Dark field for Olympus BH2

Here you can discuss different microscopic techniques and illumination methods, such as Brightfield, Darkfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Oblique illumination, etc.
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Harold
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Dark field for Olympus BH2

#1 Post by Harold » Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:15 pm

I found this on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264308894870?h ... SwXgFczO2G

Looks like it might be a viable alternative to the much more expensive Olympus phase contrast condenser. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has any experience with this device. Thanks.

Scarodactyl
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#2 Post by Scarodactyl » Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:28 pm

That's Saul's shop. I havem't tried this one but he is a very good designer.

Harold
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#3 Post by Harold » Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:49 pm

Thanks. I'm going to go ahead and order one. I'll report back when I've had some time to play with it. Meantime, do you know if he has made any documentation available?

PeteM
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#4 Post by PeteM » Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:59 pm

Darkfield stops, including Saul's good sets, are adequate up to about a 20-40x objective. The 20x almost universally. The 40x commonly being a bit less satisfactory, especially with higher numerical aperture versions.

To go above this the typical approach is a dedicated darkfield condenser and a higher power objective with a built-in iris to reduce its numerical aperture to below that of the condenser. Cleanliness of everything and oiling the condenser to the slide - that slide of just the right thickness - are often required to get a nice dark darkfield image.

Harold
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#5 Post by Harold » Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:08 am

Sounds like this Saul person makes good things. Haven't had the pleasure of meeting him, but it's good to know he's well regarded. I'd like the ability to use dark field occasionally, but the majority of the time I'll be using conventional lighting. I've got 20x and 40x SPlan objectives and that magnification range works very well for me photographically. So that's not a significant limitation to me. Thanks for the input. I'm feeling really good about this purchase and can't wait for it to arrive.

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josmann
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#6 Post by josmann » Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:23 pm

For dedicated darkfield condensers, per forum user RudiV and by way of Carl Hunsinger, the dry and oil immersion darkfield condensers compatible with the AmScope T690 are compatible and work well with the BH2.

This one: https://amscope.com/products/dk-dry200

and this one: https://amscope.com/products/dk-oil200
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Harold
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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#7 Post by Harold » Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:41 pm

josmann wrote:
Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:23 pm
For dedicated darkfield condensers, per forum user RudiV and by way of Carl Hunsinger, the dry and oil immersion darkfield condensers compatible with the AmScope T690 are compatible and work well with the BH2.

This one: https://amscope.com/products/dk-dry200
and this one: https://amscope.com/products/dk-oil200
Thanks so much!! Never would have guessed the Amscope condensers would be compatible with the BH2. They look pretty slick and the price is reasonable. First, I'll try Saul's adapter, and if I think I might do more than dabble with dark field, one of these would be perfect. Much appreciated

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Re: Dark field for Olympus BH2

#8 Post by Saul » Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:08 pm

Thank you all for the kind words !
I have a set just for the DF:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265264038926

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