Factron iPhone case packs interchangeable camera lenses, built-in excess
By Donald Melanson 
posted July 6th 2009 6:13PM
posted July 6th 2009 6:13PM
The Factron folks have been doing their custom case thing with various Apple products for some time now, but they've truly outdone themselves with their new iPhone case, which not only boasts some stylish, rangefinder camera-esque looks, but a complete set of interchangeable (presumably functional) lenses. Those include fish eye, wide-angle, and close-up lenses, which range in price from $15 to $55, while the case itself will set you back a full $200. Quite a bit to pay for a case, to be sure, but a veritable bargain compared to the $800 that some of the group's previous cases have fetched. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look.
[Via Engadget Polska]
[Via Engadget Polska]
Maybe one day a company will make useless camera addons for a phone that actually has a non-sucky camera
At least if you'd desire to have a higher end camera / video recorder....
Omnia HD 8MP / 720p is available
........and comes with "large" viewable screen
no goofy ass'd contraption like this POS
Seriously? Who thought this was a good idea?
Let's get real, phone cameras are not intended to replace a dedicated camera.
How is this even close to a practicle idea?
How much did Engadget get paid to run this story?
Is this a joke?
For $20 you can get a much better looking version of this on eBay that let's you zoom up to 20x. That is if you just have to use your iPhone as a camera. I think this is for those that refuse to own a real camera simply because Apple doesn't make one.
Completely impractical for most, but I wonder if journalists and field news reporters would actually consider this case due to its ability to add lenses. The 3GS is already being talked about as a viable means for journalists to do on-the-spot reporting and uploading in areas and situations where a shoulder cam is impractical.
Only Zak thinks that's a good idea. A "real" journalist would be shot for sending in crappy photos from an iPhone.
haha, you can't be serious, practically all quality smartphones have better cameras than the iPhone and comparable uploading capabilities.
I love the vintage vibe, but those ridiculous corners gotta go.
thats intense
Does anybody seriously think this is a good idea? $200, changing out lenses on a shitty phone camera, not to mention carrying around a bunch of crap, for a result that's 100x worse than a $150 point and shoot? The more I see this stuff the more I don't want to be associated with anybody who carries an iphone, lest I be brainwashed into becoming a complete moron.
@marc
I 100% agree on the sheer dungissity of this case, camera augmentation +100mp, monstrosity. It is the sort of thing that should be illegal to have photographs of, but I own an iPhone, kinda own 3, and I agree mostly on the brainwashed aspect, but not just morons buy Apple. Some fine decent folk buy an Apple product now and again. You don't have to worry it isn't the purchasing or owning of an Apple product that makes a moronic d bag. That trait was already in those types. The Apple products just much like a gang give that type a family that falsely bestows the strength to fill the the punch bowl of the world with their Apple flavored koolaide. You can sleep well tonight knowing there are Apple product owners that you are safe associating with.
Oh and for $200+ this thing should come with a remotely operated pan and tilt tripod, and accompanying iPhone app that lets me send the pictures taken directly to my computer over wifi or bluetooth.
clearly a win.
let's see :
Easily fits in pocket or small handbag
Inexpensive
Dramatically improves camera; you can finally photograph the face on mars with your phone!
sturdy, it's built by Germans so you know it's good
no questions asked 100% 4 generation lifetime guarantee
fully expandable
Wow, it's like that other iphone lens. Except 20 times the price.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10813~r.99999999
I'd really like to buy one of these, I like the idea, but I'd really like to find something with a more awkward form factor.
Haha this look WAAAAAYYY better. http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/clarifi
Plus, its 30.99$. Factron iPhone case, FAIL.
I think this will be enough for me to compliment my Canon EOS 5DII D-SLR. I want a camera with great image quality, I've considered the micro 4/3 cameras but they aren't small enough. What could be a better solution? The iPhone has the best camera in any mobile phone with the built in tap to focus in the 3GS and video capabilities, now with interchangeable lenses. Most important of all, it fits into my pocket -- the best smarphone, iPod, internet communication device, and now interchangeable lens system .
looks like the BORG assimilated it,,
I need something like this for my Flip Mino
still missing a Flash..
Build a game controller case mod for the iPhone. I mean really touch screen controlls suck
Nice case, not $200 nice.
Try getting reception with that. The whole black plate will be shielding the RF and you'll be lucky to get 1 bar.
This reminds me of the old Engadget iPhone logo of the rotary phone with an iPod on it. I miss that graphic, bring it back!
Wow... Frankenstein's iPhone.
Wow, this should do wonders for the iPhones overheating problems. Maybe they could make it work as a massive heatsink while they are at it.
Am I the only one thinking that i is pretty?
Wow, what a waste. Can someone get us a FLASH?!!!