Back in my younger day and I modeled HO, I seldom used any kind of magnification. However, now that I am much older and model in N scale, the Optivisor is my main tool. Has an internal flip down glass that adds magnification plus has a loupe to flip down for really tiny stuff like extreemly small printing on rail cars. Amazes me that they can actually print stuff so small.
I am so used to the Optivisor that I typically put it on when building structures and forget that I have it on I have found myself walking out the door and suddenly remember to take it off.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
I suspect that if your eyes are generally pretty good (no odd astigmatisms etc.) you can get by with reading glasses from the dollar store or waltermart. This is true for me, I passed the license eye test without glasses until I was in my late forties. Now I use bifocals; the bifocal lens is good for not-too-detailed work. For more mag, I use a pair of inexpensive 4.5X reading glasses.
I saw an Optivisor at a garage sale, but it was filthy. I wasn't sure the lenses were still good, they were covered with oil and dirt. I'd like to try them someday.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority and CSX Intermodal. Interchange with CSX (CR)(NYC).
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
7j43k wjstix My opthamologist says no matter how good your eyesight is, if you live long enough, you'll eventually need reading glasses. I don't think that's true. I doubt I will ever need reading glasses. Henry may have some useful input on the subject. Ed
wjstix My opthamologist says no matter how good your eyesight is, if you live long enough, you'll eventually need reading glasses.
My opthamologist says no matter how good your eyesight is, if you live long enough, you'll eventually need reading glasses.
I don't think that's true.
I doubt I will ever need reading glasses.
Henry may have some useful input on the subject.
Ed
A vote against the opti-viser. I hated the thing. I found out for me that the best idea was to buy reading glasses from the $ store in different strengths. You can get up to a #4 there, if you need a more powerfull pair you have to pay more like #6 is $3. I also use a magnifyer light with or without glasses.
I have an Optivisor but so far only recall using it for some painting of HO figures.
I also have clip-on magnifiers that look just like these (2-power) and usually go to these for general trains work at my work desk. I have a bright LED headlamp that I usually use for train work and the clip-ons do well with that. I have not investigated headlamps compatible with the Optivisor. But my "aid" used most often (additional to the continuous bi-focals that are on my face all day) is a headlamp, the magnifying "aid" less frequently. At $6, perhaps have both magnifying tools handy.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Loupe-Eyeglass-Lens-Folding-Magnifying-Glasses-Clip-On-Precise-Magnifier-Flip/253229635831?epid=506171867&hash=item3af5a998f7:g:MBUAAOSwnw9Z85UH
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
wjstix dti406 I know this sounds weird, but I take my glasses off to do my modeling and decaling, have never needed anything else. Ya just give it some time and you'll catch up. I was same until about age 50. My opthamologist says no matter how good your eyesight is, if you live long enough, you'll eventually need reading glasses.
dti406 I know this sounds weird, but I take my glasses off to do my modeling and decaling, have never needed anything else.
I know this sounds weird, but I take my glasses off to do my modeling and decaling, have never needed anything else.
Ya just give it some time and you'll catch up.
I was same until about age 50. My opthamologist says no matter how good your eyesight is, if you live long enough, you'll eventually need reading glasses.
I will be 71 later this year, and I take my glasses off to read also.
Rick Jesionowski
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!
hornblower I bought the "Magnifier Head Strap with Lights" from Harbor Freight Tools several years ago. I figured at five dollars, it would be worth a try. I use it all the time! It has three levels of magnification and works quite well. Is it perfect? No. The lights work but don't shine where you'd like them to. I use a desk lamp anyway. Also, the friction fit of the head strap pivot is marginal and may need some "work" to tighten. Is it worth five bucks? Heck yes!!!
I bought the "Magnifier Head Strap with Lights" from Harbor Freight Tools several years ago. I figured at five dollars, it would be worth a try. I use it all the time! It has three levels of magnification and works quite well. Is it perfect? No. The lights work but don't shine where you'd like them to. I use a desk lamp anyway. Also, the friction fit of the head strap pivot is marginal and may need some "work" to tighten. Is it worth five bucks? Heck yes!!!
Several years ago I bought a couple of these from Harbor Freight (when I was contemplating a move to Thailand where I might not find such an item).
The primary fault I find with these types (including the Optivisor) is they give me a headache due to their weight after a period of time.
BTW Hornblower the LED light can be re-directed on these.
