Originally posted by ericp
Lightbox : Good ones are expensive ... I have a mid-range one (cost me about $60, IIRC), and it's just "ok" ... the lamps are not color-corrected, but it's not an issue for me because the effects will be different whether projecting the slides or scanning them.
One point about the lightbox ... they're dimmer if they run on batteries. Plug in a power supply and it'll be a bit brighter. My power adapter is slightly higher in voltage than what my lightbox asks for, and it's considerably brighter, with no ill effects after 2 years. Got my lightbox from John 3:16.
Loupe : Having owned 3 loupes, I'd say get a good one. Started with a $20 piece of plastic crap, which gave me a headache within 10 slides, then a $35 one which was better but still a bit of a strain at times, then found one for $120 which is miles ahead of the rest.
The first one was made by a German company called Kaiser, the second one is from Nikon, and the last one is a Cabin 4X with glass elements which I bought from Cathay. I was eyeing the Rodenstock at $185, had a look, it was ok, started looking at the $290 Rodenstock 6X, much nicer, and saw this by the side, asked for a look, and was blown away by the quality and price.
Why do you need 10x ? To see the whole slide, all you need is a good 4X ... and unless you pay megabucks, I'd almost guarantee that the $31 10x will help you add a few degrees to your spec prescription if you're wearing glasses.
Bring a few favorite slides, go to Cathay, and spend some time there with all the loupes they have to offer in your price range. Then buy the Cabin ;p