I need a new Manual Lensometer

[Tallboy]

Last year we got an auto lensometer, and I really need a new manual one. I have a Burton 2021 which is okay, but has been worked on twice in the last 3 years and now the power drum slips a bit once it gets past -7.00 or so and it reads too much minus when this happens. I'm done paying for this thing to be fixed only to have more problems.

What are you guys looking through these days? I'm thinking about a Marco, but I've seen some others out there. Just trying to get the lay of the land right now.


thanks,

-Ian

[Quince]

My Marco is the go-to in my office. We have had other ones, some used, some new from China. The cheap ones do alright, but if you want it to last I would steer towards the Marco.

[King of the Lab]

Marco runs the mill of the land here where I'm from. Old reliable is what I like to call mine.

[optical24/7]

B&L Model 70!

[lensmanmd]

B&L Model 70!

+1

[lensmanmd]

Last year we got an auto lensometer, and I really need a new manual one. I have a Burton 2021 which is okay, but has been worked on twice in the last 3 years and now the power drum slips a bit once it gets past -7.00 or so and it reads too much minus when this happens. I'm done paying for this thing to be fixed only to have more problems.

What are you guys looking through these days? I'm thinking about a Marco, but I've seen some others out there. Just trying to get the lay of the land right now.


thanks,

-Ian

Visionix and Zeiss

[Chris Ryser]

B&L Model 70!

I vote for this one too. Forty years later still as good as when it was new. The most perfect instrument.

[Don Gilman]

Last year we got an auto lensometer, and I really need a new manual one. I have a Burton 2021 which is okay, but has been worked on twice in the last 3 years and now the power drum slips a bit once it gets past -7.00 or so and it reads too much minus when this happens. I'm done paying for this thing to be fixed only to have more problems.

What are you guys looking through these days? I'm thinking about a Marco, but I've seen some others out there. Just trying to get the lay of the land right now.


thanks,

-Ian

I agree with everyone and I still have an AO 603B. If you want a good imported one which I use daily we have one with an LED bulb and very reliable. We offer a 10% for OPTIBOARDERS, See it at www.superoptical.com

[Tallboy]

I'll probably have this lensometer until I retire. I think I'm going to get one of the new Marcos with the LED light, the BL 70 looks like a tank - I wouldn't even know where to get one.

Marco 101 it is I think.

[dima]

Can I ask you What is wrong with auto lens meter you have?

I Have not a long experience

On internet there are a very cheap made in china manual lensmeter... if you want a very quality and durable unit Take the top of each brand.

I have used only Nidek manual lens meter (I think in Usa is the Marco) it is very very good product

[Tallboy]

Can I ask you What is wrong with auto lens meter you have?

I Have not a long experience

On internet there are a very cheap made in china manual lensmeter... if you want a very quality and durable unit Take the top of each brand.

I have used only Nidek manual lens meter (I think in Usa is the Marco) it is very very good product

I like to have a manual and an Auto, Especially for blocking up edging. I like my auto but I don't trust its accuracy enough for blocking high RXes. I don't have as good of one as some of the guys here are talking about! That is for sure.

Yes Nidek is Marco here, and that is what it looks like I'm getting!

[dima]

Thank for the answer.
You will not regret is a good unit ;)
Enjoy with it.

[Tallboy]

I have been using my brand new LM-101 for about 3 days. What an instrument! Oh man I love it so much.

One question - it has those auto inking pins that have the white grease ink in them - they work pretty well, very accurate. My question is about how long to they last? I know its 50 bucks for a new set of 3 but I want to make sure I don't have to slow down production because they run out.

Anyone know?

[Kevin Howtopat]

The B&L model 70 was referred to as a vertometer. American Optical made the Lensometer. Marco 101 is referred to as a Lensmeter. I know I know "semantics"

[Manual]

Ours lasted quite a while. We got a new 101 about 2 years ago and we just recently replaced the pins, marking around 10-12 pairs per day. The ink DOES slowly fade, but you can still see it easily enough.

This is my favorite lensometer ever btw.

[lensmanmd]

Yup. Just wishing that they are all called vertometers. I guess that would mean “lensometry” courses will need to be renamed?

[Diane]

Focimeter is the correct term. All the others are brand dependent. However, we have as an industry turned to the term, lensometer. The best of all is the B&L 70, with Marco coming in second in my humble opinion.

Diane

[ThatOneGuy]

Visionix and Zeiss

Same. There is very little value to a manual lensometer anymore. I don't think we'll replace our manual or worry about recalibrating. Nobody uses it anymore, our autos are super accurate and consistent.

To clarify, we do not have any lab equipment in our office, so there is that.

[Tallboy]

Same. There is very little value to a manual lensometer anymore. I don't think we'll replace our manual or worry about recalibrating. Nobody uses it anymore, our autos are super accurate and consistent.

How much have you invested dollar wise in your autos?

[ThatOneGuy]

$8,000...we have three

[Tallboy]

$8,000...we have three

Nice. Things stay as busy as they have been I'll be getting one also.