Reichert Polyvar

[Rorschach]

How goes your restoration? I'm curious to hear about the progress you're making!

It went well initially, I think I have all the parts and optics in hand now, including a functioning IK condenser. Then life got in the way and I didn't have a proper space for assembly and use of the scope. However, this will improve in relatively near future so the work will continue

[Rorschach]

I am wondering about this polarization optic for the Polyvar, please see image below. It goes on the output of transmitted light at the foot of the microscope. I am thinking that it could be used for simple polarization with the universal condenser but I am not sure what else would be needed. Maybe one of those sliders that go in above the nosepiece. There are many different sliders for the Polyvar, though.

I have not seen a desciption or even a mention of this part in any of the Polyvar brochures or manuals that I have. It can be seen in one of the overall photos of the scope in a Polyvar Met user manual but no description or anything else about it. Maybe the part is from the Polyvar 2 era, and thus there is nothing about it in the earlier materials.

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[Rorschach]

The Reichert Polyvar saga continues We found a scope in excellent condition for our university unit.

It does not have the universal condenser but we can find that one later. The condenser it does have I am unfamiliar with but will get details later. The objectives were marked as polarization compatible.

It seems to have a ready adapter solution for DSLR on the top. There is also the Dual Reflex module, which may allow the attaching of a C-mount camera as well. I don't know the details and different parts of the Dual Reflex system so maybe an adapter is needed. It also seems to have equipment for simple polarization: the nosepiece slider and the (original) part that goes on the transmitted light output.

There's both filter wheels as well, one for transmitted and the other one for incident. Even the handrests are there, which is rare

Edit: I think a clarification is in order for those of you who have followed the Polyvar saga The freebie one I got for myself last year was from an entirely different unit (where I used to study a long time ago). This one is being purchased for the unit where I work now.

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[Rorschach]

What is the policy here regarding brochures etc. for legacy, out of production microscope models? I ask because I recently got hold of (probably) one of the last (1985) and most comprehensive (20 pages) Reichert Polyvar brochures in color and in excellent condition. I would like to scan it and put it up here in this message thread for everybody to use and enjoy. Seems to me that this would hardly be a breach on anyone's rights, as brochures are, after all, free marketing materials originally intended for maximum distribution. Also, the model hasn't been sold in three decades or so, plus I am not making any profit here.

At the same time, I also managed to get hold of an original Reichert Polyvar UK order list, which is near complete (appears that two last pages are missing). I would like to put that here as well. An order list falls under marketing material as well.

[MichaelG.]

I obviously cannot speak for the policy-makers … but I would certainly be interested in seeing the scans !

MichaelG.

[apochronaut]

I can't believe anyone at Leica would care. They seem to have long ago forgotten their legacy, except to brandish certain aspects of it that they deem useful for marketing. You might consider contacting Steve Neeley and sending a scan to him as well. He provides or has links to AO related info., including the translated scan provided by a MHF member of the Reichert Univar manual. That site is a bit of a focal point for Reichert as well as AO. Sales brochures are often valuable because they sometimes profile a broad range of accessories that general manuals or even service literature don't mention, helping users to identify items or even pursue applications.

I use Reichert objectives all the time but not in a Polyvar. I only know the versions listed for the Univar and Diavar 2 up to about 1978 or so. Having some background of the versions offered later for transmitted microscopy would be of value to me personally.

[Rorschach]

Alright then. Next week I should have access to a good scanner so I can do this. I may have to split them into several images/pdfs as there seems to be a pretty strict pixel size & kb size limit on here. The mods can then remove the stuff, should they feel that way. I'll contact Steve Neeley as well.

[Rorschach]

I am wondering about this polarization optic for the Polyvar, please see image below. It goes on the output of transmitted light at the foot of the microscope. I am thinking that it could be used for simple polarization with the universal condenser but I am not sure what else would be needed. Maybe one of those sliders that go in above the nosepiece. There are many different sliders for the Polyvar, though.

I have not seen a desciption or even a mention of this part in any of the Polyvar brochures or manuals that I have. It can be seen in one of the overall photos of the scope in a Polyvar Met user manual but no description or anything else about it. Maybe the part is from the Polyvar 2 era, and thus there is nothing about it in the earlier materials.

