Griffin Clarifi with EasyDock for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Black)

by Griffin Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.1 inches ; 0.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001GK3S7A
• Item model number: 8245-IP2MGNFI
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,075 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Clarifi's no ordinary polycarbonate case. That's because when the details matter, Clarifi's built-in lens gives your iPhone's camera lens a little more optical muscle. The lens slides into place for macro and close-up photography, then slides aside for normal photography. Without Clarifi, iPhone will focus clearly on an object about 18 inches from the lens. Add Clarifi and move in to 4.1 inches for crisp detail and great pictures. Case constructed of polycarbonate with access to power switch, headphone jack, volume controls and and features Griffin's EasyDock; remove the case bottom to charge and sync, put it back on when you're ready to go.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DO NOT BUY THIS FOR iPHONE 3G-S!, June 23, 2009

By 

Trust Me! (Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin Clarifi with EasyDock for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I bought this for my iPhone 3G-S. I didn't realize it already takes great close-up shots. I couldn't tell a difference. I gave it to my son to use on his iPhone 3G and it made a nice improvement in close-up photos, although not quite as good as the iPhone 3G-S alone. The lens seems to lock in place, but it doesn't snap in place. It should protect your iPhone from scratches, but don't expect it to provide a lot of impact protection.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent fit, clever concept, November 16, 2008

By 

D. Duncan (Iwakuni, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Griffin Clarifi with EasyDock for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I found this case to be the perfect form factor between the floppy silicone covers and the bulkier plastic cases. I was actually surprised that it added little to my phone's thickness and feel, as the plastic cases I've seen here in Japan tend to do. The phone slides in nice and snug, and though the bottom piece doesn't "click" in place, it feels very secure. The sliding lens is a great idea, and does provide a significant improvement in close-up shots, which I use a lot to record receipts or other printed notes using evernote. The only cons are that the lens itself slides freely without a good lock at either end (not a problem when taking pics because you will quickly see if it's blocking the view), and the mid-piece is a similar gloss to the phone itself, showing scratches quite easily. These are minor issues, though, and I would highly recommend this case.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, poor execution, March 15, 2009

By 

D. McInnis (Rochester, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin Clarifi with EasyDock for iPhone 3G, 3G S (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

** lens slides freely, does not lock into position
** lens aligns poorly and is too small, vignetting evident
** cover extends over front bezel
** --avoid.

I love the idea. With lots of apps that can take input such as wine labels, book covers, or upc codes, the iPhone could really benefit from being able to take such pics directly. And the solution Griffin came up with is fantastic. It's not exactly high-tech imaging, but it doesn't need to be for this purpose (besides the iphone's camera is pretty lack lustre anyway).

Sadly they blew the execution. The lens flops around freely, there is no significant friction or indentation to keep it in either position. I can't imagine how they let this slip (excuse pun). The lens is also a bit too small, there is vignetting in all 4 corners. I could let this go, except that the lens does not line up with the camera very well. If there had been a bit of margin regarding the lens diameter, then this alignment issue wouldn't really matter.

Minor: The case itself is a bit bulkier than I care for / am used to. It's a small thing, but the case wraps up over the chrome bezel. There's no need to do this. As many other covers have shown you can stop shortly past the rounded edge. Having the cover extend onto the front as this one does makes it slightly more difficult to use the phone with one hand. Like I said, not a major thing, but a needless annoyance.

If Griffin can fix these few things I would think this could be a nearly perfect cover. As is.... save your money.