How to buy a CHEAP microscope -- [once was Re: Bosma / Baytronix question]
- From: Richard Owlett <rowlett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 15:41:04 -0500
[Intentional top posting to change intent of thread ]
What advice for one considering buying a "cheap" [ as opposed to "inexpensive" ] microscope.
[ consider this as analog of "disposable" cameras that are intended to be used for 10-20 exposures and then thrown away ]
Background:
I have "opened mouth and inserted foot" and I may yet "chomp well" ;}
I have volunteered to "tutor" a 14 year old who is archiving several grade levels behind his peers.
Knowing significant details of his family history, I'm convinced that "motivation" plays a more key role than his demonstrable learning disabilities.
He has a bunch of problems that I'll leave to the professionals. I'm looking to provide enrichment and thus encouragement.
I'm thinking that providing a suitable microscope might open a new world to him. If he wants to know more he would have to read more. Reading is one of his known problems. Get the drift ;}
I've no idea of whether or not the "microscopic" would attract his interest. I'll personally fund the experiment so I'm interested in a possible "throw away" first pass.
Comments to either group or to rowlett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
thank you
Aaron wrote:
Hello Yeves,
First let me say that for occaional use by an un-demanding user, any
of a number of imported stereo microscopes will do and even be
impressive to the new user. .
It is when people use the microscope for any extended period of time
that errors in focus, curvature of the field, mis alignment of the
optical paths, poor color correction and many other details unknown to
the new purchaser literally result in headaches from eyestrain. It is
after people opt for a minimum outlay option, that they learn there
is a very real reason to purchase a quality optical instrument. Then
they find that the is no market for their newly purchased scope.
Fortunately, businesses buy expensive microscopes, use them,
depreciate them and sell them for pennies on the dollar. We who know
the instruments and recommend them understand the issues. These
instruments are excellent tools already fully discounted and they can
be resold for very close to the purchase price if not more.
We cannot transfer this information to you by osmosis. So you may
very well purchase a new Chinese scope and hobble along with it, or
you can profit from our experience.
A reasonable budget for a quality used stereo microscope is between
$400 and $1500. You could get lucky and get a bargin. Oddly $400-$800
is the price range for the better grade of new mediocre scopes The
real conundrum is that the closer you go to $1500 for a name brand
used scope, the finer the instrument and the better the value.
I see vintage Wild Heerbrugg stereo microscopes for sale on eBay that
sold originally for many thousands of dollars often sell in the $500 -
$800 range. These are superlative Swiss made instruments. Look for
an M3 or M5 model. If that is still too much , look for a B&L
stereozoom 4.. A notch down and still good are an AO or Spencer.
You will be happy, and if your wife decides she no longer is interested, you can resel the scope for what you paid.
Aaron
On Sun, 12 Jun 2005 11:47:29 -0500, Yves <gloppie@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi all,
My wife is collecting coins and looking to buy a stereo microscope with low power magnification. Since this is only a hobby, normal price brand ala Zeiss and Bausch-lomb are frankly out of the question.
While researching, I came across the "brand" Baytronix, sold by Ebayer Taximarket. Looking further, it appears the real manufacturer is Guangzhou Bosma in China. http://bosma.com.cn
I understand that we should not expect the same level of craftmanship than that of the better brands, and a lot of amateur astronomers warn about cheap Ebay telescopes from the same Chinese outfit.
As far as microscopes are concerned, I would appreciate any feedback you guys could provide us, since I could only find the usual paid-for-reviews online.
Thank you in advance Yves
.
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