Focusing loupe - which one do you recommend

[kal800]

First of all - what magnification? Most common are 4x and I have one of them (plastic and cheap), but maybe stronger one would be more precise?

Which model is recommended - I'd rather go for a new one. It should be sturdy, housing made of metal and lens made of glass, GG friendly, good quality optics. I do not need diopter adjustment as I wear contact lenses. I was considering Silvestri - either 4x or 6x. Are they OK?

[Alan Klein]

Get the kind that won't scratch the ground glass. PS what are you using it for? what camera?

[kal800]

Sinar - got fresnel, so it won't scratch the GG.

[Alan9940]

I prefer a pair of magnifying glasses because they allow me to easily see the gg (old eyes!) while composing and keeps my hands free to manipulate the camera, and then to focus. No idea what power mine are, but I'd guess around 4 - 6X.

[Bob Salomon]

First of all - what magnification? Most common are 4x and I have one of them (plastic and cheap), but maybe stronger one would be more precise?

Which model is recommended - I'd rather go for a new one. It should be sturdy, housing made of metal and lens made of glass, GG friendly, good quality optics. I do not need diopter adjustment as I wear contact lenses. I was considering Silvestri - either 4x or 6x. Are they OK?

Of course you need an adjustable one. Otherwise you cant focus it on the grain side of your gg.

[Bernice Loui]

4x typically proves not quite enough magnification. 7x is better. Previously loupe discussion on LFF:
https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?155979-Focusing-loupe

Been using the Horseman/Calumet/Peak 7x for decades after trying and using many, many many loupes..
235015


Hint, the fresnel lens is not always helpful viewing aid. The lines of the fresnel lens can hinder critical focus and if a wide angle lens is used, the fresnel can produce a double image and reduced light at the edges of the GG. This is why the Sinar fresnel is so easy to remove/install as needed.


Bernice

[Doremus Scudder]

There are myriad opinions and personal approaches to ground-glass magnifiers; loupes with and without opaque skirts and tilting capabilities, free-held magnifiers, clip-on loupes for your glasses, strong magnifying glasses, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, etc., etc. All of these will work; it boils down to personal preference and situation.

A couple of things to be aware of though: with short-focal-length lenses, it is often difficult to see into the corners of the image with a skirted loupe that doesn't tilt. Tilting loupes with skirts are nice, but pricey. Using a free-held magnifier solves the problem but introduces another; you have to move the magnifier back and forth to find the right distance from the frosted side of the ground glass for focusing. This gets pretty easy with practice, however, so don't shy away from this option. Personally, I use a 5x-6x free-held magnifier.

Using high-powered magnifiers in the 8x-10x range seems to bother some, especially in conjunction with Fresnel screens. The Fresnel lines or a course grind on the ground glass can be distracting at high magnification (I've used 8x loupes with zero problems, though, even with Fresnel screens).

Some use 4-5 diopter reading glasses and have done with it, not needing more magnification for critical focus. I find that I need more magnification than that.

Another issue that doesn't get addressed often is general viewing of the ground glass for composing, etc. (i.e., not critical focusing). If you're far-sighted or suffering from presbyopia (which we all will at some point), finding a comfortable working distance from the ground glass can be a problem. This is where reading glasses come in handy for me. I use 3-diopter reading glasses to get me closer to the ground glass for general viewing; it helps me keep the dark cloth around my head better and lets me get close enough to see details. Still, for critical focusing, I use the 6x magnifier (with or without the reading glasses - it doesn't seem to make a difference).

Hope this helps,

Doremus

[xkaes]

Been using the Horseman/Calumet/Peak 7x for decades after trying and using many, many many loupes..
235015

Bernice

Add another name to the list -- that is exactly the same as my Wista 7X loupe, too. I had no idea it was available under so many labels.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

The Peak 1975 is the same glass as the Horseman and much cheaper. https://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10 It only comes with a transparent base, but that hasn't been a problem for my use. I suppose you could paint the base or add some black tape around it.

[Tobias Key]

Add another name to the list -- that is exactly the same as my Wista 7X loupe, too. I had no idea it was available under so many labels.

I have the same loupe but it's Nikon branded!

[John Kasaian]

Silvestri makes an excellent 6x loupe.
It really all depends on what works for you

I started with a ubiquitous cheap plastic 9x Agfa.
I made it work good enough for several years.
Most all of my original LF gear was either cheap or nearly worn out because 1) I was broke and couldn't afford better, and 2) I wanted to start making LF pictures ASAP
Every year as my budget would allow, I'd upgrade one piece of gear and one year it was the loupe's turn.
I replaced the Agfa with a Silvestri (which at the time was pretty reasonably priced) and have never looked back.

