Nexus 5 camera has magnet ring built-in, for add-on lenses

[arutazzaps]

guys, do not attach any strong magnetic devices on the lens. Under the hood, there is a sensitive and complicated MEMS optical image stabilizer and these mechanisms are very sensitive to strong magnetic fields.
Strong magnetic fields may cause damage or disable the optical image stabilizer.

The magnet that is there is part of Image stabilization system, and placed there only for that purpose.

Do not place there magnets : it can cause irreversible damage!

 

[reddragon72]

guys, do not attach any strong magnetic devices on the lens. Under the hood, there is a sensitive and complicated MEMS optical image stabilizer and these mechanisms are very sensitive to strong magnetic fields.
Strong magnetic fields may cause damage or disable the optical image stabilizer.

The magnet that is there is part of Image stabilization system, and placed there only for that purpose.

Do not place there magnets : it can cause irreversible damage!

According to this MEMS does away with magnets.

http://memscam.com/wp-content/uploa...e-by-mems-cam-Technologies-February-20131.pdf

MEMS doesn't use magnets it uses static electricity. And the way it is built MEMS provides the image stabilization as well as it can actually tilt the lens.

As to why the camera seems to be magnetic is the metal housing used in the Nexus 5 camera was reused. In other words the same housing can handle both VCM(Voice Coil Motor) which uses magnets and MEMS. The company that makes the camera for the Nexus 5 simply slapped a MEMS focuser in there standard housing. The standard case has a "shield" magnet to help eliminate outside magnetic forces from messing with the older VCM.

That's the best I can tell you and placing magnets around a camera lens is not a good idea as the older VCM tech is very susceptible to magnetism.