New to Microscopy

[Rainowman]

I am new to microscopy. My interests are thin rock sections, minerals, biology and microphotography. I have the opportunity to buy a good Leitz orthoplan or an Olympus BH2 BHT.
Both are configured for BF/DF use. Can anyone tell me how easy it is to make these instruments function with PPL and XPL and what are the relative merits of the two instruments.
I also have the opportunity to acquire either a Wild M7 or Nikon SMZ-10 stereo microscope. Can anyone answer the same questions as above for these two instruments.

[Charles]

Hi Rainwoman,

You might try Greg McHone's site:
http://earth2geologists.net/Microscopes/

[Rainowman]

Hi Charles,
Thanks for the pointer. Greg McHones site is an absolute mine of information, particularly with reference to the Olympus. I wish I could find such comprehensive info on the Orthoplan

[einman]

Welcome!

[charlie g]

Welcome to a terrific forum. Charlie guevara

[amanda1]

No doubts for stereomicroscope Nikon SMZ-10. I also recommend this microscope https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMAX-40X-2500X ... SwFqJWnqoO

[Rainowman]

Thanks for that Amanda. I have now settled on the leitz Orthoplan and I am considering an offer of a Wild M7 stereoscopic microscope, while still looking at a Wild M420 makroscope. The real challenge is to find the accessories for the two latter scopes for use with polarisation. I also am searching for a biological turret for the Orthoplan. I will not collect my new toy for a couple of weeks, at which point, as I start to get to grips with it, I anticipate sharing more on this forum on my learning curve