Any tips for using a magnifier?

[OrkyDave]

My parents bought me this for Christmas

Which I thought was absolutley fantastic of them! (especially as this is the first EVER hobby related item thay have ever bought for me in all my 15 years of being into the hobby!)

But, the trouble is... I am finding it really hard to use! I am having to close one eye to focus on the subject, then I have no sense of depth perception and do not accuratley know how close my brush is to the mini!

I am also having to hold my breath whilst painting with it as breathing condenses the lense.

I would really love to be able to use it, simply for the fact that iits one of the most thoughtful gifts i have ever recieved.

Does anyone use anything similar, and could you give me some pointers?

 

[matty1001]

Iv tried using something similar, but had the same problems. My field of depth went hay wire and the brush never went in the right place. Its like when you close one eye and hold a pencil out at arms length then try and place your finger on the tip, impossible. I eventually got sick and gave it back to my brother. (but it wasn\'t a present, so he wasn\'t to annoyed!)

 

[Dragonsreach]

Originally by OrkyDave
I am also having to hold my breath whilst painting with it as breathing condenses the lens.

An old trick Wet a tissue with Saliva, wipe over the lens. Allow to dry then Polish off any marks with a piece of cumpled up Newspaper. That should help stop/reduce the condensation.

(Polishing Glass doors on cabinets with newspaper is a great way to reduce Fingerprints as well.
Oh the things you pick up over the years. )

 

[Cinder]

I hear you!


but i just dont think there is a good way to use a monoglass magnifyinglens in minipainting, mainly \'cuzz the depthvision thingey..

Never tried a pair of strong glasses though, that whould do the trick with the depth I belive, but I\'m an idiot so...

well that\'s my random flaccid crap \'neways

Good luck mate!

 

[War Griffon]

I have a similar lamp but consider the magnifier on it to be a waste of time to be honest, I still use it as a painting lamp.

I now use a head Loupe which is excellent as you can angle it to see normally and close up without getting cross eyed changing between the two also you can change the lenses.

Don\'t bother with one that has a little lamp on it though the lamp is not very good even on top range models just use your normal painting lamp for illumination.

 

[noneedforaname]

There is both dragonsreach spit solution but you can also buy an anti fog solution which is basically artificial spit designed for divers masks which will stop fogging and be a tad more hygenic.

Dragonsreach is a dirty old man

 

[matty1001]

I wouldn\'t want to touch any glass surfaces in DR\'s house! Urrgggh!

Start calling him Mr. Sheen! lol

 

[Hinton]

I use something very much like this:

I generally use it for small details, darklining, etc. Anything else I just use a lot of light and my eyes (don\'t even need glasses - yet).

I don\'t have a depth percetion problem with it, but that may be due to using one for years working with small components for computers. Guess I\'m just used to it.

I prefer to use an anti-fog cleaner for the glass; seems to work pretty good (if I ever go to DR\'s house, I\'m not touching anything ).

 

[Dragonsreach]

Originally posted by matty1001
I wouldn\'t want to touch any glass surfaces in DR\'s house! Urrgggh! Just as well that there aren\'t any.
Anyhow have you never worn swimming goggles? How you you stop them fogging up. Same thing only not so politley.

Start calling him Mr. Sheen! lol

@noneedforaname; Pot Calling kettle sooty arsed.

 

[noneedforaname]

Im a dirty young man you\'ve had more time to practice, I have more energy and stamina to do it

 

[supervike]

I\'ve got a magnifyer glass for my minatures too....a clip on thing for my OTT LIGHT.

It was a gift as well, and it does make me happy to think they were trying to do something for me concerning my hobby.

I never use it though, but when they ask I tell them it really helps and thank them profusely.

Maybe I\'ll go to hell for lying.....but the thought of the gift was much more important than the actual gift.

 

[Ogrebane]

Ive got a maggy lamp. I use it to check what I have done. Could never work out how to use it whilst painting but it sure shows up stuff when checking the mini afterwards.