A more-than-10X Loupe

albada · Dec 1, 2011

I'm experimenting with PC-type developers, and their grain (with TMY) is so fine that it's hard to see even in my good 10X loupe (by Peak).
Actually, I'll admit that's a nice problem to have.
Anyway, I need more than 10X. What kind/model of loupe would you recommend for such grain-sniffing?

Thanks,

Mark Overton

Bob-D659 · Dec 1, 2011

There is/was a 20x model, can't remember the model name, but I have one in the darkroom. Works ok on 35mm Ektar when you have the head to the top of the column.

Bill Burk · Dec 1, 2011

A B&L 30x StereoZoom 4

If you can't get the "arm" for it, an old enlarger column and ballhead can be jerry-rigged to get you there.

Bob-D659 · Dec 1, 2011

Ok, the B&L is a little overkill, maybe. To really go overboard, you want a surgical microsope.

I was thinking of a grain focuser, not a loupe, anyways the grain focuser brand is Scoponet.

Jon Shiu · Dec 1, 2011

I use a vintage 30x Micronta pocket microscope. Cheap and it works good.

Jon

albada · Dec 2, 2011

Jon Shiu said:
I use a vintage 30x Micronta pocket microscope. Cheap and it works good.
Jon

Micronta? Let's see, that's sold by... Shadio Rack?
It never occurred to me to look there for optics. Thanks for the note.

Mark Overton

Jon Shiu · Dec 2, 2011

Yes, Radio Shack, but not available from them anymore. Ebay would have that sort of vintage thing.

Jon

jochen · Dec 2, 2011

Hello,
there is a 20 X focussing aid on the market from Ahel in France; here in Germany the price is about 50 (Fotoimpex in Berlin). With 8 X I cannot even see the grain from TMax 100.

Nicholas Lindan · Dec 2, 2011

Bill Burk said:
A B&L 30x StereoZoom 4

Just the thing for spotting prints - no eyestrain, really see what you are doing and a really invisible spotting job when you are done.

A more-than-10X Loupe

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