Phaim (fāme) — Larry Becker’s Blog

My Hoodman Loupe Reel Style!

Posted on 04 February 2010

One of the problems I’ve always had with my Hoodman Loupe (granted this is a small problem) is that the neck strap that comes with it causes the loupe to hang in a place that has a tendency to get in the way of my camera, which is also hanging around my neck. The problem is that I didn’t want to put the loupe away completely, because when I want it, I don’t want to have to dig through pockets or pouches. I want it fast. — Another small problem is that fellow shooters are frequently enamored with the loupe and want to see how it works, which usually means I have to take it off or lean uncomfortably close, while I tolerate mild strangulation, so someone can use it on their camera.

My solution would be familiar to any custodian. It’s a retractable keyring.

I’ve shown mine around the office a little bit and everyone laughs when I drop the loupe and it snaps to my hip. They they say, “That’s pretty smart. Have you told Hoodman about your idea?… I might just do that too.” (For the record yes, I’ve told the guys at Hoodman.)

There are quite a few different kinds of these things, (the really common ones are especially short and lightweight and are designed for name badges) but unfortunately most of them only have a cord that’s just a little bit too short (standard is 24″ or less). I bought one that has a 48″ cord and that way I can clip it to either hip and still have plenty of reach to bring it all the way up to my eye. That way it’s long enough to have clipped to my belt and I can even use it when my camera’s mounted on a tripod. It’s even possible to easily let someone else borrow it while it stays clipped.  -  I think I got ripped off a little bit though. I paid $16 at a local hardware store and you can probably find a 48″ key reel for less on the web. - It came with a big keyring which I swapped out for a smaller ring. Then I just used a Velcro strap around the loupe and through the smaller keyring. Works like a charm! The loupe is instantly available and out of my way when I’m not using it, and I’ll never drop my loupe!

If you get one of the shorter reels, you’ll probably need to keep it clipped to the front of your belt or a camera or backpack strap. Come to think of it, if you’re an outdoor shooter who regularly shoots while wearing a backpack, the lighter weight reels clipped to the pack’s shoulder strap might be just great.

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