buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
I'll probably buy a stereo microscope sometime this year. These came by on ebay, not sure how good they are. I like them to have a zoom and they don't seem very big which is great... Are the optics good quality on these scopes, would you recommend these or something else?
I probably won't buy very soon, but if a good bargain pops out I'd like to have some preference as what to buy without too much hesitance
I've read a thread on stereo microscopes somewhere on the forum and someone linked a list from a web page of microscope repair people in US, where they are stating that most of the old major brand stereo microscopes should be good and possible to service.
This one is Carl Zeiss and on auction for around 300€ currenty, not sure if it is a bit too expensive, I can't find the model name. I think it's from the 90s.
This is Carl Zeiss Jena SM XX, I think it looks great. Sellers says it's a SM XX model This one went for 185€ + shipping
It seems that this one might be too old and more into collectors domain, but I really like the looks of it, it looks like a character from a cartoon
Zeiss Opton
There are lot of Olympus stereo for sale, but they either have a 1x mag objective, are quite expensive or in quite bad condition.
I probably won't buy very soon, but if a good bargain pops out I'd like to have some preference as what to buy without too much hesitance
I've read a thread on stereo microscopes somewhere on the forum and someone linked a list from a web page of microscope repair people in US, where they are stating that most of the old major brand stereo microscopes should be good and possible to service.
This one is Carl Zeiss and on auction for around 300€ currenty, not sure if it is a bit too expensive, I can't find the model name. I think it's from the 90s.
This is Carl Zeiss Jena SM XX, I think it looks great. Sellers says it's a SM XX model This one went for 185€ + shipping
It seems that this one might be too old and more into collectors domain, but I really like the looks of it, it looks like a character from a cartoon
Zeiss Opton
There are lot of Olympus stereo for sale, but they either have a 1x mag objective, are quite expensive or in quite bad condition.
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
In my experience the condition of the stereo microscopes varies more than their capabilities in good shape. Many have been used in metal or dental workshops, production environments or for soldering and are foggy enough to need a bottle of rum when using them. The Zeiss West/Oberkochen model is a newer design and probably a little better, but Zeiss West/Oberkochen has more problems with delamination. On the used market I would be especially interested in an instrument which I can check myself, can buy from a really dependable dealer or return if bad, in that order.
In my view 7 to 40x magnification are the most useful, by zoom or magnification changer is ok for me.
In which country do you live? The used market will depend heavily on this.
Bob
In my view 7 to 40x magnification are the most useful, by zoom or magnification changer is ok for me.
In which country do you live? The used market will depend heavily on this.
Bob
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
I'm in Croatia, something might pop up locally as my Zeiss GFL did. Although I did order it by mail, so it was a bit of a risk but well worth it in the end.
I think these on eBay are offered for sale by some people in Europe who sell microscopes and if they have good feedback and a fair return policy I suppose it should turn out good if I ask enough questions. I didn't get burned on ebay yet and I did risk a few times, paying directly to bank account but it turned out that the sellers were fair, just didn't want to pay the Paypal fees...
But still I think one should pop up here in a while...
I think these on eBay are offered for sale by some people in Europe who sell microscopes and if they have good feedback and a fair return policy I suppose it should turn out good if I ask enough questions. I didn't get burned on ebay yet and I did risk a few times, paying directly to bank account but it turned out that the sellers were fair, just didn't want to pay the Paypal fees...
But still I think one should pop up here in a while...
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Then you could think about a Lytkarino MBS10, often misnamed LOMO. It is (as much russian optics) based on a Zeiss Jena design, similar to the black Zeiss you showed. They are nice to use with the lower and medium magnifications, the highest magnification is not that sharp any more, but no big limit. They are quite tall so ideal for taller persons.
You could also look what Thilo immel has to offer, he has a good reputation for quality and acceptable prices. http://thilo-immel-optics.de/komplettmikroskope.htm
You could also look what Thilo immel has to offer, he has a good reputation for quality and acceptable prices. http://thilo-immel-optics.de/komplettmikroskope.htm
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Thanks, this site looks great it has all sorts of microscope stuff, adapters and things...
