Hello from England but I'm Irish

[MichaelD]

Hi Everyone, Michael here from Ireland. I have been experimenting with microscopy on and off over the years. The only microscope I own is a Bresser LCD Microscope (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bresser-Microsc ... 421&sr=8-6&) I really enjoyed experimenting with and modifying this cheap microscope in an attempt to get better images. I have also experimented with different types of illumination including IR.
I have had on and off access over the years to better microscopes though my University, various employers, etc. Some sample images I took as part of my PhD can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mgdevereu ... 6661529722
These were taken with a Brunel SP200. This is a hollow cellulose fibre submerged in stout beer. I am now looking to purchase a decent but reasonably priced microscope for myself with a SLR phototube and darkfield capabilities.

[JimT]

Welcome. Check the home page of this site. There are a number of articles offering buying advice and things to consider. Also, the members of this forum can give you their experiences and recommendations.

[Dennis]

I would recommend poking around on Ebay. I have a few microscopes I got there for 100- 150 dollars and one I plunged down 300 dollars for and then the realization finally sunk in- I am over equipped for my needs!!! (I stopped!)

-Dennis

[apochronaut]

Welcome, MIchaelD. A second to the ebay option and you are lucky to be in a land where a fair number of Vickers instruments were sold . Vickers ,( Biorad too) are all just old enough to be going surplus, so sometimes they show up for a pretty low price. A Vickers Photoplan, is a fantastic microscope. I recently saw a Baker intereference microscope on ebay U.K. for almost nothing. Those both, are worth watching for across the pond.

[gekko]

Welcome, Michael!

[mrsonchus]

Hi and welcome Michael - ah.. the SP200 - I love that 'scope.
Great to have you on-board!