Until I saw this thread, I never realised that Optivisors came in various magnifications.
After some searching, I finally noticed the "4" on the lense. I thought the original price, whatever it was, to be rather high, but in retrospect, it was a worth every penny, as I use them constantly.
They're also useful for close-up photography if you place one lense right up against the lense of the camera. This was taken with an older point-and-shoot camera...the window screen was made from silk screening material:
Wayne
BRAKIE At 68 none as of now but,I do wear my glasses and use a desk lamp with two fluorescent bulbs.
At 68 none as of now but,I do wear my glasses and use a desk lamp with two fluorescent bulbs.
I'm with Larry at 69 now, but I take my glasses off to work on models!
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
I use the #4 the most. Mine came with a 4 lense set. I think I paid about $60.
I also use them for other things, such as carb rebuilding and other small engine work.
Mike.
My You Tube
Welcome to the 'Optivisor Generation'! Also, get some strong lighting - Does wonders...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
tstage I've been using the 2.5x for 10+ years and it's plenty enough magnification for me. A good light source is also a must for seeing things well under magnification. Tom
I've been using the 2.5x for 10+ years and it's plenty enough magnification for me. A good light source is also a must for seeing things well under magnification.
Tom
The brighter the lighting, the more your eye stops down. And the more "free" depth of field you get.
Also, ideally, you don't want to be able to see the light source from your work position. Light coming over your shoulder satisfies that. Both shoulders even better.
If the source is unavoidably viewable, it is far better that it be diffuse rather than point. A diffused fluorescent rather than a bare incandescent, for example.
Ed
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I bought Optivisors (the ones with glass lenses, not plastic) in three sizes:
#3--1.75x
#5--2.5x
#10--3.5x
I use the #5's almost exclusively. The #3's never, or close to that. I simply cannot recall the last time I used them. I use the #10's occasionally, for REALLY close work.
The problem with the #10's is that the depth of field (range of sharpness) is very shallow. But when you need them, they're REALLY handy. Removing micro-splinters comes to mind.
So, I'd recommend getting the 5 and the 10. At least for my eyes. I'm nearsighted. I can focus down to about 6" right now without glasses. And I do not wear them with the Optivisor.
CentralGulf Number 5 and I am not happy with them, but that could be due to my prescription having changed since I bought them years ago. I need to get some different lenses. Mel, thanks for the link to the flip downs. I just ordered a couple of pairs. CG
Number 5 and I am not happy with them, but that could be due to my prescription having changed since I bought them years ago. I need to get some different lenses.
Mel, thanks for the link to the flip downs. I just ordered a couple of pairs.
CG
I've used 2.5 for about 20 years now. It happens to be the same number as my eyeglass prescription, and it still works fine.
I do recall when I bought the optivisor....... man that was rough! Only old people wear those things (I thought)..................
I soon realized it was one of the best purchases hobby wise I ever made.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
No. 3
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I use lens #5 which is 2.5 time magnification and 8" focal length. Since it's the only lens I have, I can't say if it's the best. But it works well for me painting and assembling kits, couplers, trucks, etc.
I have tried others, but find Optivision to be the best. Most comfortable, easiest to use, and it fits comfortably over my glasses.
Paul
My cheapo Harbor Freight is uncomfortable. It has 2 sets of lenses. You can use one both and with both the focal length is quite short.
I see the Optivior comes in 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3.5 with focal lengths 20" to 4" as the power increases. If you need to steady your hands and you have a bad neck 4" is too close. What are people using for say painting figures or repairing KD coupler springs?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley