Search found 207 matches

by photomicro
Thu Jun 23, 2022 6:54 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: experience with a plan 1x compound microscope objective ?
Replies: 56
Views: 8174

Re: experience with a plan 1x compound microscope objective ?

viktor j nilsson wrote:
Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:11 pm
Thanks for sharing, the 1x looks horrible.
But, to be fair...isn't the microscope objective corrected for transmitted light, and the macro for reflected, which is what this subject is ?
by photomicro
Thu Jun 16, 2022 8:10 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Nikon Interference Phase Contrast (IPC)
Replies: 37
Views: 8389

Re: Nikon Interference Phase Contrast (IPC)

Thank you to you both for the interesting reading list which leads me to think about how to exploit access to the objective focal plane using an IPC. Obviously as prompted by Peter, Hoffman filters are on the list but I think that I would struggle to create these by diy. During other threads on DIC...
by photomicro
Mon Jun 13, 2022 8:02 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Alternatives to Nikon SMZ-10 for stereo-pair photomacrography?
Replies: 9
Views: 1846

Re: Alternatives to Nikon SMZ-10 for stereo-pair photomacrography?

John Ward wrote about this in an article entitled; "Inside the SM II. A CMO Stereo Microscope by Zeiss" this was published in 'Balsam Post' the Journal of the Postal Microscopical Society, in 2019 octordle Not sure what you are saying/asking here...since this is what I wrote (June 8th).... Forgive ...
by photomicro
Wed Jun 08, 2022 8:02 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Alternatives to Nikon SMZ-10 for stereo-pair photomacrography?
Replies: 9
Views: 1846

Re: Alternatives to Nikon SMZ-10 for stereo-pair photomacrography?

Yes, Zeiss made an adapter for their Stemi microscopes. This is one; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255571203533?hash=item3b813b15cd:g:4c8AAOSwNm1gHRVX I have no connection whatsoever with the seller, just seemed a quick way of showing such an adapter. John Ward wrote about this in an article entitled; ...
by photomicro
Tue May 10, 2022 9:27 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Diatoms mounted in titanium dioxide (Horace Dall slide)
Replies: 24
Views: 3736

Re: Diatoms mounted in titanium dioxide (Horace Dall slide)

I would have expected better contrast from such a slide.

I have a few of this type, albeit from more modern mounters than Horace Dall. The coating metal is often different too, aluminium being quite common.

This is of one by John Dale.

Mike
by photomicro
Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:06 am
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: Horologist requiring help
Replies: 10
Views: 2666

Re: Horologist requiring help

There were a number of very similar models from different manufacturers, including Vickers and Baker, which effectively became the same firm at one point. The Beck version was called the Binomax stereomicroscope. They tended to be quite simple stands, often with just one fixed magnification, and a l...
by photomicro
Sat Feb 05, 2022 3:14 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: Assess imaging levels
Replies: 18
Views: 4179

Re: Assess imaging levels

It is difficult to judge...as we don't know what the specimen is like.

My take on it is that the slide isn't great...
by photomicro
Thu Feb 03, 2022 9:44 pm
Forum: Microscopy accessories
Topic: Best counting chamber, micropipette
Replies: 6
Views: 2240

Re: Best counting chamber, micropipette

As suggested, second-hand ones are cheap as chips, and will be perfectly fine. A standard 'Pasteur' pipette, glass or plastic is fine, as this is just to load the sample, not measure it. You have to load an excess anyway. Also as stated, the correct thickness of coverslip is crucial, as this is how ...
by photomicro
Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:49 pm
Forum: My microscope
Topic: Nikon Apophot
Replies: 31
Views: 8219

Re: Nikon Apophot

Some time ago I got a Nikon Apophot microscope. After cleaning and adjustment, the microscope is ready for use. The Apopphot is a magnificent, but little known, microscope. Really nice looking instrument. I have a 32 page brochure for it, that shows a 'system chart' if you have things still not ide...
by photomicro
Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:41 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Reichert zetopan questions
Replies: 39
Views: 9215

