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!
LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:39 pm
Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
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.
John B
Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
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.
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.
Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
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
A question, how you take photographs with it? Have you any picture to see the quality? THANKS
Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
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...
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:39 pm
Re: LED Transillumination for a Nikon SMZ-2 Stereo Zoom Microscope
Excellent idea, dunno why I didn't think of it!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.
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