Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

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imkap
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Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#1 Post by imkap » Wed Aug 10, 2022 10:55 pm

This one might be interesting, it has 3 objectives, an original camera, probably a photo EP inside, and 2 eyepieces. Achr apl 1.4 condenser, illuminator on the back... What do you think it might be worth, 400€ ok or too much?
Thanks
I don't really need this but it looks good and I'm thinking about leaving my GFL on the island and keep the Oly at home, the Axiolab will go for sale, whole or in parts, as getting the optics for it at a reasonable price (for me) seems impossible... I brought the GFL here for a few weeks and it is so much fun having the sea 20 meters from the microscope...
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deBult
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#2 Post by deBult » Wed Aug 10, 2022 11:21 pm

I love mine (have 3) and for European mainland perspective the price is more than OK when in good shape.

The A series of objectives are “entry” level, not plan, but a good startset (plan is overrated i.m.o. when your focus is “pond dipping”: small water samples).

The condenser is top quality (but has some limitation when using 4* and lower objectives).

The 20* objective is VERY useful when you are into pond dipping, and by far my most used objective.

Would recommend adding a 4* and/or 10* objective.

Check whether there is a projection eyepiece below the camera (NFK series, not FK, 2.5* enlargement, the 1.6* is even more useful, but considered un-obtainium). Replace the camera by a modern sensor based version, Canon 650 series and up comes to mind).

Most common issue is old grease, and as a result a damaged gearbox, both the course and fine focus should be smooth . The Alan wood website had a wealth of maintenance guides. Replace the gearbox grease at minimum (relative simple task).

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#3 Post by imkap » Wed Aug 10, 2022 11:39 pm

Thanks, I actually own one SPlan 20, it should fit this one very nice.
This microscope is actually a bit far away and some effort on my side might be needed to get it, as it is in a neighbouring country :) but it looks very nicely preserved and with the original camera.

As for the old grease, I'm quite confident in taking it apart, maybe even excited :roll: .
The only problem is that the objectives are missing, so more purchases are needed, better to have a whole lot at once with 4,10,20. The 40x is ok but 100x I'd just keep in the drawer, too much of a hassle with the oil and I don't like what I see. I think slide preparation expertise might be crucial at Mag that big.
I agree that plan is overrated for what I observe.
I'll see what the seller says

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#4 Post by deBult » Wed Aug 10, 2022 11:49 pm

There is an excellent packaging / shipping guide from forum member Carl Hunsiger on the Alan Wood website.

4* an 10* objectives are not that expensive, even on E…

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#5 Post by imkap » Wed Aug 10, 2022 11:56 pm

deBult wrote:
Wed Aug 10, 2022 11:49 pm
There is an excellent packaging / shipping guide from forum member Carl Hunsiger on the Alan Wood website.

4* an 10* objectives are not that expensive, even on E…
Thanks, it's not the packaging that concerns me, but the seller is not in EU, so not sure how the customs would react to a huge microscope for 400€... So I'd have to go pick it up, or have someone who might be close pick it up for me, which might be doable but still more effort than usual. :D
I'll look for the 10x objective, I just might buy one anyway if not too expensive. It can be used on my GFL too just with NFK eyepiece...

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#6 Post by deBult » Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:01 am

Damaged gearbox.

You will require a JIS screwdriver set and Alan-key-set to open the back plane of the scope.
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#7 Post by woyjwjl » Thu Aug 11, 2022 1:52 am

First of all, 400 euros is a surprise price.

1. Photomicro Adapter L and NFK 1.67x are half of the quotation. I don't think it's worth it.
http://www.alanwood.net/olympus/digital ... scope.html

2. The basic brand-new SPlan objective lens will sell for no more than $70 (in China). But I think the A series is enough for amateurs.

Question:
1. The film camera has no value. " SLRs with a full-frame sensor (36 × 24 mm, diagonal 43.3mm) is not cheap.

2. Transportation and customs charges.

If it were me, I would sell Photomicro Adapter L and NFK 1.67x, and then buy Panasonic GH4 and NFK3.3 and u-pmtvc.
Micrographers from China, thanks to the forum for providing a platform for exchange

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#8 Post by imkap » Thu Aug 11, 2022 6:58 am

I'd probably have to find someone to get it for me and bring it here. The good thing is that now it is summer, so there are people coming over for tourism. So you think it is worth a hassle?
woyjwjl wrote:
Thu Aug 11, 2022 1:52 am
First of all, 400 euros is a surprise price.

If it were me, I would sell Photomicro Adapter L and NFK 1.67x, and then buy Panasonic GH4 and NFK3.3 and u-pmtvc.
That seems like a good idea, a mirrorless FF camera is cheaper than the eyepiece for the crop sensor :mrgreen:

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#9 Post by woyjwjl » Thu Aug 11, 2022 8:07 am

The most difficult (or impossible) part of restoring a BH2 for amateurs is the light control circuit, (non-standard transformer), so we recommend that you ask the seller to ensure that the lights are in working order before you pay. Especially with this kind of transaction, which is almost impossible to return.
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#10 Post by woyjwjl » Thu Aug 11, 2022 8:14 am

deBult wrote:
Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:01 am
Damaged gearbox.

