Wanted: Stereo scope - perhaps Nikon SMZ10?

[YorkshirePud]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a stereo microscope with a trinocular head for my small organisation, to enable us to do very basic materials analysis relating to construction. I'd also like to be able to use it for my son and I to do a few basic experiments when time permits. For anything complicated at work, we would consult a specialist, so not looking into metallurgical scopes or other such options. We work with historic buildings such as churches, so being able to look at old wood, stone and cast iron in a bit more detail would be quite beneficial at times. I would think we'd need something that covered a range between say 6x and 40x, or thereabouts. If it had Nikon F mount adapters, all the the better as we use a D810.

I understand that there may be an option on a particular Nikon model to be able to perform photography via the trinocular port on left/right optical pathways individually, which could then be merged in photoshop or similar. This would be a big advantage for our reporting needs. I've not been able to properly confirm this is an option at all, though.

As this is somewhat experimental, going for a brand new scope isn't really within the budget this year, so I was looking for something used if anyone has anything well loved and suitable that they could bare to part with?

I've been a reader of the forum for some years due to my interest in all things macro, which maybe one day I'll expand upon, but I couldn't think of a better place to place a wanted ad for the above. You all seem to love the hobby so much. In the mean time, I will also keep dreaming of a 1960's Zeiss universal for home, which might happen one Christmas if I behave myself.

Many thanks.

PS. I should add, we are UK based.

[Scarodactyl]

I understand that there may be an option on a particular Nikon model to be able to perform photography via the trinocular port on left/right optical pathways individually, which could then be merged in photoshop or similar. This would be a big advantage for our reporting needs. I've not been able to properly confirm this is an option at all, though.

The smz-10 is probably the only trinocular stereo microscope made where you can photograph through either light path, left or right, with the switch of a lever. You probably couldn't really merge them, but thry'd make nice stereo pairs.
Any idea what your budget is? That will help with sales or advice.

[YorkshirePud]

The smz-10 is probably the only trinocular stereo microscope made where you can photograph through either light path, left or right, with the switch of a lever. You probably couldn't really merge them, but thry'd make nice stereo pairs.
Any idea what your budget is? That will help with sales or advice.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

That sounds like the model we'd like to source then I think, which makes the sourcing either easier or more difficult I suppose, since I don't know how widespread that model was back in the day, but I'm guessing not very. Interesting point about merging. I'd thought you could make stereo images into an anaglyph or perhaps there may be options for VR, which is something we use also. It's all very experimental at this point but the notion is intriguing.

Budget wise, we haven't really set one, I suppose it would be roughly what it would cost to obtain a used SMZ10 in good condition that hasnt been used for electrical work, for example. I've seen them adverstised at a range of prices. From memory, I think the cheapest was $200 and the most expensive was $1200, so I think it would come down to an individual proposition.

[Scarodactyl]

They were built well and sometimes come in at quite low prices, and with darned good optics. Definitely a good target to buy used.

[photomicro]

PM sent, though as a new user, you may not be able to receive.

[YorkshirePud]

PM sent, though as a new user, you may not be able to receive.

Hi there and thank you for the PM. I did receive it. Haven't had chance to reply yet due to kids and working from home.

Edit: Now replied, I hope you receive it.