This is an Optivisor DA-5, not cheap, but it has glass lenses and a 2.5x magification. Different lenses can be bought as spares.
Middle age is catching up with me, but to be honest I've needed one for a while. I have a jewellers loupe as well, which is fine but squinting to hold it in place isn't particularly comfortable, and I have to hold things quite close to my face to use it. It will still have a place on my workbench though for quick checks.
This new magnifier is easier to use, its nice and light, a comfortable fit on my big head, and the lenses can be flipped up out of the way when not needed. A welcome addition to my tool kit which has already proved its worth.
Paul.
Update: One month in and its been in use every day, not only for general modelling but also for painting (brush and airbrush) and even lathework (it fits nicely over safety glasses). A worthwhile investment.
I've had an OptiVisor for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteWe like to visit the Anachie Gem Fest in Australia every couple of years to see the opals, sapphires etc & the beautiful artistic work people do.
One of the suppliers had the Quasar LED Lighting System for OptiVisors. This has 6 leds & arround the front of the lens. You take out the original clip & fit a new one - or perhaps use two screws to make changing lenses easier.
The Led system stops all shadows & is very useful. I showed a dermatologist who used the OptiVisors & he was getting them for al of his head sets.
I find that the wiring is a bit of a weak point. I haven't damaged mine but I will probably add a plug & socket to it. I've had mine for a couple of years now & it really adds to the usefulness of the OptiVisor.
You could always make something similar yourself since you are into modelling.
Interesting idea. I find good lighting to be crucial when doing any fine work, so I may look into that.
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