The PopSocket+ for MagSafe iPhone attachment is my answer to Leica’s new LUX grip. The Leica device is too bulky for me, and would hamper my use of the phone. It prevents the phone being stored in a pocket, and this would mean frequent mounting and unmounting. Fortunately, I have a much cheaper, less technical alternative that stays on my smartphone all the time and doesn’t prevent it from fitting in my pocket. It’s also a superb all-round stability and safety solution for the iPhone.
PopSocket: Mickey knows best
The Mod Mickey PopSocket+ for MagSafe offers similar stability to more expensive grips and transforms the iPhone into a rock-solid photographic device.
I’ve been using this grip/wallet (admittedly in a more sober, rodentless black) for three years and couldn’t imagine being without it. It holds up to three cards, and sticks to my iPhone case like a limpet. The simple pop-up grip is something of a minor wonder, and is available without the wallet if you wish.
The Mod Mickey PopSocket+ Wallet adds a touch of fun to any phone. But if you want something a little less flashy, go for the all-black version. The pop-up grip is effective in holding your phone steady and it is also a wonderful little tactile toy to help remove tension
When extended, the soft rubberised grip fits comfortable between the two forefingers of the hand, ensuring firm contact and stability. I constantly use it when holding the phone for browsing, reading and brandishing in front of coffee-shop card readers.
Amazingly, it is made for both left-handed and right-handed owners. Just grip the phone with two fingers and use the index finger of your other hand to press the phone’s Action button (but remember to set the button to act as a shutter release). No fiddly Bluetooth necessary.
Executive toy
As well as performing as a solid grip, it acts as a landscape prop to hold up the phone for browsing, and reading the news or a book. What’s more, it is an addictive executive toy. You will love fiddling with the pop-up grip in quiet moments. This is something sorely lacking in the Leica LUX Grip.
The fact that the PopSocket+ for MagSafe is also an effective camera grip will come as a surprise to the manufacturers. They are definitely missing a trick or two here. They don’t know they’ve made a photographic accessory and you won’t find this talent mentioned in any of the publicity. Only Hektor Perbolay (see below) has discovered this aspect and has convinced me.
While the grip lacks the electronic controls of the Leica LUX Grip, relying instead on specially developed tactile contact between the forefinger and shutter button, the PopSocket design is unobtrusive and doesn’t prevent the phone being stowed in a pocket. It need never be removed from the camera. In fact, it is designed to be a permanent fixture.
PopSocket clincher
And the clincher? The PopSocket+ for MagSafe wallet costs under £40, thus saving you a useful £220. Even if you never use it as a camera grip, you will wonder how you managed without its virtues as an efficient wallet and superbly fiddlesome executive toy. If you don’t need the wallet function, the PopSocket grip for MagSafe costs under £30 and is slightly less bulky but just as effective when used as a camera grip.
Commenting on the device, Hektor I. Perbolay, of the International Camera Grip Association, said, “I believe this new camera grip for the iPhone brings a level of sophistication to the camera-grip world that discerning Leica photographers, in particular, will appreciate.
“The iPhone grip reproduces the feel of a classic rangefinder camera in terms of handling and easy attachment. Guaranteed by the secure MagSafe technology, the grip takes the ergonomics and functionality of iPhone photography to a new pinnacle of excellence.
“In a new development, the grip communicates with the iPhone via fingertip, low-energy touch and is perfectly complemented by the Apple Camera app which permits a clear and detailed preview of every photograph, with the opportunity to zoom in and out at will. You will never miss a photograph because of faulty electronics.
“Its functionality, and keen pricing, make it this the ideal gadget for prudent photographers, who prefer to use their iPhone cameras — rather than bulky, expensive, and uncool ‘dedicated’ cameras — for capturing life’s special moments.”
Conclusion
Despite the levity, this little device is actually an outstanding buy for the money. It does exactly what it says, and I find the combined grip and wallet impressive in action. As a camera grip, it works best when used in the iPhone’s native portrait format; it is slightly less impressive for landscape format photography. I will now take a ten-minute break from editing Macfilos and twiddle my PopSocket. Did I mention that it also lowers blood pressure?
The following link is to the UK site, but these little wallets and grips are available throughout the world, from Amazon and other retailers.
A cup of coffee works wonders in supporting Macfilos
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