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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,734 |
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
I'm new at this. Just got my first 10x loupe at Amazon; it got great reviews and it really is a good loupe. I just can't scan pennies quickly with it, my eyesight is fuzzy, my hea d blocks the light, it takes a few seconds to get good focus, I have to squint my left eye tightly while focusing, etc. Just feels cumbersome and uncomfortable. Would a powerful magnifying glass allow me to see tiny details? I'm looking for speed and comfort. Thanks for any suggestions! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I would recommend a USB microscope. They're cheaper than good lenses and you get to look at the computer screen with both eyes.
They aren't perfect. Some come with lights that you cannot turn off and that can be a problem.
On the upside, they take photo's.
Look for one with an on/off light switch and decent stand.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
you just have to get used to it. I use one to scan pennies and it took me a little while to get used to it. you need to find your point of focus so that you can skim over quickly and come into focus quickly
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4227 Posts |
Honestly, it took me a long time to get used to using a loupe. I kept with the magnifying glass (and still use it when I don't need to see too much detail), but my eyes are getting more and more comfortable using the loupe. Have good lighting and keep using it. The suggestion of a USB microscope could be a good one though, but it won't help when you're at coin shows or B and M stores.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3049 Posts |
I have a decent jewelers magnifying glass that I can attach to my table and has an adjustable arm.. it's decent but if you're looking to get the minute details a loupe is always better.
I can see how if you have issues with your eyes a loupe would be hard and uncomfortable, so I would have to agree that a USB microscope would be ideal... you can see the coin up on your computer screen.. some have a nice "table" that you can slide coins on and off very easy... I think you should look into one of those...I haven't looked into buying one ... but I've heard good things about the dino lite... I'm sure on this forum there's probably a whole thread on usb micros... good luck and keep us posted on your results
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
For large amounts of coins I would prefer to use a lighted magnifier - like a desk lamp type found at office supply stores or use my stereo microscope. I agree a loupe is tough when looking at hundreds of coins for small details, the stereo microscope is best but costs a lot (I paid around $300.00 for my LW Scientific).
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Valued Member
United States
315 Posts |
I just purchased a 2.5x magnifying glass and the results are better than I expected. By moving the object farther from the glass, you get a very large image, much bigger and clearer than a loupe.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Magnifying glasses can be obtained in almost any power imaginable. Never could figure out the difference in names. If you could find a science company on line they may well have every possible power you could ever need. I've fould a decent assortment at a local dollar store and in some flea markets.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I use a 14x doublet and go through 250 cents, all three sides in less then one hour.Stick with the loupe,you will get used to it in time. John1  |
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New Member
 United States
4 Posts |
Thanks so much, everyone! It did cross my mind that perhaps I might have to get used to the loupe, and reading your responses confirmed that. The microscope sounds amazing! I'm sure it would cost a pretty penny but I'll look into that and magnifying glasses. Being able to look at pennies on my computer screen would be the best!
I've just got so many big jars of saved pocket change to look through, and the thought of doing it with a loupe feels like a drag. I'm new at this though. Sounds like I can get more comfortable with the loupe in time.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
The prices of USB microscopes are all over the place.
I've got two and they are both hand-me-downs. My husband bought them for electronics work and when he upgraded I got the old ones. The first one I got was only about $35. The second one was just a little more than twice that. Both have annoying lights that I cannot turn off. Actually, the lights are only a problem when I want to take a photo.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,734 |
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Posted 10/21/2013 7:06 pm
