Re: [Leica] Loupe help

["Gary D. Whalen" <whalen@circle.net>]

Larry,
    Thanks for all of your thoughfull information.  Now if only the rest of the
LUG could operate in this fashion.

   Gary

Larry Kopitnik wrote:

> >>>>>>>>>>
>     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?
> <<<<<<<<<<
>
> 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