Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/01
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I presently shoot 35mm (Leica obviously) and 4 x 5. I own a Rodenstock
4x loupe and a Kenko 9x (BIG mistake). What I need help on is replacing my
Kenko. Do I need to go to a 6x, 7x, 8x or 9x to do some fine examinations
of my 35mm. I am very happy with the Rodenstock 4x because it is crystal
clear and covers the entire 35mm format. However, I want another loupe that
will cover a larger area AND have more magnifiction. Is this possible?
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I've tried a number of loupes recently, between home and work (as
production manager of a large ad agency, I review slides and transperancies
almost daily), and have settled on a couple of Schneiders that I'm
generally happy with.
For a loupe to view an entire slide, I use the Schneider 6x Aspheric. I
bought this loupe because it had the largest magnification of a high
quality loupe that allowed viewing the entire slide. However, as an
eyeglass wearer, I am not able to see the whole slide sharply at once; I
still have to shift my eye or the loupe. If I had to do it again, I'd
probably be more inclined to go with the less expensive Schneider 4x loupe.
Which would be fine because I've recently supplemented the 6x Aspheric with
a Schneider 10X loupe. It's amazing how much more detail and sharpness is
apparent with the 10x loupe versus the 6x. The 10x has proven to be the
best way for me to determine how sharp a slide or transperancy will be when
enlarged for use in a full page or double page ad. The 10x loupe shows
maybe 2/3 of a slide. It's not the loupe for viewing an entire slide, but
it's excellent for seeing the true quality captured.
I've also gone through the EMO Macromax (a 5x loupe from Wetzlar which I
think has evolved into the Leica loupe). It's very good. I've tried the
Peak 7x Anastigmat, which is not quite as sharp as the Schneider but
nonetheless very good for the price, and through which a slide appears
noticeably larger than with the Schneider 6x. The Peak is also remarkably
free of distortion. And I've tried the Canon 8x, which is a sharp loupe but
with horrible distortion which made it unuseable for me.
For a loupe to supplement your Rodenstock 4x, I'd recommend the Schneider
10x. It covers less area, but its quality and magnification can be a real
asset.
Larry