Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: hubbabubba on January 26, 2023, 09:35:55 AM
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Hi.
I've recently come to the conclusion that my eyesight is failing, I can no longer focus on tiny details like the eyes of my minis for example.
Can the hivemind recommend a good magnifying visor, or any other good solution?
(I have read the other threads on the subject, from 2009 and 2018. I just wondered if there's any better more recent additions to the solutions.)
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I've been using my classic Optivisor for what must be coming on 20 years now :o and I'm still happy with it.
Not sure that's helpful, but sometimes the oldies are still the best :D
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I find reading glasses much more comfortable than an Optivisor.
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I am using Yoctosun glasses.
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I've been using the Rolson version for a decade and couldn't do without it. I also have a pair of strong glasses but find them less comfortable as the tend to slide forward, something the Rolson's headband stops.
Doesn't help that the worse my eyesight gets the more I'm drawn to smaller and smaller figures! Currently working on 2mm .... I suspect I've finally reached bottom :)
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Can the hivemind recommend a good magnifying visor, or any other good solution?
I use reading glasses and a tabletop magnifier - https://blog.vexillia.me.uk/2009/12/old-age-magnifier.html
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I've been using the Cobalt Keep Painting Hilt, although more for the light than the magnifier. The light is on a gooseneck, so you can position the light from different angles. Personally, I find myself needing light close to the mini more than magnifying. I'm 56 and the eyesight is going. :/
https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/19/19092.phtml
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It happens to all of us sooner or later....I went down the glasses late in life (too much computer work!) and also now use a visor for close-up work. I have tried a few of them. The one that bans around your head isn't very comfortable. My latest one is works quite well and isn't a burden on my head or nose (extra weight of device on glasses). Here is a link https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MQD37RC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I find the Rolson version, which is plastic, light and comfortable to wear, to the point of forgetting I'm wearing it. I have a pair of anglepoise style lights so don't need the light from the headset. YMMV!
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Classic Optivisor.
Me too.
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Before my eyes went to total crap, I used an Optivisor and loved it.
You can also get an attachment to the visor with a light:
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.ui7Wc045Bqeuet9vqR503AAAAA%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=f7201cd6607892772a630bb64941e027d3c0b198c736c9a00bc52bf67ed2f7f2&ipo=images)
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Thanks for that gentlemen, very helpful.
I think I'll try a pair of reading glasses and if I get no joy I may take the plunge and get an optivisor. We shall see.
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Me too.
Initially prescription specs around 30 years ago and for the last 20 years the classic Optivisor over my prescription glasses.
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Initially prescription specs around 30 years ago and for the last 20 years the classic Optivisor over my prescription glasses.
Same here.
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Reading glasses use + whereas visors always state x, for example my readers are +2.5.
I assume the visors at x2.5 have significantly more magnification or have I got that wrong?
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I find reading glasses best. I use +1.5 for reading, +2 for painting, and also have a pair of +3 for fine detail. I also have a good daylight anglepoise lamp
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I find reading glasses best. I use +1.5 for reading, +2 for painting, and also have a pair of +3 for fine detail. I also have a good daylight anglepoise lamp
I heartily concur with this. I took a couple of 28mm figures to an eye test that was due and discussed it with the optician at Specsavers and as well as my reading prescription I got a pair of "Painting" glasses for next to nothing. It was like being 18 again!
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Donegan optivisor all the way. First advised to me by my optician. I’ve quite bad eyes with a relatively strong general prescription. I’ve used a 2.5 magnification one for twenty years over my prescription specs. The lens quality is far superior to cheaper ones I’ve tried (and own), giving you a better “sweet spot” while painting. Lesser quality lenses move out of focus really quickly as your head or hands move and become very annoying in use…..you can also swing the optivisor up out of the way to look at the bench while working. Changing from close to distant viewing is therefore very easy.
Reading glasses are OK, until/unless you need to wear prescription glasses all the time. I used them when I wore contact lenses, but couldn’t use them when I went back to glasses. You can’t wear them over prescription specs and need to swap all the time to look at the bench, which drives you mad.
