Search found 130 matches

by ebenbildmicroscopy
Fri Apr 22, 2022 1:06 pm
Forum: Introduce yourself
Topic: A misplaced obituary
Replies: 2
Views: 1093

A misplaced obituary

Since there is not a "General Forum" I post this here to note the death of a giant microscope machinist/fine mechanic: I apprenticed for 4 years under Klaus Wirbelauer who was a master machinist from the German apprentice program having menteed (and trained at Karl Kapps) in post WW2 Wetzlar Germany...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Mon Mar 22, 2021 1:29 am
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard
Replies: 6
Views: 4817

Re: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard

apo - this is too coincidental - so that it would be applied to last years budget, I just bought (back in November) new Remo Renaissance hazy heads from Steve Weiss.com for those ancient "Slingerland" tympani. While I had the old heads removed, I used a nylon car body mallet and some dollies to remo...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sun Mar 21, 2021 7:28 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard
Replies: 6
Views: 4817

Re: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard

AND, yes, PeteM, there are some lines evident in the body of the scope... I'm going to try and adjust the lighting in order to see if they will show up in a digital photo. There's also some evidence of "blending" marks under the paint about half way up the arm just under the co-axial focus knobs. I'...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sun Mar 21, 2021 7:22 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard
Replies: 6
Views: 4817

Re: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard

apochronaut, *THAT* has to be one of the BEST explanations I have ever heard in my life! So, as a little background, I do part-time work as a music director of a church, one town over, and Sunday is always a pretty involved day. There's always sumthin' to do at the music office so I arrive early and...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Mar 20, 2021 4:17 am
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard
Replies: 6
Views: 4817

Identify this AO Mutant Model 10 Beast from my Boneyard

I've had this Fleabay purchase hanging out in my "boneyard/parts" area of the machine shop for several years. I bought it because it was clearly made by American Optical in their factory. and I'm a collector and fan of the Model 10 (my favorite being a beautiful "Phase Star" that came from Clemson U...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Mar 20, 2021 3:53 am
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: How to Blow Osram Bulbs - the Leitz Way
Replies: 3
Views: 3109

How to Blow Osram Bulbs - the Leitz Way

I cannot take full credit for this story - I am only a story teller - you, in turn must repeat it because it's a good one... This was told to me by the late Robert Martin, founder of (what used to be called Martin Instrument Co. but is today known as) Martin Microscope Company in Easley, SC. I was v...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Mon Feb 22, 2021 11:00 am
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: Where can I get a ringing table from?
Replies: 17
Views: 7492

Re: Where can I get a ringing table from?

I took some side and top view pics that may help show the clearances that are possible on the Leitz table. By moving the ruler around, I would estimate that a glass slide could over-hang the ringing stage/ turn-table by almost 1/2 inch before it would hit the pillar that supports the hand rest. I'll...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 20, 2021 6:01 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: My Favorite Microscope Cleaning Pad
Replies: 10
Views: 5576

Re: My Favorite Microscope Cleaning Pad

I'm glad this has been well received! I will have to concur with Gerard that I do love Kimwipes for this same purpose. When I worked for Carolina Biological, Kimwipes was our go-to cleaner in conjunction with petroleum ether used as both a degreaser and lens cleaner. The nice thing about Kimwipes is...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:37 pm
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: Where can I get a ringing table from?
Replies: 17
Views: 7492

Re: Where can I get a ringing table from?

I love this post! I have contemplated buying one of the Brunel ringing tables so that I didn't possibly mess up my vintage Leitz table! As I recall, the Brunel tables are very reasonably priced.
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:13 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Re: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing

While the Needham text references the Panfocal similarity to the Berek condenser, I would have to also mention (from the standpoint of 3 types of illumination) the Leitz Heine condenser which, with the turn of a knurled knob, accommodates rapid transition between bright field, phase contrast, and da...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:05 pm
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool
Replies: 4
Views: 2389

Re: My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool

If that weren't a Brunel created video, I would assume he just voided the warranty by avoiding that little knurl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's like some little ole lady quilters I know... the knurling helps you develop a "slide ringing callus!"
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:46 pm
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool
Replies: 4
Views: 2389

Re: My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool

Youtube video of Brunel table in action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owsAl88xp5o

I have no affiliation with Brunel.
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:41 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: My Favorite Microscope Cleaning Pad
Replies: 10
Views: 5576

My Favorite Microscope Cleaning Pad

I buy these 100% cotton makeup pads at Wally World for $1.98/per 100 and cannot recommend them enough. Soak them in a little ethyl ether or lens cleaning solution and you've got the perfect lens wipe. Soak them in WD-40 and you've got the perfect non-abrasive little rag for removing anything organic...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:34 pm
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool
Replies: 4
Views: 2389

My Favorite Non-microscope Microscopy Related Tool

I bought this Leitz slide ringing table several years ago and had forgotten I had it. I acquired it in anticipation of making diatom exhibition slides and hope to someday learn how to use it. I surmise that it is the pattern that the Brunel slide ringing table casting is based on... BEAUTIFULLY made...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 4:26 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Re: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing

As a further indication of the complexity of the Panfocal condenser/illuminator, by comparing B&L 1958 price lists, a fairly complete 4 objective Model TT ("tri-ocular") Dynoptic would cost you around $670 USD, the Panfocal Illuminator by itself was listed (from the same source) at a hefty $240 USD!
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 4:13 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

Re: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing

hello dtsh! I love "the enlighten-ment!" I must admit, I am a reluctant Bausch and Lomb collector and have, only recently, acquiesced to collect examples on a very limited basis - primarily a Balplan, a Dynoptic, an old grey Widefield Stereomicroscope. I am first a Leitz Ortholux I and Orthoplan col...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Feb 17, 2021 2:43 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing
Replies: 5
Views: 3536

B&L Panfocal Illuminator - Milling a New Lamp Housing

This Panfocal Illuminator was a recent Fleabay purchase and, as is the case with so many microscope components that are easily removed without tools, it was missing the actual illuminator. I've got some aluminum square stock that I will be milling to fit and an offshore LED illuminator as a lamp and...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Fri Feb 12, 2021 8:49 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: Multiplication
Replies: 7
Views: 3853

Re: Multiplication

Ugh! It is indeed a disease! Pictured are a few of my black beauties in storage several years ago... I worry a bit that the Orthoplans and the Ortholuxs (plural sp?) will co-mingle and create a very widefield frankenscope with sexy curves
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 10:31 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Sensitive "Restoration" of Antique Slide Holder
Replies: 4
Views: 3411

Re: Sensitive "Restoration" of Antique Slide Holder

Hans, that does appear to be a similar treatment! I'm glad you showed that... and BramHunting, I do think that someone attempted to polish that portion of the holder since they discovered it is brass.
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 10:18 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: $29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots
Replies: 4
Views: 3498

Re: $29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots

That's a good idea, especially with the micrometer eyepiece - it has an unusual diagonal X as the moveable crosshair against the background scale. I am a machinist and currently use this Leitz Micro Hardness Tester as my "toolmakers" microscope. The micrometer stage barrels read in 1/100ths of a mil...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 6:29 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: $29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots
Replies: 4
Views: 3498

Re: $29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots

This is how she appeared on Fleabay, bless her heart. I like the moveable stage and have an old AO/Spencer that's sortuv their version of the same scope only binocular.
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 6:25 pm
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: $29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots
Replies: 4
Views: 3498

$29 Fleabay Microscope Poses for Her Glamour Shots

I literally bought this old cast iron Bausch and Lomb in order to slaughter it out for parts - $29 on Fleabay (the shipping was almost more than the cost of the scope!) Due to the cast iron stage, limb, and foot, she weighs in at a hefty 11lbs. An Ortholux I, by comparison, is around 25lbs, but the ...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:46 am
Forum: Collecting microscopes and slides
Topic: Sensitive "Restoration" of Antique Slide Holder
Replies: 4
Views: 3411

Sensitive "Restoration" of Antique Slide Holder

This mechanical stage is from an old cast iron Bausch and Lomb metallurgical style microscope that I bought off Fleabay as a parts scope... as it turned out, there was more good in the scope than bad so, it turned into a "restoration" - in true hoarder style, now I'm buying Fleabay accessories for *...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:41 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob
Replies: 4
Views: 1901

Re: Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob

I suspect you may be correct. That is one of the more endearing characteristics of most American manufacturing - that they would tend to standardize a part to work in different applications. Some of my most frustrating repair work has been the fact that Leitz changed design features so much and, bet...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:28 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob
Replies: 4
Views: 1901

Re: Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob

Weren't those horrendous auction pics? I am primarily a Leitz and Zeiss collector and know very very little about Bausch and Lomb. I kept pulling up those pics and would compare with one eye by squinting. What had me worried was the square black hole in the base where the lamp housing was supposed t...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:00 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Balplan 31-18-71 adapter specs needed
Replies: 4
Views: 1955

Re: Balplan 31-18-71 adapter specs needed

Uuuuuuuuuuuggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh apochronaut!!!!!!!! Of course, now you've done it... you know what you've done? Now, in addition to my search for Sasquatch and the fabled "Black Orthoplan" of legend, I'm gonna start seeing Elvis and 6 place Balplan nosepieces everywhere on Fleabay!
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:55 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob
Replies: 4
Views: 1901

Beefy Dynoptic Condenser Knob

So, these are Fleabay "salvage" items that I sortuv agonized buying (in order to fancy up a "triocular" B&L Dynoptic). The Dynoptic polarizing stage and substage had been mounted to a grey Dynazoom and the "Panfocal" condenser was like buying a pig-in-a-poke. I had to buy an entire scope to get the ...
by ebenbildmicroscopy
Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:22 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Balplan 31-18-71 adapter specs needed
Replies: 4
Views: 1955

Re: Balplan 31-18-71 adapter specs needed

THANK YOU apochronaut! Bless you, and your children, and your children's children!!! (I apologize that this reply to your helpful measurements will be looooooong!) I have to start by making a confession... I'm a hoarder and the condition has easily spread to my microscope accumulation. I'm 1st, a Le...