[willwilson]

I used to use a Rodenstock 4x loop, but I lost it. It came with a camera setup I bought way back when. I went through a few other loops. Schneider 4x and an Omega. The Omega is fine but too big and long. The Schneider is my current working loop but I just bought another Rodenstock (expensive!). It's definitely a personal preference but every time I've been out photographing with that Schneider I wish I had my old Rodenstock. Most loops will work fine to get the job done though. 235041

[Tin Can]

Everybody has different eyes

I find 9X adjustable is middle porridge for me

Tested many

[xkaes]

The Peak 1975 is the same glass as the Horseman and much cheaper. https://www.peakoptics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10 It only comes with a transparent base, but that hasn't been a problem for my use. I suppose you could paint the base or add some black tape around it.

In addition to the switchable base -- opaque & transparent -- the Peak 7X also lacks the convenient, and removable, neck strap. I find both of these accessories important.

[Alan Klein]

In addition to the switchable base -- opaque & transparent -- the Peak 7X also lacks the convenient, and removable, neck strap. I find both of these accessories important.

I tied a piece of monofilament fishing line around the loupe and then added a typical neck lanyard.

[Maris Rusis]

It's an old idea but worth considering. The power of the loupe should be higher than the enlargement ratio you are planning. For example a 4x enlargement asks for a 6x loupe to deliver some reserve of focussing accuracy.

[Vaidotas]

I had horrible experience using stronger x6 loupe first time - I saw too much dust on my fresnel.

[Bernice Loui]

Remove the fresnel, problem removed.

Bernice




I had horrible experience using stronger x6 loupe first time - I saw too much dust on my fresnel.

[Drew Bedo]

Recommend?

I now use a Rodenstock 4X loupe. Works for me.

At other times, I have used a pair of REALLY strong prescription readers.

At other times, I used a jeweler's binocular magnifier head set.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I use a graphic arts loupe made by Pitman. I can easily see edges and corners, I tend to compose from the edges inward in a lot of cases. This works great for me. I still have a 50X Pocket Microscope from Edmund Scientific that I have used long ago

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51250137540_7f9cbaabec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m5Nmn3)PARAGON Loupe by Pitman Co 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2m5Nmn3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51249088706_781749f8a3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m5GYzG)PARAGON Loupe by Pitman Co 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2m5GYzG) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[Bob Salomon]

Remove the fresnel, problem removed.

Bernice

So then you will see dust on the ground glass!

[Drew Wiley]

I use the same Peak 7X. It's my favorite. Have two of them. One of them is Horseman label, the other Nikon labeled.

Another favorite focus technique of mine - throw away the damn fresnel screen first!

[Robert Opheim]

I started with a plastic Agfa magnifier, then a glass lens linen tester - worked great except that there would light from the side that would obscure the image I was focusing on, even with the dark cloth. Over the years I changed out 4x5 cameras and added lenses. I went to a 4x Toyo loupe (probably the best purchase price) maybe 20 or 30 years ago - I had a 4x5 with a deep collapsible rear hood. In the last 10 years I went to 1.5 magnifying glasses, and a long horseman 7x loupe. I bought it to work with the 4x5 Technikardan collapsible rear hood - so I wouldn't have to remove the shade to focus the lens on the ground glass ( I still flip the shade back and forth looking at the ground glass with my magnifying glasses and with the loupe). It also works great on my 8x10 C-1 Calumet ground glass. It is 7X instead of 4X magnification and works fine with my ground glass only set ups. I can't speak about Fresnel lens focusing, as I tried it once and didn't like it.

You need to look at your camera, the set up that you are using and what works best with it. Also, what feels right to you, and how you are taking images - your process of image making. If you want to see in the corners magnified - the Sivestri tilting loupe sounds great ( I haven't tried one ). There is a difference in the quality of the lenses - plastic lenses tend to dull contrast, quality glass is easier to see to use (but quality glass cost quite a bit more).

As far as my process: I tend to wear my loupe around my neck with a cord and keep it in my breast pocket. I keep my meter in a case on my belt, and often I have a zone-6 filter in my breast pocket as well on a cord around my neck. I use an old Linhof finder initially to locate possible images. The tools have taken decades to collect and have become part of the image making process. Happy and fruitful image finding, and creating to you.

[Mark J]

Does anyone own the 6X one from Horseman ? ( the slim one useful for getting into the VH hood )
If so, I'd like to know if they have a diopter adjust.

[Robert Opheim]

My Horseman is the 6X and not the 7X. Yes there is considerable diopter adjustment - almost 3/4 of an inch. It has rubber on the end where it would meet the ground glass. It varies in length from around 4 1/2 inches to 5 1/8 inches.

[Alan Klein]

My Horseman is the 6X and not the 7X. Yes there is considerable diopter adjustment - almost 3/4 of an inch. It has rubber on the end where it would meet the ground glass. It varies in length from around 4 1/2 inches to 5 1/8 inches.

I recently bought one. It's shortest when no diopter adjustment and gets longer with more magnification.

[Mark J]

I suspect it will get longer with + dioptre adjustment and the mag will increase a bit ? I'm not expecting a mag adjustment though ?

