Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

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patta
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Location: Stavanger Norway
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Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

#1 Post by patta » Wed Jan 25, 2023 8:01 am

To vintage Leitz owners

I have two extra keys for centering the Phaco condenser (Leitz 402a turret)
Those are not the original unobtanium Leitz tools, but watch keys #5; they fit perfectly and do the job. Only defect is that they're so small, easy to be lost.

I will send them as letter; plz provide photo proof of having the Phaco condenser; would swap for some other valuable treasure, for example: a couple of mounted slides; a random objective/eyepiece/condenser/ λ/4 plate; something that can be sent as letter.

See this nice article about using watch keys for centering the Phaco; standard watch keys need some work. Mine came readily usable:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag//ar ... tools.html

the photo of the beauties:
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Sure Squintsalot
Posts: 393
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 3:44 pm

Re: Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

#2 Post by Sure Squintsalot » Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:17 am

I'm intrigued! But I have a Nikon 4-objective nosepiece with centering adjustments. Nikon centering wrenches:

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..... which show up rarely on e-bay, are always outlandishly priced. Now knowing that "watch keys" may be used has given new meaning to my life!

MichaelG.
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Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:24 am
Location: North Wales

Re: Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

#3 Post by MichaelG. » Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:03 am

Sure Squintsalot wrote:
Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:17 am
I'm intrigued! But I have a Nikon 4-objective nosepiece with centering adjustments. Nikon centering wrenches:
.
If it’s any help …
That Nikon wrench looks remarkably like a hex-socket grub-screw with a knob attached.

I suggest you start your journey here: https://shop4fasteners.co.uk/fasteners/ ... nless.html

[ plenty of other suppliers available, but it’s a nice list ]

MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'

PeteM
Posts: 2983
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:22 am
Location: N. California

Re: Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

#4 Post by PeteM » Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:39 am

For those too far away to take up Patta on his kind offer -- hobby shops sell tiny brass tubing with square sections whose ID will also fit the Leitz 402a. Maybe (don't recall) with a bit of persuasion to open it or close it down a bit to rectangular form. Epoxy that square tube inside a bit of close-fitting stainless tube to add some strength, chuck it in a drill to sand down the end of the outer stainless tube to fit, then add a knurl at the end . . .
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Sure Squintsalot
Posts: 393
Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 3:44 pm

Re: Leitz Phaco condenser centering keys - trade /swap

#5 Post by Sure Squintsalot » Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:36 pm

MichaelG. wrote:
Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:03 am
Sure Squintsalot wrote:
Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:17 am
I'm intrigued! But I have a Nikon 4-objective nosepiece with centering adjustments. Nikon centering wrenches:
.
If it’s any help …
That Nikon wrench looks remarkably like a hex-socket grub-screw with a knob attached.

I suggest you start your journey here: https://shop4fasteners.co.uk/fasteners/ ... nless.html

[ plenty of other suppliers available, but it’s a nice list ]

MichaelG.
Holy COW! You're right!

I was wondering why that shaft was threaded; seemed a little weird.

Yet another clue! Thanks MichaelG!

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