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Peak grain focuser: what's SOOO special?
what is it that causes the Peak(and Omega) grain focusers so darned expensive? I've been using a microsight for a while, but is the Peak going to be THAT much better?
some I've seen lately on the auction site have a blue filter, supposedly for b/w film(makes some difference supposedly).
can you let me know? I like to have the best if I can get it, especially since I plan on using it for years to come.
thanks
-Dan
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The one with the large mirror (Peak 1) lets you see if the edges are sharp before you make a print, therefore worth the money in my opinion.
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 Originally Posted by DanielStone
some I've seen lately on the auction site have a blue filter, supposedly for b/w film(makes some difference supposedly).
-Dan
"Experts' opinion seems to vary. Gene Nocon was convinced that the blue filter made a difference. Tim Rudman is more sceptical. Nocon gives two examples in his book on printing. One print focused with the blue filter and one without. I couldn't see any difference in the two but that may have been the fault of reproduction in the book.
I am sure he saw a difference otherwise he wouldn't have said so but did he? If the difference was that clear then why do others who have tried the blue filter seem less convinced?
The jury would seem to be out here but that true of quite a lot of things about photography.
pentaxuser
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"Experts' opinion seems to vary."
Well, Nocon and Rudman ARE experts, for starters,
but because they have a different view on the matter doesn't mean the Peak is no good,
and the blue filter worthless. Don't preach the controversy, dig down to how they work,
and try to understand what they are talking about.
For me, the Peak is good VALUE for four reasons.
First, it is expensive. I coddle it, and have done for decades.
Second, it is wonderfully made. Even if I DIDN'T respect it, it would still be in good shape.
Third, it has an accurate, adjustable eyepiece and excellent reticle. Most problems with the Peak come from folks who haven't focussed it !
Fourth, the big mirror is very good.
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The most expensive model, the Peak 1, is made of metal rather than plastic, has better optics, and allows the eyepiece to be adjusted to different angles in relation to the larger mirror to allow critical focus in the corners in addition to the center of the image. This is very important with large prints where misalignment and poor enlarging lenses are more noticeable.
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Don't own one (yet), but wonder if the effectiveness of the filter might relate to the spectral sensitivity of the paper? I believe the old traditional stuff was pretty much blue sensitive, but VC papers might alter that situation. Just a thought that popped into my aging brain!
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For me it's absolute clarity in grain focusing.
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I got mine used and did not include the blue filter, nor have I ever used one. The focuser is still incredible without it.
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case settle. I'm going for it!
I'm saving my pennies  .
blessings,
-Dan
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dfcardwell, I wasn't saying that these two experts' opinion varied on the Peak. Merely their views on the blue filter which is why I only quoted that part of the OP's thread. I am sure you are right about the Peak's quality and attributes.
pentaxuser
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