A little context first - I still have the Lumia 1020, still fully 'working'* under Windows Phone 8.1 and I also still have the PD-95G 'Lumia 1020 Camera grip', also still holding a charge. Eight years ago I was a bit underwhelmed by the accessory, reckoning that with all the DSLR grip bulk then a higher capacity battery could have been squeezed in. I still think that, but in its defense at least it was released and was a perfect fit for our favourite camera-toting smartphone of the era.
* well, it all works as well as can be expected given that there's no app store anymore and little compatibility with modern Internet services.
I started with the yellow grip and then that got lost in the mists of time - so it got replaced by a black one, as shown below. Bit of a two-tone look, but it all still works, which isn't bad for eight year old hardware:
I'm completely on board with the concept here though - when your camera phone feels in the hand like a DSLR there's a definite surge in creativity. Even though the imaging hardware is identical, you'll want to take photos more and you'll feel more in the... mood.
It's all a bit nebulous, but clearly others have a similar vision today - I've watched as a few appallingly made accessories came and went in the intervening 8 years, but with the titular Fjorden we perhaps something higher quality for the modern age. Not for Lumias, of course, the world has (sadly) moved on, but for the iPhone - ostensibly for the 12 series, but with adapters to make sure it works with any iOS device in recent years.
Let's start with the Kickstarter intro video, which is pretty slick and convincing (so hide your wallet if you're easily tempted):
In short, we have a custom MagSafe-compatible* shell case with a central pivot/attachment, into which the top section of the Fjorden Grip is inserted and clipped. The rest of the grip, hinged for (e.g.) kickstand use, is dominated by a large finger grip, styled very much like the Lumia one above. In fact, you get more physical controls (though no rechargeable battery or - obviously - power bank functions), including a zoom 'lever', each transmitting user inputs via Bluetooth to custom software on the iOS phone.
* although magnets aren't involved in the Fjorden system, the idea here is that the case section will work properly with MagSafe chargers and other accessories, at least when the Fjorden grip isn't attached.
The system looks workable, though there are a few caveats and worries:
- Part of the beauty of the latest iPhones in terms of imaging is Apple's massive attention to detail in terms of AI and image processing, all brought to bear in the Apple Camera application. Since Fjorden hasn't got access to Apple for them to build in support for this accessory, they've had to make their own custom Camera application. Now, this will use a number of official imaging APIs, so some of Apple's expertise does still get used, but it's still a crying shame that you can't use the Camera software you've been using for the last decade. On the other hand, based on the promo video and screen animations, the Fjorden software does look quite extensive in terms of options, so perhaps this 'power user' approach needs a new application after all?
There's talk of beta testing this 'Fjorden Camera app', implying that it's still being written, which is understandable, but doesn't inspire that much confidence. Fjorden has managed to work with two third party camera applications for iOS, so it does at least launch with accessory support inside these. The popular Halide app isn't one of these, at least not yet.
- With the connection between phone and accessory being Bluetooth, I do worry about small lag when zooming, when focussing and snapping. The iPhone's traditionally been the fastest, most responsive Camera application for smartphones in the world, so to move to anything less than 'instant' is a downgrade. We won't know just how much Bluetooth is a factor until this gets in reviewer hands. (Note that the earlier Nokia Grip was hooked up via the microUSB port, so there was zero impact on shot timing.)
- Being a Kickstarter project, there's huge, massive, lag between the initial announcement and actual availability. We've seen this before, not least on the various NexDock products, and here Fjorden claims delivery 'by February 2022'. And that's a best case scenario. There follow lots of caveats about pandemic component supply, and so on. Realistically, this might not make it into a backer's hands until Spring 2022, so nine months time.
Ouch. This means that you might order this for a specific iPhone size and be on an entirely different device by the time the one you ordered arrives. To be fait, Fjorden offers plenty of adapters and sizes, so hopefully something can be sorted out next year. But nine months is still an eternity in the phone world.
Did I back the project? I would have if they hadn't already reached their goal, but they're well funded and it will happen... in time.
In terms of value, there are - as usual with Kickstarter - plenty of tiers and funding options. Typical is the Fjorden MagSafe case and Fjorden Grip at a combined early bird price of 140 Euros (normally being aimed at 180), or roughly £120 - a third party MagSafe case is typically £30 or so, so we're talking about £90 for the plastic (but looks well made) Fjorden grip, including a friction hinge and optional kick stand function. Which... doesn't sound totally outrageous in 2021, but it's still a world away from the £45 of the original Nokia PD-95G. Just saying!