MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

My microscope is a no name without a field diaphragm or collector lens so Kohler is impossible? Would anyone inquire other methods of reducing uneven illumination when taking pictures? I was thinking of using a ground glass diffuser but I'm not sure about other approaches.

Diffusion with frosted glass, milk jug piece or vellum paper (or even office paper dipped with oil) should work.

Even if said alternative diffusers were placed in the filter holder?

What illumination does your scope have? On top of the lens or in the filter holder (you have one?). Try both and whichever one works best.

If your microscope has any sort of substage illumination source (besides a mirror!) built in, don't despair. You can fake up a field iris easily enough by cutting a small hole (1/8"-1/4") in a piece of black paper or cardstock, and laying that on top of the light well (the port the light comes out of). This simulates closing down a field iris. Then with the specimen in focus, raise your condenser until the hole edges are also in sharp focus. Your condenser is now set. Then remove the card & you're ready to observe.

Just be aware that any diffusion of the light entering the condenser will lower the intensity of the illumination and lower the contrast somewhat.