Dimensions

The Lens

The key component 
This gives 6 times magnification and is made of optical glass.  The brief to the optical engineer was to give good depth of field, and minimal distortion at the edge of the field (this is 30mm diameter, when viewing the base cup).  The aspherical design hits the spot, with beautifully-bright images.

These Images of flies were taken through the eyepiece of Hookpoint:

Olive type, tied in the under-thorax dun style  (Neil Patterson, April 2011 issue, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying).  Side-view, held in the clamp	Olive type, tied in the under-thorax dun style  (Neil Patterson, April 2011 issue, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying)
Pheasant Tail Nymph, resting in the base cup	commercial Tups dry

Focusing of objects in the clamp or base cup is achieved by rotating the focusing wheels, which raises or lowers the clamp post.

The Clamp

The clamp has a unique ‘hook and bird’s mouth’ design.  The ‘business end’ of the clamp comprises 2 parts: the double vee block, into which the bend of the hook fits, and the stainless steel wire hook which pulls the bend into the vee blocks.  Hooks are gripped by the clamp by pushing-in the clamp knob, which is sprung-loaded.  The hook is engaged, the knob released, whilst steering the hook into the vee blocks.  It is well known that hook sizes differ amongst manufacturers, but the clamp can usually engage hook sizes 8 – 18.  

The clamp rotates when the clamp knob is rotated.  It can be seen that the hook can be gripped with either the point or the shank at the centre of rotation (see benefits).  This enables the point or shank of the hook to be kept in focus more easily, as it is rotated for all-round inspection.
The clamp is easily removed by pushing it through the hole in the clamp post.  This allows the unobstructed viewing of the base cup.

The Base Cup

The base cup is easily detached or attached by a simple ¼-turn twist

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It performs several functions, including:

hydrosyche – on its back !  the feathery gills are clearly visible.   This photograph was taken through hookpoint	Large Dark Olive nymph

Large Dark Olive nymph, photo taken through hookpoint.   Note the olive translucency is revealed due to hookpoint‘s bright LED	This beast, a mayfly nymph, was photographed in April,  an ugly duckling poised to push through final development  and emerge a beautiful swan.  Its large eyes are clearly  for use in low-light conditions.   This was one netted from amongst dense willow roots	The unique, annular measuring grid  can be used to assess the length  of objects, however, they are aligned.   Simply draw, or imagine, a line parallel  to the length through the centre of the grid.  Then draw lines from each end, and read-off  the distance. In this case, the body length  is about 6mm, and the total length nearly 9mm

The Lens Cap

This protects the top of the lens and stores the honing and picking tool.  It is hinged and snaps shut when hookpoint is not being used.

The Attachment Loop

This is available for the convenient attachment of hookpoint to a zinger	Hookpoint can then be slipped into a pocket ready for use when required

The LED Light Unit

This comprises a super-bright, white LED, powered by 2 coin cell batteries, controlled by a micro slide switch.  The whole mechanism is contained in a plastic casing, which can be removed for battery change (life expectancy of more than 10 hours) or servicing.

The Honing / Picking Tool

Hookpoint comes complete with a dual-function, easy-grip honing/picking tool conveniently stowed under the lens cap. It includes a slim, dedicated ceramic honing rod.  This rod has been designed with a segmental groove so that it is easy to engage with the point of the hook.  By drawing over the point, it is possible to create needle-sharpness.   The brass picking pin is handy for clearing the varnish from hook eyes, or picking ‘wind’ knots from fly line and droppers.  These knots are often usually simple over-hand knots, and easily opened-up with the pin.  Providing the line has not been damaged, this can save a lot of fishing time from re-constructiing dropper rigs, for example.