MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Hello friends,

I'm looking to upgrade my Olympus rig to DIC. What I have so far is a set of PlanAPOs (10x, 20x, 40x) and the universal condenser U-UCDB-2 complete with polarizer and top lens. I believe the 10x and 40x are UIS1 and the 20x says UIS2. From what I gather I need the following:

1. U-DICT (can possibly get the U-ANT from other source).
2. DIC PRISMs for the condenser: U-DPA20 and U-DPA40.
3. A BX-50 or -60 stand (probably BX-50), including the DIC-compatible nosepiece. I'm saving this for last, as I have a funcitoning CX-40 right now.

I'm also looking for some Nikon phase contrast objectives, see other thread.

I'm in Stockholm/EU so very interested for EU offers, but will listen to anyone. I may not have the funds to buy everything at once.

PS. Is there a DIC-prism for the 10x PlanAPO?

There is no 20x "planapo" uis2, it will have to be a uplanSApo, all SApos are UIS2. Not all PlanApos are UIS, many exceptions.

Yes, the 10x UPlanApo is paired with the u-dp10 or u-dp10s. Your condenser cannot use the latter.

Forget about U-ANT substitutes, I have tried some and they all suck. Get a new U-ANT from your local Olympus people, used ones sell for as much.

You also need to make sure that your UPlanApo 40x is a dry objective, the immersion ones all require U-DICTS and either a fluorescence arm or the stupid U-KPA which turns your nice 26.5mm FN objectives into 22.

First step is reading the manual, search "Olympus u-ucd8" and download the pdf. You will want a frame with a 100W halogen lamp, so BX50/51/52/53, BX6X types or AX70/80 is the way to go, otherwise, LED conversion. Stay away from the BX40 which has a fixed nosepiece unless you are happy with purchasing an adaptor (U-READB or whatever it is called) that sometimes costs as much as the frame itself.

Thanks for the info. I have managed to buy the U-ANT but still looking for the U-DICT, condenser prisms and stand.

Patience and vigilance I guess, as well as time… I’m guessing these are the ingredients needed.

UPDATE: According to the manual i need a U-DIC20 for the UIS2 20x PlanSApo.

Still looking for a U-DICT (no U-ANT needed) and a U-DiC20 prism.

Still looking for a BX50/51, U-DICT and U-DIC20.

I have Olympus BH2 Microscope with BH2-RFCA Fluorescence microscope.
Is this olympus U-UCD8 compatible with Olympus BH2-RFCA?

I have found all the items.

Does your PlanAPOs worik with DIC? Acc. to Olympus they are not sutiable, only UPlanAPOs and higher. Thank you.

Hello Fero,

I actually don't know yet! I'm still waiting for the U-DICT, as it will be hand smuggled over from the UK (I'm too cheap to pay duties).

I have 5 DIC-prisms (U-DIC10s, U-DP20, U-DPA40, U-DIC60 and U-DIC100), but actually only two "correct" combinations so far.

These are the "fancy" objectives I currently have are (for 10x and above):

UIS: U-PLAPO 10x (wants U-DPA10), PLAPO 40x/0.95 (non U version, unsure about DIC?), U-PLAPO 40x/0.85 (wants U-DPA40), U-PLAPO 40x/1.00 Oil iris (unsure about DIC-compatibility), U-PLAPO 100x/1.35 Oil iris (unsure about DIC-compatibility)

UIS2: U-PLFL N 10x (wants U-DIC10/DIC10s), U-PLFL 20x (wants U-DIC20), U-PLSAPO 20x (wants U-DIC20), U-PLFL N 40x (wants U-DIC40)

So currently, I should be able to do nice DIC only with two of these objectives, but 10x and 40x is a start and 20x would of course be nice. My strategy has just been to amass as much (relatively) well-priced stuff as I have been able to afford, and hopefully I can trade some of my gear for some other stuff down the line. Long term goal is to be able to have DIC at all magnifications, but hey... life is long. I have a feeling I will miss phase contrast, so I'm planning to add in my cheap phase contrast achromats in the mix too.

I will try out some of the incompatible combinations DIC later and I can tell you more later. I think I will have the U-DICT in a month or two.

Hi Eric,
in the meantime I have decided to build also BX51 DIC system, my setup so far is:
BX51TF + 100 HAL
PLAPON 2x
UPLSAPO 10x (I have U-DP10 prism but no U-DIC10 prism)
UPLSAPO 20x (I have U-DIC20)
UPLSAPO 40x (I have U-DIC40)

I have also U-DP2, U-DP40, U-DIC100 and U-DFA darkfield prism

UPLAPO10x should work with U-DP10 acc.to U-UCD8 manual https://www.mccrone.com/wp-content/uplo ... manual.pdf
In case you are interested I would change my U-DP10 for U-DIC10S

I have also spare U-PCD2 condenser. I would be interested in U-DIC60 prism in case you would like U-DP20 for instance. I will send you personal message. We should get in touch and build together

looking forward,
Fero