Help getting a loupe and a Light

jswieton · January 2, 2009 8:52PM

I am looking to get a decent loupe and small travel light that I can use to pregrade my cards before sending them in to PSA. I have been getting burned with micro sized creases that I just can't see with the necked eye. Where is the least expensive place to buy these two things?

Thanks,

John

gumbyfan · January 2, 2009 11:09PM

This is what I use: Link

It's a 10x Loupe and light all in one. It has helped me catch things on cards that I would've missed otherwise.

nam812 · January 2, 2009 11:16PM

This is what I use

jeffcbay · January 2, 2009 11:55PM

I want to get one of those desk lamp magnifiers. They seem to run about $40-$50, but I need a good lamp to go with mine. The LED doesn't work well enough for me.

otwcards · January 3, 2009 12:08AM

If you're missing creases and/or wrinkles, the issue isn't necessarily the loupe, but your examination technique.

Try using a consistent light source and learn how to angle or shadow the cards your are examining.

To do this, hold the card at varying angles with and against the light varying from straight on or perpendicular to your line of sight to virtually parallel to your eyes. As you angle the card front to back and side to side, you should be able shadow out any creases or wrinkles.

MBMiller25 · January 3, 2009 12:14AM

This is great information......Thanks Guys!

leadoff4 · January 3, 2009 1:07AM

I use the same one gumbyfan recommends and it works great... but mine came from a seller from Texas.

thenavarro · January 3, 2009 2:01AM

How does that seller in Hong Kong make any money on those selling them for $3.25 and charging nothing to ship to the United States? Before I bid on one and obligate myself, am I missing something in the fine print?

Or are they just trying to build feedback? Guess, I'm trying to figure out what the catch is?

Mike

rube26105 · January 3, 2009 2:06AM

i got one of the desk lamp magnifiers at the office depot,its amazing the stuff you miss with the naked eye that gets picked up by a lighted loop with a 4 inch lens, i highly recommend it, (now my sub will come back from the 5 $ special with all 7s)

i checked em over real good too

BunchOBull · January 3, 2009 2:28AM

<< How does that seller in Hong Kong make any money on those selling them for $3.25 and charging nothing to ship to the United States? Before I bid on one and obligate myself, am I missing something in the fine print?

Or are they just trying to build feedback? Guess, I'm trying to figure out what the catch is?

Mike >>

I don't know, but for $3.25 cents I gave it a try and there were no hidden fees.

edit to remove a random word.

thenavarro · January 3, 2009 2:37AM

<< 

<< How does that seller in Hong Kong make any money on those selling them for $3.25 and charging nothing to ship to the United States? Before I bid on one and obligate myself, am I missing something in the fine print?

Or are they just trying to build feedback? Guess, I'm trying to figure out what the catch is?

Mike >>

I don't know, but for $3.25 cents I gave it a try and there were no hidden fees.

edit to remove a random word. >>

I hear ya, went ahead and ordered one as well.

Mike

gumbyfan · January 3, 2009 5:09AM

<< How does that seller in Hong Kong make any money on those selling them for $3.25 and charging nothing to ship to the United States? Before I bid on one and obligate myself, am I missing something in the fine print?

Or are they just trying to build feedback? Guess, I'm trying to figure out what the catch is?

Mike >>

Sorry, I didn't realize that seller was in Hong Kong. I bought that exact loupe, but I got it locally for ~ $5.

BunchOBull · January 3, 2009 5:13AM

I don't mind Hong Kong...a little lead never hurt anyone. In fact, I've gotten faster service from HK, Japan, and Taiwan than I do from most continental US sellers.

rube26105 · January 3, 2009 6:53AM

+1 for taiwan, just cause

BassPro77 · January 3, 2009 8:26AM

buy one of them snuggies (blankets with arms) things on tv and you'll get two lights

ldferg · January 3, 2009 8:34AM

do any of you use a black light for anything?

BunchOBull · January 3, 2009 8:38AM

<< do any of you use a black light for anything? >>

1960's themed parties and to "spice" up the mood...

Seriously, it's not a bad idea. It will show attempts to recolor, bleaching, hidden stains...

BunchOBull · January 20, 2009 5:24AM

Received my loupe in the mail today, and other than having been labeled as a "gift" on the customs form, no complaints out of me. Works well.

Help getting a loupe and a Light

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