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
I am looking at a Leitz scope coming up on auction. It is binocular, so I started by googling if it could be converted to have a photo tube, which brought me here. One thread described colours for compatibility of parts, so being all black, I'm guessing this is old. Are there issues with the glue separating in lens groups or anything I should be concerned about, other than taking care of lubrication?
I have a photography background and always liked photomicrography when in school. This would be a hobby. Is this scope worth looking at or avoiding? Value? I've attached a photo of the scope.
Thank you for any guidance you can give me!
I have a photography background and always liked photomicrography when in school. This would be a hobby. Is this scope worth looking at or avoiding? Value? I've attached a photo of the scope.
Thank you for any guidance you can give me!
- Attachments
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- Leitz scope.png (76.59 KiB) Viewed 4411 times
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Hi and welcome, I'm also very new to the forum and microscopy in general so won't be offering you advice about this scope, although I think it looks nice.
I think you might be better off making a new thread with your question as the title about stereo scopes here is misleading so you may have more answers and maybe quicker, I suppose you're in a bit off hurry before the auction ends.
Good luck
I think you might be better off making a new thread with your question as the title about stereo scopes here is misleading so you may have more answers and maybe quicker, I suppose you're in a bit off hurry before the auction ends.
Good luck
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
How about an Olympus SZ40 (white)?
The one I'm looking at is reportedly in good condition, has a low base so I'd have to do DIY for bottom illumination and it is a binocular. It has a lamp but no power supply. I could make a PSU myself. Not sure should I wait for a trinocular stereo as I would like to do imaging. It can be done on a binocular too, not sure how much would I benefit from a trinocular. I like trinocular on my Zeiss standard...
I've seen a trinocular Nikon come by a few times with a switch for left/right side imaging, not too expensive but more expensive than this one...
I think magnification is 6.7-40x with 10x eyepieces included...
EDIT: I found this in a manual:
The one I'm looking at is reportedly in good condition, has a low base so I'd have to do DIY for bottom illumination and it is a binocular. It has a lamp but no power supply. I could make a PSU myself. Not sure should I wait for a trinocular stereo as I would like to do imaging. It can be done on a binocular too, not sure how much would I benefit from a trinocular. I like trinocular on my Zeiss standard...
I've seen a trinocular Nikon come by a few times with a switch for left/right side imaging, not too expensive but more expensive than this one...
I think magnification is 6.7-40x with 10x eyepieces included...
EDIT: I found this in a manual:
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
7-40X is an excellent range.
I use my binocular Olympus VMZ (much older than the SZ40) with relatively cheap Chinese WF 10X/23 eyepieces instead of the original G 10X/22. Both are fine.
Although I do not use it for photography.
Adding any LED illumination to a stereo is IMHO easier than LED retrofitting a compound microscope. Besides, non-LED illuminators can be added.
Non-Olympus Barlow lenses work too (I tried a 1.5X Wild and a 2X AO), although the 1.5X is much better than the 2X. New cheap Chinese Barlows might also serve - needs to be tested.
I use my binocular Olympus VMZ (much older than the SZ40) with relatively cheap Chinese WF 10X/23 eyepieces instead of the original G 10X/22. Both are fine.
Although I do not use it for photography.
Adding any LED illumination to a stereo is IMHO easier than LED retrofitting a compound microscope. Besides, non-LED illuminators can be added.
Non-Olympus Barlow lenses work too (I tried a 1.5X Wild and a 2X AO), although the 1.5X is much better than the 2X. New cheap Chinese Barlows might also serve - needs to be tested.
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
I think I just might order this one, looks in very good condition and the seller is in Europe so if there is any problem it should be easy to solve...
