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Faceups Magnification - what do you use and why?

Oct 31, 2023

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    1. Hello everyone! I'm one of those lucky few who doesn't need glasses, but I've noticed it's harder for me to see the details when I'm doing a faceup than it used to be. I got myself a magnifying glass with a base, but I'm not adapting to it very well - I keep holding the head very close to my eyes instead of under the glass, which can't be good if those pigments blow my way. I was thinking maybe a jeweler's lens or reading glasses might work better for me, but I still want to try the glass a few more times before I give up on it.

      What works for you? Do you have any tips or tricks for working with a magnifying glass, or whatever it is you use?
       
      #1 solarmiracle, Oct 31, 2023
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    2. lol i have acces to 3.5x loupes but never thought about using them. Maybe i'll try that next time.
      I've just always used a desk LED lamp lol
       
      #2 bahboh, Oct 31, 2023
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    3. I use this silly looking thing for the same reason. It’s cheap, it works, and it has magnifications that help even with my 1/6 scale dolls’ faces. I’ve used stationary magnifiers too and I find this easier.
       
      #3 Amet, Nov 1, 2023
      Last edited: Nov 1, 2023
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    4. I don't know about face-up, but for micro-knitting and micro-embroidery I find Donegan Optivisor N5 (x2.5) the most comfortable for my eyes. I can wear it for several hours and I don't get any headaches or eye strain.
       
      #4 ghoulia, Dec 5, 2023
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    5. I’m interested to see what replies you get as I too am really struggling these days with close up work. Age related eyesight degradation is a royal pain in the buttocks!

      I’ve tried basic desktop magnifiers and find them clumsy, quite often knocking brushes against them as I work.

      I also have a cheap headband magnifier set with interchangeable lenses which is ok but very uncomfortable.

      To be honest at the moment the most effective and least frustrating method is a narrow lens pair of strong reading glasses that can be purchased almost anywhere. I say narrow lens as that allows me to look down to use the magnification without affecting how I see other things around me such as any reference on a computer screen or even just looking through my watercolour pencils.
       
      #5 Blodeuwedd, Dec 27, 2023
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