Only downsides from the optivisor is cost, they are a bit dearer than other alternatives but you get what you pay for, and they can be a bit sweaty in hot weather.
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Initially prescription specs around 30 years ago and for the last 20 years the classic Optivisor over my prescription glasses.
Same here. The Optivisor has more than paid for itself over 20 years and I use it over vari-focal specs. But obviously it does all depend on your eyesight and, if possible, get a chance to trial it.
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A buddy has one, and swears by it, but I can't seem to find it working for me.
After being in denial for a couple of years, I finally bought a pair of cheap reading glasses (€5,-) at a local shop and have been using that. Works great for me, and even though I only used it sparingly at first, these days, I'm wearing it during painting all the time.
Not when reading though; I haven't deteriorated that bad (yet ::) )...
+++EDIT+++ I should have mentioned that I had pretty bad eyes (-6 each) and up till 2008, I wore contacts. Then I had my eyes lasered and have not required optical aids ever since. I'm pretty late for needing reading glasses, especially when compared to friends that are of the same age, and I suspect it might have something to do with that procedure 15 years ago...
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> Donegan optivisor
Which one from Amazon? TIA!
https://www.amazon.com/optivisor/s?k=optivisor
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I absolutely love my magnifying visor. My vision has deteriorated over the years (I now need glasses to see, read and generally function as a human) and the visor gives me the detail I need to build and paint.
Unfortunately, I then suffered an attack of shingles just before Christmas which seriously affected one side of my head and face. I am still suffering from nerve damage which means I can’t use the visor as it rests on those places on my head that are still very sensitive.
Fortunately, I also have a set of magnifying glasses which are OK, but no substitute for my visor as they have a much narrower field of view and focus. I can clean up and build miniatures, but painting is still out of the question.
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Mageyes... very light and easy to adjust on the fly for long sessions without strain or stress. Simply fantastic.
Example (https://www.amazon.ca/Mag-Eyes-5132502-MagEyes-Magnifier/dp/B003T2WTPU/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_w=GnTPb&content-id=amzn1.sym.50cdd055-0adb-4ac9-b217-345ca26bbd93&pf_rd_p=50cdd055-0adb-4ac9-b217-345ca26bbd93&pf_rd_r=ZVFXM18VH99MZ0SFF1W5&pd_rd_wg=JD6eM&pd_rd_r=8e409fdf-6933-4bf3-be52-056721ad8ca0&pd_rd_i=B003T2WTPU&psc=1) I bought mine from a FLHS many years ago and as my eyesight has deteriorated I have enjoyed relying on my Mageyes.
Worth noting: the price hasn't changed all that much since the early aughts.
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I’m assuming you have had an eye test, if not, please go and get one. Then, if you need prescription glasses for everyday use, I have found the optiviser to be the best route, because you can switch to the optiviser very quickly just to paint the detail on figures. The other thing that is a must, is to ensure the figures are well lit. I use a poseable floor standing lamp positioned behind my painting chair. I’ve been painting this way for 20+ years
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I’m assuming you have had an eye test, if not, please go and get one.
Yes, this would be my suggested first step too, especially if you've not worn glasses/contacts before now and have generally had good vision.
I am very fortunate to have enjoyed excellent vision for over forty years, but I do get some strain if I focus on very small close-up work for too long, and an eye test I had a little while back revealed that I had slightly different requirements for each eye. It might be that you have a similar situation, and getting this addressed correctly rather than just using raw magnification might be better for the health of your eyes in the long run.
The other thing that is a must, is to ensure the figures are well lit. I use a poseable floor standing lamp positioned behind my painting chair. I’ve been painting this way for 20+ years
More wisdom from Emperorbaz! :)
I would add that in addition to a well-lit room, I use an ultra-bright neutral-tone LED bulb over my immediate painting area. Don't just use a very bright light over your painting area in a dimly-lit room though, as that can also strain your eyes; both ambient and task lights need to be fairly bright. Having proper light makes a huge difference to seeing what you're doing, and whilst it sounds obvious, most people's lighting setups that I've observed seem less than adequate to me, so I'm guessing insufficient light is quite a common issue...