Has anyone used the Iwata Custom Micron C - Plus

I say save your money as using that airbrush for modeling is overkill
That is an illustration airbrush and it won't spray any finer line with modeling paints than a Badger 100 or other similar brushes. Trying to spray modeling paints through a .23mm  nozzle isn't going to work very well at all.
The reason they make such small needles and nozzles is to handle extremely fine pigmented mediums like watercolors, urethanes and inks.

Hope this helps

WOW!! I just looked it up and that seems to be iwata's most expensive brush.  For that matter all of the iwata .23mm brushes are expensive.  More than double any of the .3mm brushes.  I build mostly 1/72 also and for that it's definitely worth it to go with ANY of the .3mm brushes at least.  Your credit card doesn't take such a hit either

MikeV wrote:

...Badger 100...

I have an Iwata HP-C ( no longer mfg'd) and just bought an HP-CS Eclipse, both are excellent brushes. In fact the best! The HP-CS was $110.00 and worth every penny! Whatever you do don't buy Aztek....... nothing but junk!!

The HP-CS can spray quite thick paint, not that you need to do that, but it will handle it. One nice feature: after spraying black, clean the cup quickly and begin spraying white! Bill

Yes, CM- C Plus is very expensive, so it's more a question of owning an object than a question of owning a tool; it's between you and  your credit card.
You could consider a compromise: HP CH is close to CM C Plus, has MAC valve and is a lot cheaper.But the essential is that when you are going to spend such an amount : feel it in your hand before you open your purse, as grip is as important here than in golf, bow shooting, or tennis, for instance. As for me, I own several Badgers but I won't buy a 150 anymore as I don't like the feeling in hand ( nothing to do with the airbrush quality ) ; so for the grip.( I also own an Efbe B I fest and don't like the grip either )
In my humble opinion, MAC valve is not a gadget but you must practice a little to get all of its use
As for the question of the needle gauge, I remember having sprayed Alclad with an H&S Evolution on 0.15 without problems but I'm a little afraid to try it with my Sotar with fine set; ( don't laugh at me, but some time ago, I clogged five airbrushes with acrylic paint while showing them to a friend; fortunately, he wanted to go out for lunch, or I would have clogged more; as I am my only French maid, I had to clean them myself; well, I deserve it, you can laugh at me )

...Badger 100...

An airbrush is a tool.  The hand that holds it and the mind that controls it determines how well it works.  The worst airbrush made held in the hand of an airbrush master will always create better work than the best airbrush in the world in the hands of a beginner.  My point is, if you spend a ton of money on an airbrush are you experienced enough that you will be able to notice a difference?  Personally I'll stick with my Omni 4000 and Badger 100 and be happy because the two of them combined only cost about $110 and they are both capable of better work than I am.

Well, Scott, if I remember correctly, you said you worked on cars ( as a pleasure ) I bet they are not Hyundai nor Zil/Gaz; you love another  style, and money has not a lot to do with it; so here money is not the only factor, or no one in the world would buy paintings or sculptures, as they are not tools.
As for your airbrushes capable of better work than you, I disagree a lot with you, as you are alive and they are only things, and I think that a living creature will always be more important, will bring more hope and greatness than any object.

Torio wrote:

As for your airbrushes capable of better work than you, I disagree a lot with you, as you are alive and they are only things, and I think that a living creature will always be more important, will bring more hope and greatness than any object.

I think you missed Scott's point.
I could buy the best electric guitar in the world and let Joe Satriani use a piece of junk from the mall and he would make me look like a fool. Skill is 75% of the results in airbrushing.
The tool used does help to an extent but if the hand controlling it is not capable of using it to it's potential then it is no better than something less precise. I believe that sums up what Scott was trying to show you.

Mike

I too concidered purchasing one of these very capable CM airbrushes, but I was only encouraged to test weather it was any better than my Paasche-H.  After all, I had mastered the Paasche-H for airbrushing scale models, among others I own.  So I put it to the test on a model years ago for a simple two-tone camouflage job, and this was the result on a 1/72nd scale JAS Grippen. *(photos below)  I have to agree with the notion of skill..also technique.  I haven't met a .5mm nozzle/ needle combo -type airbrush yet that I haven't been able to produce identical results with, like the pricy Custom Micron airbrushes. 

The CM didn't really seem practical for model airbrushing after I completed the kit.  The trusty "H" had done it again!  And my credit card thanked me!

 

Well, Mike, I was not trying to begin any fight, and I think I caught was Scott meant, but, let me tell you a short  (short, me ?...) story : when I was around 18, a long time ago ( I'm now 49 ) I was dreaming of making some music with friends. I dreamed of owning a Strat, which was a big investment then, specially in Europe; when I told this to a schoolmate, he told me that I  would not know how to use it, and that I did not deserve it. Well, when I had enough money, I bought the Strat. Later in my life, I  made some luthiery  as a job, and  bought and sold several guitars. I will never be Trower nor Holdsworth but only a very  very little guitar player, but I know when I hold a great axe in my hands or a piece of dead wood, and it is only a matter of funds : you can afford, you buy things, you take them home. No warranty of knowing how to use it. I now own a number of airbrushes, because I like those tools, not as an extension of my ego. I think I understand Scott's position and it seems that he uses his airbrushes with much talent, as I saw in his model gallery, but it would be restrictive to think one must only buy tools at his own level of competence: who allows the guy to upgrade his equipment " you now have passed the third level of the game, you can get a better this or that". On the other hand, the mistake would be to believe that a top airbrush (or a top anything) would grant you a top level per se so I would like to say to our chap who initiated the post : don't buy this thing if you believe it will paint in your place for it would be a bad reason, anyway buy whatever you want

P.S. Don't tell to anybody, but I think I like the HP CH more than the CM C Plus (and yes I own a CM C Plus, and a Sotar, and a Paasche AB, and several Evolutions, and... as I like them all)

Jose',

No problem my friend, I was not inferring anyone was trying to fight over the subject.
I agree with you in many ways.
Have a great day.

Mike

Wow... I think that this post took an entire different direction.  I was looking for some input on what people who have and have used this airbrush think about it.  I did not intend for this to take such an intense turn into technique.  I do believe that quality does have something to offer a skilled user.  But there are other factors too.  I do like the guitar analogy, but lets face it; Satch chooses to play an instrument based on some degree of quality and features.

I have gleaned some information from you guys and for that I definitely thank you!  I do not feel justified in a $400.00 Micron C-Plus.  This is something for my wife to get me for Christmas as I could not think of anything I wanted.  I will however compromise based on the excellent points made here and get the Iwata HP - CH which basically has all of the features of the C-Plus with the biggest difference being the .30mm size vs. the .23mm size not to mention the $200.00 cheaper price tag (maybe she will let me take the difference and expand my already ludicrous decal collection)!  I like the other features as well and from what I hear cleanup will be nice and quick.

I appreciate everyones comments.  The VLSTPRO does and excellent job and I can honestly say that I love working with it.  Was I hugely impressed with my results on my 1/72 A-7D, yes; do I have a TON to learn, yes; was the 1/72nd Grippen FANTASTIC, YES!

Mike, you now begin to know me, even it is only by means of the written thing, and you know I was not angry at all ( no worry, no hurry, it's a hobby )
Voodoorage, you won't be disappointed with the HP CH.

Good night, chaps ( it is 1.18 am here)

Voodoorage,

When, if, you get that HP-CH, let us know how it's working out..I have a buddy who is willing to sell one to me cheap.  I'd like to get some sort of a review before I commit to the purchase, thanks in advance.  Happy modeling!

I have had the Iwata HP-CH Hi-Line airbrush for about a month now.  I am really loving this airbrush.  the .30mm Needle/Nozzle are very well suited for 1/72nd scale.  I have also swapped into the .20mm Needle/Nozzle and I can see some serious work in this airbrush's future.  It is WAY easy to clean and swap out colors due to the gravity feed cup and the smaller spray is just a joy to work with.  You can still put out plenty of paint if you want to but dialed down this airbrush is wholly capable of very, very, fine lines even at my skill level which is practically non-existant!  I would say that the set handle turns so easy that is feels almost loose but it stays where you put it.  Cant wait to get another one so I don't have to worry about swapping the .3 vs. .2 needle but the .2 is working everything I want right now.  My poor old Paasche has been relegated to Future and Clear Flat applications... although I still enjoy it too but for 1/72nd scale the Iwata ROCKS!

cool... good to hear the feedback.  I have been contemplating another airbrush... one that does good in the 1/72 and 1/48 ranges.  I have three other airbrushes that handle everything from large to med coverage and the Iwata takes up the 1/48 detail... but after dabbling in 1/72 kits I am hooked now and need something that can better handle stuff like german mottle in that scale.  I'll have to take a second look at this one..