Magnifying Options

Rittersbach · 14 August 2007, 04:34 PM

Hello all,

I am going to have to purchase an optivisor or a good magnifying lens to work real closely with my builds. Can anyone share what works best for them? And if you would please include the power of the magnifyer, because I have no idea what I am going to need.

thanks
Jeff

WarrenD · 14 August 2007, 04:59 PM

Jeff,
I bought a set of Mag-Eyes ( MagEyes - head-mounted, clip-on and posture corrector device. ) a few years back. Are they as good as an optivisor? Can't tell ya since I don't own an optivisor. However, what I do like about the Mag-Eyes is being able to look over them, as you would a pair of reading glasses, at something on the work-bench. As to what power you need, well that you'll have to find out for yourself, your eyesight is a very individual matter.
I have one caveat for you though. If you flip them up, do not go outside on a bright, sunny Fall day and stand outside.

I did so one day when taking a break from modeling to have a cigarette. After about 5-10 minutes my head started getting really hot!

Hmmm, I figured that one out pretty quickly.

HTH,

Warren

FOKKERJ · 14 August 2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rittersbach

Hello all,

I am going to have to purchase an optivisor or a good magnifying lens to work real closely with my builds. Can anyone share what works best for them? And if you would please include the power of the magnifyer, because I have no idea what I am going to need.

thanks
Jeff

Hi Rittersbach [Jeff],

My brother loaned me his Optivisor a couple of years ago after I started doing beadwork again, then I started playing with model airplanes again. I just had to get my own. Squadron offers them for $34.46 [2006 catalog], also replacement lenses for $21.46 in different strengths. Mine is a DODA05.

DOADO3 #3 magnifies 1 3/4 times with 14" focal length

DODA04 #4 magnifies 2 times w/ 10" f.l.

DODA05 #5 magnifies 2.5 times w/ 8" f. l.

DOAD07 #7 magnifies 2.75 times w/ 6" focal length

They offer replacement lenses same as above and also different strengths.
You can research this at 2007 Squadron - Your Online Hobby Shop: Mail Order Military Scale Plastic Models and Books

I bought mine at either J & L Industrial or M.S.C., catalogs and worldwideweb. I paid closer to $25.00 U.S.D.

I'm quite happy with my #5's. I hope this information helps you out!

Good Luck, FOKKERJ

Oh ya, take heed to WarrenD's advise; don't wear them while outside in the sunlight and possibly fry your face off!

WarrenD · 15 August 2007, 04:55 AM

"Oh ya, take heed to WarrenD's advise; don't wear them while outside in the sunlight and possibly fry your face off!"

Oh yes, another thing to watch out for. The friend who turned me on to the Mag-Eyes used an Opti-Visor too. He related this to me:

He was in the middle of a modeling session, and was really in the "zone".

He, or his SWMBO, decided that a run to the local jiffy/quickee-mart was in order, so he jumped in the car and ran into town. Went in, got his stuff, all the while getting stares from people in the parking lot, and in the store. Came home. Realized, after getting home, that he still had his Opti-Visor on, but flipped up.

THAT'S modeling concentration!

BTW, I got my set of Mag-Eyes at Hobby Lobby, and it came with two lenses. FWIW, HTH, YMMV,

Warren

davecww1 · 16 August 2007, 06:55 PM

Hi Jeff,
I also use the Optivisor, the last 5 years or so my eyesight isn't what it used to be. I got the #5 lense and it gives me good close up view even when wearing my regular glasses. But that's one of the reasons I don't build 1/72 scale, even with these it would be hard to detail a Fokker D.VII interior. I have enough trouble with 1/48! but no room for 1/32 or larger!
I got mine on Ebay, about $20 + shipping and the extra lense was extra.
Well good luck!
Dave

Rittersbach · 17 August 2007, 02:20 PM

Hello all,

Thanks for all the great responses. For the record I bought an Optivisor and got the number 5 lenz. I also bought a #10 lenz and also got the pull down loupe which takes any lenz to +2.5 power of it's original. My eyesight is not that bad. I dont wear glasses except to read and those are only +1.50 reading glasses. This #10 lenz is incredible for extreme close ups. I was using it to excentuate the panel lines on an Alb DV I am working on, (arent I always working on an alb?) and it works great!! Thanks for the reccomendations gentlemen.

Jeff