MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Hi all, I'm looking at converting my Nikon SMZ-U BF/DF base to LED. It currently uses a G4-pin 6V 30W Halogen (eg Philips 5761). Could anyone point me in the right direction? Is it as simple as replacing the halogen bulb with a G4 6V LED? I hope so but doubt it :P Otherwise, do I need a dimmer? And ...

Jumping spiders are also a favourite for me because they are both small (and therefore not dangerous) and they are inquisitive. Is it just me or do these spiders have personality?

Thanks Gekko.

A good search around the web didn't unearth what the 'A' means. But, based on the theory that if the two weren't interchangeable I would have heard about it, I have a CF PL 2.5XA on the way

Just wondering what the difference is between a (finite) Nikon CF PL 2.5X and a CF PL 2.5XA. What is the 'A'?

Thanks in advance.

About 45 million years or so ago, this little beetle probably got attracted to the resin of a pine tree and became stuck. The beetle is about 1.5mm long, and the second pic shows a ballpoint pen tip for size comparison. These are single images taken with my SMZ-U in darkfield. The amber is a little ...

Hi Charles, That's the coaxial epi-illuminator. Except for reflective subjects I rarely use it as it adds height and 1.5x mag that isn't usually needed. The aperture, with the slider on the front, is in the main body. The SMZ-U is nice - bright and contrasty with a wide field. The 1x Apo goes from 0...

Here are my microscopes at the moment - one of these SMZ-Us will be sold. I use the C-mount based Varimag as it works well with a FF DSLR on both types of microscope, and got it for about the same price as a bottom clamp for the Microphot. I also have a couple of fiber optic setups (a Fostec and a N...

Late last year I bought a SMZ-U with a BF/DF base. Initially I wasn't too impressed but a check with a Bertrand lens showed lots (!) of dust inside the body, and after a clean the images 'popped' with lovely colour and contrast. So I recently bought another, with the same base, with the idea of comb...

Very interesting with some fascinating footage - and some nice information for new microscopists.

The commentary style takes me back to my school days in the 80's.

No worries Bill. I appreciate the assistance.

My first post wasn't clear.

Thanks John. I'll give that a go ... I was thinking maybe a 10% formalin might fix OK, and then into 70% IPA? I've seen a book mentioned, "The Freshwater Microscopist", which I think will be worthwhile getting, and am keeping an eye out for other useful texts. Also I've been looking at your write-up...

Hi Bill,

I have some growing already (the pic is of one of my babies) and want to keep samples at different stages of their lifecycle ... which got me to thinking more generally about fresh-water samples. After much googling I'm still mostly confused.

Just wondering how to fix and store a sample of baby brine shrimp (<500 microns) and also the adults.

And also the same question for smaller protists in a pond sample, please.

Thanks in advance.

Brine shrimp nauplius; 10x Darkfield :

Thanks, Kurt. That is exactly the kind of thing I want to do.

How often do you restock each tank? Are they self-sustaining, in the short term at least?

I'm wondering what are some ideas to make a protoza-friendly aquarium. Is it possible to keep a diverse community in a nano aquarium (a few gallons or less)? With or without fish/shrimp? Would a creek or pond be a good place to source from? I don't even know the right questions to ask and I can't se...

My microscope is now officially on its way down under; a Nikon Microphot SA.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111628137551

As this microscope had just about everything on my wishlist I decided to risk a purchase from overseas.

Thank you all for the comments - lots of food for thought there.

Buying used, even if it is a more recent model, does seem the way to go. And in a way it doesn't matter what I end up buying as it is sure to bring me enjoyment.

I'll be back.

Yes good point, 75RR. For example a decent phase contrast microscope can be bought for much less than that. I was bitten by the little bug years ago and have been scratching the itch with a DSLR and various lenses/objectives (down to a Mitutoyo 50/.55 APO), using different mounting and lighting conf...

Thanks for the reply, gekko. I was familiar with UGF from my internet travels but hadn't thought too much about condenser suitability for filters. There's nothing too specific that I'd like to use the microscope to look at - the idea is for biological specimens like insects, pond life and cells. As ...

Hello all. After much reading I am ready to buy my first 'real' microscope and am interested in what other more experienced microscopists have to say. As for some background: I have a few years experience with macro photography - lenses include a Canon MPE65 and 100mm macro, and some infinity object...