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Read the pictures from left to right. Here I show a step by step process for making your own DIY lens.
The first picture is of the equipment you'll need. It shows a screwdriver kit, cable ties, elastic string, duck-tape and some scissors.
Moving right, you see the camera lens that is still unmodified. This particular lens is a 30mm zoom lens. All you need to do is look for the screws that hold it all together and slowly remove them one by one. If it's your first time, take care and don't rush. You might also want to wear some safety goggles as sometimes bits can fly off when your pulling it apart. If components are still stuck on, its usually because there is another screw that needs to be removed.
Once deconstructed, you'll find 2-5 lenses inside the whole lens itself. There will be a number of smaller ones (the 6th picture) and one main lens. Some of the smaller ones will be unusable as they are not convex, you can throw them away. In the second collage there are instructions on how to make a DIY lens using the smaller lenses, but for this demonstration we'll be using the bigger one.
Next, using a mini hacksaw you will need to cut off a small portion of the plastic casing that surrounds the lens. You don't have to do this. It may be different depending on what phone you are using, but the camera on mine has a fairly wide sensor, and so there is a black border around the picture. By cutting of just a little bit (1-2cm) of the casing it eliminate this issue. Once doing that, its best to file down the edges so its not sharp. I used a standard nail file for this.
Once the edges are smooth and you are happy with the lens, you can begin the next step.
Cut a suitable length of elastic string (this will be different depending on the size of your phone) and get 2 cable ties ready. Follow the image and wrap the string around the lens. Before using the cable ties, check that the length of the string suits your phone and that it is not too tight or loose.
When you are happy with the positioning and length of the string, you can apply the first cable tie. Then, cut some strips of duck-tape and apply like shown in the picture. This adds stability and will make the rig last longer. Repeat the process with the cable tie, but this time over the duck-tape. Again, this is for added stability. Clip the ends of the cable ties and your are ready to go.
It's of upmost importance that the lens is placed directly centre of the camera. If not, it will affect the quality of the image and your focus.
The first picture of the screwdriver heads was taken using only my phone at the closet manual focusing distance. The next image with the added DIY lens. The last two images are taken with the DIY lens showing the filings and bits I cut of using the mini hacksaw.
Its worth noting that after some use, the rig might fall apart due to the repeated stretching of the string and general wear and tear. Not to worry, you can always strip the lens of the tape, cable ties and string and simply repeat the process.
None of the pictures have been edited or modified in any way. I did this to give the most accurate representation of the effect that the DIY lens has.
Looking toward the Isle of Skye and the Skye Bridge in the distance. | Shot on Fuji Provia slide film, Cross Processed, Canon A2E; scanned on Nikon CoolScan 4000.
You see! That's what happens when you get bored!
Ashness Bridge Ortoned. The Lake District, England.