20x frame-mounted watchmaker's glasses - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 06:59:43 am
content: Does anyone own these?Here is an example:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyeglasses-Jeweler-Magnifier-Magnifying-BuyinCoins/dp/B007XPLC5M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_topIt is pretty obvious (and the reviews confirm) that one can't use both eyes at the same time. Leaving this aside, along with short focal length, I wonder what is the quality of the magnification.

author: bradleytron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 07:25:51 am
content: This type looks like it would fall off your head every time you lean over into the work you are trying to see. Would need an additional strap around your head to secure them. There are other types that have a much better support structure so they tend to rest better on your head, especially if you need to have them on for extended periods. I love using them now that my eye sight is starting to diminish, I use mine for most any soldering, through-hole.Mine are something like those shown lower on the page, Rolson Tools 60390 LED Head Loupe Magnifier Visor...B

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 08:43:48 am
content: If I need to work with magnification for prolonged periods of time I use my Optivisor. The loupes above are for quick up close inspection in situations where taking the microscope with me isn't practical. I understand about the strap, that's a minor detail and easily fixed.I am more interested in the quality of magnification.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 11:27:43 am
content: I have tried one of those twin loupe's on glasses frames the focal distance is so short that you cannot use both at once to look through. i ended up taking them of the frame and using them individually, I am used to working with a loupe as I was at one time a horologist (watchmaker) for stereoscopic vision you need a somewhat longer focal distance.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 02:44:10 pm
content: Looks like something the Trek'y Borg might have engineered !Sorry, could-not help myself...

author: bradleytron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 05:52:10 pm
content: Quote from: img on April 10, 2013, 08:43:48 amWellMr. quality of magnification, I'm sorry I didn't address your question, on that, I had nothing to contribute. I did, however, notice what I feel is a serious flaw in the design of the thing you posted so I was compelled to point it out, since you did not! Even with the strap they are a pain in the ass to get on and use, in general, and I wanted others to know how I feel about wearing this type of thing as compared with a good Optivisor. I suggest, therefore, they are not well suited to "quick up close inspection", any good 'hand' loupe or microscope objective with suitable magnification, attached to a stand if need be, will do this quite well! I'm sure there are others who are interested in more than just the quality of magnification, again, my apologies for expanding your topic.BB

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 07:04:43 pm
content: My dentist uses these. They didn't fall into my mouth, so I think that they hug your head adequately. My 2 cents

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 08:26:21 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on April 10, 2013, 11:27:43 amThank you. Have you come across anything that looks like the object in the link above, but has longer focal distance and good optics?

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2013, 08:35:51 pm
content: Dental loupes are more of a binocular, 2-8x magnification and in focus around the 18 inches. Ebay link for cheapos below.http://www.ebay.ca/itm/High-end-Luxury-Yellow-Dental-Surgical-Medical-Binocular-Loupes-3-5X-420mm-USA-/230884756281?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c1cdcb39

author: bradleytron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2013, 11:45:27 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on April 10, 2013, 07:04:43 pmThe cheap pair that I tried at a discount electronics store kept falling off. Granted they didn't come with the strap. I was more interested in the quality of color though!B

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 12:58:48 am
content: Good quality surgical loupes are very useful for smd work. The key is good quality, reasonable working distance and a depth of field greater than 1mm. You don't want things going out of focus because you moved your head 1cm.I have a couple pair. One says it's 3.5x, but it's really 2x. They're galilean optics. When properly adjusted you get good binocular vision. I use these a lot for soldering work. I actually have to sit back in my chair to see what I'm doing.I have another pair using Kepplerean optics at 4.5x. I'm not really happy with these, there's no depth of field and the magnification is actually too high. I think 3.5 is about right.If you get really cheap ones, it will be difficult to adjust them properly and you'll just get a headache using them. Or end up just using one eye, which kind of defeats the purpose.Sometimes you can find dental students selling them off.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 05:11:53 am
content: Quote from: img on April 10, 2013, 06:59:43 amFocus distance is 2cm

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:09:58 am
content: Quote from: PaulAm on April 12, 2013, 12:58:48 amYes, agreed on all points.For 2.5x the Optivisor is very good for the price, and I use it a lot. However, I'd like to get something 3.5x, if the quality of optics and price are right ( just to be clear, this is a separate matter from the question on the 20x loupe in the link above).How much did you pay for your loupes?Do you have info on the manufacturer?Have you come across any Chinese ones of reasonable quality?

author: Randall W. Lott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 05:13:18 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on April 10, 2013, 07:04:43 pmHow good of a job did he/she do? Haha!

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 09:12:44 pm
content: I own those magnifying spectacles:http://www.eschenbach.com/ed678c56-7c8e-4f5b-a514-2bcf7834d88a/products-telescopes-galilean-detail.htmthey are 2x and I'm completely satisfied about their optical quality (it is more than 40 years I'm photographing...) and price.Unfortunately for mounting 0402 and smaller components and INSPECTING my work, I need a much higher magnification.I found those 3.5x 37cm working distance binoculars:http://www.quicktest.co.uk/acatalog/Binocular-magnifiers--surgeon-s-type.html(the last ones offered on the page: binocmag-s4).I asked the seller and he kindly sent me some much more details and pictures:1) Exit pupil: 2x=12mm 3.5x=8.5mm2) front lens diameter: 30mm3) weight: 118gNow my question is:has anyone of you used such binoculars? If yes, what are your opinions?. thanks in advance_ Elio.BTW, this site has some good hints regarding how to choose magnifying binoculars:http://www.quicktest.co.uk/magnifier-binocular-compared.htm

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 09:20:55 pm
content: Elio,I have a pair of 4.5x 34cm loupes coming in from Quicktest any day now, will let you know how they feel. Mine are the first model on the linked page. When I asked Quicktest about the loupes in your photos above, he said the difference isn't in the optics, but in the comfort of wearing the loupes all day long.Quicktest suggested that I try the 4.5x and see if slight movements of head get these loupes out of focus easily. The said some people have a hard time with 4.5x because of this. If I get on with them fine I'll keep the 4.5x (I need the magnification), otherwise will swap for 3x.Will let you know shortly how the tryout goes.

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2013, 01:23:05 am
content: I'm waiting your review with eagerness!Please make also some pictures of the loupes.