MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

I am using a 10W LED. However, the standard base is longer, so the optical path is probably longer, and light intensity drops with the distance, so 15-20W might be better for the Standard, especially for darkfield as suggested by Apochronaut in other posts.
On the other hand, the Pettigrow article in Micscape describes conversion to an illuminator based on a Cree Xlamp XM-L U2. That appears to be a 10W LED.

Thank you 75RR and Hobbyst.

I don't know if I should take it. The problem is that I can't receive packages until the 17 of January up to one month, so there is no time for him to do the conversion. Is it hard to do it by myself ? As I said, I am not a handy guy, I'd too afraid to screw up...

The problem is that I can't receive packages until the 17 of January up to one month,

That sounds cryptic. Moving? Can a neighbor help?

Anyway, before ordering the LED (if you do decide to go for it) ask seller for images and details.

By the way you need to ask him about the Phase telescope that came with it.

This looks like yours:

That sounds cryptic. Moving? Can a neighbor help?

Well, I am actually in holidays in my hometown. I'll start the 2nd semester of the Uni this Monday. My mother is 100% available in my hometown to receive packages, until the 17 of January, where she's moving for her holidays. As I am a student, I am almost never at home (studying in the Uni).

Quick but most important update: I bought the Zeiss Standard 14

I would like to thanks everyone who got involved, and take their time to help me. I'll update when I will receive the microscope !

Thanks everyone !

Congratulations! I think you made a good decision. Good optics, good ergonomics, and very upgradeable, with parts relatively easy to find in Europe. I'm sure you'll get many years of service out of that microscope. It's also encouraging to know you bought it from someone with some knowledge about microscopes. The generic eyepieces may be ok for casual visual use, but if you get a trinocular camera setup you really should get a proper Zeiss correcting eyepiece.

Did you go with the LED? I'm guessing no, and I think that the halogen light will be perfectly fine.

Thank you for the kind comment Viktor. Getting proper Zeiss eyepieces was already in the back of my mind ! And I went with the Halogen light.

Quick but most important update: I bought the Zeiss Standard 14

Congratulations. I am sure you will be happy with it!

Thank you 75RR. I can't wait to test it

Glycolyse wrote: And I went with the Halogen light.

Congratulations for decision and choice!
In the unlikely case that something seems "stucK" do not apply force... and in the very unlikely case that you need to tighten or loosen a screw, those are delicate accurate machine screws that should only be manipulated with quality precision screw drivers.

Thank you Hobbyst, and thanks for the advice.

Please write your impressions when you play around with it a bit, Glycolyse. I'm seriously considering getting the same microscope and I'd love to get first-hand experience from you.

Sure Furguson ! I will be posting Thursday. I received the microscope at my hometown this morning - but I am currently in a busy period (exams).

MicroBob wrote: This can be overcome by using a Leitz or PZO condenser with the same mount.

Bob

PZO condenser is 2mm wider than Zeiss/lomo

phacops wrote:

MicroBob wrote: This can be overcome by using a Leitz or PZO condenser with the same mount.

Bob

PZO condenser is 2mm wider than Zeiss/lomo

This was a Zeiss West Standard Junior microscope with 39,5mm condenser diameter. I use one with either a PZO or Leitz (Laborlux SM) condenser, both 39,5mm but different optical design.
Zeiss Jena pre-war was 37mm as was Olympus. Lomo was 37mm too. Zeiss Jena post war was mostly 39,5mm.

Bob

I adopt Tyoda condenser to Biolar using a ring.