Zeiss Primostar 3

[MichaelG.]

.

Has just been launched: https://www.zeiss.com/microscopy/int/pr ... rm=organic

... and they have even re-invented the sub-stage mirror !

MichaelG.

[Plasmid]

Are you referring to the revolutionary fixed swing in mirror for Köhler?

[photomicro]

Didn't most manufacturers have something like that 50 years ago, when built-in lighting first came in?

I have a mirror that fits on the base for a CTS M25, replacing the fitment for built-in, and a similar type of thing for a Zeiss GFL, WL etc. that just sits on the base on top of the light opening.

Pretty sure Wild had one for the M20 too.

[MichaelG.]

Err ... Yes

Is sarcasm a lost art ?

MichaelG.

[Plasmid]

Err ... Yes

Is sarcasm a lost art ?

MichaelG.

For a second there you had me looking on ebay and on their site, to order said part.... thought my Microscopes were now obsolete and in need of an update

[photomicro]

Err ... Yes

Is sarcasm a lost art ?

MichaelG.

I guess I am so gobsmacked that they think this is a must-have feature these days, and want to shout about it !

Plus, it seems an awful palaver to carry out in this instance.

[MichaelG.]

Must confess, Mike ... I was very disappointed : I had been looking at the Zeiss website a few days earlier, and was ‘invited’ to the Primostar 3 launch

My Calendar entry says:

.

Dear Reader,

Today, let’s connect the dots! Join us for the launch of the next generation of ZEISS Primo Star:

https://zeiss.ly/cal-time-to-connect-the-dots

.

It was scheduled as a one hour time-slot, and I had assumed it would be a ‘webinar’

MichaelG.

[photomicro]

I wonder how much it is?

I still struggle to understand how the ioLight folk think their device is at all affordable for education, especially as it only works with a phone or tablet.

[Charles]

I wonder how much it is?

I still struggle to understand how the ioLight folk think their device is at all affordable for education, especially as it only works with a phone or tablet.

For the basic binocular fixex Kohler model: $1830 https://www.optics-pro.com/bright-field ... ve/p,51426

[apochronaut]

I am contemplating buying a Chinese made research stand, planfuor objectives , 7 place nosepiece, pretty much fully tricked out. Don't know if I will spring for the DIC yet. During the process of communicating my wants to the factory reps., I was sent a fair amount of literature for microscopes that they were promoting. One was the NE 600 which is basically this Zeiss Primostar 3. The NE 600 has a cordless rechargeable battery pack feature and uses the NIS-45 Nikon format objectives. These are the very same objectives that are on the Eclipse 100. The Primostar 3 may use the same. Just hidden under a chrome shrould, or they may have continued with the Olympus format ones that the previous Primostar used. The Olympus 180mm objectives would come cheaper. The chosen factory would focus on either or.
The unsolicited factory quote I was sent was about 1300.00 for the phase contrast trinocular version with a DF condenser too. The trinocular with planachros was under 900.00.
So, Zeiss is making a bit on them. They probably get the baseline unit for something over 700 plus shipping, which wouldn't be that much due to the volume and they could float them to Hamburg.

[Plasmid]

I am contemplating buying a Chinese made research stand, planfuor objectives , 7 place nosepiece, pretty much fully tricked out.

Im found that Seiler pretty much just slaps a sticker on a direct order from China, the actual manufacturer offers a lot more upgrades and features for my Microlux IV that I am very interested in purchasing ....and that Seiler does not offer. What has been your experience with dealing with the manufacturers directly,... Shipping cost, do you need to buy in bulk etc... https://m.made-in-china.com/product/Bk- ... 16172.html

[apochronaut]

Almost all microscopes from China are stencil brands. In the country, they use factory or distributor names but there are so many brokers in the west that want them branded, that the factories are pumping them out in branded volumes continuously. If you engage with them, they will try to steer you towards what is already being produced. You want a Zeiss Primostar 3. Just order one and it will come with no name on it. That's why I received unsolicited quotes. I had asked for a quote on a model that was no longer available to that distributor. It was a case of : we don't have that anymore but we have this and they sent me reams of info. along with an apology. Unfortunately, the microscope offered was not up to the level of performance, I am seeking.

I just went to another distributor. Once you jump over a certain quality threshold, the stream of constant production of a fixed product is no longer as much of a factor unless the people you are talking to are a one hit wonder. I was for instance sent a stock list of items that were available to customize several models. Planapo objectives were not listed but when I enquired about them with one manufacturer, I was told " oh yes, we have those too " and then sent the specs. and prices. I don't think they actually have the stock but the objectives would be custom made, if ordered.
Right now, if you are going to spend close to 2,000.00 on a Chinese compound microscope , you can get a considerably better microscope by bumping the budget up some. Or, in many cases you can find an equivalent microscope under a different name for much less. It seems the big distributors or dealers are just about doubling the price. 1500.00 to around 2200.00 is a bad price point for a Chinese compound microscope because usually, you are either being gouged andfor just a little more you can do much better.

[Plasmid]

I see, so I probably wont have any luck just wanting to order upgrades for my platform ( like epi, apochromats , trino head etc...) Seiler for instance does not offer fluorescenc, ...yet I found this on nanbei-china.com

[Scarodactyl]

Don't know if I will spring for the DIC yet.

You'd be a hero if you did--I think everyone is curious about these Chinese DIC systems!

[apochronaut]

Actually, the DIC system looks good. It's just that it is 3 grand.

[Scarodactyl]

It's just that it is 3 grand.

That's the heroic bit

[apochronaut]

I have to heroically dispense with a few other ones first. The microscope itself is basically a Nikon E200 but with some accessories and capabilities of the Ci. 25mm f.o.v. , septuple nosepiece, 100 watt halogen, D.I.C., ergonomic tilting head. A lot of the components are being made for Nikon, I suspect..