Stage adaption

[Glot]

I have a cheap stereo. The fine focus is too coarse. I'm thinking of an adjustable stage to give me that sub mm adjustment. Does anyone have any ideas on a stage I could source that could be attached to an existing flat surface with modifications?

[MichaelG.]

There is an enormous range of possibilities … but if you want really easy adaptation, look at the single axis stages from the likes of Newport.
https://www.newport.com/c/manual-linear-stages
https://www.newport.com/f/ds-dovetail-vertical-stages
... etc.

These frequently appear on ebay at realistic prices

MichaelG.
.

just as an example, from my locale: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153460440948

Edit: __ if you want Z axis without needing a right angle mount … this looks promising:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283218105469

Edit: __ Here’s a blog post with some more information
https://41j.com/blog/2015/06/cheap-z-st ... ry-co-ltd/

[PeteM]

Depending upon what stereo scope you have, just buying a generic (Chinese) stands with a coarse and FINE focus is another option. They run about $150 for ones that are modeled (copied) on Nikon units. The ones I've used have a 76mm ring; but could be adapted to other formats.

Others have chopped off the head of a used compound scope with the stage still in good shape and used that under a stereo microscope.

If your present scope is (as you say) a cheap model, the issues with focus might include the optics as well as a too-coarse gear rack/focus?

[BramHuntingNematodes]

Others have chopped off the head of a used compound scope with the stage still in good shape and used that under a stereo microscope.

The "pod" era B&L Dynoptics and Dynazooms had a stand with a removable head. Sometimes these appear for very cheap and the coarse/ fine focus mechanism on them is as good as there ever was.

[PeteM]

Good point; the B&L "R" stand is excellent.

[Glot]

Thanks everyone. That's pointed me in the right direction.