Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
- Firebirdie
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- Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2021 11:06 pm
Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Hi all,
I'm 36, located in Belgium and on the fence regarding a dive into microscopy as a new hobby, not linked to work (IT) or other hobbies. I want to heed the advice regarding a first microscope, which is to not spend too much right away. A lot of recommendations seem to be US-based but I prefer not to import from there due to fees and access to support. The second hand market appears to be nearly non-existent here and I only find a few brands that are easily available and affordable.
Some points I'm considering:
- I'd like a compound microscope
- I read that binocular is more comfortable, though it costs more, contradicting the low budget advice. Is it strongly recommended?
- I would prefer to be able to take pictures. Having said that, microscope cameras seem to be hideously expensive. Bresser has a camera priced at around €60 but I don't know what to expect from that. A smartphone holder could be an alternative although it seems to be quite a hassle to find a working setup for it. Maybe I'm overestimating the difficulty as a few adapters are linked in the shop?
- Based on recommendations I encountered, I think I prefer to either stick to 4x / 10x / 40x objectives or to have an additional 60x objective rather than an additional (oil) 100x one.
My search so far: I've looked at the Euromex MB.1653 but at a price of nearly €400 (cheapest I found was UK import) I think I may be aiming too high to merely get started, although it is trinocular and has a 60x objective. Comparing this to the Bresser Erudit Basic Mono (€170) or Bino (€205) it seems like the Bresser offers more value for its price but I'm not sure regarding any important downsides. I read mixed reviews for both brands and Bresser in particular, the latter regarding build quality. I'm still not sure about the difference between Bresser Erudit Basic and Erudit DLX. Motic has so many models I don't really know where to start. Swift doesn't seem to be available and there seem to be few affordable ones from Amscope for sale here, let alone compatible with 220V.
In short, I would be thankful for any advice you might have
I'm 36, located in Belgium and on the fence regarding a dive into microscopy as a new hobby, not linked to work (IT) or other hobbies. I want to heed the advice regarding a first microscope, which is to not spend too much right away. A lot of recommendations seem to be US-based but I prefer not to import from there due to fees and access to support. The second hand market appears to be nearly non-existent here and I only find a few brands that are easily available and affordable.
Some points I'm considering:
- I'd like a compound microscope
- I read that binocular is more comfortable, though it costs more, contradicting the low budget advice. Is it strongly recommended?
- I would prefer to be able to take pictures. Having said that, microscope cameras seem to be hideously expensive. Bresser has a camera priced at around €60 but I don't know what to expect from that. A smartphone holder could be an alternative although it seems to be quite a hassle to find a working setup for it. Maybe I'm overestimating the difficulty as a few adapters are linked in the shop?
- Based on recommendations I encountered, I think I prefer to either stick to 4x / 10x / 40x objectives or to have an additional 60x objective rather than an additional (oil) 100x one.
My search so far: I've looked at the Euromex MB.1653 but at a price of nearly €400 (cheapest I found was UK import) I think I may be aiming too high to merely get started, although it is trinocular and has a 60x objective. Comparing this to the Bresser Erudit Basic Mono (€170) or Bino (€205) it seems like the Bresser offers more value for its price but I'm not sure regarding any important downsides. I read mixed reviews for both brands and Bresser in particular, the latter regarding build quality. I'm still not sure about the difference between Bresser Erudit Basic and Erudit DLX. Motic has so many models I don't really know where to start. Swift doesn't seem to be available and there seem to be few affordable ones from Amscope for sale here, let alone compatible with 220V.
In short, I would be thankful for any advice you might have
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I don't really know what you have available for you where you shop but I can make a few comments. The first is that at this level, brand isn't very significant in most cases. They all import from the same few Chinese factories. EuroMex is the European division of AmScope and they carry the same type of stuff. I'm less familiar with Bresser, but that microscope looks like it could be pulled right out of an AmScope catalog. I'm sure they use the same optics. The EuroMex you reference has (1) a trinocular head (2) four objectives, rather than three. That's why it costs more. Otherwise the two scopes will be of the same quality. Trinocular heads are convenient if you mount a camera, but if you are using a cell adapter, perhaps you don't need one. It's always nice to have a fourth objective, whether it be a 100X oil or a 60X dry. These 160mm objectives you find in these types of scopes seem to be pretty much all the same quality--I suspect there is a single manufacturer making all of them. They can be had even cheaper from china or on ebay (at least, in the US).