Thanks Robert, it's more likely i will buy one now, though they are a bit pricey !

[erie patsellis]

Just a thought, but I find 3.50 diopter reading glasses just about perfect for focusing. Otherwise I use a Hasselblad chimney magnifier and occasionally an actual loupe, though I can't remember who made it, and the branding wore off years ago, though ISCO comes to mind.

[Robert Opheim]

Mark, the 6x Horseman Loupes - used are expensive - I shopped around and ended up buying one off of ebay several years ago. I tend to buy from recognized stores and sellers on email where I have had no issues. I look at the ratings and reviews.

[Mark J]

Yes, thanks, that's where I was looking - there are dozens of them at any given time - surprisingly !
I had a good look through about 3 days ago, and found one with a decent balance between condition and price. I probably should have bought one years ago, but my decreasing accommodation has slowed down my working lately, and a loupe that doesn't need me to swing aside the hood on the VH screen , has dioptre adjust and is slim to get into the corners, is what i need. I'm sure it'll be worth the money, all the Horseman kit is nicely made.

[Vaidotas]

I like Doremus approach (post No.6) and Bernice insights with provided link post No.5).
I was using various cheap loupes from x1.5 to x10 and to my understanding they do their job, but once I was lucky to acquire Schneider Aspheric x6, with price tag within two digits, cosmetical blemishes but very clean glass.
I highly reccomend it. It very bright, decision making where is the focus became an easy task even with older uncoated uncorrected lenses when CA, SA or coma is present. And there is a lot of periphery to look around focused point, its kind of wide angle.
This loupe is on the heavy side and skirt is quite big, otherwise outstanding tool.

[Mark J]

Well I got my Horseman x6 today. Despite the condition being called 'very good' , it's actually immaculate, as I thought from the pictures.
It's very good value actually, because it's beautifully made and quite LARGE. It doesn't look ideal for the small Horseman VH screen to be honest, and it's nearly as heavy as an extra taking lens.... however I'll give it a good try-out.

[Robert Opheim]

Horseman 6X long loupe is big and heavy. The optics are very good. They extend the length of a viewing hood. I put mine in an old sock to keep it from getting beat up - I will find a case for it eventually - there are so many throw away things now.

[John Patrick Garriga]

Seems to me that all of us have vision problems. Kind of ironic, considering the trade, no? Too much time spent under safelight, or behind a computer screen in photoshop?
I like my cheap little set. Has a 2x up through 7 or 10x, can't remember exactly. Works fine for me but I borrowed a 20x once and I don't think I can ever go back.

[darr]

Ebony Magnifying Loupe/Glass, whatever they called it, when they were available.
Works fine for me for 20 years.

[Drew Wiley]

I certainly wouldn't call the Horseman loupe big; it's kinda in the middle of the herd in terms of size and expense. My backup loupe in a tiny 10X Emo, optically very good but hard to keep a grip on. You don't want something too small, or too high a magnification like that. But it sure doesn't take up much extra room in the kit as an emergency extra.

[John Layton]

I use a "system" consisting of a pair of 4X reading glasses, backed up with a Nikon 7X loupe when I need a bit more. But what I'd really like would be to have my 4X readers tricked out with some kind of higher magnification "insert." Hmmm...maybe I could super-glue that Nikon loupe onto my readers somehow, so I'd just tilt my head a bit to use it? Gotta think on this...

[Alan Klein]

I use a "system" consisting of a pair of 4X reading glasses, backed up with a Nikon 7X loupe when I need a bit more. But what I'd really like would be to have my 4X readers tricked out with some kind of higher magnification "insert." Hmmm...maybe I could super-glue that Nikon loupe onto my readers somehow, so I'd just tilt my head a bit to use it? Gotta think on this...

Check out jewelers eyepieces. They should have some sort of clip-on you can use for that purpose.

[John Layton]

Yes, I will check out those jewelers eyepieces...but in the meantime I will experiment with my 4x readers/7x loupe combo.

The idea here is that I can have the best of both worlds...being able to achieve quick overall focus while also honing in on composition, and then adding a bit of fine focussing if needed, all while able to move my head around to view the outer image field with whatever degree of obliqueness is required to suit the particular FL related characteristics of the projected image.

My ultimate goal is to combine the above setup with an integrated flexible dark cloth, in the form of a tapered "tube," with the eyeglass assembly affixed to the rear of this in a way which is light-sealed and which allows me to breathe with both nose and mouth while keeping breath away from the screen...while the eyeglass assembly is also affixed to my head with an elastic head-strap, with the front end affixed to the rear of the camera with a draw-string arrangement so I can easily attach and remove it prior to taking a photo (removal being really important if its at all windy!).

The trick here, of course...is to convince my dear wife to contribute her amazing sewing prowess to this project - wish me luck!

[Alan Klein]

I wish your wife luck. :)