Search found 216 matches

by Chris Dee
Sun Nov 14, 2021 9:39 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Q-Tips OK for microscope optics cleaning?
Replies: 23
Views: 6339

Re: Q-Tips OK for microscope optics cleaning?

I've switched to foam tipped swabs for both microscope and camera optics. Not so much from concern over abrasive inclusions, just sick of cotton strands getting left behind on surface.
by Chris Dee
Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:42 am
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: battery pack
Replies: 3
Views: 1588

Re: battery pack

I can imagine the frustration of an outage after preping wet slides for a session. Good idea Greg.
by Chris Dee
Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:32 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: How many of you mix Objective brands and sizes?
Replies: 8
Views: 2559

Re: How many of you mix Objective brands and sizes?

I use mixed brand objectives on my Vickers M17 but like all of them to be parfocal. The Complan eyepieces that came with the scope work well with Zeiss and Zeiss-Jena objectives of that era. One objective (Zeiss Jena 6.3x apo) needed shimming. The 2 objective changers I have for the microscope use a...
by Chris Dee
Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:47 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Chaos carolinensis, a very large amoeba
Replies: 9
Views: 2749

Re: Chaos carolinensis, a very large amoeba

Beast of an amoeba, nice video, well done.
by Chris Dee
Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:43 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: When was the golden age of Microscope hardware, and what Scopes from that age have survived the test of time
Replies: 30
Views: 7326

Re: When was the golden age of Microscope hardware, and what Scopes from that age have survived the test of time

Early 1970's IMO. Usability and ergonomics got more attention, engineering and quality control was good, plastics not generally used in critical areas (some exceptions).
Styling can be questionable though.
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by Chris Dee
Sat Aug 21, 2021 8:51 am
Forum: Home-made microscope adaptations
Topic: Best way to darken a microscope barrel?
Replies: 9
Views: 7002

Re: Best way to darken a microscope barrel?

I was in a similar position with a diy tinocular tube. I had some clear matt lacquer and added some black printer toner from a used laser printer cartridge. It made a good blackout paint, still well adhered 3 years on.
by Chris Dee
Sun Aug 15, 2021 3:57 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Betaine in some Red Bull drink!
Replies: 2
Views: 1976

Re: Betaine in some Red Bull drink!

Nice work. Love the last one, very attractive image, reminds me of something I can't quite put my finger on.
by Chris Dee
Sun Aug 01, 2021 10:35 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: High end Chinese microscope with DIC and Phase
Replies: 51
Views: 23271

Re: High end Chinese microscope with DIC and Phase

Thanks, Nice easy going review with enough detail. If I where looking to reinvent my budgeting strategy it is spot on. You may find the button on the side will disable the sensor on the front if held in for a few seconds. I have a euromex iscope that claims to switch off when not in use but seems i...
by Chris Dee
Thu Jul 08, 2021 7:43 pm
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: Greater Brightness
Replies: 4
Views: 2769

Re: Greater Brightness

The front plastic diffuser on LED spotlight bulbs works well. Most are domed to some degree, but there are flat ones if you shop around.
by Chris Dee
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:27 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Reflective Objective
Replies: 10
Views: 3074

Re: Reflective Objective

I know there are a few companies here that offer sputter deposition services. Might be one near you Bob, or maybe an academic facility?
by Chris Dee
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Are there low-power oil immersion objectives?
Replies: 26
Views: 6457

Re: Are there low-power oil immersion objectives?

The oil immersion objectives below are Vickers 50x 0.95 NA, one is Fluoro, the other PlanAPO. Both are excellent objectives. They crop up on eBay occasionally and tend have a lower asking price that Zeiss/Nikon etc. I can assure you its not because they are inferior, sellers are often not familiar w...
by Chris Dee
Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:35 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 9
Views: 4001

Re: The wisest way to buy a microscope

Love it when spammers get backed into a corner. They get all hissy like a cat caught stealing the Sunday roast :D I own an Apex badged Chinascope model that is still being sold under various brands in the £400-500 bracket. That had a QC sticker on it, the mains earth wire wasn't even connected. It's...
by Chris Dee
Thu Dec 17, 2020 10:27 am
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: Dodt gradient contrast
Replies: 36
Views: 14235

Re: Dodt gradient contrast

I needed coffee just to focus on the web page :D Looks like interesting, but like Hans I'm struggling to see the difference from a gradient NDF (or one laser printed on acetate).
by Chris Dee
Wed Dec 09, 2020 4:29 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: Is this normal?
Replies: 34
Views: 10929

Re: Is this normal?