It's common for people to prefer avoiding the hassle of using oil for their 100X, so many people do like 60X, but you don't have to restrict your search to only microscopes that come in that configuration--most don't. You can pick up a 160mm 60X objective from wherever and trade it out whenever you want. Then if you want to go back to use 100X, you can always do so.
Motic is an actual manufacturer that makes and sells much of their own stuff, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were also using the same 160mm objectives as everyone else on their budget scopes.
To me, 400 euros seems a little steep for a microscope at that level, but prices do differ in different parts of the world.
It's common for people to prefer avoiding the hassle of using oil for their 100X, so many people do like 60X, but you don't have to restrict your search to only microscopes that come in that configuration--most don't. You can pick up a 160mm 60X objective from wherever and trade it out whenever you want. Then if you want to go back to use 100X, you can always do so.
Motic is an actual manufacturer that makes and sells much of their own stuff, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were also using the same 160mm objectives as everyone else on their budget scopes.
To me, 400 euros seems a little steep for a microscope at that level, but prices do differ in different parts of the world.
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Hi, welcome to the forum!
An alternative solution could be buying used from a reputable dealer like Immel Optik in Germany.
In the past year or so there has been a never ending stream of newcomers looking for microscopy buying advice. So the more experienced microscopists are a bit worn out and don't react with the necessary enthusiasm to your post. When you look through past posts from a year or so back you will find lots of valuable information.
Bob
An alternative solution could be buying used from a reputable dealer like Immel Optik in Germany.
In the past year or so there has been a never ending stream of newcomers looking for microscopy buying advice. So the more experienced microscopists are a bit worn out and don't react with the necessary enthusiasm to your post. When you look through past posts from a year or so back you will find lots of valuable information.
Bob
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
.
If you are not sure that microscopy is for you then starting out with a small budget makes sense.
As mentioned above, microscope manufacturers (most seem to be in China) will put any name you want on a microscope if you buy enough of them.
May I suggest you have a look in a local version of ebay (most countries have one) for a used microscope from one of the resellers (Euromex, Amscope, Bresser etc)
They should be available for around 1/3 of the new price though little used, as owners move on or give up on microscopy.
If you decide to pursue microscopy it will have given you the experience you need to shop for your next microscope with some confidence.
If you decide it is not for you, then resell it at little loss.
If you are not sure that microscopy is for you then starting out with a small budget makes sense.
As mentioned above, microscope manufacturers (most seem to be in China) will put any name you want on a microscope if you buy enough of them.
May I suggest you have a look in a local version of ebay (most countries have one) for a used microscope from one of the resellers (Euromex, Amscope, Bresser etc)
They should be available for around 1/3 of the new price though little used, as owners move on or give up on microscopy.
If you decide to pursue microscopy it will have given you the experience you need to shop for your next microscope with some confidence.
If you decide it is not for you, then resell it at little loss.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Have you seen Oliver Kim's videos about microscopy on the Microbe Hunter site ? they can be a great help for beginners. At least to see the features and their cost.[/quote]
https://www.microbehunter.com/what-feat ... cope-need/
https://www.microbehunter.com/what-feat ... cope-need/
- Firebirdie
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I did not know that about Euromex it means I'm probably/definitely overthinking this.
You're right of course, I was hoping to cut the costs a bit by going for 60x right off the bat. But I see that I can find a 60x objective on ebay for a third of the usual price, so that's fine. I know it might not be parfocal but that's not something to complain about at this price point.
Thank you! I see that they offer a 2 year warranty. I'll take a thorough look at their offers.
I understand! I always prefer to do research beforehand. I had trouble finding comparable scenarios as most topics dealt with Swift, Amscope, other/unknown (to me) brands or simply larger budgets. I also searched the forum for Euromex and Bresser specifically. It could be cool to have a sticky topic with some general market information for different regions (eg. Immel Optik for members near Germany), though it might be difficult to avoid favouring shops / becoming too commercially focused.MicroBob wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 5:40 amIn the past year or so there has been a never ending stream of newcomers looking for microscopy buying advice. So the more experienced microscopists are a bit worn out and don't react with the necessary enthusiasm to your post. When you look through past posts from a year or so back you will find lots of valuable information.
