Zeiss OPMI 6S - Saved from the scrapper

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ebenbildmicroscopy
Posts: 130
Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2017 8:57 pm

Zeiss OPMI 6S - Saved from the scrapper

#1 Post by ebenbildmicroscopy » Wed Aug 15, 2018 12:11 am

This post was inspired by reading through several other member's accounts of finding GREAT DEALS on Fleabay, etc...

I'm a thrift store addict and a machinist, so I've got a route of thrift stores and re-cyclers I routinely visit. I found this lonely Zeiss 6S at the scrap yard about 2 miles from my house. It has lost it's electronic foot control and, as configured, only came with the vertical viewing head. I have since replaced that with a Zeiss OPMI short barrel 45 degree head that facilitates it being used while seated at the workbench.

So, when I asked, "How much?" the young girl I always deal with asked if I'd help her roll it onto the freight elevator so she could weigh it on the shipping scales downstairs... due to the prominent stainless pole that supports the whole works, she charged me what it would bring as stainless steel scrap - $154!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it gets better... I went to a nearby ATM and withdrew $160. She didn't realize she couldn't make change so let me have it for a flat $140.

I'm an optical instrument/microscope repairman and unfortunately, the Zeiss is shown disgracefully covered in clutter out next to one of my work benches! I use it most frequently when removing burrs in damaged rack-and-pinion assemblies, and in evaluating brass, bronze, and aluminum bearing surfaces in dovetails that I am preparing to re-hone. She's a joy to use!
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JeffO, aka "Ortho amore"
Leitz Ortholux I
Leitz Orthoplan
Leitz Macro-Dia Device
Zeiss GFL
Zeiss Standard
Zeiss Photomicroscope III
Zeiss OPMI 6S
B&L Stereozoom and Balplan

GaryB
Posts: 77
Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2017 10:33 am

Re: Zeiss OPMI 6S - Saved from the scrapper

#2 Post by GaryB » Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:12 am

Well I think it's safe to say 'bargain of the year' with that one. I can't believe you got it for less than scrap value!

Excellent find and congrats 8-)

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