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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Magnifying glasses

 

Author
Postings
Joelgrebin

29 Sep 2010
03:40:58pm
Hello,

As I get older, I am having greater difficulty with seeing the stamp details using an ordinry magnifying glass. I have had my eyes examined and the prescription changed as well as can be done at this point. I know that there are magnifying glasses for a variety of hobbies. I would be apreciative of any input regarding a higher power glass and a possible source for purchasing one. Thanks for any information.
Joel
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Stampme

29 Sep 2010
06:52:32pm
re: Magnifying glasses

There is a certain nostalgic notion of holding a magnifying glass in one hand while gripping a stamp between tongs in another, and it is convenient. But for the best view of stamps, at least some stamps, I recommend scanning them at 600 dpi (dots per inch) for viewing on a computer screen.

However, to view lots of stamps I don't need to scan, I use a large magnifying lamp (the diameter of the magnifier is about 8 inches, sold at Office Max. I hold the stamp under the 10 times magnifier and some times hold another magnifying glass over the stamp to get greater magnification. It employs a circular light which I use off and on, instead relying on an overhead lamp most times.

Bruce

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Rgnpcs
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29 Sep 2010
09:23:04pm
re: Magnifying glasses

I think that Bruce answered this question quite well.
I will be 88 in January, and my eyes are in poor shape. Hard to read most everything that has print smaller than this, like newspaper print, and the Scott catalog, and stamps are very difficult to see such things as secret marks, etc. I use a strong hand held magnifier with a light in it, about the size of the average flashlight.
Most stamp companies sell it. Try Subway.
Richaard

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Bulldog
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30 Sep 2010
07:13:43am
re: Magnifying glasses

Another option that I find useful, because i too have vision problems, is to use a stero microscope. There are plenty available for under $100 and most come with two or three different lenses. Mine has a 15x, a 30x, and a 45 x. Between the three lenses I can study my stamps fairly well.
Terry

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Joelgrebin

04 Oct 2010
08:26:43pm
re: Magnifying glasses

Thank you for the input. I to prefer to hold a magnifying glass. I have had a table mounted item for many years but it isn't strong enough anymore. The suggestion triggered an idea of going to a office supply store or optics provider or possibly a provider of scientific equipment popped into mind when I read these suggestions. But I think I will take a stamp with me to put these glasses to the test. I am at a point where I want to keep things simple.
Joel

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bhsxvet
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21 Sep 2011
08:21:13am
re: Magnifying glasses

I know this is an old thread but was looking in Amazon.com for something else and came upon this Carson Optical Lumiloupe 10X Power Magnifier. They only ship it to the US but at 10x for $6.15 it could be useful as our eyes get dimmer with time
Brian

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Rhinelander
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Support the Hobby -- Join the American Philatelic Society

28 Sep 2011
12:00:41am
re: Magnifying glasses

I own two magnifiers distributed by Lighthouse.

One is a really small 20x magnifying glass, which is ideal for stamp shows. The lighting at stamps shows usually is very poor. So this gadget has helped me a lot on various occasions.

Image Not Found

I also own a Lighthouse microcope, albeit not a stero one, which is also pretty handy. The dimensions of this microscope are pretty small as well. I was surprised at first, when I received it. My idea of a microscope was shaped by the models used in medical research, I believe. In any event, the main advantage, as I see it, over any regular microscope is that you can set it right on the stamp. There is no need to put your stamp on some sort of tray and shove it in a slot in order to look at it through the microscope. The stamp can stay in the album -- you can put the microscope right on it and adjust the image in the 20-40x range (plenty large enough).

Image Not Found

However, while these items are great to examine individual stamps, what is needed here probably is a "hands-free" device such as the Swing Arm Magnifying Lamp featured here:

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/office/accessories-furnishings/desk-lamps/swing-arm-magnifying-lamp-black?infoParam.itemKey=30037874

This particular magnifier may not work, because it is only a 3x. However, I am sure with a little bit of looking around a 10x could be found.

