extra magnification

[Tim Marlow]

Sounds like your optician is the best one to ask for advice Doug. He knows your eyes and he knows the challenges to modelling.

Weird people opticians though. Last time I went we spent about half an hour on my eyes, and about the same time discussing Napoleon LOL. My last optician, when I lived in Salisbury, was an identical twin and they both were opticians in the practice. I used to see him for my eye checks and his brother for my contact lens checks. What was even weirder was that they married identical twins who used to also work in the practice. Well, it was either that or he was so bad at his job I used to see double all the time :tongue-out3: :tongue-out3:

[PaulinKendal]

I use an illuminated table mounted magnifier, Doug. Doesn't work for everyone, as there can be a clash between paintbrush and magnifier, but I've learned to deal with that. Here it's being used (with another lamp) to illuminate a figure for photography.



Here's a link to the one I use, purchased from Cambridge Optics - which has a dizzying array of options, including headband magnifiers:

https://www.cambridgeoptics.com/225x--6x-long-reach-articulated-g-clamp-magnifier-wide-lens-daylight-led-changeable-lens-882-p.asp

[Waspie]

Sounds like your optician is the best one to ask for advice Doug. He knows your eyes and he knows the challenges to modelling.

Weird people opticians though. Last time I went we spent about half an hour on my eyes, and about the same time discussing Napoleon LOL. My last optician, when I lived in Salisbury, was an identical twin and they both were opticians in the practice. I used to see him for my eye checks and his brother for my contact lens checks. What was even weirder was that they married identical twins who used to also work in the practice. Well, it was either that or he was so bad at his job I used to see double all the time :tongue-out3: :tongue-out3:

Well I did as you suggested Tim and gave the eye geezer a call. Had a brief chat. He basically said as long as I can wear my prescription glasses, make sure I get something where both L&R lenses are simply magnifying and I should be ok. If I do have problems then pop in for a more in depth consultation and perhaps look at my eyes again. Told him I wasn't having difficulty reading it was just modelling. (He did say stick to 1/48 - 1/35!!! :tears-of-joy: :tears-of-joy: ).
Thanks for the prompt, the chat did help actually.

[Tim Marlow]

That’s what I did and mine even let me borrow an optivisor for the weekend to see how I got on with it. Well over thirty years ago now though……

[David Lovell]

I've been a bit lax lately Doug I usually work with two lamps but have only been using one something I always do is work over a sheet of printer paper it really brightens up your immediate working area and working against a white background makes cutting from the spru much easier and clear thinking back about my thoughts im sure with age comes tired eyes perhaps taking a break every half hour or so go and make a cupper(with age take a p).:thumb2ave

[Waspie]

I learned the frequent breaks thing a long time ago Dave. I do like the white background, makes so much sense. May have to adopt that!!

[Peter Gillson]

i have bought some bi-focal glasses specifically for modelling. at the time I was sculpting a lot of busts so I took a bust with me to the optician and held it at a comfortable modelling position, the lenses were chosen which focussed perfectly at that distance. the 'outer' lenses are for distance view so I can see what is going on (and watch TV) when modelling.

my optician was not at all phased by my taking in a bust - she thought it was very sensible.

Peter

[BattleshipBob]

Like Jim I have the excellent Optivisor but also had delivered from John today a illuminated magnifying led lamp. Doing a lot of pe practice so this is for close up work. This was also advised by the hospital when I had the terrible headaches and the consultant asked about hobbies. Used today and impressed

[Jim R]

..... is work over a sheet of printer paper it really brightens up your immediate working area and working against a white background makes cutting from the spru much easier.

That sounds like a good idea :thumb2:

[Guest]

Hello blind one...
Yep had the same problem myself - why oh! why can't I see these damn parts...
A few years ago I bought one of these - It was cheap, came with sidelights which weighed it down, and mini magnifying glass which went into the tool draw, so those went as I already had a good light source, and never had a problem since... When using it I have a folded piece of kitchen roll at the forehead area to stop the sweat buildup from the plastic headband... The LED light can be taken off if it proves to be a PITS...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headband-Ma...9&gad_source=1

[Andy T]

Some interesting discussion here. I'm due an eye test so will chat them about options.

[David Lovell]

That sounds like a good idea :thumb2:

As I said previously I usually use two lamps but you can see how a sheet or two of printer paper really improves your working area plus removed or put down parts dont disappear into the background/ cutting matt wether he still does or not I put JR on to this ages ago knowing his predicament hoping it would help him. Dave

Ps looks a bit dim dont think I had the lamp turned right up ,one of thoes the more you tap the base button brighter or dimmer you can make it.

[Tim Marlow]

As I said previously I usually use two lamps but you can see how a sheet or two of printer paper really improves your working area plus removed or put down parts dont disappear into the background/ cutting matt wether he still does or not I put JR on to this ages ago knowing his predicament hoping it would help him. Dave
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Ps looks a bit dim dont think I had the lamp turned right up ,one of thoes the more you tap the base button brighter or dimmer you can make it.

One of the issues with aging is the loss of contrast to vision. it’s why driving at night becomes a little harder. This is a good tip that will help, as will good lighting.
I find magnification helps me produce sharper, not necessarily easier, work. When things look sharp under magnification they look good in normal vision.

[BattleshipBob]

Another issue is the position of the lamp, I believe if you are right handed it should be placed on the left hand side? Mine is and in the far corner of the bench. However not sure if it should be mounted closer, say the nearest to me?

[Tim Marlow]

Another issue is the position of the lamp, I believe if you are right handed it should be placed on the left hand side? Mine is and in the far corner of the bench. However not sure if it should be mounted closer, say the nearest to me?

I’m right handed and mine’s on the left. Keep jamming the paintbrush in it otherwise . I actually pull the lamp close over the work and orient it so it runs “north south” on the bench rather than “east west” to give proper clearance. Mind you, as I work with my short sightedness, over the top of my glasses, I’m only about six inches away from the workpiece. Must get an LED light soon, the fluorescent tubes can get a little warm at that distance. In the early days of an anglepoise lamp and incandescent bulb I used to burn myself on the shade if I wasn’t careful :tears-of-joy: