I fully notable that my DIY iPhone 16 Pro Max camera mod looks exceedingly silly – but it’s actually made my iPhone photography more practical and more enjoyable. I first conceived it to solve a problem for a specific video shoot, and it has since appeared in a surprising number of sessions.

One of the greatest divides in compact cameras is whether a viewfinder exists. Even with modern electronic viewfinders (EVFs), the benefit of a dedicated viewfinder is clear when shooting in bright sunlight. The rear screen can be washed out by glare, making framing difficult. In summer London, a record‑breaking heatwave has made this issue more apparent, and the psychological immersion of seeing only the frame has become a decisive factor for me.

I tested the accessory with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and my phone simultaneously. The magnifier attaches magnetically to the camera’s screen and, when held against the phone’s display, provides a clear optical view. The camera control button serves as a shutter release, and the setup worked flawlessly for stills and video.

Absurd or genius? I’ve found it useful on several occasions, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. The original device is no longer on sale, and a comparable product for larger screens hasn’t surfaced yet.