3+6=9 Eschenbach loupe...LOVE IT!
aficoinado
Posts: 297
I recently picked up the 3+6=9 type and I am a big fan! In terms of optics, it is like seeing my coins in a whole new world. Being able to switch between the three different lens powers so easily really allows me to fully evaluate each piece from different perspectives. The loupe itself is incredibly well made. It's refreshing to hold something in your hand and say, "this is excellent quality." The build in hole for a carrying lanyard is nice - others did not have that (although I'm positive I could have rigged something up). The lens "click" shut into its housing. I have no doubt that the housing will keep the lenses dust free as described.
Although the loupe cost multiples of some other alternatives, the price is relatively inconsequential compared to the coins' values themselves. I fully expect to use this loupe until I am no longer in the hobby and I think this will actually help me prevent some ill-advised purchases. If you are in the market for a quality loupe, I highly recommend checking this loupe out.
Eschenbach did not pay me to write this post.
Although the loupe cost multiples of some other alternatives, the price is relatively inconsequential compared to the coins' values themselves. I fully expect to use this loupe until I am no longer in the hobby and I think this will actually help me prevent some ill-advised purchases. If you are in the market for a quality loupe, I highly recommend checking this loupe out.
Eschenbach did not pay me to write this post.
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Comments
<< <i>I recently picked up the 3+6=9 type and I am a big fan! In terms of optics, it is like seeing my coins in a whole new world. Being able to switch between the three different lens powers so easily really allows me to fully evaluate each piece from different perspectives. The loupe itself is incredibly well made. It's refreshing to hold something in your hand and say, "this is excellent quality." The build in hole for a carrying lanyard is nice - others did not have that (although I'm positive I could have rigged something up). The lens "click" shut into its housing. I have no doubt that the housing will keep the lenses dust free as described.
Although the loupe cost multiples of some other alternatives, the price is relatively inconsequential compared to the coins' values themselves. I fully expect to use this loupe until I am no longer in the hobby and I think this will actually help me prevent some ill-advised purchases. If you are in the market for a quality loupe, I highly recommend checking this loupe out.
Eschenbach did not pay me to write this post.
This one? Just want to be sure before I buy it online.........TIA, MJ
No. 9870-B - 7/8" diameter coated achromatic glass lens with Dual (3X + 6X = 9X) magnification. Made with a fiberglass body and a dust proof closure. With a loop for carrying cord (neck chain) sold separately. Completely distortion free.
Great magnifier and a dealer favorite. You can literally place the 3X side on top of a dealer showcase and view the coins inside without asking the dealer to remove the coins!
$130.00
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>
This one? Just want to be sure before I buy it online.........TIA, MJ
No. 9870-B - 7/8" diameter coated achromatic glass lens with Dual (3X + 6X = 9X) magnification. Made with a fiberglass body and a dust proof closure. With a loop for carrying cord (neck chain) sold separately. Completely distortion free.
Great magnifier and a dealer favorite. You can literally place the 3X side on top of a dealer showcase and view the coins inside without asking the dealer to remove the coins!
$130.00 >>
That's it!!
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This is true, but only for a standard sized case. If a dealer is using a deep case or some other non-standard size it doesn't come into focus. But this is a nice feature I consistently use with my Zeiss when looking for seated quarter varieties such as 1853/4.
roadrunner
<< <i>Another really excellent loupe is the Zeiss in 3/6/9. It's also somewhat expensive but Northern Nevada coin has them at a good price. I find it easier to hold than the Eschenbach. Before I bought one, I tried both brands out and I suggest you do the same. You'll be spending a lot of time with a quality magnifer.
This One?
Lance.
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
www.surplusshed.com they sell them for $20
<< <i>One of my favorite little 'thingys' is an unmounted 15mm diameter hastings triplet with a 1 inch fl. That a 10X. Its small, easy to keep in the pocket at all times and a wonderful lens to examine coins in detail.
www.surplusshed.com they sell them for $20 >>
Very cool. Thanks for sharing. I like the Macgyver-esque.
that triplet is a great little lens though, ive lost and found mine at least three different times, but it always manages to get refound. A few days ago, after missing it for about 2 weeks, I just about rebought another from surplusshed...but got all hung up in their stupid registration to buy page...and went home, thrust my hand under the nightstand..and there it was!!
