Hello! Help me with my new AO Microscope?

[fungiman27]

Hello

My name is fungiman27 and I recently bought myself a used microscope off of Ebay and was curious if I could get help identifying different things about it.

This is a binocular American Optical microscope but I am unsure what model it is. Additionally, it appears the condenser comes with a few rotor and inside it there was a lens labeled "43X 4834" which I believe pairs with my 43x Objective. It says Dark M on it, and I originally thought it was for darkfield microscopy, but the more I check I think this pair is actually for phase contrast which would be super cool if its true. I got it for around 40 dollars and I think that is a pretty good deal for what it all came with.

Overall, very happy with purchase and excited to look at some things with it. I was mostly curious if anyone knew more about the "Dark M" and whether I am correct about the usage. I also have a few questions below and if anyone could help me with that it would be most appreciated.

Q1 - Any ideea what model this is? I can't seem to find that info out.
Q2 - Does this scope require specific slides to use? Or will any old slide box do just fine?
Q3 - Is it possible to find more of these phase contrast lens combos anywhere? Might just have to look back on Ebay to find more, I would really like a 20x.

Thanks for all the help guys. Happy Hunting

[BramHuntingNematodes]

Very lovely scope there with some nice fat eyepieces. You are correct about it being phase, the finite tube variety I believe. That the numbers on the annulur and lens match is no coincidence! Phil can chime in too, but AO from this time had the best phase contrast engine going, with lots of options. A very good buy at that price, but the hunt is on for those annuli and lenses

[Charles]

Q1 - Any idea what model this is? I can't seem to find that info out.
You have an AO Spencer model 4 with a 43X dark M phase objective and phase condenser with the proper phase annuli for the 43X. You can get more information here: https://user.xmission.com/~psneeley/Per ... oscope.htm

Q2 - Does this scope require specific slides to use? Or will any old slide box do just fine?
Normal slides and coverslips will do

Q3 - Is it possible to find more of these phase contrast lens combos anywhere? Might just have to look back on Ebay to find more, I would really like a 20x.
The rotating phase condenser usually came with 10X, 20X, 43X, 97X and a space for bright field. Your model is designed for the finite 160mm TL objectives and not the more common infinity objectives which are for the AO model 10-20-100-110-120. So if you look for others, do not get the ones with the infinity symbol on them.

[fungiman27]

Thanks for the information guys, this stuff can be a bit daunting but this has answered all my questions!

[dtsh]

A lot of times phase contrast stuff is expensive in bits and pieces and cheaper as a whole package, so keep an eye out for another series 4 with phase.
I feel sad every time I strip a stand for parts, but sometimes it's the most effective way to get what you want.