2024-04-11 15_16_31-Reichert-Jung Polyvar widefield condenser 0.92_0.32 excellent optical condition .jpg

The brochure I mentioned above also cleared up the mystery of this part. It's not a polarizer of any kind, instead it's a widefield condenser 0.92/0.32 which is designed to perfectly illuminate large object fields (as they write: "up to field of view No. 30") and is compatible with objectives down to mag. 2.5x (with the 0.32 aperture). This condenser can also be motor-controlled by the Telematic NC system. Seems like it can also be manually operated, though. I am not sure what advantage or extra usability it might give if used along a Universal Condenser or one of the other condenser. The universal condenser already does have a swing-in aux lens for low-power objectives but maybe it wasn't intended for quite as low a mag as 2.5, because the Polyvar manual specifically mentions the use of the swing-in lens with the Plan 4x objective.

So, to gain simple transmitted polarization, I am still hunting for the analyzer part that goes on the light exit on the foot below stage & condenser.

[apochronaut]

Is that wide field condenser a stand alone condenser or a suplemental condenser?

[Rorschach]

Is that wide field condenser a stand alone condenser or a suplemental condenser?

I am not sure. It has an internal lens that can be swung into the light path and out, thus providing the 0.32 or 0.92 functionality. This condenser can be seen in two of the many photos of the Polyvar in the brochure and in both there appears to be a another, normal condenser installed also.

In the Polyvar Met manual, section 5.2 which is about the Telematic automatics, this condenser is seen in a few drawings and in each one, there's also another condenser installed. No mention about this condenser in the text, though.

The 'evidence' seems to point toward an auxiliary condenser then, I guess.

[PeteM]

Rorschach - thank you in advance for scanning and posting the Polyvar materials. I know that several of us find these scopes a mystery.

[apochronaut]

.92 is pretty high for an aux. condenser and would require at least a doublet plus highly curved plano convex back lens to achieve that on it's own with acceptable corrections. It seems that the unit might be a very low N.A. reducing aux. condenser that interchanges for an intermediate performance level condenser too : both without removing the primary well corrected condenser to complete the whole. Somewhat unique and convenient design, if that is what it entails.
It has always been a challenge to cover the bases with one condenser and moreso at the field coverage required in the Polyvar.

[Rorschach]

Rorschach - thank you in advance for scanning and posting the Polyvar materials. I know that several of us find these scopes a mystery.

No problem, I'll do it next week. It's nice to be able to do something in return, after all the help and tips I have received.

And yes, the Polyvar seems to certainly have an aura of mystique around it and it seems to generate a lot of interest - the view count of this thread is incredible! Something that I had not noticed until a couple days ago.

[Rorschach]

.92 is pretty high for an aux. condenser and would require at least a doublet plus highly curved plano convex back lens to achieve that on it's own with acceptable corrections. It seems that the unit might be a very low N.A. reducing aux. condenser that interchanges for an intermediate performance level condenser too : both without removing the primary well corrected condenser to complete the whole. Somewhat unique and convenient design, if that is what it entails.
It has always been a challenge to cover the bases with one condenser and moreso at the field coverage required in the Polyvar.

Sounds logical - and convenient too. Is there a way to find out more, e.g. by taking photos through the aux condenser from a certain distance with the movable lens swung in and swung out?

[Rorschach]

The Reichert Polyvar saga continues We found a scope in excellent condition for our university unit.

It does not have the universal condenser but we can find that one later. The condenser it does have I am unfamiliar with but will get details later. The objectives were marked as polarization compatible.

It seems to have a ready adapter solution for DSLR on the top. There is also the Dual Reflex module, which may allow the attaching of a C-mount camera as well. I don't know the details and different parts of the Dual Reflex system so maybe an adapter is needed. It also seems to have equipment for simple polarization: the nosepiece slider and the (original) part that goes on the transmitted light output.

There's both filter wheels as well, one for transmitted and the other one for incident. Even the handrests are there, which is rare

Edit: I think a clarification is in order for those of you who have followed the Polyvar saga The freebie one I got for myself last year was from an entirely different unit (where I used to study a long time ago). This one is being purchased for the unit where I work now.


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An update on this Polyvar. The camera adapter on top is indeed for full frame, which is perfect for our needs. The seller also mentioned that the side port (Dual Reflex) would have a C-mount on it, so perfect for something like the Zeiss Axiocam Color 208, which is what we use.

The scope was shipped yesterday from Germany so I expect to get it delivered at my unit next week maybe.

