[meteorite-list] loupes'

[Mark Bowling]

Hi Steve & list,

I'd recommend that you buy a nice hand lens.  A jeweler's loupe is 
inappropriate and will be more of a hindrance than a help.  On eBay they 
call them loupes, but most of the ones listed are really hand lenses. 
Get the kind that fold into themselves.

True loupes are like the ones here (avoid them).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=45085&item=4976367463&rd=1

I'd recommend a 10x triplet (you may want to get a 20x also - though I 
don't use those as often).  Rather than using eBay, try a jeweler or 
jewelry supply store (or gold prospecting shop/metal detector shop if 
you have one in Chicago).  The reason I say this is that it's best to 
try as many as you can so you can pick a good one.  The thing to look 
for is a focused image across the entire field of view.  Just pick a 
mole or scab on your hand and move the hand lens around so you see the 
mark through the entire lens.  A cheap hand lenses will have a different 
focus at different parts of the lens (pretty annoying but better than 
nothing).  All you get is a central portion that is in focus and the 
entire field of view is a waste...  A good one will keep the object at 
the same focus across most of the field (there usually is a little 
fuzziness at the extreme edge).  Another thing to look for is 
distortion, but most distortion is subtle and I doubt it will bother 
you.  If you buy it on eBay, and it's not a good one, it will be a real 
pain to exchange it (if the seller will let you).  There's nothing like 
trying 10 or 20 units and picking the best of the lot.

If you do try eBay, be sure to check as many sellers as possible - there 
should be a few of them that discuss the above features I've mentioned. 
Here's a good one I found.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34084&item=4975393886&rd=1

You can probably find a better deal shopping around.  Another thing to 
pick up is a piece of durable string so you can hang it around your 
neck.  That's what I've done with mine (plus I have a nice ring-shaped 
magnet on it also).

Mark


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Arnold, Chicago!!!" <steve_arnol60120 at yahoo.com>
To: <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 4:14 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] loupes'


> Hi list.I know that LOUPES' are part of meteorite hadling.Where can I 
> buy
> one?Any info will be appreciated.
>
>                                                steve arnold
>
> Steve R.Arnold, Chicago, IL, 60120
> I. M. C. A. MEMBER #6728
> Illinois Meteorites
> website url http://stormbringer60120.tripod.com
> http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/illinoismeteorites/
>
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