Schneider 4x Magnifier

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

I purchased both the 3x (7cm x 7cm), and the 4x (35mm) loupes. I needed a loupe that had superb optics, is distortion free, and could be focused. I wear +2.0 reading glasses, so a comfortable eyeglass to viewing lens distance would be needed. A bonus would be if I could use these loupes without my reading glasses. I would be using these loupes to evaluate only slides and negatives on a light table, and not to evaluate prints.

When I first used these loupes, I was truly amazed at the images. I first tried the loupes with my reading glasses, and there was no eyestrain. The loupes have a large diameter lens, so it is not necessary to put your glasses against the loupe, thanks to the greater eye to lens distance of these loupes. I then removed my reading glasses, and was glad to see that I could focus dead on without the glasses, so no need for my reading glasses with these loupes.

Both loupes have outstanding optics, are distortion free, sharp edge to edge, resolve beautifully, and present a bright image. The 4x loupe covers the entire 35mm frame, and the 3x loupe covers 7cm x 7cm (I use it to evaluate 6x6 images though). There is enough friction on the focus to prevent wobble, and the focus remains accurate from slide to slide. Each of these loupes came packaged in a cardboard cylinder with foam interiors and end caps to prevent damage. I will not be using the clear skirt, nor the neck strap, so I offer no opinion on these. These loupes have exceeded my expectations.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

Already own the 6x6 loupe, this smaller one complements it, great for groundglass focussing

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

I got this for GG focusing on large format, as well as for looking at negs on a light table. It performs these functions better than I expected. Optics are beautiful to look through. I have 2 somewhat minor complaints - the neck cord is this strange rubber, and the way it attaches to the fittings, isn't adjustable. I guess you could tie a knot in it, or remove it from it's metal end, and glue it back in with some HV-350, but a normal cord, with just simple eyelets would have been a better design choice in my opinion. Also, the feel in your hand is very top-heavy, and unbalanced. While I like the idea of a plastic bottom to not scratch the GG (as opposed to metal), I think you could have made this out of a light metal, to restore better balance, and simply have the end caps plastic. I dunno, it's a great tool to look through, and it is light to carry around, I just think the product could have been better executed. I know everything these days is made to a price point, but I would have paid more for Schneider optics in a higher quality housing.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

Awesome Product best Loupe ive ever used. sharp!
was hoping for a metal construction, however durable and well worth every penny. awesome accessories.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

You can't go wrong with this loupe. The glass in it is amazing and it is what you are paying for. The plastic body feels a little weak and not solid like a metal body but the glass clarity and zoom makes up for it!

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

This is a very good device for viewing 35mm slides. It is easy to use and the optical quality of the product results in excellent, clear images even when wearing glasses including bifocals. The cord which is attached to the magnifier (for going around the neck) is a bit too long resulting in a loop projecting across the viewing field as the device is brought up to the eye when viewing hand held slides. This is easily overcome by making a simple loop and knot in the cord which shortens it and prevents the before mentioned effect.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

The best loupe I have used! Sure it's a plastic housing, but the glass is what counts--and it is fantastic

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

This is arguably one of the best loupes available. Optically, I figure this is about perfect, and you can view a full 35mm slide. However, I wish it were made of metal instead of plastic. It may look nice but it feels cheap to me. The glass is where it matters though, so take my 4-stars with a grain of salt.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

excelent loupe.

Comments about Schneider 4x Magnifier:

Minor spherical distortion at the edges comparably to the Rodenstock 4x. Comes with a removable clear skirt for viewing with reflected light. Very good diopter adjustment. Neck strap mechanism functional but complex. Repair or replacement of neck strap would be non trivial and you could loose or misplace the removable skirt, nonetheless, magnification, field of view, and clarity made this my choice.