NeoLucida : The 21st Century Camera Lucida

This is a neat tool, it takes time and practice to use well. If the time and effort are made to learn to use it this neat tool becomes a very neat tool. It is not expensive compared to an original, functions as an original would minus the additional lenses, and is very portable. I was interested in the see through XL that uses a mirror instead of a prism so I built a 50 x 50 cm size mirror version with foam core and thin poly carbonate for the glass and it works fantastic. I used the little card for alignment of the neo lucida to the table top as a template for a slip over hold system that is attached to my mirror box version so now I can use either style on the same flexy neck. Here is the very first drawing I attempted from my front yard setting up on an old folding tv tray table sitting in a folding lawn chair. Its not hard to set up or use, its not rocket science but its just as fun! To take time to learn how to use tools, and to spend many moments practicing and using them, that is the part of the process I enjoy the most! So while others my find this tool to tiny, to fiddly, to this or to that, I find it to be delightful to learn and to use, precisely because it does takes time and practice to use it well. Anything worth doing well takes time and practice. Life is meant to be an adventure so give any lucida a try or build your own mirror box version, its FUN!

With an understandably teeny tiny prism, it is difficult to maneuver. Had i known there was a larger prism model i might have spent the extra $20 for a better version. Still love the tool just wish it was easier to use.

Sirs,
It is difficult for words to encompass how delighted I am with the NeoLucida. I have wanted a camera lucida for a considerable time, but never considered it as anything other than an interesting gadget of limited practical use. Your camera lucida is well constructed, remarkably easy to use, and quite affordable. I am a printmaker and have already put the NeoLucida to good use transferring my sketches to linoleum blocks for carving. I can now transfer sketches in a quarter of the time with a greater degree of accuracy. I expect the NeoLucida shall become an integral part of my artistic practice.
Yours truly,
Malcolm M. Fife

The neo lucida confuses me. I have watched videos. I dont think I got the right device for what I want to do. I think I need an overhead projector. The neo lucida is hard to use toooo much of a learning curve, the device needs a class with it. Is it too late for me to send it back. I wanted an easy device to do accurate enlargements. It is cumbersome and too small for my eyes.
Anyways I would like to send it back, it is not what I hoped for. Thank you

After carefully following all the instructions, I was able to get the device to work as advertised, but it was more difficult than I was expecting, and the field of view is pretty narrow. There are situations where it might still be useful, but it's not what I was hoping for.

Edit: After reading other reviews, it seems that the problem is that I simply bought the wrong product. I should have ordered the XL version instead.