P. S. I'll tell you when the phase telescope arrives, it is stuck at the customs since last monday. Maybe they borrowed it to align their microscopes
P. S. I'll tell you when the phase telescope arrives, it is stuck at the customs since last monday. Maybe they borrowed it to align their microscopes
Re: bought the SZ40
I just ordered the SZ40, I have a hunch it will be great... It comes with a Philips 6v 15w halogen, the original bulb adapter and no power supply. I'll make a similar PSU like I did for my Zeiss GFL but with a module that should take more current (rated 9A, so should easily handle 3A).
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=14944
Do you have any bulb recommendations?
It doesn't have a stage plate, I thought to have a 'glass working' person make one for me out of plexi or some other material. Some ideas about this are welcome too...
Thanks, I'm quite excited
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=14944
Do you have any bulb recommendations?
It doesn't have a stage plate, I thought to have a 'glass working' person make one for me out of plexi or some other material. Some ideas about this are welcome too...
Thanks, I'm quite excited
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Congratulations.
The original 20W halogen on my stereo was relatively dim. I did not even try to diagnose or repair anything - just home-made and added a 3W LED and it does the job (for vision at least).
The diameter of the circular glass "stage" on my stereo is ~100mm. I bought an unbranded cheap Chinese black/white plastic stage of the same size. And a glass stage from a similar source was also simpler and cheaper than ordering from a glazier.
Edit: something like this perhaps - but choose the correct diameter for the SZ40.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183709537041?h ... SwcqFdkdEx
or this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384345720885?h ... SwtqhhIYpy
Note: these are ground glass; mine is clear glass. In fact, if adding a sub-stage makeshift LED circular lamp, a ground glass might be better to create uniform illumination.
Just a post-item thought...
The original 20W halogen on my stereo was relatively dim. I did not even try to diagnose or repair anything - just home-made and added a 3W LED and it does the job (for vision at least).
The diameter of the circular glass "stage" on my stereo is ~100mm. I bought an unbranded cheap Chinese black/white plastic stage of the same size. And a glass stage from a similar source was also simpler and cheaper than ordering from a glazier.
Edit: something like this perhaps - but choose the correct diameter for the SZ40.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183709537041?h ... SwcqFdkdEx
or this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384345720885?h ... SwtqhhIYpy
Note: these are ground glass; mine is clear glass. In fact, if adding a sub-stage makeshift LED circular lamp, a ground glass might be better to create uniform illumination.
Just a post-item thought...
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Please share your experience with the new stereo scope when it arrives.
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
I'll do that, it is far simpler than a glazier or DIY...Hobbyst46 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 27, 2022 11:42 amThe diameter of the circular glass "stage" on my stereo is ~100mm. I bought an unbranded cheap Chinese black/white plastic stage of the same size. And a glass stage from a similar source was also simpler and cheaper than ordering from a glazier.
Edit: something like this perhaps - but choose the correct diameter for the SZ40.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183709537041?h ... SwcqFdkdEx
or this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384345720885?h ... SwtqhhIYpy
As for the light, a LED is far more convenient than halogen, I'll try to find one maybe with a frosted glass too. They are quite cheap. I'll try 4000K first...
Thanks...
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Hi
For the benefit of fellow newbies that find this post, I went through the process of buying a relatively new old stereo scope.
There was no danger of finding a suitable instrument where I live, so I searched on e-bay USA.
I generally prefer to buy good old stuff rather than cheap new things. Old stuff is often repairable, well made, supported on-line and holds its value.
I looked at a number of makes/models but settled on a Bausch&Lomb Stereo Zoom 4. They are well made, common, and entirely met my requirements (electronics prototyping).
What I found is that price and condition are not related. You can pay a lot for junk. Patience has rewards. Just looking for a period of months allowed me to figure out the difference between asking price and market price. I found exactly what I wanted, in good condition, for a very reasonable price. Since buying over a year ago, I have been looking for a second reasonably priced SZ4 in similar condition, meeting a few other requirements related to the stand etc. I have not found a second SZ4 that I like enough to bid on.