Thank you, I'll recheck, there is next to nothing locally but I do see some offers for mostly Amscope from other countries in the EU. I'm a bit more worried about warranty/support for these offers, though.
Thanks, I did! I got a lot of initial information from it as well as from the buying advice video. It helps me to filter through the different offerings but it's still a bit overwhelming .
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
My personal preference for using and enjoying microscopy from the start - a list of must-haves:Firebirdie wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:45 amThanks, I did! I got a lot of initial information from it as well as from the buying advice video. It helps me to filter through the different offerings but it's still a bit overwhelming .
1. Trinocular
2. 10X Wide-field eyepieces
3. A simple 5MP eyepiece camera (less than $100) and simple adapter
4. A condenser and field diaphragm that provide Kohler illumination
5. ~4X, 10X, 20X and 40X objectives
6. Optional accessories for other than brightfield illuminations - darkfield and phase contrast.
7. Mechanical stage
8. Solid structure, not featherweight
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Had a quick look, came up with these. Some interesting deals if you had a little more experience.Firebirdie wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:45 am
Thank you, I'll recheck, there is next to nothing locally but I do see some offers for mostly Amscope from other countries in the EU. I'm a bit more worried about warranty/support for these offers, though.
If you do decide to follow up you may be able to test run some of them with help from the owner. That is definitely worthwhile.
https://www.2ememain.be/a/divers/divers ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/hobby-loisirs ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/tv-hi-fi-vide ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/hobby-loisirs ... ousPage=lr
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
The fourth-link microscope has a phase contrast condenser.75RR wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:06 amHad a quick look, came up with these. Some interesting deals if you had a little more experience.Firebirdie wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:45 am
Thank you, I'll recheck, there is next to nothing locally but I do see some offers for mostly Amscope from other countries in the EU. I'm a bit more worried about warranty/support for these offers, though.
If you do decide to follow up you may be able to test run some of them with help from the owner. That is definitely worthwhile.
https://www.2ememain.be/a/divers/divers ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/hobby-loisirs ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/tv-hi-fi-vide ... ousPage=lr
https://www.2ememain.be/a/hobby-loisirs ... ousPage=lr
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I've told this story brfore here. Got in to microscopy about 4-5 months ago from astronomy. Didn't do a bunch of research but found a stereo compound Reichert Microstar IV with 2.5, 4, 10, 40 and 100X (oil immersion) objectives for US $150. Another $150 or so in accesories (slides, coverslips, slide box 15X and 20X eyepieces, microtome, pipettes and a few other things). Most everything on EBay. I have too noticed a marked uptick in interest in microscopy here. Then bought a stereo microscope. I have gathered some other useful tools from past astronomy, chemistry, photographyand entomological forays. Enjoying it immensly.....
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I would normally be about the last person to suggest he go for a budget Chinese microscope but in his case a small glitch with a used one might be a deal breaker and there seem to be not that many used options in northwest Europe. In North America the options are much different. He referenced the word support and whether there is any when buying used is hit and miss. There will be at least some with Euromex.
That price he mentioned ( 400€) is high because I found one in England that is about 320€, so for that price a trinocular microscope like the one he is looking at is probably not too bad. If photography becomes an interesting aspect of microscopy for him, a modest set of plan objectives will not cost that much to improve imaging. I agree that he might luck out and get a solid used scope for less but it also could have a few small problems, which I am not sure he is ready to tackle. The poster serms an awfully newbie, newbie.
- Firebirdie
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Hi apochronaut,
Yes, I'm totally new to this, you voiced my concerns quite well. If we're talking about the same MB.1653 offer there are some additional costs, unfortunately:
If there are no obvious pitfalls in choosing anything between, say, this one and the aforementioned Bresser at half the price, I guess it just boils down to how much I'm willing to risk . I don't think I have to count on much of a resell value.
Yes, I'm totally new to this, you voiced my concerns quite well. If we're talking about the same MB.1653 offer there are some additional costs, unfortunately:
- £25: shipping
- ~€15: exchange rate fees
- €14.5: courier fees to handle customs (2% of the amount with a minimum of €14.5)
- local VAT (21%)
If there are no obvious pitfalls in choosing anything between, say, this one and the aforementioned Bresser at half the price, I guess it just boils down to how much I'm willing to risk . I don't think I have to count on much of a resell value.
