Good quality loupe/magnifier for 35mm contact prints

[ediz7531]

What would folks recommend for a high quality magnifier for 35mm contact prints? I’m not interested in using it for looking at negatives or at slides. I’d like to be able to see the full frame. And it should have good eye relief for glass wearers.

From a previous thread here from a few years ago, I see folks mention a Schneider 4x loupe. There are a few versions listed on eBay, so not sure exactly which. Open to buying new as well.

 

[Pieter12]

The problem I have using any loupe for viewing contact prints is your head blocks the light making it difficult to see well. I prefer to use a jeweler's loupe that you wear like eyeglasses. Some have built-in lights, too. I don't know if they work with eyeglasses, though.

 

[dpurdy]

My long time loupe that has adjustable focus and clear sides that are nearly exactly for 35 mm with a good quality lens is a Peak 8x.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[cliveh]

i use a folding Drapers glass

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[GregY]

My long time loupe that has adjustable focus and clear sides that are nearly exactly for 35 mm with a good quality lens is a Peak 8x.

Pardon Our Interruption...

I have the same loupe but Nikon badged..... they're about $20USD. works like a charm.... slides, negs, contacts.

 

[wiltw]

Third recommendation for Peak 8x

 

[ediz7531]

My long time loupe that has adjustable focus and clear sides that are nearly exactly for 35 mm with a good quality lens is a Peak 8x.

Pardon Our Interruption...

I have the same loupe but Nikon badged..... they're about $20USD. works like a charm.... slides, negs, contacts.

Third recommendation for Peak 8x

Lots of recommendations for the Peak loupe. Any issues with illumination per the first reply to this thread since one’s head blocks the light?

 

[GregY]

Lots of recommendations for the Peak loupe. Any issues with illumination per the first reply to this thread since one’s head blocks the light?

it depends what your light source is and where it is relative to your work space. The skirt of the loupe is transparent, the light arrangement is up to you.

 

[xkaes]

Agfa made/sold a very popular 8X similar to Peak, but less expensive and very easy to find.

 

[wiltw]

Keep in mind that magnification factor of a loups or binocular is not LINEAR, but AREA...so 8x area is almost like looking at 3" x 4.5" print, not like looking at 8" x 12", in terms of the detail perceivable. So don't buy a 4x loupe to look at 35mm, that is only 2x linear.

 

[dpurdy]

Lots of recommendations for the Peak loupe. Any issues with illumination per the first reply to this thread since one’s head blocks the light?

If you don't want to put your head right down on the subject then maybe consider some sort of lens that you just hold in focus with out touching it down to a surface. That is actually what I do the most. I have a variety of lenses that are elements of other lenses I I even sometimes have screwed the back lens off a 4x5 lens to focus on a camera back when I forgot my loupe. Also with that Peak 8x style loupe you can look through it upside down. Turn it over and look through the bottom of the lens and you will have to hold it a bit away from what ever you are looking at to focus it.... which is a good idea if you are louping wet film. Is louping actually a verb?

 

[koraks]

I use the scavenged rear element from an old 35mm compact camera as a loupe. Not quite as fancy as a proper loupe, but it's proven to be very effective. I use it all the time.