[apochronaut]

.92 is pretty high for an aux. condenser and would require at least a doublet plus highly curved plano convex back lens to achieve that on it's own with acceptable corrections. It seems that the unit might be a very low N.A. reducing aux. condenser that interchanges for an intermediate performance level condenser too : both without removing the primary well corrected condenser to complete the whole. Somewhat unique and convenient design, if that is what it entails.
It has always been a challenge to cover the bases with one condenser and moreso at the field coverage required in the Polyvar.

Sounds logical - and convenient too. Is there a way to find out more, e.g. by taking photos through the aux condenser from a certain distance with the movable lens swung in and swung out?

i can only extrapolate from using a broad range of Reichert objectives on a Diastar, from 2.5X up. There was a degree of technical overlap between the Austrian and U.S. factories even to the point of rebranding equipment for either the U.S. or Austria made across the pond. The Diastar achieved it's W.F. condenser performance a little differently from the Polyvar , though.
There were only 10 and 15X eyepieces for the Diastar, which came out in 1985 and the widest illumination field required is 8mm at 2.5X. The standard condenser was a W.F. aspheric, which can illuminate a 4X objective at an F.N. of 20 and a 10x eyepiece but requires a swing in aux. condenser for the 2.5X.

The Polyvar ( 1978) was envisioned as a cheaper and slightly more flexible version of the Univar which was introduced in 1973, when the use of low power eyepieces although declining , was still practiced some. There was also some preference for 6.3X eyepieces for fluorescence, where their brighter image was beneficial. The Polyvar eyepiece stable was the same as the Univar, 6.3X, 10X and 16X, and the F.N. is stated as 30, so the widest illumination field required using the 6.3X eyepieces and a 2.5X objective is around 12mm, which is a pretty big spot of light.
You should be able to measure that with the .32 aux. condenser set up.

The Univar had a condenser turret which contained a fixed low power achromat condenser of .12 N.A. for use up to a 10X objective and any 2 of the other condenser options available. Thus there was a dedicated dry .65 achromat, dry .90 achromat, a 1.30 oil achromat, dry DF , oil DF, 1.30 fluorescence achromat.
The Polyvar literature claims the 1.30 oil condenser to be an apochromat. It doesn't mention whether it is used at all with the .32/.92 aux. condenser. I don't know what the rear lens components are above the .32/.92 but it sounds like that is a specific high dry N.A. achromat system for general use with all objectives, to be swapped out for the 1.30 apochromat for critical oil immersion microscopy. Does that tally with your thinking?

[wabutter]

The Polyvar offered three condenser for BF TL applications, The Universal condenser for DIC, Phase, BF and DF inserted. The standard condenser element for this condenser was a 5 element Aplanatic/Achromatic corrected with 1.30na or 0.90na when used dry. There was also a immersion DF condenser available with 1.42/1.18 na for use with objectives 25x to 100x. of course appropriate iris diaphragm were needed for objectives above 40x

When the Polyvar 2 was introduced in 1990, there were two widefield condensers. 0.92/ 0.32 the aux lens for the low mag was manually activated in one version and the other had an automatic introduction of the aux lens via nosepiece position. When the low mag objective (2.5 to 10x) were introduced in the optical path, the aus lens was put into place.

The Dual reflex module allowed for variety of intermediate image devices to be introtduced into the optical path. Unlike AO infinity corrected scope, that intermediate devices could be sandwiched between the tube and the objectives, this was not possilble the the Polyvar. Two dual reflex module were avaiable, one had a 50/50 split, only really useful if the dual view bridge was to be used. the other was a 90/10 split. This was used to projection of reticle, grain size reticle, alpha numerical coded, objects. The Macro dual view that essentially workd as a drawing tube or way to project overlays into the image. It also provide a CMount, or T mount access to the left side the instrument. In the case of the MeF3, a viewing screen was attached to the side, using 150W XBO lamp.

Polyvar 2 stands also upgraded the top port camera system so the 4x5 Polaroid as well as two 35mm camera could be mounted simultaniously.

I have a 12 page order list from 1985 for the Polyvar and a 4 page brochure of Polyvar 2. I'll see if I can scan at least one of them so they are reasonable size to attach.

[apochronaut]

21-40/1B Polyvar E 7/78


Section 3.5 .The Brightfield Condenser is of
a novel optical design which gives correct
illumination of the wide fields as well as
the corresponding illumination apertures
for all magnification steps. When chang -
ing to lower magnifications not only the
high aperture front lens 0.90 of the
condenser is swung out but simultan-
eously another optics with an aperture of
0.32 is swung in. For special requirements
such as when apochromatic objectives
are being used and for contrast micro-
scopy we supply an apochromatic
aplanatic immersion condenser N.A.= 1.30.

