Lensometers

**va_optikal** · 03-25-2008, 11:37 AM

Concerning Lensometers. I just received one for my office. I'm used to the old A.O. I received a Grimes Lensometer. It has a prism dial up by the eye piece and I'm just not quite sure how to use it. I don't care for this one as well as the old standard I'm used to. I can't seem to get the background lighting clear ( may need a bulb. I know it needs some ink ) and I just can't seem to get it lined up properly. Also the cylinder lines are two lines instead of one. I know there is room for improvement with my knowledge, but I felt like I used the A.O fairly well. Anyone know anything about this particular Lensometer and or what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks so much.

**For-Life** · 03-25-2008, 12:19 PM

I have always used a B&L (well I used one other one that I hated. I think it was a topcan). But I have been told that the only one better than a B&L is an old A.O. one.

Maybe Chris or Chip can chime in on that opinion.

I know that has nothing to do with your question, but I wanted to toss my two cents in (because that is the kind of guy I am)

**Jacqui** · 03-25-2008, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by For-Life

I know that has nothing to do with your question, but I wanted to toss my two cents in (because that is the kind of guy I am)

Yes we know

Now back to the question. I think your problem is one of adaptation, take the time to get accustomed to the new lensometer, it may be better than you think. My own opinion is that the B&L Model 70 is the best with the AO 12603 a distant second, all others are JUNK. :)

**va_optikal** · 03-25-2008, 01:23 PM

I feel like this lensometer is NOT up to par, ( oh just give me my A.O and or the B&L ) , but I will not say that to my boss. He seemed so excited to ship it out to me. I suppose it does come down to adaptation. sigh.............. We shall see. ;)

**Jacqui** · 03-25-2008, 01:32 PM

Find a pair of glasses with a high correction and cylinder, use your new machine to check them.

**va_optikal** · 03-25-2008, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Jacqui

Find a pair of glasses with a high correction and cylinder, use your new machine to check them.

Will try. Have been. :)

**lensgrinder** · 03-25-2008, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by va_optikal

Concerning Lensometers. I just received one for my office. I'm used to the old A.O. I received a Grimes Lensometer. It has a prism dial up by the eye piece and I'm just not quite sure how to use it. I don't care for this one as well as the old standard I'm used to. I can't seem to get the background lighting clear ( may need a bulb. I know it needs some ink ) and I just can't seem to get it lined up properly. Also the cylinder lines are two lines instead of one. I know there is room for improvement with my knowledge, but I felt like I used the A.O fairly well. Anyone know anything about this particular Lensometer and or what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks so much.

I am not real sure what a Grimes Lensometer is, but it sounds like you are referring to a Marco type lensometer. The prism dial is used to compensate for prism. Rotate the silver dial and this will induce a certain amount of prism and then rotate the dial counter-clockwise or clockwise to choose a different prism axis. You may have to play with it to get your mires in the center. The lensometers I am familiar with generally have three cylinder lines and three sphere lines. You will center the lens with the center line.
Hope this helps.

**Leo Hadley Jr** · 03-25-2008, 03:24 PM

Yes, It sounds like you just need to get used to the prism compensator. I think when you get it, you will love it. I hated my Marco 101 when I first seen it, but after using it a few months, I loved it.

I am still a b+l 70 man. Prism chips are fun, but the prism compensator does just as well and its a lot more modern.

**va_optikal** · 03-25-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by lensgrinder

I am not real sure what a Grimes Lensometer is, but it sounds like you are referring to a Marco type lensometer. The prism dial is used to compensate for prism. Rotate the silver dial and this will induce a certain amount of prism and then rotate the dial counter-clockwise or clockwise to choose a different prism axis. You may have to play with it to get your mires in the center. The lensometers I am familiar with generally have three cylinder lines and three sphere lines. You will center the lens with the center line.
Hope this helps.

Yes, it does help. Thanks.
I did do just that, I put the mires in the center using the prism dial. Someone told me to just put the dial on 0 and leave it, but it wouldn't line up. I'm used to three sph lines and the one thick cyl line.
It is simliar to a Marco. The lab manager of my company told me that is a Grimes. I never heard of it. It came reconditioned from 'Grimes Optical'.

**va_optikal** · 03-25-2008, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by OpticLabRat

Yes, It sounds like you just need to get used to the prism compensator. I think when you get it, you will love it. I hated my Marco 101 when I first seen it, but after using it a few months, I loved it.

I am still a b+l 70 man. Prism chips are fun, but the prism compensator does just as well and its a lot more modern.

Oh, I'm sure I will get used to it. I'm a 70's gal myself , but started this Optical work in the 80's. I prefer the simple.
Thanks.