3 Grammatophora serpentina (Diatoms)

[75RR]

Planapo 63x/1.4, DIC, 70µm length (each one), 4 stacks stitched in Photoshop

Marinespecies distribution has them in the Atlantic side of the Strait of Gibraltar, seems they are now at least 60km past the Straight. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php? ... tributions

[Hobbyst46]

Stunning as ever!
Are the black spots part of the organism?

[75RR]

Thanks Hobbyst46

Are the black spots part of the organism?

No, though I am not sure what they were. There was unfortunately a lot of detritus scattered among the 3 diatoms.

Here is one that was on its own (sans detritus) This one was a bit smaller at 60µm

[houstontx]

Is this with Zeiss DIC? Is the prism designated as oil?

I ask because I have a Reichert zetopan IK with 63x prism in the turret condenser, i am wondering if it would work with a 63x zeiss oil objective? Or only a dry...

anyway sorry to de rail the thread a bit. Really love these pics.

[75RR]

Thanks houstontx

Yes, I have the 4th iteration of 160 tube Zeiss DIC (See link):

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1543

My Zeiss DIC condenser has 2 wollaston prisms which can be used with wet or dry objectives

(I) ≦16x (Plan objectives equal or smaller than 16x)
(II) ≥40x (Plan objectives equal or larger than 40x)

Have a look at this thread on achieving DIC with non designated objectives:

https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... hlight=dic

[houstontx]

OK great thanks for that info, from the thread it looks like both oil and a 60x objective may work with the 63x prism? The only thing that may need to be adjusted is condenser height to dial in the interference bands...

[75RR]

As the thread shows a surprising number of Zeiss non designated objectives, as well as those of various makes work quite well with the Zeiss Wollaston prisms.
Having said that, there are many more that don't.

It might be an idea to borrow some objectives for testing rather than buying until you know what works. Good luck

[houstontx]

Well i tried a 60x nikon plan apo 0.95 & I can confirm it works well with the reichert 63x prism.

Now the only problem is the condenser with its low 0.70NA lens and lack of 20x prism. Maybe i could swap the prisms into another condenser...

[75RR]

Well i tried a 60x nikon plan apo 0.95 & I can confirm it works well with the reichert 63x prism.

Good news!

Now the only problem is the condenser with its low 0.70NA lens ...

Have you seen this thread?

viewtopic.php?f=5&p=62018#p61392

[houstontx]

Yes I see I'll have to measure the thread width of the condenser lens, its good to know its possible to swap between different mfgrs. Maybe I'll have to try to find a Zeiss 1.4 condenser...

BTW I also realize now I have the 50x 1.0 NA leitz fluotar from arturos article in the first thread you mentioned and it works best with the 40x reichert prism. I'll have to post some results/comparison shots as you did. Its fun trying to squeeze the most resolution out of the zetopan.

Thanks again for the inspiring info & pics!