Re: Any microscope experts here?


"Christopher Tidy" <cdt22NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:479904AE.1040803@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi folks,

I'm thinking about buying a microscope.

Not an expert, but have spent many hours hunched over them peering at
microstructures, trying to make sense of what I see. ("Is that Martensite,
or just lots of scratches?")

I can't intelligently comment on your specific queries re the Watson gear,
but am happy to relate some experiences.

I've always used, with mixed, (but usually reasonable) success, a variety of
inexpensive reflected light microscopes and would like to share some nice
features.

* light source must be variable, preferably continuously, else it will
always be too bright or too dark.

* focus mechanism tightness must be adjustable (or tight enough) to avoid
creep under gravity. I had one 'scope which would allow the objective lens
to gradually settle down onto the specimen (!). I forget if it was an easy
adjust.

* facility to accept polarising filters. Can help.

* I've only ever used mono 'scopes, but binocular would be nice - trinocular
even nicer if you are planning photography. Mono will do, 'though. ($$$)

* a nice micrometer-adjustable (smooth and backlash-free) X/Y platform on
the stage makes viewing much more comfortable. (Do all 'scopes have this
nowadays?)

If buying secondhand, look for all the obvious things (smoothness of focus
etc) and don't forget to look for fungus in the optics.

Most of the ones I've used have been no-named beasts made (I think) in
Czechoslovakia, mingled with a few Olympus (nice) ones. None of them were
hideously expensive, and a good one will last forever, treated properly.
Lash out and spend more than you want to. You won't regret it, and neither
will your heirs.

--
Jeff R.


.

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