In the past, I have found that many USA sellers will not export goods. I use a freight forwarding service that provides USA sellers with an address in Oregon. Shipping costs within the USA are low, but shipping across the USA border is expensive. Since Covid, international shipping costs are eye-watering. Shipping cost is dead money. The money you pay does not improve the quality of what you buy. It is only worth buying high quality items in very good condition. I have found that typically USA sellers will over-package items, which improves survival rates, but only adds more $$ to shipping costs.
For me, e-bay is the option of last resort. Dealing with e-bay problems is just evil. I trade on the basis that I might lose all of my money.
For the benefit of fellow newbies that find this post, I went through the process of buying a relatively new old stereo scope.
There was no danger of finding a suitable instrument where I live, so I searched on e-bay USA.
I generally prefer to buy good old stuff rather than cheap new things. Old stuff is often repairable, well made, supported on-line and holds its value.
I looked at a number of makes/models but settled on a Bausch&Lomb Stereo Zoom 4. They are well made, common, and entirely met my requirements (electronics prototyping).
What I found is that price and condition are not related. You can pay a lot for junk. Patience has rewards. Just looking for a period of months allowed me to figure out the difference between asking price and market price. I found exactly what I wanted, in good condition, for a very reasonable price. Since buying over a year ago, I have been looking for a second reasonably priced SZ4 in similar condition, meeting a few other requirements related to the stand etc. I have not found a second SZ4 that I like enough to bid on.
In the past, I have found that many USA sellers will not export goods. I use a freight forwarding service that provides USA sellers with an address in Oregon. Shipping costs within the USA are low, but shipping across the USA border is expensive. Since Covid, international shipping costs are eye-watering. Shipping cost is dead money. The money you pay does not improve the quality of what you buy. It is only worth buying high quality items in very good condition. I have found that typically USA sellers will over-package items, which improves survival rates, but only adds more $$ to shipping costs.
For me, e-bay is the option of last resort. Dealing with e-bay problems is just evil. I trade on the basis that I might lose all of my money.
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
There are a lot of unreasonably priced items on eBay, but they tend to stay there for a long time. Also some people list for a high price and then accept a lot lower offer. It is a global flea market
I bought 4 microscope items in last few months including the Olympus SZ40, and apart from the 3 projektiv Jena eyepieces, which are in a bad condition everything else is in very good condition. I had an opportunity to return the bad eyepieces, but I settled for a partial refund instead as it was less of a hassle so I don't feel cheated at all...
If the stereo microscope was in a bad condition it could have been a pain to return it, but still a lot bigger problem for the seller than myself. I'm very happy with the purchase. One should read the feedback carefully and communicate with the seller, to learn all the details and after this I think eBay does offer quite good protection. I bought a lot of stuff on eBay and never had problems.
I also did some selling a few years ago (not optics) and never had any real problems, I must say I feel a lot safer as a buyer on eBay, as I can choose the sellers to deal with...
Of course it is best to buy locally, but in some places the market is just not that big...
I bought 4 microscope items in last few months including the Olympus SZ40, and apart from the 3 projektiv Jena eyepieces, which are in a bad condition everything else is in very good condition. I had an opportunity to return the bad eyepieces, but I settled for a partial refund instead as it was less of a hassle so I don't feel cheated at all...
If the stereo microscope was in a bad condition it could have been a pain to return it, but still a lot bigger problem for the seller than myself. I'm very happy with the purchase. One should read the feedback carefully and communicate with the seller, to learn all the details and after this I think eBay does offer quite good protection. I bought a lot of stuff on eBay and never had problems.
I also did some selling a few years ago (not optics) and never had any real problems, I must say I feel a lot safer as a buyer on eBay, as I can choose the sellers to deal with...
Of course it is best to buy locally, but in some places the market is just not that big...
Re: buying old(ish) stereo microscopes
Here's another option for substage illumination:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=13388&p=107763&hil ... ed#p107763
Available here - it fits where a glass stage plate would normally go:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/320744739657