Does your condenser have any markings on the body of the upper lens section , or what is sometimes called the nose of the condenser?

[wabutter]

Attached is a copy of the Polyvar order guide from 1985. I have one from the 1990 as well, but it is for the Polyvar 2 and si twice the size. I learn by trying to post it here, it it too large for this forum to attach. I have two scans. 100DPI in BW and 200DPI gray scaled. the latter is over 6Mb in size.

Here is a link to the the larger file on my Googel drive I'll leave it up for few weeks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhfkkY ... sp=sharing

[apochronaut]

Interesting. I see both a 25X .45 Plan and 25X .65 Planapo on that order guide, contrary to previous information received.

That guide doesn't indicate the correction level of the universal condenser but the section above in post # 138, extracted ftom a 1978 manual clearly states that it is an apochromat/aplanat. Typically, an achromat/aplanat is 4 element. An achromat doublet front collecting lens, a meniscus and a focusing plano convex. 4 elements in 3 groups. A 5 element condenser would likely include a triplet collecting lens, thus 5 elements and be apochromatic.

[Rorschach]

Wayne & apochronaut, thanks again for a load of info! I am not sure which parts I can confidently answer but a few things at least:
The aux condenser doesn't have any markings on it anywhere. It is understandable that there is no mention of the aux condenser in the 1978 Polyvar manual as it seems that this aux condenser did not appear until some time in the early 80ies.

I have actually three Universal Condensers for the Polyvar and each of them has a different top/nose. Here's the markings on them, starting with the one that came with my own Polyvar (the other two were purchased from a member on here):
A=1.3 np
A=1.3 P
A=0.9 P
Not sure why the lone letter 'P' is written in capital letters but the 'np' is not.

It would certainly be great if the aux is intended for and can help in low-power widefield and 'high-and-dry' areas, as I can see that being very useful for routine work, when the extra resolution of oil immersion objectives is not necessary.

Edit: I felt like an early bird so I went and scanned the Polyvar 1985 Brochure (20 pages, color) and the Polyvar Order List 1981 (greytone). They are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5aqk6b9m ... rmatl&dl=0

[Rorschach]

Speaking of condensers, let us take a sidetrack here and look at the Polyvar that is coming to my unit. It will have the five condensers in the following photos. One of them, the default brightfield (A=0.9 and A=0.32) condenser comes with the scope and the other four are coming from another seller. Some of the four extra condensers will have polarizers included, I was told. In the last photo, there's the scaled polarizer for reflected light, also incoming next week, I think.

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[apochronaut]

It is understandable that there is no mention of the aux condenser in the 1978 Polyvar manual as it seems that this aux condenser did not appear until some time in the early 80ies.

Oh but it does. If you read the section it clearly mentions the 0.32 and 0.90 options( not 0.92 for some reason) plus the 1.30 apochromat/aplanat option.

It seems that in 1978, the introduction year they offered the wide field .032/0.90 condenser and the 1.30 apochromat aplanat condenser. There is also mention of a universal 1.30 condenser that includes the dry DF, phase and interference inserts. I can't quite figure out if the 1.30 apochromat aplanat and the universal condenser are the same. There was also an oil DF condenser and a stand alone .65 BF condenser.
It is possible that the apochromat reference is a typo. or an English translation mistake but Wayne mentioned 5 elements which makes sense for an apochromat and 4 for an achromat, unless a cemented plano surface top plate is a feature of that condenser and is added in as an element for embellishment. The AO 1.40 achromat/aplanat for instance was a 4 element plus that plano/plano plate but it usually isn't included as a lens element. So, in total 3 condensers or 4 if the apochromat/aplanat turns out to be real.

In the 1985 brochure they show 3 distinct condensers. The wide field 0.32/0.90, the 1.30 universal and the oil DF.

In the 1982 German language version they mention 3. The 0.32/0.90 dry condenser, the 0.32/0.90/1.30 universal condenser and the oil DF condenser.

[Rorschach]

It is understandable that there is no mention of the aux condenser in the 1978 Polyvar manual as it seems that this aux condenser did not appear until some time in the early 80ies.

Oh but it does. If you read the section it clearly mentions the 0.32 and 0.90 options( not 0.92 for some reason) plus the 1.30 apochromat/aplanat option.

