Headband magnifier – blessed relief!

[Rik ShawParticipant @rikshaw]

[Rik ShawParticipant @rikshaw]

These old eyes are not what they used to be and even with prescription reading glasses some close work of late is getting more and more difficult. I did a little research and came up with the following which were delivered this afternoon by Mr.Amazon. They are going to make things so much easier. They are light and comfy and just flip down over the top of my reading specs.

 The general advice given on this sort of product is that most people are happy with the 2.5 x magnification which should give a focal length of 8” and yes, without my specs on 8” is about right. However, the “picture” for want of a better word is not so clear. With reading specs on though (they are about 4 x with a slight correction to one eye) the focal length becomes more like 5” but the “picture” is magnified just so and is pin sharp.

 I took a flier on choosing the 2.5 x option and luckily I chose correctly.

 Not a cheap item I know but boy this is pukka kit.

 Rik

 PS I tried to include a link but it keeps coming up with my personal details so I am afraid a search on the following on Amazon UK will have to do:

Optivisor DA-5 2.5x Head Band Handsfree Magnifier Visor

Edited By Rik Shaw on 15/10/2016 18:57:11

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

A great investment, Rik

I was recently given a vintage version … which appears identical.

Looks like they got it right first time.

MichaelG.

[Geoff TheasbyParticipant @geofftheasby]

The Rolson version comes with four sets of lenses, of various powers. I'm thinking of getting one, as I have the same problem, esp. with printed circuit boards.

Geoff

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

I bought a headband with a damaged lens plate – my brother, an optician, stated that he could not make the lenses for the price of a new plate – the key to their very clear sight is according to him the prismatic nature of the lenses – you cannot just use the type found in glasses or magnifiers otherwise the headband becomes uncomfortable as the eyes can’t easily adjust – I suggest you try out the Rolson before buying – if it is the same company as make the cheap tools found in Maplins etc I’d be quite cautious with parting with any money – the genuine optivisor is great to use having bought 2 plates as they are easily interchangeable and make detailed work much easier.

ETA I got mine from http://www.moleroda.com – they were very helpful (+ also produce a fascinating paper catalogue on various specialist abrasive + polishing systems)

Edited By Frances IoM on 15/10/2016 19:24:20

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

When my eyes started 'going' then for fine surgery i first invested in a surgical loupe system… very expensive albeit rather nice until eyesight got to the point that I'd have had to fit prescription lenses into the system (thus preventing nyone else using it for close work).

My solution was to get local optician to add a flip-down lens pair onto existing spare specs – much lighter than other magnifiers and less claustrophobic. Fortunately I can manage workshop stuff just with standard varifocals.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Rik Shaw on 15/10/2016 18:29:03:

PS I tried to include a link but it keeps coming up with my personal details so I am afraid a search on the following on Amazon UK will have to do:

Copy the link, then delete the question mark and everything after it.

For example this URL contains extra data that refers to this thread:

http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=121422&p=1#replybox

But many websites will use that ?… section to hold browsing data

Neil

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

< deleted at Rik's request >

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 15/10/2016 20:11:48

[mark61Participant @mark61]

I use one of these over my varifocals and with change from a fiver they must be worth a try,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222047672384

Mark

[JAParticipant @ja]

I bought an Optivisor system many years ago, a really worthwhile investment. My only complaint is that the holes in the frame that the pegs on the lens push into wear if you change lenses often. Eventually the lens can fall off the frame. I cured the problem by replacing the pegs with two 6BA nuts and bolts.

JA

[Stephen BensonParticipant @stephenbenson75261]

As a clock repairer I would consider my Optivisor the most used tool I have wearing it everyday caused the plastic cushion band to turn to mush but fixing a leather strip makes a huge difference to the comfort as you do not have to have the band so tight. I also recommend the light but not the huge battery pack the actual Optivisor offical light is rubbish mine is called a Quasar LS and I had to import it. the 2032 battery has lasted over a year so far.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Geoff Theasby on 15/10/2016 19:04:43:

The Rolson version comes with four sets of lenses, of various powers. I'm thinking of getting one, as I have the same problem, esp. with printed circuit boards.

Geoff

I bought a set for much the same purpose. They're not particularly good, nor are they dreadful.

The lenses are reasonable but tend to scratch. The headband soon gets uncomfortable and doesn't hold position too well. There's a bright LED mounted on the headband that usefully lights up what you're looking at.

My conclusion: worth the money for occasional non-intensive use like quick inspections. Not a good choice for regular or prolonged work.

Dave

[Michael MallesonParticipant @michaelmalleson22793]

Hi Stephen.

