Darkfield for AO 570
Darkfield for AO 570
Just got my AO 570 and it's great, I'd be really interested in setting it up for darkfield, i just don't know what the options are.
Are there existing AO accessories for this or is it a DIY thing?
Are there existing AO accessories for this or is it a DIY thing?
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Re: Darkfield for AO 570
Since you have a glass stage plate, DF is possible but I don't know of any off the shelf set up for the AO 570. Essentially you would need the 561S transillumination or substage base and a ring illuminator larger than the port in the base plate. The ring illuminator would need to have pretty high wattage. Most of the systems are 50 watts.
There may be some led ring illuminators out there that would give you enough lumens for a diy project.
There may be some led ring illuminators out there that would give you enough lumens for a diy project.
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
I do have the 561S substage base, I'll have to see what I can find as far as high wattage illuminators, thanks!
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Re: Darkfield for AO 570
There are also darkfield baffles for stereo microscopes (meant for lower end gemological systems), though they need a lot of light to work well. I ended up with a ton of them so I can offer you a good deal on one if you want to try that.
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
I have an AO 570 stereo microscope. They good scopes. Good and varied illumination makes them work even better.
I use my led ringlight to produce darkfield. The ringlight is set led side up on the stage atop a piece of black paper (or black stage plate). I found a squat plastic cylinder with clear window that sits on top of the ringlight to hold the specimen. I put a black paper baffle in it to cut down on extra light. Works good for low power aquatic biology work.
You'll find several ways to get darkfield out of your scope. As a proof of concept you can turn off the other lights and illuminate from the side with a strong led flashlight.
My usual technique is a variation of David Walker's in Micscape at this link-
microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/art ... ht-DF.html
These aren't great photos, but they were taken with my AO 570. The view through the eyepieces is always better.
I use my led ringlight to produce darkfield. The ringlight is set led side up on the stage atop a piece of black paper (or black stage plate). I found a squat plastic cylinder with clear window that sits on top of the ringlight to hold the specimen. I put a black paper baffle in it to cut down on extra light. Works good for low power aquatic biology work.
You'll find several ways to get darkfield out of your scope. As a proof of concept you can turn off the other lights and illuminate from the side with a strong led flashlight.
My usual technique is a variation of David Walker's in Micscape at this link-
microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/art ... ht-DF.html
These aren't great photos, but they were taken with my AO 570. The view through the eyepieces is always better.
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Re: Darkfield for AO 570
That works well. Pictures are pretty decent too.
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
Interesting technique! Thanks for the link to the articleMy usual technique is a variation of David Walker's in Micscape at this link-
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... ht-DF.html
Nice black in the second image
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
Hi, agreed, those are nice images!
I used a black card circle to get DF on my stereo 'scope,
same size as the base of the glass pot (an ex candle holder). Works surprisingly well.
I used a black card circle to get DF on my stereo 'scope,
same size as the base of the glass pot (an ex candle holder). Works surprisingly well.
John B
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
Agree, very nice!Works surprisingly well.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Darkfield for AO 570
Forgot to say also, the moss branch is in water, not quite covered, hence the blown highlights - complete immersion or none at all would improve this detail.
John B