Quite sharp!
peteB

[quadrans]

Nice Idea, if you are on the way, it is help you to document some things (coins)  
because your handy is always with you....

 (p.s. I have it.. )
 Q.

[Jschulze]

Hi Akropolis, the third photo was taken with my iPhone too. Light is the most important factor. My phone is pretty terrible in low-light. Theses were taken with an adjustable lamp that can put light directly on the subject within inches if needed. So although there is shaddow, there was a strong light source.

About the macro shot: I used the same light source but the more you are focusing in, the more you lose light. I had a ton of light on the coin but the focus makes it look darker. Without a very strong light source, the detail wouldn't be sharp.

Josh

[quadrans]

May be you can used your iPhone instead of your lupe  .

  Q.