PEAK TS1960 Fixed Focus Loupe, 5X Magnification, 1" Lens Diameter, 1.2" Field View

It worked well for focusing a 4"x5" view camera by observingthe ground glass. Note: no lanyard.Advantages:* tall enough (2.5") not to lease nose-prints* excellent paraxial resolution* base won't scratch glass (unless there's abrasive dust)* very light-weight* rugged* 5x power works with all but the coarsest ground glass (which oneshould consider replacing, anyway)* very affordableDisadvantages:* no neck lanyard (or eyes to attach one)* clear base (matters only if your dark cloth is not completely light-tightor your using a press camera with a shade)* storage bag not included* uncoated lensFor observing the focus on ground glass, what matters is the sharpness of thecenter-of-field (paraxial image). That's the sharpest spot with *any* loupe, andwhat one uses for focusing.Before your pay 20-times more for a fragile, heavy loupe with a highly-corrected,multi-element lens, remember:* The center-of-field probably won't be any sharper than this loupe(because thin lenses have very little chromatic or spherical aberration)* Distortion doesn't matter--it's irrelevant to focusing* Aberrations (comma, astigmatism, etc) around the edges don'tmatter, because you won't be focusing there* Adjustable focus has only one benefit: if you wear eyeglasses andyour only vision defect is near-sightedness (no astigmatism), youcan take them off. (But if you take them off in the field, you'llprobably drop them.)* More glass in the lens means a dimmer imageThis a fixed-focus loupe. But that's what you want for focusing a view camera:it's always ready to use. If you wear corrective eyeglasses, just make sure youhave them on.This loupe focuses on the front surface of the glass--but the the thickness ofthe glass just adds a bit of extension. The focus is just as sharp.Modifications:I added a neck lanyard by twisted stainless steel beading wire to form two eyeson opposite sides of the loop, using special pliers. I used black beading cordfor the lanyard, which I simply tied to the eyes.* I also slipped a black paper cone inside, which makes it usable in less thantotal darkness. It also improved the contrast, which makes focusing easier.If this loupe came with a lanyard and a black base, it would be ideal for focusing.BTW, I use a highly-corrected, wide-field 8x loupe for examining negatives onthe light table--different job, different requirements.

My wife and I got this focus loupe to use with our Large Format camera; it really helps to ensure the focus of a photo with the ground glass back. This loupe is made entirely of plastic, making it a little lighter than the glass-lens'd ones I am used to. With it being plastic, it does have the tendency to be a little more susceptible to scratches. As long as you don't plan on throwing it (unprotected) in the bottom of your grungiest camera bag, it should be just fine.All in all, a really great little loupe for a fair price.

I purchased this magnifier to use with my vintage TLR camera. I always had difficulty focusing through the camera window and needed assistance. I saw this item and decided to give it a try. Shipping was fast and came as described. I tried it out on the camera, and it fit/works as expected. The 5x magnification was more than enough to get an accurate focus.The quality of the magnifier is excellent and well-made. The only thing that needs improvement is a tab to attach a lanyard so I can wear it around my neck while using my camera. Other than that, this is a quality product recommended to anyone with similar needs. Thanks!

I’ve used this for Decades. This is my second the first got lost in a move a few years back.It is superior as the sides allow light in making everything more easy to see.There are a few things you may want a 10X for but the focal length is very limited.This is 5X it has a large focal length.

I use it for focusing a large format camera. works well for that.

The distance from the surface to the eye is greater than with many loupes; this makes it easier to use. it doesn't have the edge distortion I've seen with other loupes. The only negative is that it is designed for looking at materials rather than film so the loupe shaft allows light in to the viewed area. Not a big deal - I'm using it to examine and photograph 16mm movie film and it works well despite the light on the film surface.

It's a 5x loupe. There's not really a lot to it, but this one is well made. I've been using this particular type at work and home for a few years, and find that its magnification, field of view, and focal length work well for inspecting circuit boards.

Has helped me nail focus while using my 4x5 Crown Graphic. I wish it were just a little bit longer though.