I had the forehead-slapping realization last night to hold my Nikon FC-E8 0.21x fisheye converter lens over my phonecam module aperture. It's awkward to manage but works!

This lens is sold as an add-on to the Nikon Coolpix 900 series of digital cameras, and used for trick photos and to capture superwide source images for iPix and QuickTimeVR 360 degree panoramas. The $125 (street price) lens is a massive multi-element dome of glass that sees an amazing 180 degree field of view. As you can see in the first photo, the lens' rear element is an almost ideal size for manually positioning over the phonecam lens.

The last two frames are a self-portrait and forward shot made in the cramped seating of a commuter train. In the first fisheye shot, you can see the conductor in the view and passengers standing *directly* to my left. In the second, my fingers holding the edge of the lens are visible.

Other digicam manufacturers such as Olympus and third parties like Raynox make add-on lenses like this one in various focal lengths. If you shop around, you can find used or discontinued items for pretty cheap.

Needless to say, look for more fisheye shots in the coming days, and I'll probably start investigating other lenses to see how well they work with the Sidekick/Hiptop camera. This technique should also work with many other phonecams.

OK, my train has arrived in DC-- later.

- mike lee -