I’m not normally big on product placement or advertising, but I did want to mention this new gadget. And no, it’s not really new! The product has been around for so many years it has number of copy-cats, some are better regarded than the original.
But this is new for me. Sort of a concession to getting older. I’ve found myself often just taking my glasses off when working on models, maybe I need a new prescription (!). But trying to find the sweet spot and actually see some of what I’m working has become problematic.
So my wife gave me the OptiVisor for Christmas, she got one with a light attachment. Talk about a difference maker! Holy Smokes this helps me see a lot more fine detail. It’s only 2x magnification which may sound minor. But it seriously lets me see small parts, seams, alignment issues that I’ve been blind to. And its so easy to use. The band is easily adjustable for the balance of comfort and security that works best for the user, and the visor part flips up and down so easily it barely warrants a thought.
I’ve even been a little surprised that the light attachment seems unnecessary, I’ve not attached it yet. Just that little bit of magnification makes all the difference for seeing what you need to.
Highly recommended for anyone over 30. Or seriously, 14 if you wear glasses.
Plane Dave 
It’s never too late to have a go at surgery!
Oh no! I like glasses. And I don’t like the idea of cutting my eyeballs!
And when you put it like that, neither do I ! Seriously, my daughter has put an end to any eye infections by giving up contact lenses and sticking to glasses.
I remember a lengthy briefing from a flight surgeon listing all the reasons a pilot or controller should NOT get the surgery (loss of medical clearance, not eligible to re-test for six weeks, numerous potential side effects, and issues that will NOT get better as one ages!)
Good for your daughter! I think its an unnatural act to learn to stick your finger in your eye…
Glasses have no side effects and provide nominal protection. The price some will pay for vanity.
Sorry, pet peave. But yes, I still should get new glasses!
Do I see three of these or I have problem vision?
https://www.hk-models.com/hkm/1-48-b-25j-mitchell-glazed-nose/
Dang Pierre! you have very good vision. I think the old Monogram kit was much in need of replacing, and I’ll look forward to them doing a strafer and and “H” next.
You tell me I have one in my unbuilt collection. I had done the first one in 1976 bought at the Smithsonian institution in DC. The glazed version was a gift to my brother.
Yeah I previously did one of the old “J”s as a strafer, and I think I have one of the glass nose still in the stash. But it’s sparse on detail and fit is not ideal. So I’ll be happy to build something newer!
Supposedly ICM is working on a new tool B-26, although Ukrainian companies may be subject to unexpected delays! But lots of exciting stuff in the pipeline.
I admit that I’ve been in the transition from a lifetime of no glasses to needing basic readers for dim conditions like a restaurant or the small print for what seems like a decade. But I’ve had a pair of these (another brand) for years for detail work on computers and other electronics, and would certainly use them were I to go back to model building once I retire. And I work in 1/35th. Welcome to the club of “not too proud to look like a geek if it gets the job done”.
“Look like a geek” has always come naturally to me!
At 74 years of age and currently building 1/48 scale models and many smaller scale aircraft, ships, and armored fighting vehicles since the early 1960s I now use a jewelers magnifier to provide the fine detail I used to enjoy when I was 20/20. Even if your eyesight is 20/20 using a magnifier provides the close in detail that is the hallmark of a dedicated modelmaker.
And yet I like it too!
Part of what was explained to me a few years back is just that the changing focus becomes slower and more tiring as we age. So with a magnifier, or even reading glasses, you take some of the load off for a specific function. I’ve been amazed at how quickly I’ve gotten used to it. I seriously wouldn’t want to be without it now, and I’ve only been using it for a month!
For the record; had a cataract operation approx 22 yrs ago; clouded lenses replaced and instantaneous improved vision, and no side effects. Only a few years later, they’d perfected flexing lenses. so if your vision is seriously impaired, have a long talk with a good ophthalmologist, and consider this delicate, but practically painless, quick, and marvelous surgery. Not vanity, unlike glasses, you also regain your peripheral vision.
Wow that’s awesome. I expect at some point it will be my turn, so far my vision still corrects to 20/20. But I know of one small defect in one eye, which I know won’t get better!
Just found you via a comment on inch high guy. The bio on your hovercard there indicates you are (like most of us) dealing with serious physical issues.
Godspeed; My own don’t include autoimmune issues. That aside – I’m now 70, such as it is, anything aviation has drawn me since 5 yrs old. Built 1/48 models of both Allied and Axis fighters, 1/72 bombers, al told, 50 plus by age 18. Highly favored Monogram and Airfix; we’re talking 60’s, long before Revell ate Monogram.
All are gone, to involved to explain that. Please visit my page, and note my link to Profiles, which is more of our common ground.
Yeah I grew up on those kits. I would say, I think the overall state-of-the-art is better than ever. Which is good news for those of us who still build.
But it’s not such good news for bringing newbies in. An even bigger thing may be the lack of interest in such historic subjects (I think most “introductory” sort of kits anymore are sci-fi/giant robots kind of things).
So although I use models, it’s always the hope of talking history that keeps me going!