Started with dial calipers 4O years ago and switched to a Mitutoyo digital about 20 years ago. Never looked back. I recently bought a new Mitutoyo because of the absolute feature and the old caliper became intermitent. I could have repaired it, but a new one was only about $40 more ( good sale price). Batteries lasted about 18 months in the old caliper and I don't know about the new one since I'm still on the factory battery. Display digits on the new one are bigger, a plus for my old eyes. Functionally, Mitutoyo has digital technology in measuring instruments nailed.
I have yet to see a situation(heavy hobbyist usage) where a mechanical instrument would have been more desirable unless you consider battery replacement a big deal. It's a 15 sec exercise for me. I love the pushbutton inch to mm conversion as well as the incremental to absolute mode switch. Accuracy wise, it reads to 3 places on the standard everytime. It's my go-to for nearly eveything and does 99% of my measuring needs.
For mics, I have a couple of NSK (Japanese) odometer style mechanical digitals which I rarely use, but have performed perfectly. I also have a full set of of old style Starrett mechanicals which I never use.
+1 for Long Island Indicator Service. They know their stuff. http://longislandindicator.com/
RWO
I have yet to see a situation(heavy hobbyist usage) where a mechanical instrument would have been more desirable unless you consider battery replacement a big deal. It's a 15 sec exercise for me. I love the pushbutton inch to mm conversion as well as the incremental to absolute mode switch. Accuracy wise, it reads to 3 places on the standard everytime. It's my go-to for nearly eveything and does 99% of my measuring needs.
For mics, I have a couple of NSK (Japanese) odometer style mechanical digitals which I rarely use, but have performed perfectly. I also have a full set of of old style Starrett mechanicals which I never use.
+1 for Long Island Indicator Service. They know their stuff. http://longislandindicator.com/
RWO
