LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

Here you can discuss different microscopic techniques and illumination methods, such as Brightfield, Darkfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Oblique illumination, etc.
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gconcepcion
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:39 pm

LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#1 Post by gconcepcion » Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:22 am

Hello,

I have a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope that I managed to score at a University Surplus store (terrapin traders: https://www.purchase.umd.edu/ttrader/ ) almost a decade ago that is in remarkably good condition. I'm assuming it sat in a cabinet somewhere for decades and got very minimal usage.

https://imgur.com/odOUcWP
https://imgur.com/FgAUx3w
https://imgur.com/Xh0DQbc
https://imgur.com/AuGuvdE

It's an excellent microscope, I love it and use it regularly to take photos of small aquatic organisms other general everyday scientific nerd use.

I've never had a mounted lamp for the transillumination on the base, but I want to add one, and I would prefer to go the LED route. The port on the back is standard 30mm size.

Any recommendations of a decent LED setup that I can use for transillumination through the base?

Thanks!

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mrsonchus
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Location: Cumbria, UK

Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#2 Post by mrsonchus » Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:56 am

Hi, I made a trans-illumination light (LED) for my stereo 'scope recently. Very cheap parts, see my post here for details...

John B.
John B

Hobbyst46
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Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:02 pm

Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#3 Post by Hobbyst46 » Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:06 am

In addition to the beautiful setup made by mrsonchus, here is another variant
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6812
John B.'s device is easier to assemble I think, I chose a somewhat different starting material only because it was available to me. The LEDs I preferred and use are warm white, not cool light.
I found that a synthetic dense cheese-making filtration cloth (of which I have a lot to spare) makes an excellent LED light diffuser.

Tarloth
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 5:15 am

Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#4 Post by Tarloth » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:26 pm

Hi, I have the same microscope with the same transillumination base but without lamp. I use an COB LED that works fantastic without diffuser (but better with one), I take a photograph this afternoon.

A question, how you take photographs with it? Have you any picture to see the quality? THANKS

Hobbyst46
Posts: 4277
Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:02 pm

Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#5 Post by Hobbyst46 » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:31 pm

So far I have used the stereoscope only for manipulation of specimens, plant dissection etc, not for photography. Waiting for a camera that I ordered. I do not expect high quality photos from it, but maybe...

gconcepcion
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:39 pm

Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope

#6 Post by gconcepcion » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:58 pm

mrsonchus wrote:Hi, I made a trans-illumination light (LED) for my stereo 'scope recently. Very cheap parts, see my post here for details...

John B.
Excellent idea, dunno why I didn't think of it!
I'm trying out a different version:
Puck light

I also have a whole bunch of CREE led's laying around that I may try to whip up something DIY with, but for the time being I think a simple puck light will suit my needs!

edit: a word

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