MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

G'day.

I'm a 31 year old software developer from Australia that has been looking for a new hobby. Microscopy is totally alien to me but the more I read the more I find to sink my teeth into. A few months ago I took my nephew to one of those kids science fairs and there was a display with seaweed under a little lens. I was transfixed by the display and haven't been able to shake that feeling of wonder I last had in a grade school science.

A few weeks of research later and I was stuck with a difficult choice between compound and stereo. Stereo was winning for the longest time because I loved the idea of being able to pick up random tit bits like dead insects and pond water. Stereo was a lot less intimidating to me but ultimately, I went with a well built compound because I felt like I would get better long term use and a lot of little weekend projects.

So I purchased this - a Carson MS 160 biological microscope which should arrive next week. I also bought a set of 100 pre-prepared slides and a bulk savers pack of blank slides and covers slips for when I graduate to onion peel and cheek swabs. Eventually I'd like to build a centrifuge and try my hand at scrubbing rocks for diatom.

Anyway, I've been lurking this forum for a week or two and the things you lot are up to is absurdly fascinating. You are a well informed and friendly crew so I figured it was about time to say hello.

Welcome to the group.

I'm glad to see that you did some research before purchasing your microscope.

Did you order a model with a triocular body so you could attach a camera (conveniently) ?

You should also get yourself a simple stereo microscope (my humble opinion). They are not too expensive and really do provide that extra bit of flexibility.

lorez

Welcome - and enjoy the new hobby :)

Metrophage , the Carson MS160 looks like a good scope. Welcome to the group and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sure you will enjoy this group greatly as all of us here, and your software skill will be handy when getting into image capturing & processing aspect of the hobby. Lot of great tools are already out there, but sometimes developing your own utility is just added to the fun

Welcome!

Welcome and have fun with that. I'm sure it will do a lot of work for you.

Welcome to this fine and friendly forum! That looks like a nice 'scope to me - you're in for some fun and fascination my friend, and the superb fellows here are always ready to join you and help out!

Happy-days are on their way to you!

Wow thanks a lot everyone.

lorez wrote:Did you order a model with a triocular body so you could attach a camera (conveniently) ?

No just a binocular. I plan on making a mount for my iPhone at some point.

lorez wrote:You should also get yourself a simple stereo microscope (my humble opinion). They are not too expensive and really do provide that extra bit of flexibility.

Good advice. I'm going to wait a while to make sure this is really for me before putting more money into it.

JimT wrote:Metrophage , the Carson MS160 looks like a good scope.

I hope so. I'll post a review of it on the `My Microscope` board when it arrives.

JimT wrote:Welcome to the group and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Thanks, I definitely will.

Hi and welcome to a brilliant new world of microscopy, just enjoy it all. Good luck.

Welcome, will be looking for your posts and photos.

Welcome to the forum. Lots of great information and enthusiasm.
One place you might also look for information is http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html.
Its back catalogue is a gold mine of knowledge/ideas for subject to look at etc.