Simple Super-Macro/Microscope Webcam Conversion

So webcams are quite fun, they take pictures, you can record videos, but what if you could take pictures of microscopic objects? This is a simple and reversible modification for a webcam which lets you take pictures of things far less than 1mm wide!

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Step 1: The raw materials

You only need two things for this microscope:
1. A webcam with an unscrewable lens (I got a really cheap one for about £5 on ebay)
2. Blu-tac

It is absolutely vital the webcam has an unscrewable lens, almost all do (and for most webcams this is actually the way you focus!).

mikkelbg says: Aug 31, 2010. 2:56 PM

What webcam did you use?

Zephyris (author) says: Nov 14, 2010. 2:45 PM

See my reply to shadowdude77 above...

shadowdude77 says: Nov 12, 2010. 2:56 PM

I'd also like to know what model webcam you used if you know what it is. It turned out very nice the way you did it and if I have to spend an extra few dollars to ensure that the mod will be easy and effective, so be it.

Zephyris (author) says: Nov 14, 2010. 2:45 PM

It is an Advent ADE-13MP+, it's a very old model so you may need some luck finding it!

legomaster2000 says: Aug 21, 2010. 1:34 PM

Awesome instructable!!! I am making one called "how to make a PowerPoint sprite battle" Don`t get mad at me about it just because it has no photos

diolola says: May 14, 2010. 2:19 AM

Hi, Zephyris and NostalgicStone,
Thank you for the advice.
The model of my old PC Webcam just says -MODEL-X-EYE, and it is screwable type with reddish lens outside.
My OS is windows 7.
Looking forward for the next reply, or else I will do something else, I'll keep this old stuff.
diolola

diolola says: May 13, 2010. 10:29 PM

Hi Zephyris,
I have a 4 year old webcam and wanted to use it to experiment by your 'tibles. How can we connect this to the laptop I have through USB, does this requires a driver or not. I have no idea of these things, so please bear with my innocence.
Thanks a lot.
diolola

Zephyris (author) says: May 14, 2010. 12:39 AM

As NostalgicStone says you almost certainly will need a driver which will depend on the webcam model...

As for software I would recommend "YawCam", it is free with a lot of useful features.

NostalgicStone says: May 13, 2010. 11:43 PM

Chances are buddy, you will need some sort of driver installed to get the webcam to work on your computer.
You will also need some webcam software to view the image too.
What is the model number on the camera, and what is your operating system?
With that information we will most definitely be able to help you out!

jimofoz says: May 13, 2010. 8:03 PM

I'm definitely going to try this out. However, one nit to pick, is that actually it's a removable or maybe "screwable" lens. If it was truly unscrewable, you wouldn't be able to unscrew it.

At first I was wondering why you didn't want a removable lens when you needed to take it out.... But don't mind me, I'm only bright enough to criticize, not create.

eight says: May 13, 2010. 6:34 PM

Well done instructable. Ta for your efforts...
Say... wasnt "Zephyris" the guy from Babylon 5 ?

Mig Welder says: May 13, 2010. 12:28 PM

nice 'ible! I'm definitely going to try this.

Did you take those pictures in the previous steps?! Those have to be some of the best DIY pics I've seen. Most I've seen are crooked, out of focus, and with really weird lighting!

Zephyris (author) says: May 13, 2010. 1:59 PM

Of course I took those pics! I am quite anal when it comes to presenting things well :) I should make an instructable on it!

arrow_strider says: May 13, 2010. 8:38 AM

Very nice instructable!

I´ll definitelly do it with some old webcan i have here.

MoritzB says: May 11, 2010. 6:35 AM

Here´s a video of my diy microscope webcam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2rtb8GJdy8

Zephyris (author) says: May 11, 2010. 8:07 AM

Looks good, about the same magnification as I got (except my mod was reversible! :) )

kelseymh says: May 9, 2010. 11:01 PM

Congratulations on getting featured in the MAKE blog! I missed this project the first time around -- now rated and featured.

Zephyris (author) says: May 10, 2010. 12:43 AM

Ooh, mentioned on MAKE blog! Excellent! :)

McGrep says: Mar 4, 2010. 6:37 PM

Very cool 'ible. I love the simplicity and ease of doing this to a webcam. Also, depending on the lens, this is extremely reversible in case something goes awry or one still wants to use it regularly. Great!

michaelgohjs says: Feb 27, 2010. 7:47 AM

OH YA!! i just tested it out...
had to cut the lens mount a little here and there
but it really is cool
think i gona do some upgrades and post an instructable