RF> problem with bright light, in my experience, is that I tend to get RF> glare on my lens. If you could have a setup where the work was in RF> direct sunlight, but your head and helmet were in the shade, that RF> might be a slight improvement.
This part, I *have* solved. I put three snaps on my helmet, one on the top at the back, and one by each ear. I use these snaps to attach a dark cloth at the back of the helmet, similar to old photographers used to do. This removes *all* the glare from the inside of the helmet.
RF> One problem for those of us old enough to use bifocals is that the RF> bifocals are set low, so if you use a standard helmet with a small RF> window you cannot use the reading side of the bifocals for welding, RF> you look at the weld (close) with the distance lens, which works RF> poorly. I have a helmet with an oversized vision area, and always RF> take it with me, since I usually cannot see anything out of borrowed RF> helmets.
I have solved this one too. Instead of using my bifocals, I use my distance glasses. I have a 2 power magnifier lens in the helmet itself, so no matter where in the lens I look, it as always the same as my bifocal close up view, These are standard from most good welding supply stores.
regards, dion