I need to get a decent, but not too expensive loupe. I'd like to stay under $100, if possible. There is very little available locally for me to try out, so I'm hoping for some good recommendations. I need one to cover 6x6. One pro shop here uses a Peak 10x scale loupe (#1983), and I thought it looked great, but is only big enough for 35mm. I's appreciate any advice you can offer.

-- KL Vance (kmdrum@home.com), April 08, 2001

Answers

Pentax's 5.5x loupe...it's big you ain't gonna wear it around your neck but...Gad It's Good!

-- Jim (p645n@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

You can get Loupes much cheaper than in the US from

www.robertwhite.co.uk

Check it out-drop these very reputable dealers an email asking about your favorite loupe.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 09, 2001.

Years ago when I sold cameras at night, an optics pro came in the store and was looking for a good loupe. To make a long story short... of all the loupes he went with the Hoya 4x. He showed me the differences and that night I bought one to replace my Schneinder! It is a chimmney (sp?) like the Schneider with a part that screws off to be replaced with a frosted collar for viewing slides. It is very sharp edge to edge and bright. Highly recommend it and a number of years ago was only $60.USD.

-- Scott Walton (f64sw@hotmail.com), April 09, 2001.

Thanks for the responses so far! Can you tell me if the specific loupes that you recommend are big enough to cover 6x6?

-- KL Vance (kmdrum@home.com), April 09, 2001.

The Pentax 5.5 will cover a 43mm diameter circle. Any loupe that will cover 6x6 and provide more then about 3 times magnification will be HUGE! Go here for the spec's on the Pentax; http://www.pentax.com/products/accessories/accessory.cfm? accessoryType=LUPES jim

-- Jim (p645n@hotmail.com), April 09, 2001.