Search found 336 matches

by Tom Jones
Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
Topic: OLYMPUS DIFFERENTIAL INTERFERENCE CONTRAST ATTACHMENT For TRANSMITTED LIGHT KIT
Replies: 8
Views: 3049

Re: OLYMPUS DIFFERENTIAL INTERFERENCE CONTRAST ATTACHMENT For TRANSMITTED LIGHT KIT

I'm pretty sure the "full-time technician" comment was a sarcastic remark suggesting the price is too high... :roll:

A BH/AH DIC intermediate tube, slider, and NIC/Phase condenser, along with three strain-free objectives, is pretty rare.
by Tom Jones
Wed Aug 02, 2023 3:17 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: Comparison of TWX-1 Folded Optics Microscopes from Different Production Years
Replies: 11
Views: 3230

Re: Comparison of TWX-1 Folded Optics Microscopes from Different Production Years

I had completely forgotten about the production certificate. I actually have it stuck in the case! The scope was in my display cabinet. I even had the seller translate the Chinese labelling for me after I bought it. It is Product number 701716, Inspection date: 1971-1. The Inspector was #08. The ful...
by Tom Jones
Wed Aug 02, 2023 2:15 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: Comparison of TWX-1 Folded Optics Microscopes from Different Production Years
Replies: 11
Views: 3230

Re: Comparison of TWX-1 Folded Optics Microscopes from Different Production Years

How do I tell the year of manufacture on mine? The serial number on the back is 701716.
It does not have the complicated structure of your 1970 model.
by Tom Jones
Mon Jul 31, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Field Microscope Collection
Replies: 10
Views: 1926

Re: Field Microscope Collection

The TWX-1 is considered to be a very good folded-optic microscope. A main benefit is the upright positioning of the slide unlike the Swift and the rest of the McArthur clones, and good optical quality. But to be honest, I haven't spent much time using and comparing any of them. My favorite though, j...
by Tom Jones
Sun Jul 30, 2023 2:53 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Field Microscope Collection
Replies: 10
Views: 1926

Re: Field Microscope Collection

Only the Metami, Protami, Swift and TWX-1 have condensers. I suppose it's possible to set up darkfield, but there's not much room in any of them for a filter except the Swift. I haven't tried it though with any of them.
by Tom Jones
Mon Jul 24, 2023 4:55 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Field Microscope Collection
Replies: 10
Views: 1926

Field Microscope Collection

At the behest of Charlie G., who requested I post images of my field/portable microscope collection. Back in April Charlie sold me a very nice B&L Pocket 40 portable microscope, and I've been way too slow following up with an image and description. So, from left to right: Spindler & Hoyer Junior: ht...
by Tom Jones
Sat Jul 22, 2023 9:43 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser
Replies: 12
Views: 2199

Re: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser

It sold because someone wanted/needed it. If you want one, you should jump on it if one shows up. The same for condensers and/or prisms. I know people here have pointed you to DIC sets that were decent deals, but you never pulled the trigger on one. If you keep waiting for a really good deal, you ma...
by Tom Jones
Sat Jul 22, 2023 9:13 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser
Replies: 12
Views: 2199

Re: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser

The swing out lens is just like any swing out condenser lens. Higher NA with it in, lower NA with it out. See the UCD Repair manual under A. Outline of Product, 5. Specifications, 3. Numerical Aperture. You're reading the chart wrong. It's giving you a list of compatible objectives. 1x, 2x, and 4x o...
by Tom Jones
Fri Jul 21, 2023 5:01 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser
Replies: 12
Views: 2199

Re: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser

Yep. https://www.ebay.com/itm/134659294086

I just looked. I paid $1025 in 2016 for my first intermediate tube and slider. They were getting pretty rare even then.
by Tom Jones
Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser
Replies: 12
Views: 2199

Re: Olympus Bh2 UCD universal condenser

I don't think I've ever seen an instruction manual for the BH2-UCD. The instruction manual for the NIC/Phase Contrast condenser and the service manual will tell you all you need to know to use the UCD. Anything beyond that will just be knowledge of how DIC works. The only benefit I can see for the U...
by Tom Jones
Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Repairing a stuck spring-loaded 100x objective?
Replies: 21
Views: 2626

Re: Repairing a stuck spring-loaded 100x objective?

Carl Hunsinger has a very complete series of instructional pdf's and videos on maintenance and repair of Olympus BH-2 series microscopes. If you haven't ssen them, the list and links are maintained on Alan Woods excellent website: https://www.alanwood.net/olympus/downloads.html#bh2repairs They're co...
by Tom Jones
Wed Jun 21, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Resources (online, books etc.)
Topic: The excellent website for Martin Kreutz
Replies: 3
Views: 1140

Re: The excellent website for Martin Kreutz

Wonderful resource, particularly his photography equipment!
by Tom Jones
Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:34 pm
Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
Topic: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set
Replies: 72
Views: 20974

Re: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set

I've bought a lot of microscope stuff from Japan and Europe, and just got some filters from Australia yesterday. The only time I've paid duty was on a new microscope camera from China almost 10 years ago. So, unless it was new, you should not have been charged.
by Tom Jones
Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:55 pm
Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
Topic: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set
Replies: 72
Views: 20974

