How to Use a Condom as a DIY Camera Lens, and More
May 3, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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They previously used the humble balloon as a soft light diffuser for a camera’s pop-up flash. And then, the Koldunov Brothers received a question: could you switch out the balloon for a condom and get similar results?
While they quickly determined that a condom didn’t work quite as well as the balloon as a softbox, the pair didn’t stop there. They also experimented to see what other photography tricks they could pull off with their little latex friends. And believe it or not, a DIY camera lens is one of them.
The video is in Russian, however English subtitles are available.
Liquid lenses have recently become something of a hot topic over the last few years. They offer amazing potential, although they’re still in the early stages of their development.
Using a water-filled condom takes this principle about as low-tech as it can get. As a DIY camera lens, it seems to have worked better than I had expected. The guys actually managed to sort of get an image out of it… Although, I think I’ll hold onto my Nikons a little while longer.
Left your tripod at home? No problem, just pull out your wallet and set your little friend free. Fill it up with some seeds (everybody carries those around with them, right?). And voila, you’ve got yourself a beanbag onto which you can rest your camera for some much-needed stability.
As for their final test, I know the debate over using UV filters with DSLRs is can get quite heated at times, but I’m not sure this is quite what people mean by “lens protection”.
I hadn’t previously contemplated the usefulness of condoms in photography, but I don’t think I’ll be adding a pack of three to my kit any time soon.
What silly ideas have you guys had to repurpose other items for photography use? Did it work? Let us know in the comments.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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2 responses to “How to Use a Condom as a DIY Camera Lens, and More”
I know this is “do it yourself” website, but come on, this is ridiculous
Молодцы. Быстро же Вы про тестировали презервативы, только жаль отказаться при наличии презервативов в сумке с фотоаппаратом перед женой теперь будет проблемой. Придумайте ему применение в фототехники, что бы железное алиби было.:)))) Виктор.