Category: Cases
Works With: iPhone 4/S, iPhone 5, iPod Touch
Price: $50
Add the Olloclip accessory lens’s price to the cost of this new Olloclip Quick-Flip case and you get to $120. That used to be the price of an entry-level camera from a fairly decent brand, but I’d recommend you buy the Olloclip gear instead. Your iPhone’s camera way, way better than a $100-200 point-and-shoot, and the Olloclip gear makes it much easier to use.
What It Is
The Olloclip case comes in two parts. The case itself, and a Pro-Photo adapter for attaching accessories and tripods. The adapter needs the case, but the case doesn’t need the adapter, so you can just keep it in a bag or pocket for when you want to use it.
The case clips on like any other shell-style case, with cut-outs for all the controls and holes. But it has a trick that allows you to use the Olloclip lens with the case still attached. One of the biggest customer complaints to the folks at Olloclip is that it can’t be used with a case, as the lens slips tight over the bare body of the iPhone itself. The Quick-Flip has a hinged section on the top right corner which – yes – flips out of the way to let you attach the lens.
But that’s not all: the hinged section swings through a full 180˚, whereupon its tip rests on the “up” volume button. This effectively turns the flip into a mechanical shutter release button for your iPhone.
The Pro-Photo adapter slides onto the bottom of the main case. It doesn’t get in the way of anything (meaning you can still use the earbuds as a remote shutter release – just hit one of the volume switches), and adds two tripod sockets, set at right angles on the bottom and left edges of the adapter. There’s also a cold-shoe adapter for mounting accessories like LED lamps and microphones.
Finally, it comes in translucent black and white colorways, and the iPhone 5 version comes with an insert to make the case compatible with the iPod Touch.
The Good
Without the Pro-Photo adapter the case is also as small and thin enough to be left on all the time.
The case – as you’d expect from Olloclip – fits like a tight, well-fitting glove. The case snaps into the iPhone and stays there, with no rattles or moving parts. Without the Pro-Photo adapter the case is also as small and thin as any other shell, and can be left on all the time. For this reason it has become my new favorite case.
In fact, let’s take a look at it’s case-only abilities for a second. On first opening the box, you grab the case and it feel s a little thin and flimsy, However, once it’s on the phone it feels tough and sturdy, and also slightly pliable, all the better for absorbing shocks without cracking.
There’s a slightly raised lip around the screen bezel area, too, so you can lay the iPhone face-down and the screen won’t touch a flat surface.
The Pro-Photo adapter clips on solidly, too, giving you some confidence that it won’t fall off a tripod. I wouldn’t use it to clamp my iPhone to a pair of bike handlebars, but for anything less shaky it should be fine. The trips holes are also tough, despite being made from plastic. They’re actually reinforced with extra plastic, making them slightly bulky. This is presumably why it’s a separate unit.
The Bad
I only have one thing against the Quick-Flip case: the flip itself.
I only have one thing against the Quick-Flip case: the flip itself. It’s a little tricky to unclip, but that’s just due to its tight fit. What I don’t like is that it feels a little floaty when using it as a shutter release. If you’re shooting one-handed it’s actually great, letting you get your fingers in the right place without hunting around for a tiny little button. But when used in landscape format, and with two hands, it feels like it won’t trigger the shutter properly. This fear is unfounded in practice, though: it works fine, and consistently It just feels flimsy.
The Verdict
$50 is steep for a case, but if you figure in that you also get a handy tripod mount, and that – if you’re considering this case – you’re already in the hole for a $70 add-on lens, it’s not bad. In fact, if you’re one of those photographers who has given up on regular cameras and switched full time to the iPhone, then this is an essential bit of gear. Better still, you an grab a kit containing both the case and the lens for $100.
Recommended.
 Product Name: : Olloclip Quick-Flip Case
The Good: A great case, and an even greater Olloclip companion. The modular design means you only need to carry what you’re going to use. Not dorky. The Bad: Quick Flip is a little flimsy feeling. The Verdict: Pricey, but worth it. If you own an Olloclip and want to use a case, buy this: you won’t be disappointed. Buy from: Olloclip |
