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Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Wed May 01, 2019 4:50 pm
by dpreneta
Hello all...David here. I'm new to this site as I recently purchased a used Nikon type-S microscope, with variable transformer, adjustable arm with external illuminator holder, base mounted illuminator and tungsten bulb (all in beautiful and working condition). The mirror is not included and I wish it was. I use it to view slides and living protozoa (this is one of my many hobbies).

Anyway...during use I have a small computer type fan blowing air at the tungsten bulb to help reduce some of the heat it gives off and this works ok for me.

My question is...would there be a better illumination setup that wouldn't break the bank for such an older microscope? I've been looking for ways to incorporate LED lighting in my setup if possible.

Any advice or input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Wed May 01, 2019 5:39 pm
by Hobbyst46
Hello and welcome, David,
A relatively inexpensive DIY LED is possible. The cost of the electronic components is (guess) <50 USD. But , it requires proper custom-made mechanical fittings that provide adequate heat dissipation, and the cost of making these depends...

Ocassionally, a flashlight can be found that enables Kohler illumination and pleasant neutral or warm white light (unless cool white suits the needs). Forum member wporter described a successful adaptation of an inexpensive LED torch from Home Depot some time ago. I think that the key is that the torch is single die, power 3-up Watts, focusable, and especially that the outer diameter of the torch complies with the geometry of the microscope lamp collector.

Two commercial sources for LED upgrades for old microscopes, that I know of, are retroDiode of Texas and TDKK of Europe, the costs are (roughly) 150-200 USD last time I checked. At least the one from retroDidoe works great for me.
Good luck! would be glad to know the solution.

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Wed May 01, 2019 8:09 pm
by PeteM
Some of the Nikon S microscopes have a sort of tubular insert at the back of the base; where the tungsten bulb carrier inserts. On one of my Nikon S units I found a bright LED flashlight with a diameter that almost perfect matches this. Pulled off the front of the flashlight to expose just the LED, turned it down for a snug sliding fit (if you get one a tiny bit smaller you could add something like tape). By placing the LED die where the old tungsten filament you get brighter, cooler illumination -- and have a portable microscope as a bonus.

Best LED flashlight will have a rechargeable LiIon battery, at least 100 real (they often exaggerate) lumens, and at least three brightness levels. There are now some $20 or so LED flashlights that are continuously dimmable and have a USB charger port out the back. Be sure to get one where you still have access to the controls. Only downside IMO is that many flashlights have a strobe mode you may have to click though to get to all the brightness levels.

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 6:16 pm
by Radazz
There is a company called RetroDiode that makes led illuminators for a lot of classic microscopes.
I have one for the Zeiss standard with the tunnel from the back of the base to the field lens, and one for my Wild Heerbrugg M20s.
I also use the Zeiss illuminator on my Olympus SZ40 stereoscope.

They are a bit pricey, though, around $150 USD. And they only sell through eBay.

I’d say they are worth it if you can’t find the original equipment.

Radazz

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Thu May 09, 2019 2:53 pm
by dpreneta
I'd like to thank you all for your responses and suggestions. I contacted RetroDiode and ordered an LED illuminator for my Nikon S microscope. There wasn't one ready to ship out...but one was fabricated, assembled and shipped out in approximate a day and a half, it was $140.00 including shipping. Upfront it does seem costly, but once I tried it out I could not be happier with this product. The compact size alone makes it worth while compared to that old style transformer.

Again thank you..!

p.s...maybe I'll attache a pic to this post as well, if there is interest in seeing it.

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 7:25 pm
by Radazz
Do please.

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 1:49 pm
by dpreneta
Well....I'm finally posing a few pics of my scope with the RetroDiode LED illuminator. It fits and works perfectly. Much more compact than the original tungsten illuminator and transformer. The scope was $75.00 off Craigslist and the illuminator was $140.00. That's a pair of 5x eyepieces in front of the scope that was included.

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Tue May 14, 2019 2:19 pm
by Hobbyst46
Looks great, congratulations. A Nikon microscope for $75 ! Enjoy, and please post your findings and specimens as well.
quote="dpreneta"]...[/quote]BTW: does your microscope include a condenser ?

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 4:43 pm
by Radazz
Those are pretty scopes. Nice find.
Radazz

Re: Nikon Type S microscope illumination

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:42 pm
by dpreneta
Thanks guys...it really is a nice looking and working scope. I purchased it from a retired doctor...well his daughter anyway. I've just gotten back into this and time is spread thin...but I will post some images when I get rolling.

David.