Focussing Lupes - recommendations?

Tim Myers · Post by **Tim Myers** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:58 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I'm in the market for a new focussing lupe - does anyone have any recommendations?

Tim.

Post by **Joanna Carter** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:02 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

The Horseman 7x is small, robust and good. If you want to try bfore you buy, we could always met for lunh or something; Helen and I are both on holiday at home this week.

Bobbo · Post by **Bobbo** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:35 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I have always made my own up,....along th elines of what was shown to me as a young photographer. It was usual to make up using ex military field glass lenses. My current effort uses two lenses cobbled together in plastic fittings from B&Q....gives 10X with large view and cost less than £5,...just as well since I have a certain track record for leaving them at the location...!

However, I'm working on a new 'design' at the 'mo.....this will incorporate a 1/2degree spot meter.

Apple · Post by **Apple** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 12:32 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I've got a couple of Silvestri loupes - the 4x fixed and the 6x tilting.

These are solidly made and "reassuringly heavy" rather than the plasticky feel of the Rodenstock. Also a fair bit cheaper AFAIR. It's possible to focus and lock the adjustment in place which is nice - no more focusing the loupe then the camera each time. The only downside on the 4x is the lack of a rubber protectors so you can't be too rough on the g/glass or if you wear spectacles.

The 4x has a large diameter eyepiece which gives a bright image. I haven't used the tilting one as I get on so well with the other.

Morco do these in the UK and quite often there's deals on at Focus on Imaging...

Andrew

Tim Myers · Post by **Tim Myers** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:47 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Hi Apple,

Can the tilting base be removed easily from the 6x loupe?

Jo,

Thanks for the offer, but I'm really busy this week then on holiday for a while - which means I can't make the trip to Victoria Baths.

Post by **masch** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 6:08 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Tim,

I second Jo's comments regarding the Horseman 7x lupe.
At GBP 40 it's also one of the cheaper progressive focussing lupes around. Most others are about 2-3x that.

It also doesn't really distort too much, IMHO. Although, I think your Nikon 4x is actually quite good as well...

Marc

Apple · Post by **Apple** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 7:08 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Tim,

Yes, you are supplied with a second base that's plain - see the piccy

Otherwise, the tilting base is only held on by two small screws with spring washers for "tensioners."

One slight reason I shied away from it was the fact that the angular motion is stiff as new and can be eased by slackening the screws. Unfortunately, I got the impression that they would ratchet / work out over time and then drop out (probably when you are in long grass

)

Maybe a touch of Loctite would solve the issue...

Andrew

Tim Myers · Post by **Tim Myers** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:48 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Just in time for my Scotland trip next week I've now got myself the Silvestri 6x (after seeing Andrew's at the baths a few weeks ago).

Post by **Joanna Carter** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:18 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Tim Myers wrote:Just in time for my Scotland trip next week ...

Now don't you go wearing out the landscape before we all get there now

Tim Myers · Post by **Tim Myers** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:57 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Don't know about wearing it out - I have a feeling it might get washed away though... I've been nikwaxing everything I can find in preparation