I think that refers to an attachment to the standard widefield BF condenser. Here's the page from the Polyvar user manual where it is talked about (page B 8, but year of print is not known). This also explains why it's 0.9 and not 0.92 that is mentioned.

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[apochronaut]

See the edits re: 1982 in my earlier post. That explains the .90 vs. .92 difference, yes.

Can you see any reference to an apochromat/aplanat 1.30 condenser in your literature? I am confused by that 1978 reference.

[Rorschach]

See the edits re: 1982 in my earlier post. That explains the .90 vs. .92 difference, yes.

Can you see any reference to an apochromat/aplanat 1.30 condenser in your literature? I am confused by that 1978 reference.

There is no mention of an apochromat/aplanat condenser in my literature.

On Wayne's 1985 order list, page 6, the description of the 'NC automatic widefield condenser for brightfield', an aperture iris diaphragm is mentioned. Well, the black mystery aux condenser I now have, does not have a diaphragm. I am puzzled. Maybe that part of Wayne's order list is talking about another condenser. Or maybe this black part that I have that goes on the light exit is meant to be paired with a 'proper' condenser, the one that it is pictured together with in my 1985 Brochure on page 6.

By the way, it seems Wayne's order list from 1985 is missing pages 4 and 5?

Now that we have more brochures and order lists at our perusal than ever, we are even more confused about a few things than before. Ignorance is bliss, I guess

[apochronaut]

It makes me wonder if they made an apochromat/aplanat for a while, then just went with an achromat/aplanat. If such a condenser exists, it might have been the only one made by anyone. I have come across no other.
Prior to the 1960's some companies made condensers that had R.M.S. threads. Researchers, who sought maximum mileage with their apochromats had the option to use a matching objective to their observation objective as a condenser. A 20X .65 apochromat objective and a 20X .65 apochromat condenser. Similar in fact to what takes place in some vertically illuminated systems.

Unfortunately catalogues have typos , ommissions, deletions , errors and are only printed or updated infrequently. I'm sure there are many accessories that came and went between catalogues. In the early 60's, AO issued 10X .30 43X .80 and 80X 1.30 infinity corrected apochromats for the series 10/20, briefly. No catalogue # stamped on the barrel as was the custom for that series of objectives or ever in a catalogue as far as I can see. It would have been entirely up to sales reps. to inform customers about them, which would have been entirely random.

[Rorschach]

It makes me wonder if they made an apochromat/aplanat for a while, then just went with an achromat/aplanat. If such a condenser exists, it might have been the only one made by anyone. I have come across no other.
Prior to the 1960's some companies made condensers that had R.M.S. threads. Researchers, who sought maximum mileage with their apochromats had the option to use a matching objective to their observation objective as a condenser. A 20X .65 apochromat objective and a 20X .65 apochromat condenser. Similar in fact to what takes place in some vertically illuminated systems.

Unfortunately catalogues have typos , ommissions, deletions , errors and are only printed or updated infrequently. I'm sure there are many accessories that came and went between catalogues. In the early 60's, AO issued 10X .30 43X .80 and 80X 1.30 infinity corrected apochromats for the series 10/20, briefly. No catalogue # stamped on the barrel as was the custom for that series of objectives or ever in a catalogue as far as I can see. It would have been entirely up to sales reps. to inform customers about them, which would have been entirely random.

Sure, one of those is of course a possibility.

@wabutter Wayne, I can scan the 1990 Polyvar 2 brochure for you and any others that might be of interest. Will send them back afterwards.

I edited the message a bit for clarity.

[apochronaut]

The English 1978 and German 1982 catalogues/brochures I referenced are available from Gordon Cougar's site, accessible from the P.S. Neeley cataloge page.
Use Reichert A-4, not klein.

[wabutter]

I rescanned the order guide with the missing pages 4-5.
Here is a link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HhM2Hy ... drive_link

This link will take you to the Polyvar 2 4 page brochure, it is the only version I have
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hFPQUz ... drive_link

Thre was only one version of the top element for the Universal Condenser. It mention a conservative spec with the acrhromatic reference. I didn'f find a Apochromatic refernce in my lit. However, with 5 elements, I am confident it is a Aochromatic/Aplanatic condenser.What made is somewhat unique was it could be used dry or with oil. Also with the aux lens below the condenser mount, it could be used with a 4x objective

When the Diastar was introduced, that top element could also fit in the 1201 condenser mount. Very good option when using the Reichert produced Plan Fluor objectives.