MarkSH Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob G Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwarz-Brot Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob G Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSH Posted March 4, 2017 Author Share Posted March 4, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LotusArenco Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwarz-Brot Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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