Making a filter holder

[DonSchaeffer]

My microscope does not have a filter holder. The "diaphragm" is just a series of various sized holes above the lamp. It there any way I can add a real filter holder so I can get a real dark field image?

[rnabholz]

Maybe something like this might work?

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3606&p=33265#p33265

[dtsh]

Some info or images of your scope might help generating ideas, but can you place coins/filters on top of the lamp lens? I've done this with a couple of scopes and while it's not as nice as a filter holder, it does work. You'll have to play around with various sizes of fillers (coins, cardboard circles, etc) to get the right size for the objective you are using to get the best effect, but in that regard it isn't much different than using a filter holder.

Depending on your microscope, you may be able to attach a filter holder to your condenser. Lots of possibilities for simple addition/modification such as loosening a screw to hold a thin metal clip to hold a filter, 3D printing a filer holder to clip on, swapping to a condenser with a built in holder, etc. Sometimes you just need to get creative.

[DonSchaeffer]

Thanks for these ideas. I didn't think of the coin idea at all.

[75RR]

Can't find it now, but at one point someone on ebay was selling a filter tray/trays that fitted under the condenser with magnets.

Might be worth experimenting with the concept - assuming that might work on your microscope.

[Roldorf]

Yes, good idea! You could use those rubberized sheet magnets.