The Iwata Custom Micron CM-C Plus

Information

Desire or necessity for incredibly fine detail work.
Prior airbrush experience required.

Actively discourage beginners from purchasing Custom Micron airbrushes.
Requires experience thinning and straining paint to reach the appropriate sprayable paint consistency.

Custom Microns only spray thin, non-viscous liquids. Otherwise they clog without hesitation.
I usually, by default, fit someone to a CM-C or CM-C Plus when they're interested in a Custom Micron.
The CM-C Plus is for people who want the Micro Air Control Valve, otherwise the CM-C will do just as well.

Custom Microns aren't for everyone. They're professional tools for masters, and aspiring masters.
They get finicky and clog a lot if your paint consistency is off.
Custom Microns are geared specifically toward fine details.

A good workhorse airbrush will take you 93-97% of the way to incredible detail. The Custom Micron takes you the last 3-7%.
They suck at anything other than fine details. Yes, they create spatter effects and spray a 1 inch wide spray pattern however less expensive options are available to do these effects.
I like the big 1/3 oz cup, but sometimes I think it's too big. My finger likes to run into it while I use the airbrush (but I do have big hands)
The cup got redesigned into a funnel. This is great for cleanup. It also reduces wasted paint by a few drops.
If you're not experienced at paint mixing then buy airbrush-ready paint. You'll still need to strain and thin the paint but it won't be nearly as bad, and as frustrating as it could've been...

Tip Dry

If you're using spray equipment and the needle is long and pointy, you WILL have tip dry. A slow reducer can help depending on the type of paint you spray. Otherwise, get good at knowing how to recognize and remove tip dry
- Approved Tip Dry Removal Method
- Unapproved (though common) Tip Dry Removal Method
Clogs

Custom Microns clog more than most airbrushes. It can seem like they clog when you simply bring chunky paint near them. Smaller nozzles and low air pressure do that to you.
Weak Nozzle

Custom Microns deal with the weak nozzle better than most airbrushes though. The head system can be removed to clean out the inside of the nozzle without removing the nozzle itself.
When the nozzle or nozzle cap dies the whole head system must be replaced to keep performance.

Matched head systems give great performance, the downside is that when they die you have to replace the whole head system. An added bonus to replacing the whole head is that you almost completely refurbish your airbrush to factory settings--well, everything except the trigger mechanism. You'll have to clean and lube the air piston to make that feel like new.
Bent needles

It's common, and it's your fault. The good news is that you might try repairing the needle yourself. The bad news is that you should probably still order that replacement nozzle, especially if you've never tried repairing a needle before.