Ink for lensometer

[orangezero]

I have an unused ink "well" with my marco lensometer. Does anyone know what type of ink I can use with it, to mark up centers? I'd like to find something local if possible, like from an office store.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[HarryChiling]

I've had OK luck with Staples sanford non water soluble ink.

[Jacqui]

Stamp pad ink, available at all office supply stores.

[orangezero]

I was hoping it would be that simple.

Thanks all.

[Leo Hadley Jr]

:idea: BINGO DABBERS

[HarryChiling]

Try to look for ones that don't dry out so quick, you may have to read a bunch of labels before you find the brand that will suit you well. I have found that the water soluble inks evaporate and dry out quickly, you could put some water in the lensmeter every other morning or just try different inks untill you find that one good ink.

[orangezero]

thanks, what about color? any reason for a specific one?

[Chris Ryser]

Check Writer Ink is oily and does not dry. I am still using a tube I purchased at least 15 years ago and use it on my B&L Lensometer. Never dries up . There is some for sale on E-Bay

Speedrite Check Writer Ink ( Box & Bottles ) Kit, 1920s - (eBay ...eBay: Find Speedrite Check Writer Ink ( Box & Bottles ) Kit, 1920s in the Collectibles , Bottles Insulators , Bottles , Antique Pre-1900 , Inks category on ...
cgi.ebay.com/Speedrite-Check-Writer-Ink-Box-Bottles-Kit-1920s_W0QQitemZ330169965426QQihZ014QQcategoryZ894

[AngryFish]

Check Writers Ink without a doubt the best.

[HarryChiling]

Thanks Chris, that's a great tip. :cheers: I had to trial and error to find a decent ink. I think I might try check writer ink.

[Audiyoda]

I will second the check writers ink - best solution possible but difficult to find locally. I finally found some at a smaller, local office supply company.

[fjpod]

I like inkjet ink...the bottles that you are supposed to use to refill cartridges. It doesn't get gummy like other inks.

[Jacqui]

thanks, what about color? any reason for a specific one?

I have always used red, others use black. Take your pick.

[orangezero]

never even thought of inkjet ink. Thanks all. I have seen red used, i just didn't know if it would be too hard to see or not.

I didn't want to screw up a pair of nice lenses with some ink that didn't come off!!!

has anyone done this? what did you use? I would think this could be common for those "experimenting" but maybe not.

[DragonLensmanWV]

never even thought of inkjet ink. Thanks all. I have seen red used, i just didn't know if it would be too hard to see or not.

I didn't want to screw up a pair of nice lenses with some ink that didn't come off!!!

has anyone done this? what did you use? I would think this could be common for those "experimenting" but maybe not.

I wrote a review of PSI True Mark Hydro ink, specially designed for hydrophobic lenses. It worked for awhile but after a while it also starts to separate and your dots become clear, so I retract my endorsement of it.
But I use Topcon lensometer ink or PSI's regular layout blocker ink.

[obxeyeguy]

But I use Topcon lensometer ink

This is what I use. A 10cc bottle laster 7 years. Just called last week and got lucky, they are discontinuing it but had a few left. Bought 3 more.

[MarcE]

This is what I use. A 10cc bottle laster 7 years. Just called last week and got lucky, they are discontinuing it but had a few left. Bought 3 more.

Wow, a 21 yr supply! Or you trying to corner the market?

[eromitlab]

I used to use orange tempra paint. just add a few drops of water every morning and flushed out the pad once a week. the drops would stick so good, the only thing that got 'em off was a little IPA99.

[nicko]

years ago we used to use white liquid shoe polish...refreshes with a little water and easy to clean up

[kjreha]

just wanted to get some recent updates on what people were using.

I need to get re-ink my lensometer and was hoping to try something available at Staples.

anyone else using inkjet ink?

-Kevin

[Aspheric33]

I also have a Marco 101 and I have been amazed that the ink stays on lenses with antireflective coats, yet washes off so easily with water. Why aren't there pens that work so well? E.g., the ink from vis-a-vis pens doesn't really stick to AR-coated lenses; the ink from Sharpie pens does stick but chemicals are needed to wash it off. Whatever that ink was that came with my Marco is still working well after 4 years without refilling it.

[ronnie daniels]

they do have a pen that will stick to ar and stay but its from hilco so its like 8 bux. Store it horizontally or itll dry out quick. And i dont know if it was an isolated incident but i couldnt get the ink off of a cr-39 lens for nothing lol

[Mr. Finney]

Staedtler Lumocolor permanent special F marker, you can get it from most optical supply places. Stormin' Norman's has it for $3.20.

Sorry Kevin, can't help you with the lensometer ink; we just smack the lens really hard and measure from the nice little pits :hammer:

[ronnie daniels]

yup the staedler is the one im talking about...anyone else ever had problems with it not coming off cr-39 lenses? Alot of times when im drilling id like to use it because i rub the marker off lenses because of the lotion on my hands (girlfriend decided im supposed to have the hands of a model...minus the multiple screwdriver stab wounds lol) But ive been reluctant to use it on cr39 because of the Kodak unique cr39 non ar's i ruined because it wouldnt come off.

[Aspheric33]

All Off solution usually takes off permanent ink quite well. I think I get it from Optisource.