<< <i> I actually prefer their No. 9870-F - 1-1/16" diameter biconvex glass lens with 5X magnification in a chrome plated body. $ 90.00. Charmy sold one to me a few years ago and is the one I use most often. Great optics and you can see the entire coin. $79.95 here.
Lance. >>
That's the one I have. I love it. Great optics.
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
<< <i>I do need a new loupe, but this one is plastic? Ugh! >>
What about the 9870B with brass/chrome 4x+6x plus a larger diameter lens???
<< <i>
<< <i>I do need a new loupe, but this one is plastic? Ugh! >>
What about the 9870B with brass/chrome 4x+6x plus a larger diameter lens??? >>
That's a nice one too. Up to 10x magnification with 1 1/16" lenses. Maybe the tooth fairy will bring me one.
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
<< <i>I do need a new loupe, but this one is plastic? Ugh! >>
It's extremely high quality and I wouldn't be worried about the material.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
$100+ for a loupe??
My pocket loupe cost $5 and my 10x Hastings Triplet cost like $45.
The name is LEE!
Only issue is the little retainer ring that holds in the lens
is prone to get loose and can fall out.
a small touch of super glue took care of it but for $125 that I paid
I expected a higher quality product.
<< <i>I use the Zeiss 3, 6, 9.
Only issue is the little retainer ring that holds in the lens
is prone to get loose and can fall out.
a small touch of super glue took care of it but for $125 that I paid
I expected a higher quality product. >>
I have the Zeiss D36 3x+6x=9x. I love it! Great optics = great views. It was well worth it. The 3 magnifications come in handy. And I've had no problems with a loose ring.
One more thing -
I often see people using magnifiers wrong. They hold both the coin and the magnifier about 8 to 10 inches from their eye and try to look at the coin.
The correct/best way is to first put the magnifier right up to your eye, almost to where eye glasses would be, and then bring the coin up to the lens until you get a good picture. Like a jeweler looking at a gem.
It makes a big difference in the picture you see.
<< <i>Wow!
$100+ for a loupe??
My pocket loupe cost $5 and my 10x Hastings Triplet cost like $45. >>
Youre at 50, not that far off from 100 all things considered.
<< <i>I do need a new loupe, but this one is plastic? Ugh! >>
fiber glass. Think of it as high end plastic.
<< <i>
<< <i>I do need a new loupe, but this one is plastic? Ugh! >>
fiber glass. Think of it as high end plastic. >>
Aren't most lenses plastic or some derivative nowadays? I'm pretty sure all seeing glasses are made with polycarbonate lenses. They simply would weigh a whole heckova lot more if they were glass. Photo optics may be the only glass lens I know - but there are some plastic lens out there for cameras too.
Then, at a FUN Show a few years ago, I was looking at a nice half dime at a dealer's table when another dealer unknown to me walked up to me, saw what I was looking at and what I was using for a loupe to study it, and handed me a Zeiss 3+6=9 loupe. He said "Try it and you will never use anything else." Although we did not know each other, he said "Try it for the day, look at lots of coins, and if you like it, find me and purchase it." I reminded him that we did not know each other, and inquired how he felt that he could trust me with such a valuable loupe, with no way to locate me. He responded that he felt I had an honest face, so I agreed. I used the Zeiss loupe for the day, and by bourse closing I was convinced that I simply must own it. I searched the bourse floor, located the dealer, and immediately paid him for the loupe, with my thanks. I use it to this day, and would not use anything else. As the dealer stated, if you are looking at $10 coins, then maybe a $10 loupe will do, but if you are routinely purchasing significantly more valuable coins, an accurate loupe is essential for properly evaluating the coin's surfaces.
My Zeiss loupe did not have any provision for attaching a lanyard, and I have found that wearing your loupe around your neck is not only convenient - it is essential to prevent it from being stolen. It seems that everyone recognizes and appreciates these expensive loupes, and they seem to grow legs when left unattended. I was able to fabricate a "D" ring into the hollow lens hinge pin, to which I attached a lanyard, and have never had a problem with theft. I have also provided this modification for several friends, some of whom suffered the expensive loss of their loupe prior to requesting my modification.
I highly recommend the Zeiss 3+6=9 loupe for any serious numismatist. Yes, it truly is worth the money, and then some.
The two I use are the Zeiss D36 and the Eschenbach 3+6=9. Both are expensive but have outstanding optics - I cannot tell the difference between the two optically.
If I had to choose one, I would pick the Eschenbach as it just "feels" better in my hand. It also has a ring that makes hooking to a lanyard much easier.
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