Optimum Optivisor Magnification?

[Loco]

I just got the Optivisor myself.  If there is one thing I LOVE about Model RRing is that it really combines my love of tools with love of trains!  I got the DA-5. However, for me, it is a tad to much for GENERAL use.  For very small up close work, it is needed. But I'm going to go get the DA-3 so that I don’t have to be so close to the item I’m working on.

Oh, and for the folks who say to just use reading glasses, well... that’s just tooooo old looking for me!!  LoL  Besides, I like the flip up visor and especially when my friends happen by and see the thing on my head.  They always think I’m building a bomb or some other super tech thing.  Keeps them wondering hehehe..... 

[selector]

Jeff, truth is probably not much.. except for those who have to wear glasses for other problems, such as astigmatism (Crandell goes "Ohhh" and raises his hand).  The reading glasses are for those who have near perfect vision, just aging eyes.  For the rest of us genetically deficient , we need a prescription before we need the magnification, which is all the Opti-Visor offers.  So, it is designed to hinge over glasses and lie in front of them.

[jbinkley60]

Joe, 

I've been VERY happy with them.  I like the fact that I can still wear my reading glasses underneath them without having to take them off, when I lower the visor.  This is definitely my most used tool, next to my 10 fingers.

Tom

I started using my wife's reading glasses for the fine work.  So far they ae cheap and work great.  What's the advantage of the visors over simple glasses ?

 

[BigRusty]

Long ago, about 50 years, in MRR there was a small ad showing a famed model maker with his Optivisor. I figured that if it was good enough for him it might work for me.

The best hobby tool I ever bought, and, it's still going strong. Never needs to have the battery replaced, and I just have to clean the windows evey now and then. Woudn't be without it. 

 

[jimrice4449]

I've got a problem in that my MRR workshop is in my home, the paint shop is in a shop bldg and the model RR is in it's own bldg so I, over the years, have wound up w/ 3 sets of tools including Optivisors.   Because I have operator positions scattered around the RR I've located tool stashes at each w/ screwdrivers, cplr gauges and such and hit upon the idea of puting one of these cheapo "granny galsses" that you can find in hdwe stores for $3 to $5 at each operator position.   I got enough for all of the work stations for about half of what one (of my three) Optivisors cost and they have the double advantage of not being bulky enough to be a problem working in close quarters under the RR and of permitting normal vision by simply lowering your head and peering over them.   I've found 2 1/2X to be ideal.

[NeO6874]

... just watch out for his subtle "Model the NYC" propaganda... if you don't you'll really be in trouble....

 

er... wait.. wrong thread for this... but it still applies to Tom  

[joe-daddy]

Thanks Tom,  IF I'd ever quit building benchwork and wiring my layout and begin to detail, I'll need these for sure.  I'll remember  your wisdom!

 Joe

[tstage]

Joe, 

I've been VERY happy with them.  I like the fact that I can still wear my reading glasses underneath them without having to take them off, when I lower the visor.  This is definitely my most used tool, next to my 10 fingers.

Tom

[joe-daddy]

Shawnee,

I double-checked when I got back home tonight.  I bought the Mascot H910 Binocular Magnifier. It does come with the 2.5X lenses and the soft vinyl head strap.

http://www.internethobbies.com/mabima2.html

Tom 

Tom,

I bought a pair of these as well at a train show last winter. Being the tool nut I am, I have buyers remorse, every time I walk down the isle of Caboose and see them. Then I wonder what size should I buy and remember that so far, I've only used the ones I have one time.  I had a steel splinter in my finger and could not get it out for nothing.  I put these on and with a needle and about 2 minutes, no more splinter!

U happy with yours?

Best regards,

Joe 

[tstage]

Shawnee,

I double-checked when I got back home tonight.  I bought the Mascot H910 Binocular Magnifier. It does come with the 2.5X lenses and the soft vinyl head strap.

http://www.internethobbies.com/mabima2.html

Tom 

[NeO6874]

I think ANY modeller should have an optivisor. 

 

I grabbed one of the "real" ones (I think... maybe...) from the Micromark catalog a few months ago to spend enough to get free shipping... true I spent a little more than I had planned on (like $10 or so... no pizza that week), but when it came time to glue grabs, and all the other miniscule bits onto the Tichy kits I bought it was a lifesaver.  Even more so when I had to string the crane.... 

[selector]

JaRRell, the Opti-Visor is offered with at least two options for magnification.  I wish I had a firm handle on which of the two or three I got, but just let me say that it sits well on my head, and I would not be without that thing.  If you are considering it, maybe see about getting both lenses, and interchange them when you feel it is necessary.  I have only one, and it does a pretty good job... so I am quite certain I got the "times five" lens.  It makes changing out couplers, using the NMRA tool in iffy light on the rails, and other jobs of that nature so much more pleasant and "positive", meaning confidence-building.  I think any serious modeler over the age of 50 ought to invest in an Opti-Visor.  Think about placing small grabs on P2K kits.  It covers a multitude of sins and omissions.

-Crandell

[jacon12]

Does the Da5 have one magnification or two?  The head band looks very comfortable.

Jarrell

I have the OptiVisor DA-5 and it is plenty strong for close-up work.  I also have one of those el-cheapo visors from Harbor Freight but don't use it very much because the lenses are fuzzy and will give you an eyestrain headache after a few minutes of use.  Stick with the genuine OptiVisor and save your eyesight.

 

[cacole]

I have the OptiVisor DA-5 and it is plenty strong for close-up work.  I also have one of those el-cheapo visors from Harbor Freight but don't use it very much because the lenses are fuzzy and will give you an eyestrain headache after a few minutes of use.  Stick with the genuine OptiVisor and save your eyesight.

 

[shawnee]

Thanks guys...it looks like 2.5X is a good bet.

[Bob W]

I have both 2x and 5x for my Optivisor. I use the 2x most of the time. The problem with the 5x is you have to be so close to your work. I think if I had a 2.5x it would be ideal.

[tstage]

Shawnee,

I think mine are 2.5X.  Mine have an adjustable leather (vinyl) strap that are a lot more comfortable than the one's with knobs.  They also are a knock-off but were still $15.  I do just about everything with them.

Tom

[GAPPLEG]

I too have an el-cheapo I got for free with an order from some web merchant, it too has the undisclosed drop down lenses, which work just fine . Also has two led lights on both sides for lighting close up work , it work nice for some of the really small stuff.

[jacon12]

I've been thinking about getting one of the better ones, like the model you mention, also.  Just to see what they were like I bought one of the El Cheapo knockoffs for around $3 from Harbor Freight.  Danged if it wasn't about the best money I've spent, dollar for dollar, in the hobby so far.  For tiny detail work, think fragile grab irons in teeny tiny holes, I can't do without it now.

Oh, to your question.  Mines so cheap it didn't have a magnification listed, just two different sets of 'lenses' that you can drop down.  Close and very danged close.

Jarrell

[shawnee]

I'm thinking about getting one of those Donegan Optivisors.  I think they'll be helpful to me now that I'm rounding into some detail work.  But they come in several magnifications.  Which one do you use, or recommend?