Do you mean a generic eyepiece camera rather than one offered by the manufacturer? What type of adapter are you referring to, please?
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Yes, even an unbranded generic 5MP can do a decent job. At least for documentation.Firebirdie wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 11:28 pmDo you mean a generic eyepiece camera rather than one offered by the manufacturer? What type of adapter are you referring to, please?
They go into the phototube without an eyepiece; so if the image produced by the objective does not significantly depend on a specific correcting eyepiece (correcting spatial and color aberrations), the camera can serve well.
These cameras come with a reducing 0.5x lens; with this lens, they focus and record the center part of the field of view.
Whether an adapter is required or not depends on the mechanics of the phototube, but regardless of that, the adapter is just a mechanical tube itself, without additional optics.
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I'm not 100% sure about the U.K. but would the V.A.T. still hold for someone buying from outside the U.K.? The exchange rate fees can usually be gotten around can they not?Firebirdie wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 11:28 pmHi apochronaut,
Yes, I'm totally new to this, you voiced my concerns quite well. If we're talking about the same MB.1653 offer there are some additional costs, unfortunately:which would be a total of around €385.
- £25: shipping
- ~€15: exchange rate fees
- €14.5: courier fees to handle customs (2% of the amount with a minimum of €14.5)
- local VAT (21%)
If there are no obvious pitfalls in choosing anything between, say, this one and the aforementioned Bresser at half the price, I guess it just boils down to how much I'm willing to risk . I don't think I have to count on much of a resell value.
Do you mean a generic eyepiece camera rather than one offered by the manufacturer? What type of adapter are you referring to, please?
- Firebirdie
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
The VAT difference (21% instead of 20%) is only a fraction of the additional cost. I'm quite certain that this is how the import is handled, though: no VAT is paid to the webshop but then needs to be paid to the courier, along with other fees, before shipping can be completed. Before Brexit the shop should have calculated the needed VAT percentage for the destination country and handle this themselves. Things would have been different if the item was very cheap: less than €22, with another threshold at €150 regarding import costs, I believe. It seems the UK => BE import tariff is actually 0% for microscopes, or that would have increased the cost even more.apochronaut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:33 pmI'm not 100% sure about the U.K. but would the V.A.T. still hold for someone buying from outside the U.K.? The exchange rate fees can usually be gotten around can they not?
I have no experience in getting around exchange rate fees, the only thing I read about it is that Paypal rates are slightly higher than those charged by creditcard companies. I guess it would involve getting an account or credit card in the foreign currency and manually handling the currency exchange, though I figure that's probably too much of a hassle for a one-off purchase. Sorry if this is getting a bit off-topic .
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
The seller should eat the paypal fees. So you are talking about Belgian VAT, not U.K. VAT. In Canada. Shipped by mail ; hardly ever is there tax applied by customs. By courier, always and they fleece for import brokerage too. Not similar in Belgium? Customs too busy to look at every package on the belt?
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
.
Perhaps before you purchase a microscope you might want to contact some of these groups.
Koninklijk Antwerps Genootschap voor Micrografie (KAGM) is open to amateurs and hopefully not far from your location.
https://www.quekett.org/resources/links/clubs#belgium
Perhaps before you purchase a microscope you might want to contact some of these groups.
Koninklijk Antwerps Genootschap voor Micrografie (KAGM) is open to amateurs and hopefully not far from your location.
https://www.quekett.org/resources/links/clubs#belgium
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
- Firebirdie
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Correct, I meant Belgian VAT. It's a store so I don't have any say in the matter, I'm afraid.apochronaut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 5:17 pmSo you are talking about Belgian VAT, not U.K. VAT. In Canada. Shipped by mail ; hardly ever is there tax applied by customs. By courier, always and they fleece for import brokerage too.
