» Survivaltek » Tag » Camera

Flexible Cell Phone Camera Mount For Your Adventures

Ken — Sat, 02 May 2015 11:59:36 +0000

I was a corporate photographer for over 20 years. I learned the importance of having a stable camera while photographing various assignments. Over the years I watched as cameras got smaller and more portable. Then came the advent of cell phone cameras, a break through in size and convenience. As technology continued to advance, these cameras became more sophisticated and produced higher resolution. From the moment that I acquired one of these I have been loving it, especially because it travels with me wherever I go.

However, until recently, I could not find a reasonable way to mount the cell phone camera for steady shots or position it for self portraits beyond arm-length selfies. What I was looking for would be able to hold the camera at any angle and could be free-standing or be hung/attached to a support such as a limb or crevice in a rock. There are some flexible mini tripods available for cameras but they require the use of a mounting screw.

To my delight I discovered a new product called “Gear Tie” made by Nite Ize Innovation. It is a reusable rubber twist tie that is incredibly flexible with a “grippy” surface. Each GearTie is 32″ long and can be wound around my cell phone to hold it while having extra length with which to prop or hang it as needed. When not in use I can coil it into an oval that easily fits into my pocket. Whenever I go for walks or while attending events I am able to use my cell phone camera to capture the moment.

For photographers to be included in a photo, some cell phone apps have timers to allow them to position themselves in front of the camera. In some instances, this is impractical such as the case where you might be crossing a log over a stream. In this case I use an app called “whistle camera” that allows me to operate the shutter remotely by whistling. It has a user defined delay so you don’t have pursed lips at the moment of activation. This app when combined with the GearTie mounted cell phone camera has allowed me to capture some wonderful moments. This combination could prove to be your new best friend on your next adventure.

Water Drop Magnifier

Ken — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 12:51:01 +0000

A dime photographed with a phone camera through a water drop

Although water is a liquid it can have optical qualities of a solid when formed inside a vessel or suspended by surface tension. A clear plastic bottle full of water can make a reasonable magnifier and can also be used to start a solar fire (see Soda Bottle Fire Method ).

On a smaller scale, a drop of water can be used as a magnifier as well. A drop of water can be placed on a flat horizontal pane of glass that in turn can be held over a subject to be magnified. Drawing a small circle with an oily substance such as butter or grease will help contain the water drop. Alternately, you can take a piece of non-porous material like a piece of plastic or waxpaper and then using a hole punch make a small hole. By dipping your finger in some water you can transfer a water drop to the hole where it will become suspended, thus forming a lens. You can control the amount of water and thereby alter the magnification power.

As I pondered this mini-magnifier I realized that a possible application would be to use it in conjunction with my cell phone camera, both for close-up viewing and to photograph. I found a clear plastic bottle and cut out a piece. I took a hand-operated hole punch and made a hole. Then I dipped my finger in some water and transferred a drop into the hole where it was suspended. I decided that a small dime would be my subject (see photo).

Because water is liquid it will wiggle and potentially blur, especially when photographing. I found that low profile items like pens or pencils will help to brace the camera and plastic water drop holder when it’s held over the item being viewed. It is also helpful to have strong light from the side for illumination.

This “lens” may be thought of as a “life hack” rather than an emergency tool, but then, reading fine print on a map, a phone number in a directory or examination of a small cut or injury may be urgent and this may offer a solution in a pinch. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you and how you used it.

When In Danger, Use A Phone Cam As A Periscope

Ken — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:36:19 +0000

Imagine that you are trapped in a building when gun shots are fired or you hear a threatening situation. You are hidden from view but you need intel to plan your course of action. Peeking around a corner or over a counter could be risky but the risk can be minimized by using the camera feature of your phone.

Most camera lenses are located near the edge of the phone and on the opposite side of the viewing screen. Turn on the camera feature and slowly slide the camera past the edge of cover just far enough for a full view on the screen. Be sure there are no blinking light features or flashes first. Those features may be activated if you try to record the incident so NOW would be a good time to try this out so that you will become familiar with your camera’s operations.

In an non-emergency situation such as a camping trip, this “stealth” view can be used to capture images of wildlife from behind a tree or rock. I DO NOT endorse this capability to invade persons privacy, but rather offer it for use in emergency situations where you may be at risk.