Diy phase contrast on BHS

[imkap]

Hi, I have a BHS with a 1.4 condenser. Using the printed insert designed by Carl H for darkfield patches.
I just had a thought, maybe I could get a PH objective and then print a patch of the right size to obtain phase contrast? Anyone did that, should be possible, why not?

The 1.4 is soo good, I like keeping it on all the time and this seems a really convenient and a cheap solution to have a bit of PH. Maybe 10x.

[Chas]

I dont know if this would work for your particular microscope but see here:

https://microscopyofnature.com/low-budg ... lumination

Or perhaps this?:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... phase.html

[imkap]

I dont know if this would work for your particular microscope but see here:

https://microscopyofnature.com/low-budg ... lumination

Or perhaps this?:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... phase.html

So it's possible... Great, I have only 2 phase contrast objectives, a Zeiss and Swift. Both are 40x...

I'll wait for Olympus Splan pl10 to appear at a good price.

Probably could print or draw a concentric circles 'ruler' on transparent paper and put it in the condenser at the correct height and then look through the Ph objective with a phase telescope. That way I suppose I could measure the right diameter...

Thanks

[PeteM]

There's a US eBay seller laser cutting various phase annuli out of Delrin. The smallest ones have slightly fuzzy edges, but overall, it's a good solution.

Another approach is to use watch crystals, black vinyl, and one of the fairly precise China-made circle cutters - I believe someone posted a link to those earlier here, and they work well.

3D-printed ones should work, too, but perhaps with less precise edges and greater thickness, depending on the printer and filament.

If you can get a transparent ruler or reticle up into your condenser near the iris, you should be able to determine the diameters and widths you'll need. This proves particularly easy with the type of condensers that take a phase slider - just slide a transparent ruler in. Those condensers are often seen under $100, and the dovetails can easily be adapted to fit Olympus BH2, Nikon finite, and Leica infinite. The sliders typically have two spots for phase rings - in your case DIY rings.

Good luck!