Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
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- Posts: 59
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Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
I posted earlier a mini-review of the tiny Columbia FM 600 microscope I bought: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=16396
My microscope, while fully functional, had three issues I wanted to straighten:
1. Fine focus knobs required a tad more effort than I feel comfortable with.
2. Objective turret was somewhat tilted to the right side (I initially thought it was by design).
3. Condenser iris diaphragm was not perfectly centered.
So, I took the microscope apart, cleaned and lubed, and aligned everything: After this, everything is perfect!
I installed SPlan 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x objectives and WHK 10x/20 eyepieces from Olympus, and now this little gem punches way above it's weight.
Having said this, the stock optics from Swift is not bad at all.
My microscope, while fully functional, had three issues I wanted to straighten:
1. Fine focus knobs required a tad more effort than I feel comfortable with.
2. Objective turret was somewhat tilted to the right side (I initially thought it was by design).
3. Condenser iris diaphragm was not perfectly centered.
So, I took the microscope apart, cleaned and lubed, and aligned everything: After this, everything is perfect!
I installed SPlan 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x objectives and WHK 10x/20 eyepieces from Olympus, and now this little gem punches way above it's weight.
Having said this, the stock optics from Swift is not bad at all.
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
Nice 'scope and fine job. I've used Swift optics and have been very happy with them. (Also, I like the Fluke 45 Multimeter in the background. I use mine often.)
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
Interesting work, really good
Is OLY 160mm limited system compatible?
Is OLY 160mm limited system compatible?
Micrographers from China, thanks to the forum for providing a platform for exchange
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- Posts: 59
- Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:53 pm
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
Yes, because both eyepieces are adjustable, I was able to achieve perfect parfocality with Olympus optics.
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
ZodiacPhoto,
You are further along than me but one suggestion is to buy a small sized magnetic parts dish for the screws.
I know they could drop on the floor before getting to that point. But these little parts if they fall on the floor sometimes it gives a real search to find them.
-Dennis
You are further along than me but one suggestion is to buy a small sized magnetic parts dish for the screws.
I know they could drop on the floor before getting to that point. But these little parts if they fall on the floor sometimes it gives a real search to find them.
-Dennis
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- Posts: 59
- Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:53 pm
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
Dennis,
Great idea, I have one in y garage, but it is too large for my work bench and microscope screws.
Will look for a smaller one.
So, I ate all those M&M yogurts for nothing (I use the cups)?
Great idea, I have one in y garage, but it is too large for my work bench and microscope screws.
Will look for a smaller one.
So, I ate all those M&M yogurts for nothing (I use the cups)?
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- Posts: 59
- Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:53 pm
Re: Columbia FM600 punches above it's weight
If somebody is interested in this scope, there is one on Ebay, will end really cheap, I think. I don't know the seller:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165806982460?h ... ondition=4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165806982460?h ... ondition=4