Lensometer question and advise

[Sput]

I am looking for a some advice on purchasing a new manual lensometer. I am looking for one that has a reputation for high quality. Ease of use, and cost are not really an issue but needs to be a manual lensometer. Mostly looking for one to be a baseline lensometer to reference the rest of my lensometers too. Currently the one on my desk is a CSO VTR A3.


So anyone have any suggestions or advise for a lensometer?

[eye2]

Find some who is willing to part with there old B & L! If you can!

[FVCCHRIS]

Copy what Eye2 said. B&L vertometers are still one of the finest pieces of manual equipment you could own. Start lurking all the boards and ebay, etc. and wait for one in good shape to become available. Units in good working order aren't cheap but they're worth it. I have an old one here somewhere that I think needs the bulb socket replaced and the inking pins worked on. I'll have to look around for it. Problem is, if I can get it fixed and running for a cheap price I probably won't part with it. I have an older A/O unit in a pretty peach color. Want me to check it to see if it's serviceable? Chris.

[finefocus]

Say Chris, we call that gorgeous color "Coral". I forget what the baby-**** green was called.

[eyemanflying]

I am looking for a some advice on purchasing a new manual lensometer. I am looking for one that has a reputation for high quality. Ease of use, and cost are not really an issue but needs to be a manual lensometer. Mostly looking for one to be a baseline lensometer to reference the rest of my lensometers too. Currently the one on my desk is a CSO VTR A3.


So anyone have any suggestions or advise for a lensometer?

Topcon all the way.

[walleye]

I have an AO 603B lensometer. Oldie but goodie. Excellent condition with marking device with new marking pad. PM me if interested.

[DragonLensmanWV]

Look here, see about the Topcon or the B&L.
http://www.patternless.com/CategoryDetail.aspx?i=114

[Jacqui]

B&L Model 70 is the best. AO 12603 is next.

http://www.patternless.com/CategoryDetail.aspx?i=114

[scriptfiller]

B&L model 70 or I really like my Topcon LM-8.

[HarryChiling]

No ones mentioned Marco so I'll throw it out there solid equipment I would chose a marco before a B and L and I have worked on both. (reason before someone asks: prism compensator over auxillary prism set)

[DragonLensmanWV]

No ones mentioned Marco so I'll throw it out there solid equipment I would chose a marco before a B and L and I have worked on both. (reason before someone asks: prism compensator over auxillary prism set)

That is a plus I like on my old Topcon LM-P5.

[Sput]

No ones mentioned Marco so I'll throw it out there solid equipment I would chose a marco before a B and L and I have worked on both. (reason before someone asks: prism compensator over auxillary prism set)

I was wondering if anyone would mention Marco. I did a quick count and it looks like I have 5 marco 101's, a B&L 2, B&L 70 and CSO VTR A3. I am going to check out the topcon models but a few people I know that work around the lab im at mentioned they would go with Marco before Topcon.

Thanks everyone for the advise and recommendations. I guess I have what I need :)

[harry888]

Go used.

A B&L 70 will last forever, especially in a high use lab. For light use, I love the old AO 12603 which has easy to read dials and there are plenty of floating around.

I have trouble reading the dial on the Marco.

Harry

[Java99]

I have two older Marcos and love them. Just had one repaired the other day and it's good as new. That one lasted at 20+ jobs a day for over ten years before the stage went wonky.

[Howard Gorin]

Finer target lines on the Vertometer, made by B&L and later by Reichert make finding low power cylinders a little easier
Mechanically the AO 12603 Lensometer is less likely to show signs of wear. Note, early 12603 lensometers use a fiber gear
on the diopter wheel, this gear can break, no replacement gear is available to the best of my knowledge. The last 12603
instruments made have the numbers on the diopter power wheel and the axis wheel screened, not engraved. These numbers
do get worn off in time.
The prism compensator is a mixed blessing. Unless you check to be sure the target is centered before you center and mark
a lens, the lens will be marked off-center.
I make parts for both the Lensometer and Vertometer, nearly everything to maintain them forever. I make a few parts for the
Marco 101 lensmeter as well.
Unfortunately some dealer are refusing to repair older equipment. It is easier to sell something new.

[FVCCHRIS]

Look here, see about the Topcon or the B&L.
http://www.patternless.com/CategoryDetail.aspx?i=114

I always love those items where it says: Call for Price! They give you time to get ready....:bbg:

[welldonedanny]

I have an AO 12603, in use but missing prism "drop in's"... if anyone knows where I can get a set, please reply. Thank You

[Howard Gorin]

The AO 12603 uses a standard trial frame prism. Almost any trial frame prism will fit. All trial frame prisms are the same diameter, some with plastic rings may be too wide. The 12603 is a fine instrument, better than what is made today

[welldonedanny]

The AO 12603 uses a standard trial frame prism. Almost any trial frame prism will fit. All trial frame prisms are the same diameter, some with plastic rings may be too wide. The 12603 is a fine instrument, better than what is made today

Perfect! Thank you soo much :)