Webcam + CD-ROM lens = instant microscope

Sure, you could just buy one of the many, more capable, ready-made, USB microscopes, but if you're lacking for geek cred, you can also build your own with nothing more than a webcam and a lens salvaged from a CD or DVD drive. This hack courtesy of Kalanda is about as simple as can be, just carefully remove the tiny lens from your optical drive and affix it in place on the webcam with some cardboard and tape (they apparently didn't remove the webcam's lens). The lens is able to double as a microscope because of its very short focal length, which proved to be just right for getting disturbingly close shots of the intrepid DIY-er's hand. We're building one right now, too, because we've been having a hell of time keeping track of our micro-dice during those regular after-work craps games.

[Via Make]

[nizzy1115 Posted Aug 19th 2006 10:26AM]

Interesting. I think I will give it a try. I have that same webcam and an old cd-rom I can use. Now, if I only needed a microscope for something...

[tiuk Posted Aug 19th 2006 11:17AM]

I just threw out like five CD-ROM drives at work the other day, and salvaged the motors before I did. Could have easily removed the lenses at the same time had I known. Oh well, I think I migh thave a couple more somewhere.

[urza9814 Posted Aug 19th 2006 1:01PM]

I did one of those about a month ago actually...
All I managed to get outta it was a small blur...lol

[stridermt2k Posted Aug 19th 2006 2:39PM]

OH YES!!
Hack on my brotha, hack on!

Nice!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 19th 2006 7:10PM]

if i can find an old lens ill def. try this.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 20th 2006 4:30AM]

Wow its great i actually done it after seeing it and it actually does work . Great job Kalanda

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 29th 2006 9:31AM]

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