Unpacking the Leica BM E microscope

Here we’re having a look at the Leica BM E educational microscope. This model is equipped with a 4x, 10x and 40x objective, with the possibility of adding a further objective. You can read more information about the BM E at the Leica Website.

Visit the Microscopy Shop!

>>> USA Shop | Germany Shop | UK Shop | Canada Shop <<<

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission but it does not cost you more.

9 thoughts on “Unpacking the Leica BM E microscope”

  2. I have an American Optics and a chinese microscope which I paid about 500$ Canadian, absolutley no difference in the quality of resolution. You pay hundreds of dollars just for a name and as the posted link above points out you are buying chinese anyways, so why put more money into the hands of the large companies, save the money for other things!

  3. there is nothing wrong with chinese scopes it is all in the mind by the person concerned [ namely jealousy ] denis,

  4. Oliver,
    Thanks for sharing the link. It tells the story that some people do not want to hear. I am completely satisfied with the Chinese scope I have here. It is just ammusing that the purists will shell out thousands for a Leica thinking they are paying for German quality, then berate a Chinese scope. When they found out that their expensive toy is Chinese and no better than any other China scope costing hundreds more their day is ruined.

  6. William,
    this is an interesting point and I have to tell you that I am aware of a similar discussion (Cinese vs non-Chinese microscopes) also in non-English speaking microscopy forums (eg. the German forum). We’ve been using Olympus microscopes for 30 years in our school now and also no-name microscopes (Chinese?) also for several years. The interesting thing about them: They look the same, except the color. Seriously, I could not make out a difference between them. I somehow have the feeling that they used the same manufacturing plans. For me this is a bit like a deja-vu: I remember the times in the middle 1980s when there was a similar discussion about auto-focus vs. non-autofocus cameras and then later the discussion shifted to analog vs. digital. Something that is often forgotten is, that the microscope, just like a camera, is only a tool for observation. I’ve got an Olympus CH40, which cost me quite a fortune several years ago. The interesting thing is, and I discovered this when I started to work with the no-name scopes, is that I am not able to see much more more…….. mine costed about five times as much, but I am not ble to see 5 times more. After all, the optics are pretty much the same. I guess much depends on how one interprets the hobby. Some people have a stronger focus on technology others more on the science/observation part. Every time when I walk into hospitals I have a short glimpse at the microscopes that stand around there. Seriously, some of these devices are ancient, but still in a good workable condition. They do their job and that is what I think should be the most important point.

  7. Oliver,
    I just wanted this to be out in the open. Leica does not advertise the China manufacture on their web site. All of the old name companys do this. On most of the microscope forums I belong to, the purists rave about Zeiss/Leitz/Leica/ etc..etc..as the best. Any Chinese scope is looked upon as TRASH. I just wanted it known that “The Best!” scopes are now “going China” , and maybe the purists need to stop talking down to forum members that can only afford Chinese scopes.

  8. The person who bought the scopes for our instiution told me that these microscopes were indeed manufactured in China. I think that this is not a quality problem for those microscopes with a name (such as Leica). Leica really does have a name to lose and I am certain that the rigorous German quality standards do apply. After all, they do have to remain competitive and the labor costs in Germany are very high. In case of technical issues or maintenance requirements, one can always rely on the servicing network of the company. This is different with “true” Chinese noname microscopes, which may not have a service network outside of China, if they have one at all.

  9. Is this one Chinese made also?. It seems ALL scope makers(sellers) have their mid and lower prices scopes made in China. Just wondering…

Comments are closed.