What kind of adapter for this camera?

[kblackwell]

Hello,
I have this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 camera.
I have a trinocular microscope.
When the camera is on and the lens is out, it does fit into the photo port and I can use the tightener to make it secure.
But, it needs some sort of lens in there. I'm only seeing a small circle of light in the center.
What would I need?
Here's a pic of my camera with widths. It seems to me that it would require something with a 30mm opening on top, then a lens, then the 30mm part to fit into the photo port.
Yes, I'm aware that focusing the camera causes the tube lengths to alter, and that could be a problem, so maybe it would need to be mounted closer to the body of the camera (?).
Thanks!

[sreynolds]

What you're trying to do with that camera is use the 'afocal' method - which is the same method you use when you put your cell phone camera above the eyepiece to take a picture. Tons on posts about 'afocal' method. It won't work going directly into the trinocular port - it needs an eyepiece, and then some kind of mechanical adapter to hold it above the eyepiece; needs to be put in manual focus mode and locked at infinity focus. It won't be a very satisfactory camera solution.

[kblackwell]

OK - thanks for the info. I suspected as much, but thought I'd ask.

[kblackwell]

Wait! I just spotted this in one of the microbehunter videos!
Does anyone know what this is called, if it's available for purchase?

[Scoper]

Take a look at this…

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-5338-Stead ... B0069VXY7K

[charlie g]

Hi, kblackwell, first try 'hand holding your 'point and shoot camera' at the vertical port..with that port having an eyepiece in place...toggle your cameras focus control and see how much of the field of view can be obtained...

even snap a few image captures this way.

These 'point and shoots' are not the best cameras to pair with a microscope..but I often image captured this way..if you like the images..then get the camera mount. all the best, charlie g

[kblackwell]

Take a look at this…

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-5338-Stead ... B0069VXY7K

Thanks - yes, this type of thing might be the ticket. I'll do some more digging!

Hi, kblackwell, first try 'hand holding your 'point and shoot camera' at the vertical port..with that port having an eyepiece in place...toggle your cameras focus control and see how much of the field of view can be obtained...

even snap a few image captures this way.

These 'point and shoots' are not the best cameras to pair with a microscope..but I often image captured this way..if you like the images..then get the camera mount. all the best, charlie g

Yes - probably not the best. BUT, it's something I already own! I see a lot of comments online indicating that cameras specifically made for microscopes are crappy. If I can leverage some of my leftover gadgets it's worth a shot, IMHO!
Another thought was to buy a used DSLR and a proper c-mount adapter, that might be my next choice... maybe.

BUT.... I did find another old gadget at home that has never been used, which might fit the bill.....

This Ion Pro camera my kids got for xmas several years ago! It has HDMI out - is made primarily for video, maybe I can use for still shots too, IDK. It's got the standard camera mount screw hole, and has a 16gb microSD card already in there, so I've ordered a mini-hdmi cable adapter for $7, will see if it works ok. I'll test it out and see how the quality is, and maybe rig a mount for it if it looks like it might work. Will probably have to get another eyepiece too...... Still though, huge savings over an official $$$ microscope cam.....

[charlie g]

Hi, kblackwell, I suggest you get a crisp focus in the vertical tube eyepiece of targets not moving ( fixed tissue slide, algae plant wetmounts, etc.) ...then handhold your 'point and shoot camera' contacting the ocular lens...and toggle

the camera focus control until you get a full screen view of the microscopy targets...see if you capture crisp images ( you should be able to).

I,m not asking you to give up on your 'point and shoot camera'...I,m asking you to give it a chance to perform.

Over the years I have hand held 'point and shoot camera' to vertical tube ( tube with an eyepiece, image in crisp focus), I have also hand held 'point and shoot camera' to crisp focus refractor telescope for good images of Mercury transiting our sun.

Give it a try..at least on vacations you have a trusty camera that fits in your shirt pocket..and hand held image captures with a microscope. charlie g

[kblackwell]

Yes, I'll give it a shot. Might try the red camera manually this weekend. Can't try the blue action cam until I get the mini HDMI adapter. But due to plans, probably won't make a lot of progress on this for a few weeks.

[MichaelG.]

I have never seen the ion camera before, but found this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MtrGxPwd_o

It’s rather slow-paced, but may be useful.

MichaelG.