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
rettop I have an Optivisor from way back- I think from the 70's. I upgraded it a few years ago with the magnifying loupe and the six LEDs and put the battery pack on the movable part of the headband. I LOVE IT! The whole setup lets my old eyes work on things HO again. Bob
I have an Optivisor from way back- I think from the 70's. I upgraded it a few years ago with the magnifying loupe and the six LEDs and put the battery pack on the movable part of the headband. I LOVE IT! The whole setup lets my old eyes work on things HO again.
Bob
Robert
The Tularosa Basin RR operating in the High Desert of Southern New Mexico
The Tularosa Basin: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Tularosa-Basin-NM-USGS-map_opaque.gif
Just saw this on Amazon, made by/for the optivisor. If I needed more magification for a long time, I think I would swap out the whole lens, but just for a short burst to see something hard to see, this might be a good option
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I love my Optivsor. I use it over my prescription bifocals and it works great. I have a couple of others but they aren't as nice as Optivsor. Optivisor is worth the extra cost. Also, get the glass lenses. The plastic ones work, but the glass is better even though they cost more..
You might give some thought to talking to your ophthalmologist about getting a pair of glasses with progressive lenses tuned for close work (in my case 8 inches to about 24 inches). The lenses take into account things like astigmatism and result in a lot less eye strain, for me anyway, than magnification lenses that are the same for both eyes and don't correct anything else.
Hornblower
Since I've had to wear bifocals for a while now (although oddly, as my close-up vision gets worse, my distance vision gets better) the thing that made a huge difference for me was getting "computer glasses". They're like regular bifocals except that their primarily set to focus at things about arm's length, with a little bit above for distance and some below for close up work. For general work / operation on the layout, I use a pair of what they call "20 foot" glasses, which have a little more of the distance prescription on top. It allows me to see trains in front of me clearly (whereas with regular bifocals I had to move in really close or step back to get it in focus) but I can also work on up-close stuff like replacing a coupler - and can still see clearly about half way across the basement (i.e., about 20 feet). I also have a pair of what I think they call "six foot" ones, which are more geared towards close up work. I use those a lot when I'm just doing up-close stuff for a long period, like building a kit or painting figures.
I just use the cheap reading glasses from the store. I have two different magnifications. One is for reading and just general use for things that are kind of close. The other is a lot stronger. I use them for assembling and painting models. I also have a pair with built in lights that I love.
Ray DunakinCan the Optivisor be used over prescription glasses?
Yes
I've had my Optivisor for about 40 years. I wore glasses with progressive lenses, and the Optivisor made the difference for close work. Earlier this year I had cataract surgery on both eyes, and ended up with great vision. Now I use a pair of 2.75 reading glasses for about 95% of my modeling work. If I need more, I drag out my old Optivisor.
MisterBeasleyOK, so I'm an oddball. I use a magnifying lens on a stand with a built-in light. I keep it on my workbench.
.
I used to use one, until my youngest daughter ruined it about 14 years ago.
It is so cute that I never cleaned it off.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I've had an Optivisor with a 2.5 power lense for about 23 years. It was hard to concede that I needed it, and it was relatively expensive.
BUT, I have used it hundreds of times and its one of my "must have" tools.
I realize they are still pricey, but the thing will last you "forever" and do a great job.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
OK, so I'm an oddball. I use a magnifying lens on a stand with a built-in light. I keep it on my workbench. I use it for painting, mostly. It's invaluable for the details on Jordan vehicles, of which I still have a handful waiting to be built.
I can see everything else on my layout and under it with just my glasses.
For reference, I am 71 years old.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
BigDaddyDoes anyone have the led add on systems for the optivisor?
I use an add on for hard hats that I bought at Grainger with 10 LEDs. The single led that is sold for the Optivisor did not look like it would be enough.
BigDaddyand it has screws and nuts holding the lens.
That's what I'm going to do. I think I bought mine about 3 or 4 years ago.
Mike
My You Tube
mbinsewiThe only glitch is one of the "rivets" that snap the changeable lens in place, doesn't hold,
Mine is only a year or two old and it has screws and nuts holding the lens.
Does anyone have the led add on systems for the optivisor?
I'm in with the eye health, and Optivisor group. I have a check-up once a year, and this year, needed to renew my WI. DL., and flunked. The girl gave me 3 trys, so, I now wear glass for driving, and it's good. Normaly, I use "readers" for reading and computor.
I bought the original Donagan optiVisor, from Walthers, with 4 lenses, for about $70. It's great. The only glitch is one of the "rivets" that snap the changeable lens in place, doesn't hold, so I have to figure something out. Us modelers can do that, and make it work.
Mike.
love my optivisor, couldn't model without it. so portable. FA-1