Large format loupe recommendation?

[Jhensen]

I am moving up from an RZ67 and waiting on my first 4x5 camera (Intrepid) For landscape use. I have about 8 weeks to build out my kit before it arrives and the last thing I am having trouble finding good information on is a focusing loupe. I am hoping I can leverage some of the experience on here to determine:

1) What magnification is recommended? I’ve heard 6x.

2) Does the brand/manufacturer make significant difference?

3) For any recommendations, are they readily available new or used?

If it helps, I am looking for something reasonably priced (ideally no more than $150) and will be using glass between f/5.6 to f9. I am also young with naturally very good eyesight.

 

[Vegar Beider]

I am moving up from an RZ67 and waiting on my first 4x5 camera (Intrepid) For landscape use. I have about 8 weeks to build out my kit before it arrives and the last thing I am having trouble finding good information on is a focusing loupe. I am hoping I can leverage some of the experience on here to determine:

1) What magnification is recommended? I’ve heard 6x.

2) Does the brand/manufacturer make significant difference?

3) For any recommendations, are they readily available new or used?

If it helps, I am looking for something reasonably priced (ideally no more than $150) and will be using glass between f/5.6 to f9. I am also young with naturally very good eyesight.

Hello jhensen!

This may not be a proper answer to your question, but still...

When I need a loupe I use a Rokkor 50mm 1,4 or 1,2 and look through it from the reverse end. I am not sure how many times enlargement I get, but it is more than useful to me. I use this "loupe" when I need to find exact sharpness on my Fuji GX680's focus screen.

Regards

 

[Tomm111]

When I was in my 20's and 30's I hardly ever used a loupe, you should be fine with the f5.6 lenses, I was good up to a 10 inch f6.3 Commercial Ektar. F9 may be a little dim, I currently have an f8 Super Angulon, and I use a Schneider Loupe with it.

 

[celestialemissary]

I am moving up from an RZ67 and waiting on my first 4x5 camera (Intrepid) For landscape use. I have about 8 weeks to build out my kit before it arrives and the last thing I am having trouble finding good information on is a focusing loupe. I am hoping I can leverage some of the experience on here to determine:

1) What magnification is recommended? I’ve heard 6x.

2) Does the brand/manufacturer make significant difference?

3) For any recommendations, are they readily available new or used?

If it helps, I am looking for something reasonably priced (ideally no more than $150) and will be using glass between f/5.6 to f9. I am also young with naturally very good eyesight.

Silvestri Loupe x6 Tilting

 

[Jack Calypso]

Although it seems to no longer be in production, I would recommend a Wista loupe.

 

[Horiz Opposed]

These are harder to find in the digital era. I used to use a Schneider 4x lupe which was adjustable focus. (That may have been just diopter type thing.) Also Toyo used to make one that was fixed focus.

I just found a used SK one from B&H for $80. On its way right now.




This is B&H photo

I think if you go with much more magnification than 4x you run the risk of having your ground glass etching get in the way of focusing.

--
Ross Attix

 

[FredInMN1]

You could try one of these:

https://www.adorama.com/hnh32mb.html

 

[Gone for Good]

This is the one I finally settled on after years of trying various other options.

Made in Wetzlar, Germany right next to Leica. Made by EMO and sold by Foto-Care.( most likely out of business! )