[Leica] Re: What are loupes for?

[Ron & Beelian Miller <rkmiller001@earthlink.net>]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the advise! Duh, it was rather silly of me to ask "is it
worth it". Only I can tell and I would have to see for myself which one
is best for me. But it always helps to narrow your choices through the
experience of veteran photogs.  If I value the images i make with my M6,
I should preserve the "high quality" throughout the entire process. 
Though I always like to go for the best value that money can buy,
sometimes the best will have to cost more. We shall see. I will be
comparing the suggested loupes (kindly recommended by LUG family members
and also from archive threads) pretty soon at a local store. Right now,
they have a limited quantity of each model. And thanks to the test
suggestion by Peter, I will try out: Schneider 6x asph, Pentax 5.5x,
Rodenstock 4x, Peak 4x anastigmatic and Zeiss 5x. 

Will keep you posted!
Bee Lian


- - ----- Original message ----
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 13:12:52 -0700
From: "Joe Stephenson" <joeleica@email.msn.com>
Subject: Re: [Leica] Accessories for photobug: What are loupes for?

<<1) Tell me, is it worth it to pay that much for that Schneider loupe?
What else do you use it for, other than viewing negatives, slides and
contact sheets? (OK, someone will flame me for thinking such heresy when
it comes to Leica images!!)>>>
[cut]

Dear Bee,
I have the Schneider 4X loupe, and I love it. I use it for al the
obvious things, but also for looking at the front and back of negatives 
as I put them in th eneg holder as it goes into the enlarger. I look at 
prints to check for fine details. I use it with the view camera. I 
remove splinters. I have used it in the wood shop. I read labels with 
it. etc. etc. One of hte most useful tools I own. I suspect it will see 
more use as I age. Can't think how I managed with cheap, poor quality 
loupes for so long.
Joe Stephenson