Magnifier glasses

[Robert1968]

Hi chaps this is prob a frequent asked question but I’m looking for a pair of glasses ( no should have gone to spec savers jokes please!
I already wear glasses when it comes to modelling but I’m thinking more hoping for a solution to this age old problem. As a lot of you know I’m building my BISMARCK in 1/350 scale with a lot of PE. The latest that turned up were the flak veirling 2cm in a little. They have resin bases and gun mounts but I struggle with very minute things even with the trust specs on.
I have seen on the tinder net a lot of these magnifier glasses that seem very cheap but wonder do any of you more experienced modellers have any suggests?

Kind regards

Robert

 

[Tim Marlow]

Optivisor, with a 2.5 lense.

 

[Steven000]

(Deleted post)
Thought you were looking for a magnifier, not glasses ; )
Cheers, Steven

 

[Gary MacKenzie]

I use an optivisor due to my deteriorating eyesight.
Means you can keep your prescription lenses in your normal glasses and use optivisor to magnify that clear image.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Optivisor, with a 2.5 lense.

This.

 

[Robert1968]

Thanks guys I have now got a set my wife got me that has 5 differant magnify and light toga sits in front of your ( my glasses so can flip up when not using
Will post pics soon

Thanks again

Robert

 

[boatman]

Could you put on a pic please Robert as I might need a new one soon as my old one is good but getting worn an wont stay in the up postion
chris

 

[stillp]

wont stay in the up postion

I have that trouble, part of getting old...
Pete

 

[Deleted member 5496]

First of all Robert.

Specs. I wear specs for reading. But that is only to put your eyes as if in a normal mode without specs ie 6 6 vision.

I wanted something closer to that to wear all the time. Also working at the same length from the subject. My
optician proceeded to provide lens which did that. They have made an enormous difference.

Working even closer. Le Loup https://www.theloupestore.co.uk/Headband-Loupes/High-Grade-Headband-Magnifier-non-flipup.html

I use these These are pro. magnifiers. The lens are ground glass which gives perfect clarity & does not scratch.

The frame is lightweight. A number of lens can be bought giving different magnification. The frame can be
worn easily over spectacles. A number of lens are available & can be inter-changed.

The great advantage of wearing your magnifier is that it moves with your head to concentrate on the subject.
Magnifying lamps do not

What not to buy (in my opinion). Plastic magnifiers with lights. These have a battery & light which ups the weight
of the unit which is just not what you want. That is from experience. Plastic lens which scratch & do not have the
clarity of ground glass lens.

Presumably with out the magnifiers you are working under good lighting. That being the case you do not need
unnecessary lighting on the magnifiers.

Laurie

 

[boatman]

Thanks Laurie for showin the link
chris

 

[Deleted member 7181]

What not to buy (in my opinion). Plastic magnifiers with lights. These have a battery & light which ups the weight
of the unit which is just not what you want. That is from experience. Plastic lens which scratch & do not have the
clarity of ground glass lens.

I bought some of those and have to agree, I've only used the light once and decided it wasn't worth the extra weight of the batteries. I also have to be super careful not to get anything on the lenses as I don't think the plastic would be too resilient. Fantastic for being able to see small details but probably well into the budget, get you started category.

 

[JR]

Andy.
I bought these.I assume you mean the same.


Although plastic they are quite sturdy, I leave mine on the bench and they haven'y scratched yet. I don't find the weight a problem either as Laurie has mentioned. Any one who has worn a face mask or ear defenders while at work gets used to any thing on their head or face.
At just under £20 I think they are great, the 3.5 lens is a tad too strong in my mind, I prefer the 2.5. Along with my 1.75 main optivisor light its just the job.
Each to their own I suppose.

 

[Deleted member 7181]

Yes, those are the ones John. Good to hear that the lens is more sturdy than I feared. I too prefer the 2.5 lens after trying the others but with a couple of LED strip lamps above my bench I find the built in lamp redundant.

 

[Tim Marlow]

I have a pair of those as well. I use them as a set for taking on self catering holiday breaks. Not as comfortable as an optivisor, but a lot easier to pack.....the light is useful in that situation as I obviously don’t take the bench lamp. On the bench at home I use the optivisor with 2.5 lens exclusively though....it is better made and more comfortable.