As a hand Engraver I have had to keep upgrading the level of
magnification that I use. The years are not being kind to me. I am
currently using some magnifiers that were purchased from a dental
supply company. I saw my dentist wearing a pair and was surprised at
what a long working distance that they had. Now I am considering the
Miji Microscope, or is it Migi. Anyway! What I want to know is there
anyone out there that is using one and is willing to recommend it. I
don’t want to spend that kind of money on a tool and have it
not turn out to be what I had hoped.
Could you please tell us a little more about your current magnifiers
with the long working distance? How long a focal length? How
expensive?
Linda
They are binocular magnifiers mounted on a eyeglass frame. Power is
4x and they have a focal length of about 15 inches. The name on them
is Eschenbach lupe 4x. I can’t find a copy of the dental supply
catalog that I ordered them from. Ask Your dentist, I bet he has a
drawer full of them.
John Wade
Rio Grande has these on page 304 of their 2003 tool catalog. One
set is $245.00 and another is $43.95. Do these really work well?
I’ve been looking for a replacement for my optivisor for some time.
Are these suited for general bench work or just close up work like
stone setting? James S. Cantrell CMBJ
Hello James, I have the binocular type scopes mounted on an eyeglass
frame like you found. I got them from my optomitrist several years
ago and paid about twice what Rio’s charging, I might add! The
brand is different though. Mine are metal housed.
Here is what I have found. These guys are heavy! There is a strap
on mine connecting the earpieces - sort of like athletes use to
secure their glasses. I’m afraid they’d fall off otherwise. Their
weight makes them uncomfortable to wear for extended times - talk
about mashing the bridge of your nose! Pupillary adjustment is a
little tricky. Once you get them adjusted to your eye spacing, then
you will see one field, and have good binocular vision with 3-D
preception.
There are times when I have used these, but I much prefer using my
desk scope. Maybe these are plastic housing and lighter weight.
Perhaps Rio will have some of these at the Tucson tool show. That
would allow you to try them out and know more about how they feel to
wear.
Judy in KansasRio Grande has these on page 304 of their 2003 tool catalog. One
set is $245.00 and another is $43.95. Do these really work well?
I’ve been looking for a replacement for my optivisor for some time.
Are these suited for general bench work or just close up work like
stone setting? James S. Cantrell CMBJ
James, I haven’t been following this conversation until now. With
the mention of the Rio catalog, I was able to see exactly what was
being discussed. The 2003 tools catalog shows the 'Eschenbach
Galilean Binoculars on page #304, with a note at the bottom “See the
Meiji (correct sp) microscope and accessories on page 117” I haven’t
used the Eschenbach binocs, but I can see that there could be some
troubles there. I would say that they are OK if used as the photo
shows, but try working very long with your head bent forward & I bet
they slide more than my ‘featherweight’ glasses do. I also wonder
about keeping the lenses clean. I get quite a layer of polishing
compound built up on my ‘Optivisor’, but it’s quite easy to dip in
the ultrasonic (no ammonia). The Meiji mic, I have worked with. The
biggest challenge there, is keeping your work on a flat plane so it
will stay in focus. It is very good for close work (about 6" between
lense and work area) but is best for engraving or flat plate
setting. I usually am twisting my bead & bright cut every which way
as I set. It takes re-training your habits to use it effectively. Of
course, you can’t use much heat near the lense or head, but a tacker
is safe, as long as the sputter is low. If you want to see and use
these products, I suggest Rio’s Catalog in Motion @ Tucson.
georockman
Hi Judy,
The Zeiss loupes have two different ways you can wear them. There is
a head band somewhat like a optivisor but with a strap over the top
of the head as well as the band around the head. I went for the
model with the eyeglass frames it sounds similar to yours but the
frames are made of titanium with the elastic strap on the temple
pieces like yours however mine have a large silicone rubber nose
bridge pad that makes them very comfortable to wear. I have them on
all day and they don’t bother me. The ability to go from place to
place in the studio with the high level of magnification is the
thing I like best about them. I have the same view at the buffer,
lathe and mill as at my bench.
Jim
Check the Frie and Borel Catalog. I just bought their $81.90 pair
of binoculars on a head set. (not a good description). I needed to
replace my optivisor ( couldn’t see very well).
Well, these are wonderful. No distortion and am able to sit back
approx 8" from my work and BOY I can see now without shutting an eye
to get a closer look. They have to be adjusted so that you only
appear to be looking through 1 area.
The greatest advantages: I GET LIGHT from not being closed in like
the optivisor, I can see the area around me and pick up any piece of
equipment without having to lift the eye pieces off.
I believe the company is Eldon (not sure though and it is 5 am, but
I will look it up later and report back.
Jennifer Friedman in Atlanta
I have something like those binocular loupes, but made by Zeiss.
The ones in the Rio Grande catalog are relatively inexpensive, at
merely several hundred dollars, but I expect having them on eyeglass
frames would be tiresome after a while. Mine are on a plastic
framework that fits over the head, and once they’re adjusted properly
they’re absolutely wonderful.
The binoculars can be dismounted and slipped into a pocket, too – I
carry them with me when I’m shopping for gems, and they beat the heck
out of monocular loupes for clarity and depth.
Loren
Hi Jim, Now, where could I see and possibly get this marvelous nose
pad. I picture something that actually goes across the nose bridge
between the attachment points, where nose pads go on eye glasses.
If the binocs were more comfortable to wear, I know I’d use them
more. Since I can’t really see anything else when they’re on, it
would be nice to remove and replace them with ease. I’ve often
wondered how surgical docs can wear the things for hours on end!
Judy
The nose pad is supplied with the frames that I purchased as a part
of the loupe set from Zeiss. It is replaceable but I am not sure it
would fit any other frames.
Jim