Olympus E (Phase Contrast, Oil Darkfield, Plan Brightfield) + AO20 (Oil Darkfield)

[mes0]

Hi Everyone,

A few months ago I set out on the quest for microscopes. I got a lot of very useful help from people on this forum and promised that I would post some pictures once I finally got my systems together.

After using both systems a bit, I've decided to keep the American Optical 20 and sell the Olympus E.

I think the AO has better optics and I really love how easy it is to move the stage around...it's like butter on the AO, but the Olympus is much stiffer...it also seems to go out of focus when moving the stage and this really frustrates me.

Olympus E (mirror) Trinocular



Phototube Lenses 7.5x,10x,15x
Eyepieces (2 each) 7.5x, 10x, 15x

Olympus Abbe Brightfield condenser 1.25
Plan objective set: 4x,10x,20x,40x,100x



American Optical Oil Darkfield condenser (with funnel stops for AO cat 1079 + B&L)
100x oil iris objective



Olympus Phase contrast condenser (10x,20x,40x,100x annuli)
Positive Low Phase Objective set: 10x,20x,40x,100x






American Optical 20 (100w illuminator) Trinocular

American Optical Oil Darkfield condenser
100x oil iris objective
50x oil iris objective

Also found a Spencer phase contrast condenser with a 10x and 40x annuli as well as a 10x plan achro phase objective






Anyways thanks again to everyone who replied to my original threads and has provided me with help, this community has been great.
I'll post some movies of the AO20 oil darkfield a little bit later.

[75RR]

Congratulations. They both look very nice.
That 100w illuminator is a nice touch.
Agree that one compound microscope is enough if you are not into collecting.

[einman]

I am partial to the AO20 myself. So is the 100x iris an AO objective #1014 or #1027 or is it from another manufacturer?

[einman]

Congratulations. They both look very nice.
That 100w illuminator is a nice touch.
Agree that one compound microscope is enough if you are not into collecting.

Or if you insist you do not collect but continuously buy new scopes on a regular basis insisting they are all functional additions to your lab...not that I am claiming to know anyone like that. Though, I would not put that question to my wife.

[mes0]

cat 1014 + 1016 on the ao20.

lol einman..don't ask my wife either...it took 5 bodies to build up these 2 sets

[75RR]

Just downloaded the manual for the AO 20 - I must say that is a very nice microscope.
Congratulations again.

[einman]

I am writing an article on the AO 20 with DIC called the AO 21. Hopefully Kim will accept it for an issue of Microbe Hunter. Just about complete. Need to add some pics. I do like the AO 20. I sold one not too long ago on E-bay.

[Charles]

My ears were burning...someone say something about collecting microscopes!

A couple of good looking microscopes mes0! Got to love the engineering, durability and beauty of these scopes.

The AO 10 and 20s as well as the 110 and 120, are some very under appreciated and under valued microscopes. They have some of the best optics of their time and were built to last. I will confess I have a few of each.

I have a few spare AO phase annuli and objectives if you feel the need to complete the phase set.

Enjoy your microscopes!