Re: Newcommer Seeks Advice Re Microscope Purchases Made


"woden" <nmacaulay@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1173376033.454686.252550@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello:

I have been looking over the messages in this group for a week or
two, and, as I have always loved optical devices of all sorts, decided
to get some microscopes (I had an AO Stereo Star 570 on a stand, which
I used for looking at coins, medals, etc.). Following the advice I
saw on the web site, I looked only for used microscopes from
relatively respected name brands (with one exception). So, anyway, in
the last
10 days, I have purchased the following:

1. AO Stereo Star 580, w/stand and Leeds ring light: $104.00

2. Scientific Instruments, Inc inspection microscope: $275.00
It appears to use Olympic eyepieces and objectives, as well as head,
turret, Olympus vertical illuminator etc., but B&L BalPlan focusing
parts (2 pairs of eyepieces, 10x
and 15x, 3 objectives (Neo 5/.10, Neo 10/.25 and MPlan 40/0.55), with
an expandible mechanical stage and "rotating wafer puck".

3. Zeiss Universal w/some sort of photo attachment/tube, two
illuminators, and three objectives. $400.00 (I got this on a Buy It
Now listing, approximately 3 minutes after it was listed, and the
seller apparently did not identify the objectives - it has now been
shipped, an I should get it in a week - I think I lucked out on this
one.)

All of these microscopes are supposed to be in an excellent condition,
barring only the AO 580 (and that only because the seller could not
get the "Leeds lens" to work).

If it helps, I have posted some photographs of the microscopes,
together, at
http://tech.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Microscope/photos/browse/a6f7";.

Three quick questions:

1. Are these good deals, or do I just think they were? You guys
would certainly know more than I on this.

2. Have I got everything I need for opaque items (e.g. minerals,
etc.); I probably will never get involved with biological slides, etc.

3. I was recently offered the opportunity to buy a Zeiss
Axioscope, with three objectives (I believe they are higher end
objectives, but not Zeiss). Is the Axioscope not a newer model? Is it
as good, better or worse than the Zeiss Universal (or are they simply
used for completely different things)? What do you think an Axioscope
is worth,used, but in excellent condition (reportedly)? A picture of
the Zeiss Axioskop is included in the link above. Is it actually one,
or is it
an Axiostar? Some of the pictures I have seen show models of each
which look the same?

Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions you might have.


If the microscope is an Axioskop the objectives have to be Zeiss. If not I
wouldn't touch the thing. Infinity corrected 'scopes have to have their own
objectives. Back focus systems are based on non-standard criteria. If some
one is trying to sell a screwed up instrument I'd stay away, a long way
away.

Thanks,

Kevin Cunningham
SMS


.

Relevant Pages

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