mrsonchus wrote:Hi, the link to the seller (in the UK) of used 'scopes is a good one. This company, 'Brunel Microscopes' supplied me with my very first 'proper' 'scope and subsequently my current Leitz Orthoplan, bought used from them for a very good price indeed.Aenima wrote:This place looks good - mostly because its got ex-lab equipment, and is based (at least partly) in the UK.
The nikon look and sound good, but i only go by looks alone at the moment, until i can learn a bit more however I noticed the above mentioned Labophot - if that's said to be similar or at least roughly comparable it might worth looking at.
http://www.usedmicroscopes.co.uk/nikon.html
This company is very good, very honest and reasonably priced. I buy many supplies from them regularly. I think you may give them a ring and try to speak to Alan, the owner, who is a very genuine and helpful fellow indeed.
If you see a used 'scope on their web-site that you like, give them a ring and discuss it a little with them. Technical queries are usually dealt with by Helen, but Alan is the best to speak to as he's the owner, a little hard to get hold of though - but worth it. If you have any problems with a 'scope from them they will definitely put things right for you.
Good luck.
My advice - buy a 'complete' trinocular 'scope - hunting for parts etc will just sap your enthusiasm when what you really want to do is 'get using the 'scope' and begin your adventures.
p.s. when you get your 'scope let me know and I'll send you a few of my Botanical slides to get you started - as a gift of course, from a fellow UK member!
I forgot to thank you John for the kind offer in the quoted post there were lots of replies and ideas floating around and I got distracted and missed the chance to say thanks at the time.
It would be awesome to try a ready made slide preparation especially from a knowledgeable source - much appreciated.
Also it was mentioned above that it might be a good idea to start off simple and build up to your ideal scope - this is sounding more wise the more I think about it.
Rather than jump right in at the deep end so to speak it might be better to learn the basics first and get a cheap simple scope - like described in the how to choose a first microscope article.
I keep seeing shiny new models that are clearly going to be lower quality but seem to do a lot of the basic stuff or even one of those eBay scopes that were similar to the BH2 that could be be used later for some of their parts perhaps... ? (That last idea is a shot in the dark).
What would fit that criteria of a learner microscope that will do the job for little cost while preparing to get a real deal?
Any suggestions would be welcome