Re: Reichert zetopan questions

Hi, A few days ago phase contrast kit has arrived. It seems to be so called ""anoptral" system, which is a sort of darkened optics(?). Condenser has UV marking at it. Took a little while to setup and align everything. A dark field patch stop was made from black paper and inserted into one of conden...
by photomicro
Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:16 am
Forum: Articles and images to be published
Topic: Making Permanent Microscope Slides of Insects
Replies: 7
Views: 12383

Re: Making Permanent Microscope Slides of Insects

photomicro mentioned the compilation of Ernie Ives articles by the Postal Microscopical Society. The two volumes have been available for some time, I purchased my copies a year ago, and in fact the print run may have sold out by now. The books cover preparation of many kinds of specimens, but a lar...
by photomicro
Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:37 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Reichert zetopan questions
Replies: 39
Views: 9215

Re: Reichert zetopan questions

I haven’t seen a two diaphragm condenser for the Zetopan since the 70, As Phil pointed out, the bottom iris functions as a field diaphragm, while the upper iris is the aperture diaphragm. The dark field stop would need to be at that conjugate plane. I don’t think there is a practical way to accompl...
by photomicro
Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:29 am
Forum: Digital processing
Topic: Mac mini M1
Replies: 31
Views: 20591

Re: Mac mini M1

Just a very brief update … The Mac Mini arrived safely, and is everything I hoped for. It’s quiet, fast, beautiful … and more relevant to this forum : Happily runs Zerene Stacker and FIJI Warning : The FIJI update was [if I recall correctly] a 583MB file, which had an estimated download time of 37 ...
by photomicro
Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:29 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Any idea how to find dust mites?
Replies: 3
Views: 2756

Re: Any idea how to find dust mites?

If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, like a Dyson, with a solid cylinder that collects the stuff, empty it. Then, take the sheets off your bed, and vacuum the mattress. You will most likely get a rather pale coloured mass appearing in the cylinder, mostly hair and dead skin. Looking at this with a ...
by photomicro
Wed May 19, 2021 1:29 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed
Replies: 7
Views: 3612

Re: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed

As you say Michael, the preferred term seems to be sensilium, which I assume it suggestive of a sensory role. This is from one of the better slides, which as I said are all whole mounts. It is of a mole flea I think, Hystrichopsylla talpae, in this case, a female. Whilst the area of interest here is...
by photomicro
Tue May 18, 2021 8:19 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed
Replies: 7
Views: 3612

Re: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed

I have now examined around a dozen slides, all whole mounts, and the orientation of, and therefore ease of viewing this structure is extremely variable indeed !

In some, it almost appears like a horse-saddle shape, or Pringle crisp.

I may try to image one of the better ones.
by photomicro
Mon May 17, 2021 9:15 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed
Replies: 7
Views: 3612

Re: Pygidium of a Cat Flea : SEM image needed

I rather think you have the reason already Michael, in that to see the pygidium and show the features outlined in its use as a test object, requires it to be mounted especially for that purpose. Most slides I have, or have seen, are whole mounts, and I guess the mounter wasn't really bearing this in...
by photomicro
Wed Mar 31, 2021 1:49 pm
Forum: Introduce yourself
Topic: Looking Forward To Starting New Hobby.
Replies: 10
Views: 3717

Re: Looking Forward To Starting New Hobby.

Sent a welcome PM.
by photomicro
Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: What might these be?
Replies: 4
Views: 1780

Re: What might these be?

Scenedesmus , possibly quadrucauda.