Definitely not normal, and if that passed QC it says a lot about the manufacturer..
by Chris Dee
Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:55 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Fruit fly larvae
Replies: 10
Views: 3917

Re: Fruit fly larvae

Excellent image and video Saul, love the work you've done on your setup, impressive.
by Chris Dee
Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:50 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Experiments with botanic stains
Replies: 10
Views: 4344

Re: Experiments with botanic stains

Nice experimental stain work Bob. Thanks for sharing.
by Chris Dee
Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:43 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Rotifer attempts GBH on Copepod nauplius !
Replies: 7
Views: 3338

Re: Rotifer attempts GBH on Copepod napaulis !

Nice video SWmicro. Copepods can be frustrating to chase ;)
by Chris Dee
Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:33 am
Forum: Identification help
Topic: Mystery Dark Objects
Replies: 8
Views: 3826

Re: Mystery Dark Objects

To me it looks like a chlamydospore sack, common to some species of fungal mycelia.
by Chris Dee
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:16 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Parameciums having dinner
Replies: 5
Views: 2194

Re: Parameciums having dinner

Well done, love the restaurant music :D
by Chris Dee
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:12 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Rotifers in DF
Replies: 6
Views: 2632

Re: Rotifers in DF

Well done. Really like the firsts one, excellent contrast.
by Chris Dee
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:09 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Litonotus dividing
Replies: 5
Views: 2282

Re: Litonotus dividing

Nice catch, well done.
by Chris Dee
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:05 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Arcdella gibbosa?
Replies: 13
Views: 4069

Re: Arcdella gibbosa?

Great work janvangastel, very nice to see a live sample, good illumination too. 8-)
by Chris Dee
Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:58 am
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: Cleaning slides lifehack
Replies: 7
Views: 3205

Re: Cleaning slides lifehack

I 3D printed a holder for 10 slides + covers that fits into a small 850ml 35w ultrasonic cleaner. One 8min run in dilute detergent (biological washer liquid), rinse under warm tap, spray rinse with distilled water then stand to dry. Best method I've found thus far that doesn't involve solvents etc. ...
by Chris Dee
Fri Nov 27, 2020 4:17 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Stentor Explodes
Replies: 1
Views: 1357

Re: Stentor Explodes

Unfortunate but very interesting to watch. Nice catch Plasmid.
by Chris Dee
Fri Nov 27, 2020 4:11 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Leaf casts
Replies: 10
Views: 3655

Re: Leaf casts

Fascinating. Nice work Manfred.
by Chris Dee
Fri Nov 27, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Pond Life!
Replies: 14
Views: 4659

Re: Pond Life!

Nice work Louise, keep at it. The filaments with the granules look like Beggiatoa, a filamentous proteobacteria. The granule density varies somewhat and is likely to be sulphur. They use inorganic elements to synthesise carbohydrates, and sulphur is plentiful in semi stagnant ponds. Their rotation c...
by Chris Dee
Sun Nov 22, 2020 7:21 am
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: Cotton rolls for lens cleaning?
Replies: 10
Views: 9520

Re: Cotton rolls for lens cleaning?

Same method for me as my camera lenses. Foam buds with isopropanol, repeated with distilled water, dried with a makeshift blower (a large hand-pumped plant sprayer). Trick is not to over-wet, anything with fibres is a no for me.
by Chris Dee
Fri Nov 20, 2020 9:29 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Rotifer (Dissotrocha macrostyla)
Replies: 7
Views: 3912

Re: Rotifer (Dissotrocha macrostyla)

One minute you're just swimming around minding your own business and suddenly you're sucked in by a giant eating machine! Great video. Can I ask what camera you use? Louise This was filmed at 30fps with a Canon 550d through an Olympus NFK 3.3x photoeyepiece Louise. I also use a Canon M50 occasional...