Low cost approach for high magnification photos

[rjenkinsgb]

I saw a mention in one thread with the OP saying they could not take good photos of a watch movement they were asking about, so I thought I'd post my ultra-cheapo method:

A local second hand shop had a stack of the nasty looking "clip on" lens kits for smartphones; they were priced at 50p so I got one out of curiosity. I didn't even try they for weeks, until I was struggling to take a high enough magnification of a damaged piece of jewellery, for a friend.

The "macro" lens in these kits is actually amazing, it's very effective - and the full kits around only around £3 to £4 on ebay.

The first photos are the particular 50p lens kit I got, and the lens I'm using from that, then examples photos, using my iphone with the macro lens in the clip and approximately centred over the camera lens. It does need a good light, and finding the exact height for best focus can be tricky sometimes, but the results are worth it. The movement is a Junghans calibre 73 from ebay:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 19, 2024 by rjenkinsgb
Detail clarification