11/09/2024
Magnifying Glass
Gowllands from England
Gowlland Optical Limited is known for producing high-quality magnifiers. Their products often feature:
- Aplanatic Lenses: These lenses are designed to reduce spherical aberration, providing a clearer image.
- Compound Magnifiers: Models like the Gowlland 10X Compound Magnifier are popular for their precision and durability.
- Folding Designs: Many Gowlland magnifiers are foldable, making them portable and easy to store.
Gowlland Optical Limited has been producing optical instruments since the early 20th century. Many of their popular magnifiers were made during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.
Zeiss APL 10x from West Germany
Zeiss is renowned for its optical precision. The Zeiss APL 10x magnifier features:
- Aplanatic-Achromatic Lenses**: These lenses correct both spherical and chromatic aberrations, ensuring a sharp, colour-accurate image.
- High Magnification: With 10x magnification, it’s ideal for detailed inspection tasks².
Durable Construction: Zeiss magnifiers are built to last, often featuring robust materials and coatings to protect the lenses.
Zeiss has a long history of producing high-quality optical instruments. The APL 10x magnifier from West Germany likely dates back to the mid-20th century, around the 1950s to 1970s.
Flat Field Magnifying Glass from England
Flat field magnifiers are designed to provide a clear, distortion-free image across the entire field of view. Key features include:
- High Magnification: Often available in magnifications like 15x, these magnifiers are perfect for detailed work.
- Ergonomic Design: Many models are designed to be comfortable to use for extended periods.
Precision Optics: These magnifiers use high-quality glass lenses to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Flat field magnifiers have been produced by various manufacturers over the years. Those from England, particularly high-quality ones, were commonly made in the mid to late 20th century.
Hakuba Magnifying Glass
Hakuba is known for producing reliable and affordable magnifying glasses. Their products typically include:
- Lightweight Construction: Made from materials like acrylic, Hakuba magnifiers are easy to handle.
- **Moderate Magnification**: Commonly offering magnifications around 2.5x, suitable for general use.
Compact Design: These magnifiers are small and portable, making them convenient for everyday tasks.
Hakuba is a Japanese company known for its photographic and optical accessories. Their magnifying glasses have been produced since the latter half of the 20th century, with many models dating from the 1970s onwards.
Hydron Softlens Magnifying Glass with Lights
The Hydron Softlens magnifying glass with lights is a versatile tool designed to provide enhanced visibility and magnification. Key features include:
- Magnification: Typically offers magnification levels around 3X to 10X, making it suitable for various tasks such as reading fine print, inspecting small objects, and detailed work¹².
- Built-in LED Lights: Equipped with LED lights to provide additional illumination, which is especially useful in low-light conditions¹².
- Compact and Portable: Designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials to ensure longevity and durability. The lenses are often scratch-resistant and provide clear, distortion-free images¹².
Hydron is known for its modern optical products. The magnifying glasses with built-in lights are more recent innovations, typically produced from the 1990s to the present.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 11/09/2024
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(2) Vintage Folding Magnifying Glass/Loupe by Gowlands 1940s - WorthPoint. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-folding-magnifying-glass-279875030.
(3) Gowllands Watch Makers Eyeglass - Hilkinson. https://www.hilkinson.co.uk/product/gowllands-watch-makers-eyeglass/.
(4) ZEISS Magnifying glass Aplanatisch-achromatische Einschlaglupe D40 AR; 10x. https://www.astroshop.eu/folding-magnifier/zeiss-magnifying-glass-aplanatisch-achromatische-einschlaglupe-d40-ar-10x/p,77994.
(5) Zeiss Optics D40 10x Aplanatic Achromatic Pocket Magnifier Loupe D40 AR. https://www.opticsplanet.com/zeiss-optics-10x-aplanatic-achromatic-pocket-magnifier-d40.html.
(6) Magnifying Visual Devices - ZEISS Vision Care. https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Vision/Vision/International/Pdf/en/ZEISS_EN_20_010_6089I_MVD_PROD_CAT.pdf.
(7) Hand held magnifiers | Coil | England. https://www.coil.co.uk/.
(8) Amazon.com : Hakuba 2.5x Large Magnifying Glass : Electronics. https://www.amazon.com/Hakuba-2-5x-Large-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B00004ZCR5.
(9) Hakuba 2.5X Small Magnifying Glass : Amazon.ca: Home. https://www.amazon.ca/Hakuba-2-5X-Small-Magnifying-Glass/dp/B00004ZCQZ.
(10) NeweggBusiness - Hakuba 2.5X Extra Small Magnifying Glass. https://www.neweggbusiness.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9B-0UF-02ZA-002J4.
(11) 8 Best Handheld Magnifying Glasses of 2024 - Optics Mag. https://opticsmag.com/best-handheld-magnifying-glasses/.
(12) ZEISS Pocket Magnifier D40 10x "Limited Black Edition". https://www.swisotech-shop.com/en/produkt/zeiss-pocket-magnifier-d40-10x-limited-black-edition/.
(13) . https://bing.com/search?q=gowllands+magnifying+glass+England.
(14) Gowllands. http://www.gowllandsmed.com/.
(15) Hand-held magnifier - Flat field - 15x magnification - manutan.co.uk. https://www.manutan.co.uk/en/key/hand-held-magnifier-flat-field-15x-magnification.
(16) (7 inch Glass Lens) Professional LED Magnifying Lamp with Clamp .... https://www.amazon.com/BoliOptics-Professional-Magnifying-Magnifier-Adjustable/dp/B07KFQXGDJ.
(17) Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand, Veemagni 8X Real Glass 2-in-1 .... https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-Veemagni-Stepless-Dimmable-Magnifier/dp/B09DPRMBZJ.