Re: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set

If you're in the US there are no import fees on used microscope parts.
by Tom Jones
Fri Jun 16, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
Topic: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set
Replies: 72
Views: 20974

Re: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set

I don't even see the ad!
by Tom Jones
Wed Jun 07, 2023 7:54 pm
Forum: Camera systems and imaging
Topic: Full Frame Camera Prices
Replies: 8
Views: 2492

Re: Full Frame Camera Prices

Remember too, that unless you're talking about a monochrome sensor, the number of effective pixels is less it would seem due to the Bayer color filter array. And "acquiring information" is not the same as acquiring a nice looking image.
by Tom Jones
Wed Apr 26, 2023 3:31 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2-KPA polarizing attachment
Replies: 13
Views: 2457

Re: Olympus Bh2-KPA polarizing attachment

Scarodactyl , Nice catch with the link! Thanks!
by Tom Jones
Tue Apr 25, 2023 8:21 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus Bh2-KPA polarizing attachment
Replies: 13
Views: 2457

Re: Olympus Bh2-KPA polarizing attachment

I must be a little slow... where's the hidden link?
by Tom Jones
Sun Apr 09, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
Topic: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set
Replies: 72
Views: 20974

Re: WTB Olympus BH2 DIC Set

There's this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115761745957?hash=item1af3f01025:g:ORkAAOSwzONkG3YP&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAwG1yPmqRuwWzILw1ZjGPczGmZGkrKnxTNSAaWskKNVkncsnA9vN6eF2lj%2Fx4Dbm3ZV7w3GjmuF6PN3%2BaS17OvEMfSu3iY9rw9qoFnx3oko767KAJ2Fof0uMyVHFyFclPTYKeX%2B4%2F%2FTlki9sYl1EPzscydUj7q0MSdPE9w2Ss%2Fk1WCes6...
by Tom Jones
Sun Apr 02, 2023 3:37 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: “negative” stain
Replies: 3
Views: 967

Re: “negative” stain

We used India Ink (not Indian...) in clinical labs to help show the capsule, considered diagnostic, around the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, primarily in spinal fluids. It worked well for blood cultures with C. neoformans as well. Gram Stains don't really show the capsule as it stains very poorly i...
by Tom Jones
Mon Mar 06, 2023 4:52 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: How do I fix slide holder wobble on CH-2 mechanical stage (CH-MVR)?
Replies: 3
Views: 663

Re: How do I fix slide holder wobble on CH-2 mechanical stage (CH-MVR)?

I wouldn't worry about the loss of plating on the slide holder. It's a common wear issue. As long as you've cleaned off the corrosion it should be fine. I have sanded and painted quite a few stages that where the original paint was damaged. I doubt it makes much of a functional difference, but it lo...
by Tom Jones
Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:21 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: How do I fix slide holder wobble on CH-2 mechanical stage (CH-MVR)?
Replies: 3
Views: 663

Re: How do I fix slide holder wobble on CH-2 mechanical stage (CH-MVR)?

No, it shouldn't be over your head. Take your time, maybe take pictures so you know where things go as you take it apart. Know that Olympus uses JIS screws. They look like Phillips but are not. JIS fit a lot better than Phillips. I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp...
by Tom Jones
Fri Mar 03, 2023 9:18 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: Newbie camera inquiry
Replies: 1
Views: 785

Re: Newbie camera inquiry

1. The white balance was off because the "auto" setting parameters, combined with your (LED) light source weren't what you were expecting. LEDs don't always give a too cool light but it's common in less expensive lights. It may have been outside the limits of "auto" correction. It's probably going t...
by Tom Jones
Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:50 pm
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance
Replies: 9
Views: 1337

Re: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance

I've never tried to remove the lens assembly from my BH-2 DIC condensers. I've cleaned and lubed them, but nothing more. Never had a need. You're probably right about Olympus using thread locker though.
by Tom Jones
Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:40 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance
Replies: 9
Views: 1337

Re: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance

And a few more... The helicoid screws are very touchy when it comes to rethreading them back together. If you get them cross-threaded, you can jam them together so it will be very difficult to get them apart. It will take quite a bit of finesse. As you can see, the threads that hold the eyepiece sha...
by Tom Jones
Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:33 am
Forum: Microscopes and optics
Topic: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance
Replies: 9
Views: 1337

Re: Olympus WHK 10X-20L-H Maintenance

Heat is your friend. I think I've even used Kroil or mineral spirits a couple of times. I've cleaned and lubed (with a helicoid grease) quite a few of the -H eyepieces. They're a bit of a pain, but certainly doable. Here are some photos to show you what you are up against: 2018-11-04 17.27.56.jpg 20...
by Tom Jones
Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:31 pm
Forum: Camera systems and imaging
Topic: Problem mounting Canon EOS R10 on Olympus BH2 BHS
Replies: 2
Views: 1429

Re: Problem mounting Canon EOS R10 on Olympus BH2 BHS

Of course it's solvable using the trinocular head. The Canon EOS Utility 3 is not listed on the Canon website as being compatible with the R10. It looks like EOS Utility 3.16.0 is the newest compatible version. Canon support should have known that. There's a newer version of PDP 4 as well. The R10 u...