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freddenacka
26-May-2013, 01:07
Hey
I'm new to this and need a focusing Loupe.
There are a lot cheap ones at eBay for 45-60gr enlargement. Is that a useful one?
I can buy a used one but need to now what to look for.
There is no problem to spend maybe 10-50 dollars.

I have a Newton vc3 with ground glass

http://monorecords.wordpress.com/large-format-photo/

Tony Lakin
26-May-2013, 01:56
http://www.rockycameras.com/leica-leitz-lvfoo-rigid-finder-for-leica-visoflex-1999-41902-p.asp

Rather heavy but great optics and usually cheap, the shipping cost of this one to your location may be prohibitive but there are plenty of them around.

freddenacka
26-May-2013, 02:09
Thanks! There is one on a Swedish action today, we will se if I get it :)

Douglas
26-May-2013, 09:52
DIY , I made one with a 8 diopter close up lens ($2 , local used camera show) and a piece of pvc pipe.
Works great for me.

Richard Wasserman
26-May-2013, 10:10
Beat-up 50mm lens from a 35mm camera. Look through the rear of the lens—makes a great magnifier or loupe.

freddenacka
26-May-2013, 12:51
Thanks i will try that! Have some 50mm that I don't use :)

Jonathan Barlow
26-May-2013, 14:06
Used black (classic style) Schneider 4x loupe: usually sells for $30-40 on eBay.

fasol
27-May-2013, 23:43
http://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=5 Only 14 bucks! And don't forget to use black tape to insulate the bottom part.

Peter York
28-May-2013, 07:48
http://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=5 Only 14 bucks! And don't forget to use black tape to insulate the bottom part.

+1. This is now my primary loupe.

Ari
28-May-2013, 08:02
The Peak 5x is a good general-purpose loupe for the money; B&H might sell it for less than $14.

E. von Hoegh
28-May-2013, 08:07
Hey
I'm new to this and need a focusing Loupe.
There are a lot cheap ones at eBay for 45-60gr enlargement. Is that a useful one?
I can buy a used one but need to now what to look for.
There is no problem to spend maybe 10-50 dollars.

I have a Newton vc3 with ground glass

http://monorecords.wordpress.com/large-format-photo/

I use this, for 4x5 and 8x10. http://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=12

Most say that 10x is too much, but I haven't found it to be so in the 20+ years I've used this loupe.

The problem with this loupe http://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?...&products_id=5 is that the focus is not adjustable.
To focus the camera accurately, the loupe must be sharply focussed on the texture of the groundglass. Do this by pointing the lens at a featurelss subject, such as a wall or the sky. Or remove the lens. Set the loupe against the GG and adjust it so the texture of the GG is crisply defined, then lock or tape the adjustment so it cannot move.
If this seems too involved, look at it this way: Film isn't cheap, materials aren't cheap, and nether is your time. The loupe is the only piece of equipment which will tell you what you will have on that negative. Use a good (dark) darkcloth too, if you can't see the GG you don't know what you're getting on the film.

Jim Becia
28-May-2013, 12:10
I bought a couple of the Peaks a couple of years ago when they were about $9. A great backup and actually a very good loupe for the money.

Andy Eads
28-May-2013, 12:59
A projection lens from an old 8mm projector works pretty well. Some are heavier than others.

sethlatimer
28-May-2013, 14:25
I have a peak loupe and I vastly prefer to use a normal 35mm lens. The focus area is better magnified and bigger. I was actually quite shocked when I tried it out because it was so much better.

freddenacka
29-May-2013, 00:39
I did try one of my 50 mm lenses and it worked perfekt!
The only problem was that I like this lens to much so I will find one that isnt that exiting to use normaly :)