List Price: $165.00
Sale Price: $159.68
Today's Bonus: 3% Off
I bought this to replace some old ones that wore out. I bought 2 because we needed them to replace 2 worn out ones. These are NOT inexpensive items but they are not made with the best materials. They should be built to last, given the price. So far, I have had to replace all the nuts and bolts in all the joints as they have already worn out. The other brackets are bending just from the stress of regular use. I had to rewire one of the lamps because it just quit working. And now I am noticing that where the arm attaches to the round case of the lamp head, the metal is cracked and bending and it is only a matter of time before it just breaks. I don't know what to tell you. They just don't make things like they used to. However, they should not cost this much if a year is all you can expect out of them.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I had one of the magnifiers for a while, before I returned it for one from the KFM series. As a hobbyist, and a son of someone with low vision, I have had my fair share of experience with magnifiers and magnifying lamps.Pros:
1. While not the cheapest, this would be one of the cheaper but still decent quality magnifiers around, that does not break the bank.
2. Has a great articulating arm, with great balance.
3. The clamp is very sturdy. Does not wiggle at all when attached to a table or reading surface.
4. Moves 360 degrees, you can easily find the perfect use angle that suits your needs.
5. Easy to adjust, no knobs or levers to tighten, just find the angle that works best. The arm swivel moves easily, and stays in place after you leave it.
6. Really bright 22w light that illuminates the entire reading area.
Cons:
1. Has grade B glass while this is works very well for magnifying reading materials, it is not distortion free. I had trouble with the distortions while working with sodering electronics or cleaning my camera sensor. The KFM series on the other hand has a great piece of Optical Quality White crown glass for the magnifier, which is much clearer and has almost no imperfections or distortions.
2. The springs are exposed. I am fearful that people might get stuff caught in them.
3. Price : it is an expensive item, but does give decent quality for what it is worth.
Overall impression:
As I said earlier, for me this was not perfect. It fit my father's needs fairly well, as he used it for reading and solving Sudoku/crossword puzzles. I do find that I have to deduct a star for the optical quality of the IFM series. And another half a star for it being fairly expensive. If you need it for magnification for reading, definitely go for it, as it will serve your purposes. If you need more precision and less distortion, get the KFM series.
Best Deals for Luxo Magnifier IFM 5 Diopter 45" Arm Clamp-On Base Lt Gray
I've been using this for over 6-months now and I couldn't do without it. It's way sturdier than the cheap ones you can buy at a local office supply. The folks that make this are the same folks that make the industrial ones for inspection processes and they cost really big bucks. A good way to anchor it to a table is to use two small flooring samples about 3x4" between the clamp jaw and the screw. You can really crank the thing tight without messing up your work table. Those floor samples are at the big box home supply stores.Honest reviews on Luxo Magnifier IFM 5 Diopter 45" Arm Clamp-On Base Lt Gray
After years of substandard lights, this one is a gem.Perfect light/magnifier and stays fairly stable when emplaced.
Would rebuy for another work space.