Arno

(Modified by Moderator on 2011-09-28 07:38:53)

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CapeStampMan
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Mike

28 Sep 2011
08:58:23am
re: Magnifying glasses

Joel,

This problem came up a few months ago, here on SOR, and someone posted a response that was fantastic. For a phenomenal magnifier go to Dealextreme.com and check out their supply of magnifiers listed in the hobbies section. The small one that lists for three dollars (postage paid) is fantastic and the batteries are even included at that price. The more you buy, the cheaper they are, so you might think about buying extras just in case you want a spare, or even as gifts. They do take a couple of weeks to arrive since they come directly from China, but well worth the wait. Since I have celebrated the 31st anniversary, of my 39th birthday, I also am having vision problems, so have bought several of these for myself and to share.

Good luck in your search,

Mike

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

28 Sep 2011
11:37:48am

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re: Magnifying glasses

i swear by dealextreme. great price for nice optics.

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

16 Oct 2011
02:25:59pm
re: Magnifying glasses

I use a regular handheld glass that's probably 2x or 3x with an insert that's likely 5x, but I also use 4 loupes: 10x, 20x, 30x, and 60x. The 10x and 20x are two separate loupes that are attached to the same housing. You just open out the one you want. The 30x and 60x are separate windows in the same housing with an integral LED light. I use the 10x the most for subtle type variations and microprinting. I probably use the 10x more than the conventional 2x or 3x one. The 60x is great to check for alterations. It's possible to scrape off a couple of ribbon lines to make a 455 look like a 454, but under 60x mag the alteration is very obvious. The 60x is also good for checking the edges of coils.

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philatelia
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03 Aug 2014
02:43:46pm
re: Magnifying glasses

The Stamporama archives come to my rescue once again. I'm shopping for a magnifying device for reading mircroprinting and viewing teeny tiny Irish varieties so this discussion was really helpful. I decided to go with a set of jeweler's loops and found a nice set on amazon under $10. Sweet!

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"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

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Author/Postings
Joelgrebin

29 Sep 2010
03:40:58pm

Hello,

As I get older, I am having greater difficulty with seeing the stamp details using an ordinry magnifying glass. I have had my eyes examined and the prescription changed as well as can be done at this point. I know that there are magnifying glasses for a variety of hobbies. I would be apreciative of any input regarding a higher power glass and a possible source for purchasing one. Thanks for any information.
Joel

Like
Login to Like
this post
Stampme

29 Sep 2010
06:52:32pm

re: Magnifying glasses

There is a certain nostalgic notion of holding a magnifying glass in one hand while gripping a stamp between tongs in another, and it is convenient. But for the best view of stamps, at least some stamps, I recommend scanning them at 600 dpi (dots per inch) for viewing on a computer screen.

However, to view lots of stamps I don't need to scan, I use a large magnifying lamp (the diameter of the magnifier is about 8 inches, sold at Office Max. I hold the stamp under the 10 times magnifier and some times hold another magnifying glass over the stamp to get greater magnification. It employs a circular light which I use off and on, instead relying on an overhead lamp most times.

Bruce

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this post
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Rgnpcs

29 Sep 2010
09:23:04pm

re: Magnifying glasses

I think that Bruce answered this question quite well.
I will be 88 in January, and my eyes are in poor shape. Hard to read most everything that has print smaller than this, like newspaper print, and the Scott catalog, and stamps are very difficult to see such things as secret marks, etc. I use a strong hand held magnifier with a light in it, about the size of the average flashlight.
Most stamp companies sell it. Try Subway.
Richaard

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Bulldog

30 Sep 2010
07:13:43am

re: Magnifying glasses

Another option that I find useful, because i too have vision problems, is to use a stero microscope. There are plenty available for under $100 and most come with two or three different lenses. Mine has a 15x, a 30x, and a 45 x. Between the three lenses I can study my stamps fairly well.
Terry

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1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

N/A
Joelgrebin

04 Oct 2010
08:26:43pm

re: Magnifying glasses

Thank you for the input. I to prefer to hold a magnifying glass. I have had a table mounted item for many years but it isn't strong enough anymore. The suggestion triggered an idea of going to a office supply store or optics provider or possibly a provider of scientific equipment popped into mind when I read these suggestions. But I think I will take a stamp with me to put these glasses to the test. I am at a point where I want to keep things simple.
Joel