You will require a JIS screwdriver set and Alan-key-set to open the back plan of the scope.

30F18DCF-EEF4-472B-A4F6-94B2CBD49E29.jpeg
As I understand it in BH2, it is difficult to imagine what kind of human operation could have caused the breakage of this gearbox.
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deBult
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#11 Post by deBult » Thu Aug 11, 2022 10:29 am

woyjwjl wrote:
Thu Aug 11, 2022 8:14 am
deBult wrote:
Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:01 am
Damaged gearbox.

You will require a JIS screwdriver set and Alan-key-set to open the back plan of the scope.

30F18DCF-EEF4-472B-A4F6-94B2CBD49E29.jpeg
As I understand it in BH2, it is difficult to imagine what kind of human operation could have caused the breakage of this gearbox.
Tja, the scope is approx 30 years old, without proper servicing during this period the grease has turned into a green glue: people forcing the focus mechanism to make things move. I have 2 BH2 scopes here: all are OK but for a failed gearbox. I was investigating a craftsman to make me news gears, Last time I spoke to a well known repairman he told me to order an additional 20 pieces for him as well. No succes yet though.

Another common failing part is the nylon gear part in the right side focus knob, to my understanding this was actually DESIGNED to break when to much force is executed, it often breaks during transport when the stage and condensor are not removed and packaged separately.

The Electrolytic condensator in the lamp power circuit is due for replacement as well (easy to do) some of the transistors have the common transistor rot (black oxidized legs, breaking the cover). Any electro repair man can fix both for you. The Trafo is a lost case when broken, only a few cases known to me … BUT a full replacement kit for the lamp circuit including a led is offered on E… and by one of the forum participants. Alternatively use a common lab power supply as external replacement.

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#12 Post by imkap » Thu Aug 11, 2022 6:35 pm

Now you got me scared. .. :D I'll try to teach my friend how to test everything, so we'll see. It looks great on the images, although it doesn't have the old Zeiss mojo :mrgreen:

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#13 Post by deBult » Thu Aug 11, 2022 11:55 pm

2 easy checks:
* does the lamp power on (he may need to bring a replacement 6V 20 Watt halogen lamp, just in case)
(Correction: it looks like the BHS model: 12 V 100 Watt halogen lamp)

* both fine and course focussing should be possible without force and smooth without hickup’s
(mind not to crash the objectives when trying)

Agree about the old Zeiss or Leitz mojo :roll:

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#14 Post by woyjwjl » Fri Aug 12, 2022 6:34 am

A few words of encouragement

I have handled less than 6 BH2 microscopes and have not even found one with a "gearbox fault".
I now have two complete "Coaxial Focus Mechanism" (disassembled and oil changed) lying around the house.
I am willing to sell them for $50 each (presumably less than the cost of shipping) if anyone needs them.

Ahem, I also just got a complete BHS in (to get the NIC kit) and I'll have to sell it later ....... , can't really fit it in the house .
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#15 Post by imkap » Sat Aug 13, 2022 9:22 pm

Thanks, I've agreed the terms with the seller and found who'll bring the microscope here. So should get it in a bit less than 2 weeks. Hopefully all works good. The guy claims everything is mint and the light works... We'll see. :mrgreen:

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#16 Post by imkap » Sun Aug 14, 2022 8:08 pm

If I understand correctly, in order to connect the Sony camera to the microscope up there I need a nex - olympus OM adapter?

And in order to fiddle with the mechanics I need JIS screws of various sizes?

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#17 Post by deBult » Sun Aug 14, 2022 8:31 pm

May I suggest you play the series of maintenance video’s on the Alan Wood website.

Yes you require a JIS screwdriver set: the screws LOOK like Philips, but you will damage the heads when using a Philips screwdriver set. You also need a set of Allan keys, including some of the very very small ones plus a small strap-wrench.

A tube of Plastilube break grease.

The written guides by Carl Hunsiger on the Allan Wood site contain links to suppliers.

Camera connection:
http://www.alanwood.net/olympus/digital ... scope.html

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#18 Post by imkap » Sun Aug 14, 2022 8:46 pm

Thanks, I actually watched some of the videos and read the service instructions when I was refreshing my Zeiss GFL. Alan Wood site is a great resource, everything in one place, nicely sorted.

Plastilube is great, available locally and not expensive.

I think I'll make a site rip and save it to my computer... You never know what may happen with privately funded sites.

