Would this make a good loupe?

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15-May-2020, 03:23
brightmatter

Would this make a good loupe?

Hi everyone,

I found this Eschenbach loupe on ebay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ESCHE...acce%7Ciid%3A1

but I wasn't sure how well it would work for focussing on my 4x5 camera. Could someone tell me whether this would be a good choice as a first loupe?

Thanks a lot :)

Rowan
15-May-2020, 05:12
Tin Can

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Since all our eyes and needs are different, it may work for you, but not for me

I need more magnification

I have tried a few...
15-May-2020, 05:32
Bob Salomon

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by brightmatter

Hi everyone,

I found this Eschenbach loupe on ebay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ESCHE...acce%7Ciid%3A1

but I wasn't sure how well it would work for focussing on my 4x5 camera. Could someone tell me whether this would be a good choice as a first loupe?

Thanks a lot :)

Rowan

A Rodenstock 4x Aspheric or a Schneider 4x would be better. So would the Wista 5x as well as other ones from Eschenbach.
15-May-2020, 06:12
Pere Casals

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by brightmatter

but I wasn't sure how well it would work for focussing on my 4x5 camera. Could someone tell me whether this would be a good choice as a first loupe?

You can focus perfectly with anything, but a good loupe is very pleasing to use. Until recently I had been focussing with a loupe whithout adjustable height, using fingers. You may use anything until you have the opportunity and the budget to have a good one.

First use cheap loupes to learn what magnification you prefer. It depends on personal preferences and on GG grain. Me I use 8x, others clearly prefer 4x, and some say that 6x is the best compromise.
15-May-2020, 07:13
C. D. Keth

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pere Casals

some say that 6x is the best compromise.

I'm one of those. 8x will do fine, though, and may even be the better choice for 4x5 where one expects to enlarge more than from larger negatives. 4x doesn't feel like enough to me.
15-May-2020, 14:52
brightmatter

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Thanks a lot for all the replies! I've decided to go for a cheapy 8x Hama to start off with, and then I can move on to something fancier once I know what I want.
15-May-2020, 14:56
Drew Bedo

Re: Would this make a good loupe?

Years ago I got my Optomitrist to make me a set of prescription reading glasses that were super strong for reading glasses. Working distance was around 4" . . .that strong. Worked Ok but I have moved on. Another thing I have done is to use a head set jeweler's magnimier ("Opti-Visor"). I have since moved to a Rodenstock Aspheric loupe. Works for me optically and it hangs from my neck on its red cord.