- This hideously expensive iPhone gadget is not yet available for purchase. Leica put out a “coming soon” type announcement last week. But it’s hard to say when it will be available for purchase.
- There are other far less expensive options which provide similar functionality that are currently available for purchase. And my guess is that some, if not all all are manufactured in the same Chinese factory that Leica has outsourced production of the LUX Grip.
- Did I mention the price? Even if you factor in that you can get a one-year subscription to the Leica LUX app with purchase, you’re still talking about 3x the cost of other competing products.
As I mentioned, there are several generic Chinese brands that have recently released these MagSafe compatible camera grips for iPhones (yes, they work on for the poor people too on Android…). But PGYTech is perhaps the most recognizable Chinese brand (at least to me) that sells one – the MagCam:
The MagCam is just $60, but I sprang for the option to bundle it with the $20 MagSafe Phone Fill Light for a combined cost of $75. I wasn’t sure about the light but it was darn cheap so I thought, “why not?”
Functionally, the MagCam seems darn similar to the advertised features we’ve been told to expect from the Leica LUX Grip:
- Modular Design: Transforms into a stand, supporting both vertical and horizontal orientations for versatile shooting angles.
- Bluetooth Remote Control: Detachable Bluetooth module functions as a wireless remote, enabling you to capture photos, start/stop videos, and adjust settings from up to 32.8 feet away.
- Built-in Power Bank: Equipped with a 3000mAh rechargeable battery, the grip can wirelessly charge your phone during use.
- Tripod Mount: A standard ¼”-20 tripod mounting screw hole is found in the grip.
Additionally, the top of the grip on the PGYTech MagCam is magnetically attached and can be removed providing remote controls (like shutter release).
Functionality with the Leica LUX App
Probably the biggest reason I bought the MagCam was for use with the Leica LUX camera app, and I’m happy to report it works extremely well with the application, but equally well with the native iPhone camera app.
Does It Work With A MagSafe Case?
The magnetic connection with either a caseless iPhone, or one with a MagSafe case is quite strong. But if you’re planning on using this this device, get a good MagSafe case. It’s not to hard to imagine that if the magnetic connection is broken either while holding an iPhone with the MagCam grip or worse, while it’s tripod mounted. If that happens, it could result in a broken iPhone if it’s not contained in a good case.
How Is the Light?
As I mentioned, I wasn’t really sure how useful this little light would be, but it essentially added on $15 to the price of the MagCam when bundled together. In short, I’d recommend passing on the light. It brings everything I hate about a ring light (shows up as a reflection int he subjects eyes/glasses) in smaller, less effective package.
Things I Don’t Like About the MagCam
On iOS devices, in order to zoom, you have to turn on “AssistiveTouch”. In doing you get the “transparent dot of death” that appears on every screen (even the lock screen) of the iPhone. It’s extremely annoying. Yes, you can turn AssistiveTouch on and off every time you use the Grip. Also quite annoying. Or maybe not use it all if you don’t want to zoom in and out on the grip.
The other issue I ran into withe MagGrip (which is a deal breaker) is, I could not get the charging function to work at all while holding the phone in landscape mode. The charging function only seemed to work (sort of) reliably when the phone was held in portrait orientation. Which really stinks because I wanted to use this grip primarily in landscape orientation. I’m betting this device (given the price) does not meet Apple’s “made for MagSafe standard/certification.
Do I Recommend the MagCam?
No. I mean, if you’re someone who has no other camera other than the iPhone, you may be able to live with the negatives I’ve mentioned in order to gain the benefits. It is pretty cheap at $60. Again, skip the accessory light. Here’s my video review of the PGYTech MagCam
John B. Holbrook, II is a freelance writer, photographer, and author of ThruMyLens.org, as well as LuxuryTyme.com and TheSeamasterReferencePage.com.
*All text and images contained in this web site are the original work of the author, John B. Holbrook, II and are copyright protected. Use of any of the information or images without the permission of the author is prohibited.
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