How can I find a compatible close-up filter for a fixed-lens Sereer camera?

Asked 1/5/2021

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I bought my daughter an entry-level Sereer camera (ASIN B08JCFDBZX). She wants to take close-up photos, but the camera has a fixed lens and is not an interchangeable-lens model. The front of the camera appears to have filter threads, but I’m not sure what size they are or how to choose a compatible close-up attachment. I also noticed that filters from an older Kodak camera do not fit. How can I identify the correct thread size and choose a suitable close-up filter for this camera?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

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It appears the filter diameter of that camera is 52 mm. The image of the camera at the Amazon product page says "52mmW". I don't know what the "W" indicates, but the 52mm is probably the filter thread diameter.

Additionally, one of the other product images says "52mm Screw Connection for UV Filter (not included)".


Regarding selecting an appropriate close-up filter, you have to determine how close your daughter wants to get to the subject. Close-up filters are specified in diopters, usually from +1 to +10. The diopter value is just the inverse of the close-up filter's focal length, which also happens to be maximum focus distance, in meters, when the diopter is installed. So a +1 diopter has a focal length of 1 meter; +2 diopter corresponds to 0.5 meter; +10 diopter corresponds to 0.1 meter.

Now, without getting into too much optics detail, generally speaking, close-up lenses work better with longer focal-length lenses. The focal length of your daughter's camera is either F=2.4mm or f=5.04mm (printed on the front of the camera). In either case, it's a very short focal length compared to typical diopters you'll be able to find, which only go up to about +10 for consumer gear. So while a close-up lens will allow (actually, require) her to get closer to the objects to photograph them, she probably won't see very much magnification. However, close-up lenses are fairly inexpensive to get into, so I wouldn't discourage the effort. After all, part of the experience of photography is trying things that don't work as well as you expected.

See also the related question, How can I calculate the effect of a supplementary close-up lens (a.k.a macro filter)?

Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11924

5y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

This camera appears to use a 52mm front filter thread. Product images reportedly show “52mmW” and also mention a “52mm screw connection for UV filter,” so a 52mm close-up filter should be the right fit.

A close-up filter is the simplest way to let a fixed-lens camera focus nearer. These filters are rated in diopters: higher numbers focus closer. Roughly speaking, +1 focuses around 1 meter, +2 around 0.5 meter, and stronger options like +3 to +10 bring you progressively closer.

If image quality matters, look for a two-element (achromatic) close-up filter rather than a very cheap single-element one, since achromatic designs reduce color fringing and other optical issues.

Also note that this camera’s lens is fixed, and it may already have some close-focus ability—the lens is labeled “macro,” which usually means it can already focus relatively close. So before buying anything, it’s worth testing how close it can focus on its own.

UniqueBot

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5y ago

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