The two booklets by Belcher and Swale are very useful.
by photomicro
Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:05 am
Forum: Introduce yourself
Topic: Hi from Morecambe
Replies: 5
Views: 2977

Re: Hi from Morecambe

Just to add a welcome from someone else here in the UK. White Rose, not Red Rose.... Many years ago, there used to be an amazing 'shop' in Morecambe, near the front somewhere, that was rammed with scientific stuff, including many microscopes. Long since gone, but the image came back to me as I read ...
by photomicro
Sat Feb 20, 2021 2:31 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Nikon bulb 77910
Replies: 2
Views: 1293

Re: Nikon bulb 77910

I have a Nikon model S microscope with a differential interference contrast attachment. The lamp has blown. I think it is a 77910. I haven’t been able to fine a replacement yet in the uk. I think I have 3 options. 1) find a replacement from somewhere outside the uk 2) find a BA15D bulb without the ...
by photomicro
Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:23 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Naphrax vs Pleurax vs Cameras vs Me!
Replies: 29
Views: 8278

Re: Naphrax vs Pleurax vs Cameras vs Me!

Great thread! Very inspiring to this one who is new to diatom arts :) Does anyone happen to know if there is a supplier anywhere for Pleurax? I hope to try hobby46's recipe for homemade mountant, but as a backup I thought I might try Pleurax as well, as it seems to be the least toxic to use of the ...
by photomicro
Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:34 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Zeiss Primostar 3
Replies: 16
Views: 5406

Re: Zeiss Primostar 3

I wonder how much it is?

I still struggle to understand how the ioLight folk think their device is at all affordable for education, especially as it only works with a phone or tablet.
by photomicro
Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Zeiss Primostar 3
Replies: 16
Views: 5406

Re: Zeiss Primostar 3

MichaelG. wrote:
Sun Jan 24, 2021 5:18 pm
Err ... Yes

Is sarcasm a lost art ?

MichaelG.
I guess I am so gobsmacked that they think this is a must-have feature these days, and want to shout about it !

Plus, it seems an awful palaver to carry out in this instance.
by photomicro
Sun Jan 24, 2021 4:57 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Zeiss Primostar 3
Replies: 16
Views: 5406

Re: Zeiss Primostar 3

Didn't most manufacturers have something like that 50 years ago, when built-in lighting first came in? I have a mirror that fits on the base for a CTS M25, replacing the fitment for built-in, and a similar type of thing for a Zeiss GFL, WL etc. that just sits on the base on top of the light opening....
by photomicro
Fri Jan 15, 2021 2:53 pm
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)
Replies: 9
Views: 4408

Re: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)

pippo1234 wrote:
Thu Jan 14, 2021 7:19 pm
Me too.

Giulio
If you want it, PM me. I will photograph it and send you the file, then we can arrange me posting it.
by photomicro
Thu Jan 14, 2021 5:02 pm
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)
Replies: 9
Views: 4408

Re: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)

Where are you based?

I am in the UK.

Mike
by photomicro
Wed Jan 13, 2021 11:37 am
Forum: Illumination Techniques
Topic: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)
Replies: 9
Views: 4408

Re: Phase contrast setup in Vickers M15 (not M15C)

Your picture does not show us where a slider may fit, but the following picture shows the 'student' version of a phase condenser on the right, with the turret type ('research') on the left. Such condensers took a slider that contained usually two different annuli and a bright-field position. Remembe...
by photomicro
Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:37 am
Forum: Introduce yourself
Topic: Hello from Devon UK
Replies: 4
Views: 2845

Re: Hello from Devon UK

Dear photomicro, Thanks for taking the time to reply. Once upon a time I was a very keen beekeeper and discovered the wonderful world of top bar hive beekeeping but the British beekeeping establishment are so hide bound and introspective that I have given it all up. The narrowness and petty one-up-...
by photomicro
Mon Dec 21, 2020 12:18 pm
Forum: Introduce yourself
Topic: Hello from Devon UK
Replies: 4
Views: 2845

Re: Hello from Devon UK

Hello Devon ex-beekeeper it is amazing how many folk get into microscopy through beekeeping. As a member of one of several UK-based Microscopy Societies, I receive many enquiries from beekeepers for advice about equipment and techniques. Many of course are wanting to take a BBKS qualification, requi...