MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Here is my latest image from the stitching software I am testing. The specimen is a ginkgo archegone and is 1cm X 1cm. The original image size is 33 MB and was created by scanning the slide using a 20X objective. Editing was done using photoshop elements 16 and all I did was clean up the background....

That certainly is a nice product and it looks to be quite simple. I'm struggling to get the programs on to an old PC and am being challenged by the system, or lack thereof. In the meantime, I am still learning about the system I posted about a few days ago and will add another thread to update my pr...

I made a couple of small assumptions and a bit of arithmetic and may have a close estimate of the field of view the camera is getting. I was using a 0.5X relay lens to the camera and assumed the camera had a 0.5" sensor. Using those numbers it appears as though the camera has a .64 mm horizontal fie...

Did you have to do several passes or did it fit in just the one? The composite image was a product of many images, probably video frames, that were captured as I scanned the specimen and automatically stitched by the software. Using the 20X objective with a 10X/20mm eyepiece it is possible to estim...

Very nice. Crystals and polarization yield some beautiful images. I would frame a couple of them.

lorez

giving the video to the MS ICE utility to stitch

Thanks for the suggestion, John. I am unfamiliar with this utility. My opportunity to create the composite image of your slide arose quite by accident, but the system obviously shows some real potential.

lorez

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments.

The white lines in the photo are artifacts which are probably due to some confusion in the software. The company reps were not sure as to how they came to be, but we are meeting again next week for some additional trials.

lorez

Here is a stitched image of one of John B's slides. This image is made by 'live tiling' software. It is a simple to use system, but it has a couple of issues. As you can see there are several artifacts ( the vertical and horizontal lines ) that may be a result of some software confusion. I have done...

I guess I don't understand why you would need to remove the pins. If the slide holder is attached to the stage you can put the stage on the stereo scope when you need it and remove it when you don't.

lorez

The slide holder you are referencing has the universal locator pins and locking screw for the simple flat stages . Such a stage could be removed from a donor microscope for use in your project. If you need a stage I have a few.

lorez

Sacrifice a drop of blood. That will give you a much better test. The trick is to get a good feathered edge on your smear and that takes a bit of practice... at least for me it did. There is probably a video somewhere that will show you how to do it if need be.

lorez

I do agree. I would like to see some brightfield comparisons of a flat static subject in a permanent mount. I agree with Charles. A good / great static subject is a blood smear. Stained works better, but an unstained smear is also good. The key is to make a good feathered smear so the cells are sep...

I can share what B&L and Swift offered as alignment tools for their stereos, but it may not apply to the M8.

Let me know if there is any interest.

lorez

The objectives are all of good quality. The E40X, with the black barrel, is a lower grade objective than the others, but still yields a very good phase contrast image. It is a much better microscope than the best of those shown on the other page you listed.

lorez

The Nikon is a much better deal. There are some problems with this model which include failing fine focus and faulty filter carriers. Regardless of those issues it is still a much better deal. Get the Nikon.

lorez

Lazy Susan = Vibration

lorez

As luck would have it, I know a "garage microscope lab" architect who would probably help you design the perfect lab for a couple of sips of good single malt.

lorez

What are the dimensions of your new garage lab ? I like corner desks or desks with 'Ls'. Good strong construction is important and on a cement floor you should be able to eliminate vibrations.

lorez

[quote]- compare the different objectives on the same scope... and I hope the frame itself should not be a problem.[/quote In my original post I suggested that the stand may have some bearing on the performance of the objectives. I have the good fortune to be familiar with all of the objective grade...

So, in essence you are doing pre-processing. I think that's a good thing and the investment of a little time was certainly worth it.

Keep up the good work.

lorez

Thanks. That's enlightening, CE. I was expecting that more of the background would have been cleaned, but you have an excellent starting point. Most of my photos are nowhere near to what you have. The scale bar is just a nice addition and since I usually bug gekko and saw that he was cited I thought...

Very nice job, CE. I would like to see the original image.... and a scale bar.

lorez

One question that is not is addressed is whether the frame and other elements of the microscope will adequately support the new objectives. I would suggest that you enjoy your microscope as it is while looking for a complete bigger and better system.

lorez

I do have experience with this line of microscopes. National is the lowest of the Motic lines. Don't expect anything special from either of the two you have cited. Please beware of advertising language. There is nothing "high contrast" about that objective.

lorez

John,

I have a few of these centering telescopes. Maybe we can do a swap.

lorez

I would like to know more details of the construction involved. Rich B Thanks, Rich. Most of the construction was in putting the various selected components together in a way that they would function properly. The original intent of the project was diatom research in the field. All the parts were s...

A recent visit with mrsonchus prompted me to share this project. I've been fiddling with it for a year or so and have just a few more details to complete. The scope, as it sits, is a compilation / combination of parts from four scopes and a few pieces I had to make so the pieces would fit. The base ...

Sometimes the sticking of the retractable barrel is caused by a bind between the retractable part and the outer objective cover. If you are able to remove the objective cover you may see additional contamination. I have used fine sandpaper to clean and smooth the inner diameter of the objective cove...

Curses, Tom Jones ! Your first class work has driven me into the abyss of eBay in search of MORE equipment.

lorez

I'll endorse Rod's microscope offer.

If you have not used a phase contrast microscope this is a great place to start.

And it is a very good deal.

lorez