Buy an old or a new microscope? 🔬 | Amateur Microscopy

There are pros and cons to buying old refurbished and new microscopes. Here are some thoughts.
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[@davewinch7677]

I currently have three different microscopes, all of them were used when I found them at second hand stores. If you like to tinker with things and understand how these things work, this can be a great way to go.

[@oni2ink]

I just want to say thank you for this channel! I found a very cool light reflected Olympus BH2 equiped with the top light illuminator and other cool stuff, to see integrated circuits. And yeah, not on ebay lol, everything was super expensive here, like 1200-2000€. In France we have leboncoin. I waited a bit and found this beautiful BH2 for 400€. Using another of your video I found what camera was the more adapted to my use, and now I have a full setup, with a motorized (DIY) micrometer stage (so I can automate full DIE panorama captures with high zooms) for less than 600€. If you want good stuff "cheaply", one word: be patient.

[@lokinya]

As much fun it is to look through the microscope, I quickly learned refurbishing and hunting for parts is just as fun. The last purchase of a cheap zeiss from the 60's I bought just for the eyepieces and objectives ended up as another good candidate for a refurb and a conversion to LED illumination.

[@MarieChardome]

exactly

[@shanesmicroscope]

I think quite simply the question is: do you want the hardware to be a tool or a hobby unto itself? Older scopes tend to be much more adjustable, you can spend as much time as you like tuning them. And, do you want features like DIC that would be incredibly expensive on a new scope? My simple answer would be to get a cheap, new scope if it’s your first, old big brand for your second, and third, and…

[@oni2ink]

I think it really depend on the occasions. My first piece of advice is not to buy a big expensive microscope on a whim. Yeah, it seems quite logical. For example, I really wanted to see integrated circuits on a microscope. When you are a total noob, you don't even know what is an objective or an eye piece, how zoom works etc... For me, fortunately there was this channel! Then I simply compared the microscopes based on their specifications, and found that the Olympus BH2 is highly recommended for this kind of use. But as mentioned in this video, on ebay used BH2s cost approximately the same as equivalent new microscopes (~1200€ lol). I just waited patiently looking at several sites new deals, and found a fully equiped BH2 for 400€. Now I'm very happy with it. But I also think if you want a cool small microscope quickly, second hand is still a good option. I found a very cool small microscope for 20€ when I was searching for the olympus one, and I have seen many very interesting microscopes for less than 100€.

[@bendirval3612]

Unfortunately, DIC is exceptionally expensive on a used scope as well, and less likely to function properly. People don't sell well-functioning DIC scopes a lot. Or if they do, they ask a lot of money for them.

[@oni2ink]

@@bendirval3612 Good to know. I've never used a DIC scope, and I don't know how it works. But it seems pretty cool indeed.

[@shanesmicroscope]

@@bendirval3612 obviously "affordable" and "expensive" will be relative terms, but an old DIC scope is certainly within the reach of many hobbyists. As to how well the scope functions, well, that is why I said used hardware is a hobby unto itself =)

[@crseaquist7135]

Good advice, Shane. Thanks.

[@MarieChardome]

dear MH: what have you done! i now have 11 microscopes... 2x wild, 1x cheap chinese and all others olympus. the clarity of the last ones is mind blowing and although i haven't got the wilds going yet, i have never been as happy as this in my whole lifetime. thank you forever

[@EstelaGiargei]

Very informational as always!

[@MarieChardome]

hi MH. thank you for this advice. i chose a 2d hand brand stereo microscope and am absolutely blown away by the clarity! olympus stereo sf10 (trademe nz), old simple model but oooh so clear. as a beginner, it is my 2d miscroscope after a nz$289 basic compound. all thanks to your lessons.

[@JustinOliver08]

Microbe hunter can you please make a video on aligning the condenser because my microscopes condenser isn't aligned well and I don't know how to align it.

[@KingLoopie1]

I bought used from ebay and have no trouble with any of them. One is set up for phase contrast, one bright field and the other is an old stereo microscope (that one needed cleaning and lube). Perfectly happy with the units I got, but I listened to a lot of Oliver's advice and shopped around a lot too... Don't just fall in love with the first thing you see or it'll be a craps-shoot!

[@blittleing]

Helpful points

[@MrLachupakabra]

It's a shame that modern society has adopted the philosophy of high production throw it out when it's broken and just get a new one... is it really easier? Thanks for opening up the idea of an after market for used scopes!

[@lifeaddict]

Could u make a video about lichens under microscope

[@fititocom]

If the trinocular/binocular difference wasn't a concern, would you choose a brand new swift 380t or a olympus cx21 in a very good condition ? thank you very much!

