I think I can declare success! It all seems to be working as expected. There are a few little things... You have to remove the 'beehive' illuminator housing to change condensers. It's not a biggie, it just unscrews. You have to adjust the positioning of the holder. In fact, I had to do that with the original when I first got it. With the new 3d printed one, I found it's best to get the hole centered by adjusting it with the BF condenser poking through. That way you can be sure it will go in and out smoothly. Then tightening the screws with the BF still there. Now that the BF is capable of poking much further through the hole I've marked what I think would be the highest position with a some white insulating tape. Although I've made the holder with 2 thumbscrews (symmetrical
) it probably only needs one. The condensers aren't heavy. Just to mention, when working on the microscope unplug it, remove eyepieces and any slide you might have on the stage
Here is top view of v2:
- v2_holder.jpg (18.32 KiB) Viewed 7427 times
As you can see I elongated the narrow end to accommodate the screw hole shift though I could have moved the 37mm hole.
With the BF in situ:
- BF_front_insitu.jpg (33.65 KiB) Viewed 7427 times
Here is the salt!
10x
- DF_10x_Salt_0001.jpg (39.54 KiB) Viewed 7427 times
20x
- DF_20x_Salt_0002.jpg (32.96 KiB) Viewed 7427 times
40x
- DF_40x_Salt_0003.jpg (35.58 KiB) Viewed 7427 times
Sorry, salt is very boring, but hey, proof of concept
I actually have to figure out how you properly use a DF setup. I mean, everything is dark until something catches the light! There must be a way of finding subjects without having to keep swapping out condensers? I'll have to think about that one - unless someone can enlighten me? :p
If anyone is interested and also wants to have a go, the holder is attached with 3 x m3 x 16mm allen key bolts. The thumb screws are m3 x 10mm. The two distal holes in the holder are 40mm apart. The front hole is 50mm from the horizontal line that joins the 2 distal holes. I made the holes 5mm in diameter. Or if anyone wants the .stl or Fusion 360 design file, let me know.
Louise
A Nikon CF plan 20x; A Swift 380T; A DIY infinity corrected focus rail system with a 40x/0.65 Olympus Plan, a 10x/0.30 Amscope Plan Fluor, and a 20x/0.75 Nikon Plan Apo