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this post
Members Picture
bhsxvet

21 Sep 2011
08:21:13am

re: Magnifying glasses

I know this is an old thread but was looking in Amazon.com for something else and came upon this Carson Optical Lumiloupe 10X Power Magnifier. They only ship it to the US but at 10x for $6.15 it could be useful as our eyes get dimmer with time
Brian

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
Rhinelander

Support the Hobby -- Join the American Philatelic Society
28 Sep 2011
12:00:41am

re: Magnifying glasses

I own two magnifiers distributed by Lighthouse.

One is a really small 20x magnifying glass, which is ideal for stamp shows. The lighting at stamps shows usually is very poor. So this gadget has helped me a lot on various occasions.

Image Not Found

I also own a Lighthouse microcope, albeit not a stero one, which is also pretty handy. The dimensions of this microscope are pretty small as well. I was surprised at first, when I received it. My idea of a microscope was shaped by the models used in medical research, I believe. In any event, the main advantage, as I see it, over any regular microscope is that you can set it right on the stamp. There is no need to put your stamp on some sort of tray and shove it in a slot in order to look at it through the microscope. The stamp can stay in the album -- you can put the microscope right on it and adjust the image in the 20-40x range (plenty large enough).

Image Not Found

However, while these items are great to examine individual stamps, what is needed here probably is a "hands-free" device such as the Swing Arm Magnifying Lamp featured here:

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/office/accessories-furnishings/desk-lamps/swing-arm-magnifying-lamp-black?infoParam.itemKey=30037874

This particular magnifier may not work, because it is only a 3x. However, I am sure with a little bit of looking around a 10x could be found.

Arno

(Modified by Moderator on 2011-09-28 07:38:53)

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CapeStampMan

Mike
28 Sep 2011
08:58:23am

re: Magnifying glasses

Joel,

This problem came up a few months ago, here on SOR, and someone posted a response that was fantastic. For a phenomenal magnifier go to Dealextreme.com and check out their supply of magnifiers listed in the hobbies section. The small one that lists for three dollars (postage paid) is fantastic and the batteries are even included at that price. The more you buy, the cheaper they are, so you might think about buying extras just in case you want a spare, or even as gifts. They do take a couple of weeks to arrive since they come directly from China, but well worth the wait. Since I have celebrated the 31st anniversary, of my 39th birthday, I also am having vision problems, so have bought several of these for myself and to share.

Good luck in your search,

Mike

Like
Login to Like
this post

"It's been 7 years now, since I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet..."
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
28 Sep 2011
11:37:48am

Auctions

re: Magnifying glasses

i swear by dealextreme. great price for nice optics.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
16 Oct 2011
02:25:59pm

re: Magnifying glasses

I use a regular handheld glass that's probably 2x or 3x with an insert that's likely 5x, but I also use 4 loupes: 10x, 20x, 30x, and 60x. The 10x and 20x are two separate loupes that are attached to the same housing. You just open out the one you want. The 30x and 60x are separate windows in the same housing with an integral LED light. I use the 10x the most for subtle type variations and microprinting. I probably use the 10x more than the conventional 2x or 3x one. The 60x is great to check for alterations. It's possible to scrape off a couple of ribbon lines to make a 455 look like a 454, but under 60x mag the alteration is very obvious. The 60x is also good for checking the edges of coils.

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Members Picture
philatelia

03 Aug 2014
02:43:46pm

re: Magnifying glasses

The Stamporama archives come to my rescue once again. I'm shopping for a magnifying device for reading mircroprinting and viewing teeny tiny Irish varieties so this discussion was really helpful. I decided to go with a set of jeweler's loops and found a nice set on amazon under $10. Sweet!

Like 
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.

"August 2023 - selling penny start bargain lots on EBay - https://www.ebay.com/str/philatelia"

www.ebay.com/str/phi ...
        

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