Thank you for the link! I stumbled upon KAGM a few days ago myself - it seems they suspended all meetings as of a year ago, when the COVID lockdowns started. They're not nearby but it would have been doable to go and take a look.75RR wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 9:56 pmKoninklijk Antwerps Genootschap voor Micrografie (KAGM) is open to amateurs and hopefully not far from your location.
https://www.quekett.org/resources/links/clubs#belgium
I just noticed a new second hand offer which might be priced interestingly enough to take a risk, but I have no idea how to vet it. Does this Motic B series seem worthwhile, please? It looks like a B1-253ASC to me? The seller claims it's "almost new". Are there any important questions to ask? Are there any advantages/disadvantages I should know of compared to, say, the Euromex MB.1653, which explain the difference in retail price? Could I run into problems with finding accessories/upgrade possibilities due to choosing this model? Sorry for being so clueless in the matter .
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
.
It does look like a B1 per the link you provided.
It appears from the specs to be a what is known as a 'student' microscope - from the brochure it would seem not to be upgradeable.
On the positive side Motic make their own microscopes and have a good reputation for quality.
It does look brand new and at that price very much a bargain.
I would say that it is an ideal starter microscope. A win win!
You can download the manual here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/13747 ... eries.html
It does look like a B1 per the link you provided.
It appears from the specs to be a what is known as a 'student' microscope - from the brochure it would seem not to be upgradeable.
On the positive side Motic make their own microscopes and have a good reputation for quality.
It does look brand new and at that price very much a bargain.
I would say that it is an ideal starter microscope. A win win!
You can download the manual here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/13747 ... eries.html
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
If you live close to a local university or research hospital, they may sell good used microscopes as surplus, at local auctions.
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
If the microscope has no faults, that is a good microscope. The platform it is on has been used for a lot of different models and is very sturdy. One incarnation of it has a 100 watt illuminator and 23mm f.o.v. on a much more expensive microscope. Motic is a factory and has established the most well known brand in China. They had the good fortune to begin in Hong Kong, when it was still independent. However, they do not mfg. everything, sharing production of components with many other factories for efficiency in a planned economy.Firebirdie wrote: ↑Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:32 amCorrect, I meant Belgian VAT. It's a store so I don't have any say in the matter, I'm afraid.apochronaut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 5:17 pmSo you are talking about Belgian VAT, not U.K. VAT. In Canada. Shipped by mail ; hardly ever is there tax applied by customs. By courier, always and they fleece for import brokerage too.
Thank you for the link! I stumbled upon KAGM a few days ago myself - it seems they suspended all meetings as of a year ago, when the COVID lockdowns started. They're not nearby but it would have been doable to go and take a look.75RR wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 9:56 pmKoninklijk Antwerps Genootschap voor Micrografie (KAGM) is open to amateurs and hopefully not far from your location.
https://www.quekett.org/resources/links/clubs#belgium
I just noticed a new second hand offer which might be priced interestingly enough to take a risk, but I have no idea how to vet it. Does this Motic B series seem worthwhile, please? It looks like a B1-253ASC to me? The seller claims it's "almost new". Are there any important questions to ask? Are there any advantages/disadvantages I should know of compared to, say, the Euromex MB.1653, which explain the difference in retail price? Could I run into problems with finding accessories/upgrade possibilities due to choosing this model? Sorry for being so clueless in the matter .
You will be able to move up to plan objectives when you are ready, at not much expense.
You are obviously fairly savvy about add on costs like shipping, tax etc. good luck with that.
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
it was also my case. Recently I bought one microscope with a good discount from the dutch brand BMSFirebirdie wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 9:06 pmHi all,
I'm 36, located in Belgium and on the fence regarding a dive into microscopy as a new hobby, not linked to work (IT) or other hobbies. I want to heed the advice regarding a first microscope, which is to not spend too much right away. A lot of recommendations seem to be US-based but I prefer not to import from there due to fees and access to support. The second hand market appears to be nearly non-existent here and I only find a few brands that are easily available and affordable.
https://bmsmicroscopes.com/
they are importers and assemblers like many other brands. Although one friend with some knowledge told me they take some care in select quality in components. I'm happy with the microscope
However, my final choosing was quite conditioned by the price. The first recommendation I have received was to look for Motic, Optika or Euromex. It seems are more real factories with their own technical innovations and higher quality. Although they are more expensive.
