Amature Microscope Recommendations

Mikeb · Guest

I'm a 58 year old engineer and, after a hard days work, I detest computers and television and was recalling the fun I had in college looking at live pond water animals. As I remember it, we used a well slide and a compound microscope to see the smaller animals and did some "funny stuff" to see otherwise invisible cilia movement, etc. Is there a really good microscope you would recommend for someone like me? Would phase contrast be adviseable? Any accessories recommended?

Thank you!

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 6:29 am Post subject:

Hi

For pond water algae and protozoans, etc, it is seldom you'll need a phase contrast scope ubless you are working with very transparent soecimens. If you plan to mount slides, the LOM BMH4-BF, is a great chice.

I will be picking up a LOM SF100T, to do the same things. As it comes fron the factory, you get a full 1oox, but with the 2x auxillary objective, you can even get 200x. I plan to stick unprepared mounts - twigs, leaves, insects, rcoks, samples of pond water or algae in a petri dish under this scope. No need to mess with slides. Just set the specimen om the stage and look.
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Guest · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 11:27 am Post subject:

Like you I rediscovered my ferver for microscopy last december (2005).
If you have not already done so try gx microscopes http://www.gxmicroscopes.com/ and ask to speak to bob town - he will advise...
I boght a microscope with 'darkfield' ; normal condenser and a motic video camera - £1300. Bob gave me much advise along the lines of 'that is way too expensive - you don't need that!' ( phase contrast microscopy) which is a nice sign when he is selling the stuff!
contact me on just-do-it@blueyonder.co.uk...
chris