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Out with a bang


MarkSH

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Hi Folks,

 

My trusty old angle poise lamp just gave up the ghost with a considerable bang! :(

 

Has anyone got any experience of buying and using the magnifying type lamps which seem to be quite plentiful on e*$y or is it recommended to bite the bullet and go to a specialist dealer i.e. is it a case of you get what you pay for?

 

I would be grateful for any thoughts.

 

Cheers,

 

M

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Many, many years ago, I bought one of those cheap magnifying lamps, the ones with a bulb and a single (large) lens, all supported on a long spring-balanced steel arm whatsit. The lens had so much chromatic aberration and distortion that I only ever used it once. It's still around somewhere, possibly in the shed, in a box that's been colonised by a new spider empire. The lamp bit of it worked reasonably well, but the lens...

 

I'd recommend buying a good one from the start. Saves time, money, frustration and guilt.

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I still have mine after 25+ years. I had to replace the bulb once. Maybe not the bestest lens out there but as long as I wear my reading glasses. it works quite nicely.

 

Chris

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I did small smd-soldering from time to time under a quite high quality lamp with built in lens. I am not a fan of working under a single lens - I lose every sense for distances. I prefer working with jewellers glasses if there is no other choice. Two lenses for two eyes and perfect 3d-view. So I'd opt for a reasonable lamp on a swing arm and add the lenses where they belong - to the eyes.

 

On another note - I prefer fluorescent lamps in the daylight spectrum. Shows every colour as it should look and keeps you awake.

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Fluoros are horrible. Go LED. I must agree re the twin lenses though - I sit at the bench and put my 'eyes' on, don't take them off until I stand up. They're small enough that I can look over or under them as required.

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Thanks for the replies chaps, I was half and half on single lens lamp Vs good quality lamp and my 'eyes' loupe as per my previous set up. I think I'll opt for the latter.

Cheers,

M

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I found it a pain in the ‘arris to work with a magnifying lamp, as Schwarz-Brot said I lose a sense for distance. I treated myself at Christmas with one of those massive ‘Daylight Company’ LED lights. Best modelling accessory I’ve got in years. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Indoor-Lighting/Daylight-Company-Natural-X-Large-LED-Lamp/B00XTUCIW6 

 Not cheap by any means, but a joy to work under.

Mart

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4 hours ago, Rob G said:

Fluoros are horrible. Go LED. I must agree re the twin lenses though - I sit at the bench and put my 'eyes' on, don't take them off until I stand up. They're small enough that I can look over or under them as required.

 

Interesting. Can you maybe elaborate a bit on why they are so horrible? I am pretty happy with them - not so with LED-tubes and bulbs which simply don't emit the right spectrum to see colours right. Only thing I could imagine is cheapo fluorescent single tube lamps. You need at least two wired back to back to avoid flicker. But that should be standard with any descent lamp.

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