There was this one site with a lot of info on the 80s Roland Bolt guitar amp I have and it just disappeared one day, there is something left on the wayback machine but not much... A shame really, as the guy thought of some nice mods in which I wasn't so interested in at the time, but after a few years I looked up and it all disappeared... So better safe than sorry :)

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#19 Post by imkap » Mon Aug 15, 2022 9:45 am

I found these:
https://amzn.eu/d/3hT0RSb
It has 3 sizes: 1,2 and 3, do I need smaller (0,00,000)?

Thanks

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#20 Post by deBult » Mon Aug 15, 2022 12:48 pm

The repair guides on Alan Wood specify the sizes required.

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#21 Post by imkap » Mon Aug 15, 2022 1:41 pm

I'm examining the subject just now, I saw Alan Wood bought a set of Hozan jis screwdrivers and it has 0,1,2,3 sizes. The problem is I can't find it in Europe :)

I found a site where the guy claims that Wera PH screwdrivers are suitable for JIS. They are available locally so best to try out and if they don't work utilize the return policy...

Which ones are you using?

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#22 Post by deBult » Mon Aug 15, 2022 5:42 pm

JIS screwdrivers 1.5 mm and up plus the small one from the set you linked to. Ordered at Amazon.de
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#23 Post by Scarodactyl » Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:46 pm

I have had a lot of luck with my recently acquired iFixIt kit.

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#24 Post by imkap » Mon Aug 15, 2022 11:03 pm

Thanks, the Moody set isn't available at .de currently, a shame as the price is right and it has all the sizes needed...

I eventually opted for Vessel, bought a precision kit with ph 0-0000 and 2 flat blade 0.7. 0.9 and another set with ph1,2,3. and 3 flat blades... Manufacturer is from Japan and the reviews say they are compatible with JIS. So it should be good I hope. Not overly expensive and I like screwdrivers :D

I actually couldn't resist the colorful precision set, as I've seen it at the local jeweler's shop and since was wondering what are those classy screwdrivers he has.

I read that these should work with regular PH too, as it is some kind of 'hybrid' design, apparently original JIS design is harder to find nowadays if I understood correctly, but this should work as good. We'll see...

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#25 Post by imkap » Fri Aug 26, 2022 7:10 pm

Here it is, I don't believe I managed to get it. It was a lucky set of circumstances, to have someone passing near this microscope and that the seller was patient and fair enough to wait... The microscope looks as if the guy had a time machine and bought it a week ago in 1989. No dust on the eyepieces, or anywhere, no cleaning marks. It works like new, it really does not need even a dust cleaning. I'm quite happy.

There is a film camera on top which is great as I would never buy one, but still will be nice to try to shoot a film or 2 through the microscope. It's funny there is a film inside with 18 used shots, it will be interesting to see what's on it... :D

The 20x is A (achromat) 40x is Dplan, 100x is Splan and NFK 2.5. Missing 4 and 10, I'm not sure to buy Dplan which can be found quite cheaply or Splan, so please help with suggestions.
I read somewhere that Dplan is good for photography as the center is flat and the camera does not see the rest. I also read somewhere that the Splan should have a larger F.O.V. and it is completely flat. I already have splan 20, dplan 40 I'll keep...

Can't wait to find/make a darkfield setup and connect a camera, I'll get an adapter in a few days...

The screwdrivers will find their use eventually :mrgreen:
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#26 Post by Hobbyst46 » Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:09 pm

Congratulations ! Both SPlans and DPlans are fine objectives. And it is a BHS, no less ! great.

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#27 Post by imkap » Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:57 pm

I found it:

Citation from http://earth2geologists.net/Microscopes ... Scopes.htm

The DPlan objectives work great with standard wide-view 10x eyepieces such as the WHK and WK models, which have an excellent field number of 20. But if you are lucky enough to have one of the rather rare super-wide heads with their 30 mm diameter FN 26.5 SWHK eyepieces, the SPlan objective line is designed to provide flat focus across that extreme view field. You also might wish to use them with the swing-up SC condenser.

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#28 Post by imkap » Fri Aug 26, 2022 10:09 pm

Hobbyst46 wrote:
Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:09 pm
Congratulations ! Both SPlans and DPlans are fine objectives. And it is a BHS, no less ! great.
Thanks, I'm quite happy... No need to fiddle, it is all original. So I can see first hand how things should look like :D

I think my GFL will benefit in time too with the acquired knowledge... :D

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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#29 Post by imkap » Sat Aug 27, 2022 10:59 am

I found this in the manual, so they are a bit different, the dplan has lower n.a. and larger depth of focus, which might be preferable and it is cheaper :) . I'll order 2 dplans for a start...
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Re: Olympus bh-2 price evaluation

#30 Post by JGardner » Mon Aug 29, 2022 5:39 pm

Nice looking scope. I wish I could find one in that condition, but, alas, most of the ones I encounter look like they’ve been heavily used by gorillas and then stored in a damp cellar for a few centuries.

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