I see that you had to import your Quaser LS light. Where did you buy it as my best search wanted £58 shipping !! Otherwise the cost of the lamp is similar acros several suppliers. Regards, Mike.

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

I tried one of the Rolson ones and it did work ok, but now having had an Optivisor for a few years wouldn't be without it, the lenses don't suffer from the edge distortion that the Rolson one suffered from. I have one dodgy eye anyway and so perhaps notice it a bit more than those with two fully working eyes.

I would agree with Dave above, for occasional use the Rolson was very useful and enabled me to drill holes in the proper place again! and at the price paid a few years ago was well worth it. For the occasional bit of fiddly soldering or similar would do the job. The varying magnification lenses would also help decide which magnification would suit if going on to buy a more expensive option.

Dave

[Mike HurleyParticipant @mikehurley60381]

I have been dissapointed with my Rolson since buying it many years back at a show. The lens assy never seems to stay in position when bending forward and the led spotlight is worse than useless, when its not flickering due to a bad swich /connection. Tinkering with mechanical adjustments and wiring etc made no useful difference The head band was most uncomfortable. Apart from that it was fine!

Gave up using it a bit ago and binned it. May look to invest in an Optivisor following some positive comments above though.

Mike

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Optimiser every time and glass lenses as well, what's not to like.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by bernard towers on 09/02/2023 19:29:09:

Optimiser every time and glass lenses as well, what's not to like.

Only the price!

Used my Rolson a few times this week, and although it did the job, it's uncomfortable. Might have to treat myself to an Optimiser…

Dave

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Mike Hurley on 09/02/2023 19:09:01:

[…]

May look to invest in an Optivisor following some positive comments above though.

.

You only have to look at the people who restore paintings, and wear them all day, to realise that the OptiVisor is as good as you will get this side of a surgeon’s binoculars.

MichaelG.

.

.

Credit: https://www.artcons.udel.edu/news/Pages/Anatomy-of-an-art-conservator%27s-laboratory.aspx

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 09/02/2023 19:57:38

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

I have 3 optivisor clones. Each with different magnifications but all with glass lenses. The 2.5x gets most use but the higher magnfication is good for inspecting for defects and reading the markings on tiny surface mount components. The working distance is too short for most work under the highest magnification.
I need to stick some LEDs and a Lithium cell on the 2.5x one.

Robert.

[OldironParticipant @oldiron]

+1 for Optivisor. Been using mine for a long time now for circuit board work etc. I keep a cheepo knockoff one in the metal shop for checking I have pop marks etc lined up.

regards

[samuel heywoodParticipant @samuelheywood23031]

Thanks for posting Rik, I now know what i need~

always had good eyes for close work,been struggling a bit the last year.

[HOWARDTParticipant @howardt]

I have a Russian version, which I have had for at least forty years. Fixed magnification and no lights but s deal in the office under a desk lamp. Cheaper Amazon version with interchangeable lenses and light is in the workshop.

[IanTParticipant @iant]

Posted by Stephen Benson on 15/10/2016 20:14:20:

As a clock repairer I would consider my Optivisor the most used tool I have wearing it everyday caused the plastic cushion band to turn to mush but fixing a leather strip makes a huge difference to the comfort as you do not have to have the band so tight. I also recommend the light but not the huge battery pack the actual Optivisor offical light is rubbish mine is called a Quasar LS and I had to import it. the 2032 battery has lasted over a year so far.

Yes, first thing I do when I walk into the inside workshop is to plonk the Optivisor on – it's a habit now.

Going to have to think about 3D printing something like those LED lights though…

Regards,

IanT

[derek hall 1Participant @derekhall1]

I too bought an Optivisor about 3 years ago and it always the first "tool" I reach for. Great peice of kit, pricey though but worth every penny.

The headband on mine has also turned to "mush" leaving a black witness mark on my forehead, I will look at finding some thin leather and a way to secure it.

Mine does not have the fancy LED lights or the extra loupe lens is this an option or a home made add on I wonder?

All the best

Derek

[IanTParticipant @iant]

The OptiLoupe is an accessory available from Donegan Optical that just screws onto the front of the OptiVisor and swings out of the way when not in use.

I use DA-5 lens, which focus at 8" and give 2.5x magnification. With the Loupe swung down I'd guess it focuses at about 1.5" and probably doubles the magnification. I only use it very occassionally but it can be very useful when (for instance) looking for small very metal splinters or examining cutting tool edges.

I'm puzzled by the "black mush" headbank. My OptiVisor already has a leather headband but perhaps newer ones do not. I do think LED "lights" would be useful in some circumstances – so will have to get JARVIS (e.g. Solid Edge 3D CAD) fired up and see what we can do to add them.

Regards,

IanT

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