What's so great about the B&L model 70 vertometer

[snowmonster]

I've been in the OD field for 10 years now and have seen the B&L Model 70 Vertometer (?) mentioned several times here as the greatest thing ever.

I like to know the "how" and "why" behind things, so what's so great about this thing, and why is it better than our Topcon LM6?

Not trying argue or start a pi$$ing war, just wanting the rationale / history behind it.

Thanks once again!

[Johns]

Consistency.

It doesn't have any bells or whistles, but it's built like a tank, the gears and wheels stay as smooth after 40 years as the day it was new, it stays calibrated better than any I've ever owned, and you always know what to expect when operating it.

[FullCircle]

Consistency.

It doesn't have any bells or whistles, but it's built like a tank, the gears and wheels stay as smooth after 40 years as the day it was new, it stays calibrated better than any I've ever owned, and you always know what to expect when operating it.

I have to agree with all of this. Fabulous piece of optical equipment

[Happylady]

Yes, it works and never fails.

[For-Life]

Accurate, accurate, accurate.

I put a -1.00 -1.00 x 088 and it stays at a -1.00 -1.00 x 088.

Unlike some of the new junk from today that will give you a variable axis.

[Refractingoptician.com]

Consistency.

It doesn't have any bells or whistles, but it's built like a tank, the gears and wheels stay as smooth after 40 years as the day it was new, it stays calibrated better than any I've ever owned, and you always know what to expect when operating it.

Now if B & L made women ......

[FullCircle]

Now if B & L made women ......

....we wouldn't need men.... ;)

[Metronome]

Delete.

[Chris Ryser]

Actually I am wondering how mucch are they still worth these days being that old. I have one that is still working like new.

[THE MEB]

you buy a rebuilt b@l vertometer like we did. after 5 years, we are happy we did. we have the topcon lm6 and the marco one, forget the name of it now, but for easy reading and staying in calibration and another BIG thing, when the ink well dries up, just add water. the marco you just couldn't keep the ink in the pad, and we tried sevral different pads and inks to try to prevent the ink from drying up.

[Chris Ryser]

....................couldn't keep the ink in the pad, and we tried sevral different pads and inks to try to prevent the ink from drying up.

It is not the pad but the ink that dries up. We have used "check writer ink" since the 1970s. This is a grease/oil based ink that never dries up and you can use and use until yoiu run out and have to refill. Still using original pad on B%L.

[Leo Hadley Jr]

The B+L or Reichert 70 model is a tank. You will probably never accidently knock it over. Most of all, they last for decades. Take the cost of one 70 model and divide it by how many lensometers you have owned over the last 20 years.

Its a great investment that will outlive the user.

[Refractingoptician.com]

Okay, but this thing costs a small fortune. I have an old AO 12603 (1260-1122) that's had it's day, and I'm looking for something almost as good as the B&L, but not as expensive. Any suggestions? How about Marco?

When it comes to tools , only buy the best .

Don't touch the rest

[Fezz]

What's so great about the B&L 70....


Its Legend!

And everything that everybody has already mentioned!

That being said, I use the Marco 101. I like the built in prism dial and the axis wheel. But, if I have to buy another lensometer for work, it will be a model 70. I do have a model 70 or two at home, but that is another story!

;):cheers::D:cheers:

[chip anderson]

It's accurate.
It lasts, buy one even if it's 50 years old it will last longer than the user.
Requires practically no service.
Is not designed for use by fools and the incompentent.
It's made out of real metal (mostly brassand steel) not plastic
It holds and even increases it's re-sale value.

[obxeyeguy]

I will go with all that was said above. I have used this model for over 30 years. Its simply the best lab vertometer made. Expensive? Yes, but so is gas.

[scriptfiller]

I used a 70 in my first job in the wholesale market. Went into retail and had to use a Nikon, I felt like I was using a toy. IMHO the mires in a 70 are the most precise. However, we finally got rid of the Nikon lensometers and replaced them with a Topcon LM8. The Topcon still feels like a toy but at least the mires are very similar to the 70. I'd take an old 70 over the Topcon any day.

Long live the 70!

[Chris Ryser]

It holds and even increases it's re-sale value.

Its a great investment that will outlive the user

But still nobody seems to have an idea what any of these baby's are approximateluy worth today. Give me an idea............. :hammer:

[obxeyeguy]

I will pay up to a grand.

[Fezz]

I will pay up to a grand.

I see that grand and raise $100!

;):cheers::D

[Leo Hadley Jr]

Our standard price is $1250.
I believe they sold for $2495 new.

I think thats a great deal considering its the last lensometer you will ever need to buy.

[Now I See]

But still nobody seems to have an idea what any of these baby's are approximateluy worth today. Give me an idea............. :hammer:

I had to have my marco repaired a couple of weeks ago :angry: After the repair I inquired about the B&L 70, and was told a used one would cost around $1000. Gotta save my pennies...:)

[Leo Hadley Jr]

Here is the legend reconditioned by VSI.

Its a sweeeet machine

[Jacqui]

You keep tempting me, Leo.

[Chris Ryser]

.

Its a sweeeet machine

Thanks for the information............must be the only optical equipment that still sells for 50% of the original price of 40 ears ago. And we have used it ever since and reconditioned it once in between.