Re: Moving from Used to New...

On Fri, 01 Dec 2006 18:36:50 GMT, "Kevin Cunningham"
<smskjv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


<vc94545@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1164920871.388301.67150@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kevin Cunningham wrote:
If I were in your place I would look long and hard at both the Nikon 50i
and
the BX-41 Olympus. Nikon has some real advantages but either 'scope is
sooooo good that it all evens out. The real point is who would you buy
from? A good dealer or factory rep is what you need. Who ever can give
you
the time you need to decide is the person you want to go with.

Kevin,

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the models you mentioned.

Another poster recommended the Olympus BX-51. I downloaded the data
*** from Olympus' web site and it looks like the 51 is a much higher
end model than the 41. Are the prices of the 51 still in my price range
given a reasonable initial configuration? I think the PLN series or
UPLFLN-PH series objectives will suit my needs without getting into the
expense of APO objectives, which I really don't need.

On another note, I can't seem to find price lists for any of the big
four anywhere on the Internet. Do the manufacturers hold prices that
close to the vest? I'd like to evaluate whether I can reasonably afford
things like DIC before I call a dealer.

How to find a good dealer? Are there any out there who will even give
the time of day to an amateur wanting to buy just one scope (as opposed
to a buyer from a medical school looking to equip a whole lab)?


Gary made some very good points however there is a BX-41 with a removable
nosepiece, your sales person should know about it. You may not need a
removable nose piece. You might want to consider carefully the costs and
advantages of the U Plan Fluorites, some of the best objectives ever. Use
the Fluorites were you will be looking and a few Plan Achromats for
servicable objectives.

In most territories you don't have a choice of dealers, if you want product
A you go to dealer A. Edward made a good point, talk to anyone you know or
try and strike up a conversation with a user like at your local university.
One point is that it is better to buy from a good, high quality dealer than
buy a good, high quality 'scope from a bad dealer. Here in GA Olympus is
rep'ed by a great person thats why a lot of the time I recommend Olympus,
its less the product than the service.

Microscope dealers hide their prices since time immemorial. I worked for
dealers for years before I went out on my own and I don't know why they keep
prices so close to their vest. It used to drive me crazy, a customer had to
call us and we had to answer or we'd loose a sale. Sheesh, not the best
part of the craft. Ask us, we might be able to give you some guidance.

Good questions!

Kevin Cunningham
SMS


The BX-41 does have a removeable nosepiece but it does not support
DIC. Thus, for maximum flexibility, one should get the BX-51. You
will not be sorry.

gg


Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
Microtechnics, Inc.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916.791.8191
gary@microtechnics dot com
.

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