[@narimanjoshi1162]

I bought a cheap USB microscope claiming to have 1500x zoom. Although the microscope was too good for amateurs, as it was easy to use and you could view on mobile screen and record videos as well, which you cannot do with these microscopes. But I found two issues with it. First, the zoom was probably only about 100x. Second, and more importantly, it could focus only when zoom level was either minimum or maximum. In between, it couldn't focus. So I returned it. Why do you think they don't provide a focussing knob or control option? Otherwise, its very cheap and excellent for kids and hobbyists.

[@ddbear8786]

As someone considering whether to buy old or new .. I would like to know if there is any new technology introduced the past couple years that would not be available in a 5 - 10 year old microscope on the used marketplace? For example the newer digital attachments have higher megapixel resolution, although those are often modular and might be able to be swapped onto an older unit. But what about the core optics and features? Would I be missing out on some features that make the older microscopes obsolete in some respect? Or is it like the German made binoculars handed down from my late father, where the vintage ones are still as good as the super expensive new ones today?

[@fredashay]

I would love an Olympus BX43, but a new one from Olympus costs many thousands of buckazoids and they're not available used on eBay yet. I guess they're too new. But I'm happy with my OMAX for now 🙂

[@AndreyMorozovskiy]

Got an Open Box from AmScope. Discount was about -20-25% from new price. Works and looks like new. Pretty happy with it.

[@dimakowahl]

Приветствую! А какой именно AmScope? Я купил себе Swift Stellar 1 Pro Т Infinity. Мне сделали не плохую скидку.

[@MillennialInMedicine]

The other day I scored a Olympus CH model for $110 USD. The surprising thing is that the listing had a Phase contrast Turret condenser and 3 Olympus Phase objectives. I was amazed I purchased it for what I did. Looking forward to seeing the condition and work on a little restoration project. I don’t think the seller knew enough about microscopes to recognize the phase application

[@MarieChardome]

same here: got a CH too, and the guy sent some 'bits n pieces'. turned out to have pol and darkfield. one of my wilds too: got phase contrast and 6 objective nose for free!

[@stevesanders3992]

Thanks for this information, I have just purchased a Olympus CH and getting to understand it. Got it for a good price $140 us and love the idea of having the ability to attach a camera. What part should I be seeking? Thanks.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

You can either connect a camera directly to the eyepieces, or get a trinocular head, such as this one: www.ebay.com/itm/285255830062?hash=item426a928a2e:g:~qsAAOSw05BkSc50&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4Fgk7KxA1rh6UgEHJ1BaUfwQe3%2BRgev1Mc9tTIr%2F53XrnC%2Fj6oI%2FRkMQdqTjGwkmifts8UidSSCKTjrz4xlvKk8pj6oqgUg7FFDW7aZ9NdBYSrcRfnK3ulIOOCmzI%2BYfsbdc%2FzJ7XA2fsTFzKR%2BwDhwydgCA8gBp3OY1KI8Rc7DtzZ5%2BRWfeUltQMkaj3KkybM5rLiXNAfJGaPW90KqA1FMeJ82oxx1lvaen1%2FCCJxRg%2BwMJV8he%2B3SSkqcg0VgFpkxB2DA9f2BvjbQPdSR3H4eu4GTCtcYQOaLl0DdqA1it%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6D_rbf5YQ

[@kb2cxj]

I have a 1994 Leica ATC2000. I spent days serching for the the number plates that go on the stage. I give up. can you give me a push in the right direction? the microscope is in mint condition. the numbers are worn out. they are glued on EZ to replace. I found some used stages but they were very worn to :( the stage is fine just need to change the number plates.

[@dynastianshadow1501]

Please try carson microflip 100x 250x

[@talibanafrica179]

what about new leica dm500 will last a long time? is better but from leica?

[@Hexal68]

Thoughts on an Olympus EC, worth a buy for studying soil biology?

[@MarieChardome]

not sure about soil but i will try on my E: it's a freakin beauty!

[@Trylobyte]

A quality second hand microscope? I think that yes, its worthwhile -if it comes cheap enough. If you are tempted down the second hand route its worth doing a bit of research into that particular model: Can you still get light bulbs for this microscope, and if so how much do they cost? Bulbs for my Nikon S were £20 each and now there are none out there to buy. If you are good with electronics you can design a new lighting system, or if not you can pay £100+ for an "LED retrofit" (Im not sure how good these things are and how long they will last) Some people love the opportunities an old microscope gives for using their ingenuity and practical problem solving skills -I salute them all. Ask the seller if the objectives are parfocal, because sometimes these second hand microscopes will have an assortment of non-original objectives that dont work well together. I got my beautiful Nikon S off ebay for £220 It was set up for phase contrast and I managed to get a x20 objective (also phase) for £30 I learned later that this model of microscope has a kind of built-in self destruction in the form of a plastic fine focus gear that eventually cracks. I've had the microscope for ten years or so now, and I feel that I have already had more than my moneys worth -so each session is a bonus!

