Old eyes - I need magnification!

[onemac]

So I'm doing a 1/48 Spitfire (Paul MADE me buy it) and encountered PE for the first time. No problems except for the fact I can hardly see the small brake handle that fits onto the control column. I need those head mounted geek type glasses (I also wear reading glasses) and wondered what you chaps use? I need something light as I get migranes and preferably variable in magnification (3x, 10x and 20x for example) possibly with an internal light source as for us oldies light is invaluable. What do you suggest?

Thanks

Al

[digger303]

The hubble telescope....

Ok moving right along.... optivisor fixed magnification, but you can get different lenses and you can continue to wear your glasses.
And a excellent work bench light...depending where you are...there are these. You should really add your country to your profile.

http://cpc.farnell.com/shesto/lc8015/ta ... 0000009563
http://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Lightin ... undefined3

[onemac]

Thanks for that digger - location added.

How heavy are these Optivisor things - I'm just worried it may be too heavy for prolonged use? The lamps have been ordered for my man cave which is on hold due to a change of meds.

Al

[chalkyw]

Hobbycraft do a headband magnifier with an LED light and 4 lenses.....1.2x, 1.8x, 2.5x and 3.5x.....can't model without mine these days, don't know if they're any good with specs though

http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/lightcraft- ... 68808-1000

PS. Only using the 1.2 and 1.8 at the moment which gives really good magnification for me

[onemac]

Thanks for that chalkyw - have to pop through to Inverness tomorrow so will pop into Hobbycraft. These look lighter than the Optivisors and with the different lenses included (and the LED lights), slightly better value for money.

As a beginner I really appreciate the help on what you guys consider the basics. It's difficult for those of us without vast racks of paints, drawers of tools or massive stashes and of course the experience as we are constantly encounter hurdles. I think I speak for us all when I say we're grateful

Al

[Augustus]

Thanks for that chalkyw - have to pop through to Inverness tomorrow so will pop into Hobbycraft. These look lighter than the Optivisors and with the different lenses included (and the LED lights), slightly better value for money.

As a beginner I really appreciate the help on what you guys consider the basics. It's difficult for those of us without vast racks of paints, drawers of tools or massive stashes and of course the experience as we are constantly encounter hurdles. I think I speak for us all when I say we're grateful

Al

I bought this very cheap pair and must say they are a lot better than I expected, but I only wear them for tiny pieces or painting things like tools on AFVs, so don't know what they're like to wear all the time. I doubt very much that they would be as comfortable as the more expensive ones if wearing them for any length of time but they are fine for my small needs.

Also the blurb says they're fine to wear over specks.

Oh, and also if you have decent lighting you can detach the torch part, which with the batteries is a good chunk of its weight.

And as Chalky says you really don't need great magnification.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-10x-Head ... Swu4BVlK~Q

[digger303]

the optivisor is light weight, has a cushioned band around the front half of the head. Also I found with my eyes I was getting headaches caused by eye strain using a cheap knock off. It's in the quality of the lenses you have to be careful. The cheap pair I bought from dicksmiths had lights on each side of the eyes and that loupe arrangement which is pure gimmick really. Turning the lights on and off...nothing but a pain

[Twokidsnosleep]

You could look up in on e Bay for some dental magnifiers

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Dental-Medic ... Sw5IJWdNEB

Basically glasses with magnifiers and can have LED's in them

[kruno59]

I have tried the cheap ones and then bought the Optivisor - Without doubt the Opt is the way to go - the quality of the lens is 100% better than any of the cheaper ones which have horrible distortion.

Not cheap but worth every penny imo

[Nev]

Thinking of getting a pair just confused on lens strengths. What magnification would you suggest for modelling from a work bench?

[digger303]

The stronger the magnification then the closer you have to be to the work piece in order to focus. So question is what are you comfortable with.
I use a 2x which gives a focal length of 10 inches ( 200mm ). If I choose to wear my glasses with a 2.5 rating magnification increases and I have to get much closer to the work piece. I am fine with this arrangement.

[digger303]

I just found these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-5X-2-0X-2- ... 3641.l6368
They look the same as the Donigan Optivisor and they might be the exact same thing, but I am unsure.They claim and call themselves an Optivisor. Seem very cheap and come with all the lenses. Almost want to buy one to get the spare lenses...????

[kruno59]

very cheap and looks too good to be true - might be worth a punt at that price though

[digger303]

very cheap and looks too good to be true - might be worth a punt at that price though

let me know how they are...

[Nev]

The stronger the magnification then the closer you have to be to the work piece in order to focus. So question is what are you comfortable with.
I use a 2x which gives a focal length of 10 inches ( 200mm ). If I choose to wear my glasses with a 2.5 rating magnification increases and I have to get much closer to the work piece. I am fine with this arrangement.

Cheers mate sound about right for me

[digger303]

very cheap and looks too good to be true - might be worth a punt at that price though

I just had a look at mine and it says made in USA. Have they changed where they manufacture or is this just a knock off copy. They look exactly the same with the only difference I can see being the side adjustment knobs looking different.

[digger303]

I was taking a look at these chinese Optivisors. The real cheap ones might not be that good . The slightly more expensive ones claim to have high quality lenses. They maybe ok to use, the others don't make that claim and at 30 aud. They aren't too much of a stretch.

MG81007-B Optivisor Head Magnifier Loupe
Material
Optical K9 glass, ABS plastic
1) High quality optical glass lens plates, interchangeable with different multiply times

[onemac]

Many thanks again for all your help chaps. I ended up going to Hobbycraft and the Litecraft £45 ones were out of stock so I went Amazon:

Bargain

At that price I can sell them on and try the Optivisor if I'm not happy.

Al

[SteveAFV]

I bought this as I don't like wearing glasses or visors. It has a x2/3 and a x5 area.

Ivation LED Lighted 2x Magnifier With Helping Hands - Clip-On & Freestanding Design - 2x Magnifier with 5x Magnifier Inset Lens - 2x 9" Adjustable Flexible Gooseneck 'Helping Hand' Clamps - Unique Multifunction Base for Freestanding Use or Clip-On Use on Tabletop, Desktop or Countertop - Battery Operated

[jelliott]

I dont like to consider myself getting old, my eyes, however, are working to prove me wrong. I had to finally go out and find something to help me during my building sessions. I looked at the "Optivisor" and related headgear and they just looked too bulky for me. I finally picked up these:

They are super light-weight and the lens flips up out of the way when not needed. They are light enough that if I have the lens up, I've forgotten I even had them on my head. And the price was pretty cheap. I picked them up off of Ebay.

[onemac]

Thanks for that jelliot - unfortunately I wear reading glasses and unless these lenses can compensate for my old eyes and give a suitable degree of magnification I'm going with the Litecraft ones for now. At the moment I'm actually wearing two pairs of glasses for my modelling and when I look up from the bench the whole room spins. Of course it could be the beer

Al