Topic: Loupes

[charles binns]

I want to get a loupe so I can focus my Crown Graphic properly.  My eyes aren't what they used to be.  Can anyone recommend a good loupe or tell me where I can find one (other than Amazon and Ebay)?

[LT]

I use a silvestri 4x loupe. Works well for me.

[Kai-san]

I bought a Silvestri 6x loupe from Linhof Studio, UK a couple of years ago. I think it is very good quality, not exactly cheap though.

[Francois]

I just use a linen thread counter... but I have to take off the folding viewfinder to use it... not convenient.

[Late Developer]

I want to get a loupe so I can focus my Crown Graphic properly.  My eyes aren't what they used to be.  Can anyone recommend a good loupe or tell me where I can find one (other than Amazon and Ebay)?

Charles, I got a large loupe (for viewing MF film on a light panel) from Mr Cad. Worth giving them a call.  A few months previously, I also looked at a Rodenstock 6x version at "Teamwork".  It was not cheap but it was stunning.  Not sure if they're compatible with focusing on ground glass but I don't see why they wouldn't be.

If you want, let me know and I'll bring mine in when we have our next high-level, London market meeting (Thursday), ahem! 

[ManuelL]

I have an old 8x Agfa loupe. Originally it was probably a negative viewing loupe. With the high magnification grainy ground glasses can possibly be a bit of an issue (I had problems focusing with the original Chamonix ground glass until I replaced it).
Similar loupes are still made today by Kalt, but I saw some feedback that the optical quality of these is not as good as the original Agfa ones.

[ManuelL]

By the way - Leon, your're about to crack the 5000 posts mark 

[Paul Mitchell]

I have a Canon x4 loupe which has served me well.

Ffordes up in Scotland sometimes have them... they have a Wista loupe on there at the moment http://www.ffordes.com/product/15072213590931 Doesn't say what the magnification is though.

Paul

[charles binns]

Thanks for all your recommendations - I'll need a long barrelled loupe for the Crown Graphic as the back has a protective focussing  hood which means I can't get too close to the ground glass.  There is a Gaoersi x8 loupe on Ebay - but I am worried x8 magnification will be too much for focussing.

Paul - I'll add loupes to the agenda for our executive meet up on Thursday  .  No need to bring yours in though, we'll just have a high level, helicopter view, blue sky, management bollocks, brainstorming type of discussion. Thanks for the offer. 

I am thinking about buying a card magnifier as a cheapo alternative (which will also help me read menus when I invariably go to a restaurant without my glasses).

Any further suggestions would be welcome.

[Francois]

Personally, I never liked card magnifiers (the fresnel type) as they tend to deform the image and have excessive color fringing...
I know Rodenstock used to make some really really nice ones with adjustable focus and an o-ring to protect the glass... Or was it Schneider.... I can't remember

check this out
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/PEAK-7X-LOUPE-LUPE-Magnifier-for-SCHNEIDER-Rodenstock-Cambo-Sinar-Nikon-/221874299501?hash=item33a8bd226d

[Bryan]

I use the Agfa 8x loupe with my Crown Graphic and I agree with Charles, it would be nice to have something longer that would be easier to hold with the shade in place.  I put the loupe on the glass where I want it then press it against the glass with two fingers to look trough it.  You don't need your eye right up to it, you can focus on the glass from a few inches away.  I'm getting used to doing it that way.

[Francois]

You can always take a regular loupe and mount it to a cardboard tube with some tape or hotglue to make it easier to put on the glass...

Hey! Wow! I never thought of that even myself!

It's probably easier to DIY than we think...
I'll have to get my old Edmund Scientific book on optics to see what I can come up with... they have plenty of plans for magnifiers in there.


Here's something that might be pretty good. The price sure is.
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l1873d.html

[Bryan]

I've been thinking about taping it to a stick.  The tube would help block light.

[jojonas~]

chimney finders for medium format cameras can be a nice alternative, specially if you already have one that works nicely.

well, that idea just comes from one of the labs I used to go to. they had an old type hasselblad chimney finder for their light table.

[Francois]

I tried something last night that might turn out to be surprisingly nice. I took an old projector lens to see if it could be used as a magnifier and the answer is yes!
I tried both a 135mm slide projector lens and a 50mm lens from a 16mm movie projector and the results are splendid. The lenses are fully corrected and flat field, so that's good. The only bad part is that they're a bit heavy and big. But you do get a large viewing glass, something that is ideal when wearing glasses. All that's needed is a mounting tube to keep the focus distance constant and protect the glass...

[Bryan]

I tried something last night that might turn out to be surprisingly nice. I took an old projector lens to see if it could be used as a magnifier and the answer is yes!
I tried both a 135mm slide projector lens and a 50mm lens from a 16mm movie projector and the results are splendid. The lenses are fully corrected and flat field, so that's good. The only bad part is that they're a bit heavy and big. But you do get a large viewing glass, something that is ideal when wearing glasses. All that's needed is a mounting tube to keep the focus distance constant and protect the glass...

I have plenty of 8mm projector lenses, I'll give that a try.

[irv_b]

I have an old 8x Agfa loupe. Originally it was probably a negative viewing loupe. With the high magnification grainy ground glasses can possibly be a bit of an issue (I had problems focusing with the original Chamonix ground glass until I replaced it).
Similar loupes are still made today by Kalt, but I saw some feedback that the optical quality of these is not as good as the original Agfa ones.

That is what I use but to have something that could hold it away from the GG at the correct distance would make life so much easier.

[Francois]

I'm thinking T.P. roll and tape at the moment... two things that don't go together but would work in this case...
Or just raid the plumbing supply section at your hardware store for some PVC or ABS tubing...
Radiator hose? that's rubber...

[charles binns]

I'm not sure the home made route is going to work for me.  Besides I don't own any projector lenses.  I ordered some magnifier cards off eBay (3 for £1.60 - you can't go wrong) and if that doesn't work, which I don't think it will, I'll buy the Gaoersi loupe on eBay.   It's the right length for my needs and seems to be of decent quality.

Thanks for all the suggestions though.