[@bendirval3612]

Putting together parts from major manufacturers is a hobby in itself. In my experience, it's an expensive hobby that doesn't yield great results. By the time you add up the cost of all the parts you bought (and those that don't work, and your expensive mistakes, and the parts you get but can't use) you would be better off buying new stuff from Chinese companies.

[@nightstormoutdoors6080]

I am curious about heads. Can the head of one brand of microscope fit a different brand of microscope? I'm thinking could I put a trinocular Nikon head onto my Brunel microscope which has a binocular head on it. I love what I have already, but I also love Nikon equipment, particularly Nikon lenses. My Brunel scope currently has three Nikon Plan objectives on it - 10x, 40x and 100x oil, and Brunel's own 20x on a four turret system. It's just out of curiosity but also to build a top quality microscope economically using used equipment. I adore Nikon stuff, but a Nikon Microscope is simply not affordable for me, not even a good second hand one.

[@stanislava7604]

I join this question. I have red that there is a way to attach a head on a microscope with different dovetail diameters (the latter one a bit wider), so I wonder if it is possible to use a branded head with two camera ports on a Chinese microscope

[@Trylobyte]

I know that the older microscopes have standard parts in terms of eyepieces and objectives, but I think that other parts such as binocular and trinocular heads, phase condensers and such like sometimes vary from brand to brand and between different ranges of the same brand. I noticed the other day that Brunel microscopes sell used microscopes and parts as well as new microscopes and I'm sure that if they had a Nikon trinocular head for sale they would be willing to see if it fits your microscope. If it does and the price of their Nikon head was too high then you could look for it elsewhere in the knowledge that it will fit.

[@nightstormoutdoors6080]

@@Trylobyte: Thank you for your suggestion. That was exactly what my next move was going to be. I bought my Nikon objectives from Brunel's second hand shop, and I have been watching the used Nikon head that's for sale in their Nikon section, but it is quite an old head, though I am sure it will be of the highest quality of its time. I am guessing that the fitment would depend on the angle of the tube and angle of the prisms inside the head, as objective-turret angle and tube angle seems to differ from scope to scope.

[@buxtehude001]