I have found these brands sometimes has discounts in their websites although no luck for my needs/price. I leave here the links of these European brands in case it can be useful to yours:
https://motic.com/
https://www.optikamicroscopes.com/
https://www.euromex.com/
https://bmsmicroscopes.com/
in my case I have renounced to trinocular to low the price. I want to use a camera and I prefer to spent the money in it.My search so far: I've looked at the Euromex MB.1653 but at a price of nearly €400 (cheapest I found was UK import) I think I may be aiming too high to merely get started, although it is trinocular and has a 60x objective
I think if the brand is well-known with pieces to sell, I can do it in the future if I need it.
good luck!
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
many people says this, although I have spent some time searching in Baidu and the Chinese market, and I fear what happens is the Chinese factories works for everybody; for Olympus and for the small importer buying in Alibaba to sell low price models.farnsy wrote: ↑Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:51 amI don't really know what you have available for you where you shop but I can make a few comments. The first is that at this level, brand isn't very significant in most cases. They all import from the same few Chinese factories. EuroMex is the European division of AmScope and they carry the same type of stuff. I'm less familiar with Bresser, but that microscope looks like it could be pulled right out of an AmScope catalog. I'm sure they use the same optics.
Chinese factories manufacture the products according quality requests from customers. Therefore one can find one objective at 60$ with the exact appearance of another one only 18$ from AliExpress.
Take an example of Chinese market:
https://www.haopianyi.com/zt/shengwuxianweijingkeyan/
here one finds Olympus, middle range, and low prices. All made in China. The prices in yuans are similar than in the West. It depends of good quality or low quality.
Problem is not the chinese origin when in China there is possibility to manufacture top quality or the worse thing.
I suspect the true problem appears when a western brand import and assembly cheap optics and later sell this like if it was a good quality device to get more benefit.
It would be interesting seeing a video about how optics are made and where are the differences of quality, although I don't know of some.
- Firebirdie
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Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I went to pick up the advertised microscope (Motic B1 series) this afternoon. The 4x and 10x objective appear fine but the 40x objective seems to be dirty. Some supplies will arrive on Monday, including lens cleaner cloth, with which I hope to resolve that issue. Superficially, everything else appears to be in order. I don't even have any slides yet so I have to play the waiting game... thank you all for the help, in any case!
I had not yet encountered that brand, I'll keep it in mind for future reference.Marc wrote: ↑Sat May 01, 2021 7:29 pmRecently I bought one microscope with a good discount from the dutch brand BMS
https://bmsmicroscopes.com/
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
I'd be interested in your review of this microscope when you have had some time to play with it.
Does it look dirtier externally or are there artifacts when you look through it? There's a good chance the 40X objective itself isn't any dirtier...it may just reveal imperfections (dust or scratches) in the system that you don't see at other magnifications. I'm not an expert at finding the sources of dirt in a microscope but you might start by twisting the eyepieces to see if the dirt or scratches move around in a circle and are part of the eyepieces...that's pretty common and relatively easily fixed--you may even want to buy brand new eyepieces. Move the slide around to make sure the dirt is not on the slide. Slightly move the nosepiece so the objective moves to the side and see if the spots or whatever go with it.
If the view just shows a lack of contrast, then there are a number of things it might be.
Does it look dirtier externally or are there artifacts when you look through it? There's a good chance the 40X objective itself isn't any dirtier...it may just reveal imperfections (dust or scratches) in the system that you don't see at other magnifications. I'm not an expert at finding the sources of dirt in a microscope but you might start by twisting the eyepieces to see if the dirt or scratches move around in a circle and are part of the eyepieces...that's pretty common and relatively easily fixed--you may even want to buy brand new eyepieces. Move the slide around to make sure the dirt is not on the slide. Slightly move the nosepiece so the objective moves to the side and see if the spots or whatever go with it.
If the view just shows a lack of contrast, then there are a number of things it might be.
Re: Feeling a bit lost (buying advice / Belgium)
Congratulations!Firebirdie wrote: ↑Sat May 01, 2021 9:06 pmI went to pick up the advertised microscope (Motic B1 series) this afternoon. The 4x and 10x objective appear fine but the 40x objective seems to be dirty. Some supplies will arrive on Monday, including lens cleaner cloth, with which I hope to resolve that issue. Superficially, everything else appears to be in order. I don't even have any slides yet so I have to play the waiting game... thank you all for the help, in any case!
https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/Micro ... -zeiss.pdf
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)