Retrodiode LED conversion
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I do. Very positive experience with the product and the communication with Fernald.Microworldofgems wrote: ↑Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:22 pmDoes anyone have any experience with their products?
http://retrodiode.com/
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I use the older version of their Orthoplan LED conversion. It works well, with one exception: it uses PWM to control LED brightness, so if the control is set to less than 100% I see bands when taking photographs through the microscope.
One big advantage LED has over incandescent illuminators is a constant color temperature--the light does not get redder as the brightness is turned down.
The plastic parts are 3D printed, and a little crude, but everything works as expected.
One big advantage LED has over incandescent illuminators is a constant color temperature--the light does not get redder as the brightness is turned down.
The plastic parts are 3D printed, and a little crude, but everything works as expected.
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Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I use one of their products on my Nikon S-kt. The product is good, but will second JGardner on the banding produced in photographs below 100% brightness.
I however find the price point at ~$150 USD to be too high. It is after all an LED, 3D printed plastic housing, an aluminum heat sink and a brightness dimmer. Not that I'd know the true cost of producing such an item, but the value for a dimmable LED with a housing designed to fit into a microscope doesn't seem worth the cost.
However it does work well, and they produce highly functional LED lightsources which are a good option if you're not the DIY type and just want something that works.
I however find the price point at ~$150 USD to be too high. It is after all an LED, 3D printed plastic housing, an aluminum heat sink and a brightness dimmer. Not that I'd know the true cost of producing such an item, but the value for a dimmable LED with a housing designed to fit into a microscope doesn't seem worth the cost.
However it does work well, and they produce highly functional LED lightsources which are a good option if you're not the DIY type and just want something that works.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
If you want something more robust and professional looking, there's always Nanodyne, but their products are in the $500-600 range.
https://www.nano-dyne.com/led-microscope-lights/
https://www.nano-dyne.com/led-microscope-lights/
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
At what shutter speed ?stitchy.mitch wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:08 am... the banding produced in photographs below 100% brightness ...
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
Thanks for the link. Yeah, a bit expensive for me. And even worse, there are no models for the Orthoplan.JGardner wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:36 pmIf you want something more robust and professional looking, there's always Nanodyne, but their products are in the $500-600 range.
https://www.nano-dyne.com/led-microscope-lights/
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
With the PWM 21kHz dimmer, banding can occur at high shutter speeds, say 300-400, at 50-100% brightness. My experience. This is almost never a problem, since such speeds are very rare in my work.Saul wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:24 amAt what shutter speed ?stitchy.mitch wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:08 am... the banding produced in photographs below 100% brightness ...
BTW, there is a European maker of tailored LED illuminators for old microscopes, I forgot their name. Their prices are roughly the same as retroDiode's.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
This is of interest. As an EU resident, I'd of course prefer local to save on shipping and especially on EU customs & VAT. That is, if the quality is at least as good or better than Retrodiode.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
Found it !! They are named TDKK. I did not buy from them as yet, but they are pleasantly communicative, and my feeling is that they are high-level professionals.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
Found it !! They are named TDKK. I did not buy from them as yet, but they are pleasantly communicative, and my feeling is that they are high-level professionals.
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Thanks! I'll check them out! When my finances improve enough (from the several Orthoplan related purchases ), I am going to either buy or build a LED lighting solution for the scope.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I checked their website. My educated guess tels me the heat sinks are 3-5W rated.
Daruosh.
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I never experienced banding, because I use long exposures, 3s and longer (shortest - 2s) on my LED/flash unit. If I need shorter - using flash. What type of microphotography requires such 1/50 - 1/500 shutter speed ? I understand, it could be banding problem with video ...Hobbyst46 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 8:32 amWith the PWM 21kHz dimmer, banding can occur at high shutter speeds, say 300-400, at 50-100% brightness. My experience. This is almost never a problem, since such speeds are very rare in my work....Saul wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:24 amAt what shutter speed ?stitchy.mitch wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:08 am... the banding produced in photographs below 100% brightness ...
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
I do not have a flash. Sometimes, for brightfield photography of clear and contrasty specimens, the FOV brightness and camera meter suggest rapid exposure.Saul wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:36 pmI never experienced banding, because I use long exposures, 3s and longer (shortest - 2s) on my LED/flash unit. If I need shorter - using flash. What type of microphotography requires such 1/50 - 1/500 shutter speed ? ...
Re: Retrodiode LED conversion
Right, when I have this situation with too bright light & dimmer is at the minimum (and do not want to use flash, or for some other reasons), I'm using ND filters (Microphot) or some extra diffusing material in the filter tray (Optiphot).Hobbyst46 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 6:46 pmI do not have a flash. Sometimes, for brightfield photography of clear and contrasty specimens, the FOV brightness and camera meter suggest rapid exposure.Saul wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:36 pmI never experienced banding, because I use long exposures, 3s and longer (shortest - 2s) on my LED/flash unit. If I need shorter - using flash. What type of microphotography requires such 1/50 - 1/500 shutter speed ? ...
Long exposure "absorbs" vibrations - for example, this photo is made with the continuous LED light, 93.75x