Using a loupe for close-up work

[clockdoc]

When it comes to using a loupe for macro work, no one does it better than jiminyClickit. His work encouraged me to try using a Sirchie loupe (5X power), like the one used to examine fingerprint images, in conjunction with my Sony F707 in its macro mode setting.
The first image shows how I set up the F707. I rested the camera on the top ring of the loupe against the UV filter. Exposures were made in the auto-focus mode using the self-timer. A single desk lamp (new curly fluorescent bulb) illuminated the field.
ISO 100, 1/125 sec at f/2.8 at 48mm focal length (macro mode)



Here are two test images:

[xxpinballxx]

that is working fantastically! I am really impressed at the results.
I have got to get me a loupe of some sort!
That first one is unreal!

[FocalFrenzy]

Great job, Clockdoc. Now I know how JC got all of those great snowflake shots. LOL. I had never even considered using a loupe, and I own 2 of them. Thanks for the info and set-up.

[Saralonde]

This is great, Lee. You and Jiminy just about have me convinced to try it! Thanks for showing the setup.

[jiminyClickit]

clockdoc,

It's still hard to imagine anything this easy could produce such results. Your setup may help to show the "unbelievers" how well a simple magnifying glass element can produce Macros worthy of much more complex equipment. Great job; thrilling, hunh?!

[Saralonde]

Not to steal a thread (sorry,clockdoc), but JC I just noticed, you're past 5,000! Wow!

[Jamesc359]

I love your stand Lee. It looks a little precarious though! I'd be afraid of bumping it. I love your results. Say, you're not thinking of taking up counterfeiting are you?

I keep looking for a loupe, but every place I look either doesn't have them or has the cheap ones with plastic lenses. I'd prefer to buy in a B&M if I could, but online is starting to look like my only option.

Congrats on passing a milestone Jiminy.

[Matthew James Norman]

Great stuff, and what a neat idea. Can you tell me what magnification the lens is? I'm looking at a website now and there's a mighty range of lenses available. Anything you would recommend?

[clockdoc]

Hi Matthew,
The loupe I borrowed for these tests is rated at 5X power and has two lens elements separated by a small ring spacer in the column. It is used by fingerprint examiners and can be found on the Sirchie website. As I recall it lists for $79. I also have a small plastic one by Bausch and Lomb that is foldable and will run some tests on it when time permits.
Others have used the Raynox DCR-250 as a supplemental close-up lens with good macro results. The only other supplemental lenses I have are three Vivitar +1,+2, and +3 diopters but the quality of the images is not as good as with the loupe.

[peeperita]

congratulations on your image, lee....i know from my own experience working with a loupe that it is not the easiest image to produce without vast amounts of trial and error.....

with that precarious building block tripod, my guess is that you don't have nosy cats at your house....

peeper