On Tue, 3 Nov 2020 23:08:31 +0000, Clive Arthur
wrote:
snip

The problem with using strong reading glasses for this is that while
they sort out the focussing, you still need both your eyes pointing
inwards at a close object. This can cause strain and headaches.

I'm sure that happens and I remember having to get used to the x4's
(especially when walking about where it they made you feel drunk g)
but I'm used to them now and can / will walk about in them briefly if
I intend to carry on doing detailed work.

Ideally, you'd need lenses with some 'prism' to allow you eyes to be
relaxed, but this isn't reading glasses. Maybe the repair shop man has
special glasses.

Interesting.

Head mounted magnifiers do this (at least, mine do)

I think that's what I might need to look closer at (excuse the pun).
;-)

but I mostly use a
binocular (aka stereo) microscope - 10x is good.

As mentioned elsewhere, a mate has some pretty nice ones (and very
substantial / heavy I remember). I have used them for some fine
electronics repair and once you are used to them (and the shock of the
size of your fine tipped iron and fine solder is), they are very good
indeed.

Good quality second
hand for £100 or new for possibly less but cheaper quality.
Even a cheap one is much better than glasses or loupes.

Unless you are moving about using them, like working on several things
along a workshop bench.

This sort of power is sometimes called a 'dissection microscope'. I
wouldn't be without mine. A long reach is good.

Here's a cheap one, eBay 303745343001

Thanks for that Clive. They look like the ones my phone repairing mate
moved to from a monocular scope before buying some that were much more
substantial and with a full sized base. I think there was something
special about the eyepieces but I can't remember what (anti smoke for
when soldering or something)?

Cheers, T i m