What’s in the box?

[Rossf]

I promise it’s not Gwyneth Paltrow’s head. Been on the hunt for this for a long time.

[BramHuntingNematodes]

Ah yes this is the mid century Olympus set of hairnets used to keep hairdos from contaminating samples it is extremely difficult to find an intact set as researchers often pilfered these hairnets for their own personal use a good find indeed

[Rapidray]

Ok...I’m in...( emo...eating popcorn...)

[Chris Dee]

Circular polarising stage?

[PeteM]

Surely near 50% air, by volume.

For the other half, a phase contrast set? DIC prisms?

[Rossf]

Ha! Good answers all-BramHuntingNematodes I approve of your batty humour -PeteM you win.
Full Olympus phase set from EH research scope! Mint condition!-the lining of the box is a bit shabby from age but the objectives and condenser never saw the light of day. It was like opening the Ark of the Covenant in an Indiana Jones movie.So types Positive Low,Positive Low Low,Negative High,Negative Medium all 10,20,40,100x. So then I found an immaculate EH scope that’s on the way from an Australian seller so no messing about with voltage converters (phew). It’s been a good week for finding gear. Have to ask BramHuntingNematodes did you grab the B+L 97x phase objective on eBay recently? I’ve noticed you’re experiment with DIY phase but wondered if you’re getting serious about phasing up your little black beauty.
Regards all Ross

[PeteM]

That's a pretty amazing find, Ross. I've never seen (before now) a full set. Congrats.

Seems you'll soon have one of the world's most versatile photo studios for protists and more.

[BramHuntingNematodes]

I grabbed an amazing full set of phase objectives, condenser, telescope even the kodak green filters for a cool $125 a few weeks back. The velvet was so blue it looked electric. It's a darn good time for gear right now.

[BramHuntingNematodes]

There's even a second DDE on right now in as many months not quite as nice but 500 bucks

[Rossf]

Funny you should say that PeteM-that’s exactly what I’m up to! Trying to put a documentary together about biological farming and gardening (Biodynamic and aerated compost tea mainly)-as my microscope Sensei told me “it’s the biology that makes the chemicals to feed the plants ,not the farm chemicals that make the biology”-she has PHD’s in microbiology, vet science and Agricultural science-she’s easily close to 80 and still running courses on compost brewing and microscope use to diagnose soil problems. When farmers wanted a crop problem tested she would always say in a grumpy Professor voice “Don’t send me the damn plant...send me a soil sample!” Wonderful lady.
BramHuntingNematodes glad you took the plunge-it gives an extra sense of wonder seeing these critters insides, food churning in vacuoles that suddenly disappear ,and amoebas alone are reason enough to have at least a couple of phase objectives. And especially for a nematode aficionado,seeing a pregnant nematode eating voraciously while her developing eggs show squirming babies inside...way better than TV! Have you put the updated B&L in the “my scope section” turret and all?-would like to see that...

[Rapidray]

Wow...that is nice - very nice!
I like her answer....send me a soil sample