Do it yourself: Macro attachment from a DVD lens

A macro attachment can be made from a lens from a DVD drive in a few minutes. We show you the individual steps in our instructions.

Make a macro attachment out of a DVD lens

• With the collimator lens of a DVD drive, recordings from cell phone cameras or cheap digital cameras can be enhanced.
• The lens significantly improves sharpness, especially when taking close-ups (macro shots). However, the self-made attachment is less suitable for everyday use.
• If you have a few minutes, an old DVD drive and enjoy crafting, your camera can be pimped quickly.
• Note: The lens can only be found in computer DVD drives. The lens is not installed in CD drives. The drive is unusable after removal.

Step 1: remove the DVD drive

If you have already removed the drive, you can skip this step.

1. Unscrew your computer and disconnect the two plug connections of the connected cables.
2. The drive is also usually fastened with two screws. You still have to remove this.
3. To remove the drive, most computers will need to slide it out. To do this, you have to remove the front panel of the drive or the entire computer.

Step 2: remove the read and write head

1. First remove the screws on the drive. Now the cover should open easily.
2. In the middle you see a wide, flat cable. Fold up the attachment with a knife or a small screwdriver and remove the cable. Alternatively, you can cut it through.
3. Now the main board can be removed. Then look for the read and write head.
4. This component is attached to a rod so that it can move back and forth. Depending on the drive, you can simply pry the component out, loosen various screws or break it out with force.

Step 3: Find and remove the macro lens

• If you have removed the unit of the read and write head, you will find several lenses and mirrors outside and inside.
• The macro lens you are looking for is usually located in the middle of the component. Depending on the drive, you have to unscrew or open the panel.
• You can recognize the lens by the small round shape. You can tell whether you have found the right lens as follows: Hold the lens about 5 cm in front of an object. Then you see a strong enlargement.

Step 4: mount the macro lens on the camera

• The macro lens must be in the center of the camera lens. Even small shifts worsen the effect.
• The easiest way to attach the lens is with two strips of Tesa film. One below, one above. However, the center of the lens must remain free.

In the next practical tip we will show you how to create depth of field with the smartphone camera.