Hallo, ich möchte mal meine Geschichte zu einem Mikroskop schildern. Dazu muss man wissen. Ich bin schon Pensionist, habe keine Werkstatt, Werkzeug und Fähigkeiten für Reparaturen. Zudem habe ich div. Süß- und Meerwasseraquarien.....und ich wollte sofort anfangen mit dem Mikroskopieren. Ich hatte vor einigen Monaten die Corona Idee mir ein Mikroskop zuzulegen, weil da kann man doch viele neue Sachen sehen und erforschen. Auch dachte ich, dass sich Aquaristik und Mikroskopie sicherlich gut ergänzen. Nach erster Sichtung hatte ich ein günstiges monokulares Mikroskop von Amazon am Start, für entspannte 150,- EUR. Ich war mir nicht ganz sicher und schaute weiter, weil es sollte ja was ordentliches sein. Was das bedeutet verstand ich später erst richtig. Dann habe ich die Mikro Fibel studiert und beschlossen, dass ein biculares Mikroskop sicherlich besser zum Forschen und auch für meine Augen geeignet ist. So landete ich bei einem Preis von 250 EUR. Auch bemerkte ich, dass alle diese Mikroskope, gleich aussehend von verschiedensten Herstellern angeboten wurden. Ergänzend hatte ich mir die Standardwerke der Mikroskopie im second hand shop gekauft und studiert. Da ich nun aktiv im Internet unterwegs bin und das, was ich so treibe gerne mitteile, kam schnell der Gedanke der digitalen Dokumentation. Besonders weil ich auf Wassertierchen aus bin und diese lebendig doch am schönsten sind, mußte es also ein triculares Mikroskop für 400,- EUR sein. Und bei soviel Geld möchte man auch was ordentliches haben. So schaute ich besonders nach den Marken in diesem Preissegment. Ich wurde langsam immer schlauer und konnte schon sagen...Tricular, plan achromatische Objetive, einfaches Dunkelfeld ....und peng Knall. mit köhlersche Beleuchtung und LED.....und mit einem 100x Objektiv zum Bakterien schauen. Ich schaute auch in Foren rum und wurde schnell mit dem Tipp nach einem guten alten gebrauchten Mikroskop konfrontiert.....Ich habe mich wirklich schwergetan mit der Entscheidung ob neu oder gbraucht. Ich wollte zuerst ein super günstiges Mikroskop neu um 40% runtergesetzt bei Amazon für 500,- kaufen. Gekauft und dann festgestellt, es war ein Fake shop. Mit Hilfe von Amazon alles zurück gedreht. Dann wollte ich ein super gebrauchtes Zeiss kaufen. Nach eMail Kontakt, auch hier Verbrecher aus England. Ich hörte oft, ja ein gebrauchtes gutes wäre die richtigtige Wahl. Nur wo, von wem, für wie viel.....? Doch wurde mir immer klarer, dass ich nicht die Fähigkeiten, das Werkzeug und auch nicht den Platz habe um irgendwas wie auch immer zu reparieren, umzubauen oder Instand zusetzen. Ich suchte also nach einem Händler, der auf Anfrufe und eMail antwortet. Nach einem Mikroskop auf der Höhe der Zeit, mit guten Erfahrungsberichten und vielen Zubehörteilen (neu und bezahlbar). Zudem wollte ich keine festeingebaute Kamera-Adapter- Linse und ich wollte eine umschaltbare Lichtteillung haben......und einen Filtereinschub oberhalb der Objektive. Das war nun das Maximum an Leistung, was ich mir zugestand ohne jemals irgendein Tröpfchen Wasser unter einer Lupe betrachtet zu haben. Und ich fragte mich, ob ich das wirklich alles will....denn nun war ich schon bei 1500,- plus plus...einer Kamera und Adapter. Ich kann mir das ja auch alles auf KZbin anschauen, oder mir schicke Bücher kaufen...Nein, nein.....ich will es selber machen. Nunja, lange Rede, gar kein Sinn. Ich habe mir ein neues massives (kein Plastik) schweres Mikroskop gekauft mit allen Objetivgrößen die es gibt, mit einfachem Dunkelfeld, Polarisationeinrichtung, unendlich und plan achromatisch mit absolut spielfreier (kein Plastik) Mechanik mit Tischanschlag fix und temporär und Tensionregulierung, Köhler und gescheiten Kondensor und Filtereinschübe....nigel nagl neu mit Garantie und einem Händler der innerhalb von 12h antwortet. Dazu....und, da habe ich gespart, eine C-mount Digi Cam 40MP mit Adaptern 1x, 0,5x und 0,35x eben über Alibaba. Das Risiko bin ich eingegangen. Dazu habe ich mir einen festen Platz eingerichtet. ähm, freigemacht. So kann ich bei Bedarf sofort mikroskopieren und muss nicht rumräumen und kann alles gleich dokumentieren und die Menscheit damit beglücken. Gekauft habe ich mir ein MOTIC 310 LED..... Mein bisheriger mikroskopischer Werdegang (3 Monate) ist ganz gut auf KZbin dokumentiert...also von den ersten Filmchen, bis hin zu Videos mit Intro, Hauptteil und Abspann und tolle Musik. Wer Lust hat, mein Kanal heißt: klitzeklein Soviel dazu und Danke an die, die bis hier gelesen haben und besonderen Dank für die Hilfe hier im Forum. beste Grüße aus Wien und happy searching, JS PS: Bakterien schauen ist mega langweilig

[@chairulanwar6093]

begin on microscope olympus CH second hand Now I have all second hand - 2 nikon eclipse 50i(BF and DF) - olympus imt 2 inverted microscope - olympus CK 2 inverted - olympus BX60 - leitz dialux Phase contrast - leitz labourlux I satisfied with new old microscope.. no need for new new microscope

[@dimakowahl]

Better NEW microscope!

[@lotharmayring6063]

i advise all amateur microscopers.......dont waste money,, Buy used stuff an the most cheapest and the minimum equippment. But of course not the stuff for children or from china

[@talibanafrica179]

buy

[@dimakowahl]

Greetings to all! for 500 euros it is impossible to buy good old equipment. unless broken! Therefore, it is better to buy a new one for the same amount.

[@MarieChardome]

not true: be patient and lucky😂

[@Astronurd]

Just buy a telescope 🔭

[@MarieChardome]

been there, done that. microscopy is so much more in the here and now though

[@kavorka8855]

Remember "Made in China" doesn't mean designed by Chinese or made with Chinese machines. Almost all the products in my house is "Made in China" but none is Chinese brand. Western companies simply manufacture their products in China because it's cheaper to do that and closer to raw materials, something China excels in.