Learning about the condenser

I posted my condenser frustration on the Forum on Microbehunter.com. The folks there are very generous with sharing their knowledge and suggesting places to find information.

I found enough information and diagrams online to help me understand the condenser and how it works. I’ve been practicing to learn how to make the most of it.

Ordered polarizing lenses that fit my filter holder. Up to now I’ve been using the plastic lenses from 3D glasses that came with our TV. They work, but the plastic is vulnerable to scratches.

I’ve been concentrating on viewing various chemicals and solutions. It’s time to take a break from that and get back to living things.

A couple of recent photos.

Alum and Epsom Salt

Boric Acid in Peroxide

Condensers – a minor rant

As a rank beginner, it has not been easy to learn about condensers. My student scope did not have one.  My big excitement about having a condenser on my new scope was because it has a filter holder. I wanted to learn about how to use it.

My internet searches brought up all kinds of technical information with diagrams of a condenser’s construction, and about cones of light. Somewhat interesting but at this stage of my learning curve, I don’t care about technical details.  Maybe later, when I’ve learned more.

I am interested now only in how to get the best images. I finally got useful information from a December, 2008 Microbe Hunter Magazine article. At last!

I wish that knowledgeable people would take pity on those of us who start out with very basic equipment.  Please, someone publish on line a  “Condensers for Dummies”. Or maybe I’m the only dummy.

New Gallery page

 There is a new tab available: Galleries. It's my show-off page. There are three categories: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral. The animal category includes animal products such as bacon fat.  I suspect that I'll be adding a page called Other before too long.
Take a look at my pics.

First Darkfield Experiment

Darkfield has been a mystery to me. I’ve seen plenty of photos taken in darkfield; but didn’t really understand how or why to use it. There are plenty of darkfield filters available online but my lack of understanding made me reluctant to make even a small investment.

Then I came across a Microbe Hunter video about these filters and how to make one. As always, these videos are filled with lessons and practical information.

It seemed that it was fairly simple to make my own. I located transparent plastic, used a filter as a template, cut it out, and cut a small circle of black paper attached with double stick tape to be the stop. It’s not pretty, but it works. 

YAY!

I’m not ready for Rheinberg or Oblique filters but they look fascinating. For now, I’m still taking baby steps.

Filters and filter holders

Microbehunter.com is my microscope tutor. I learn something from every video. The lessons are either useful to me or just plain interesting. Yesterday I found a bonanza.

I watched:  Making microscope filters: Darkfield, Rheinberg, Oblique

I learned:

• My new microscope does have a filter holder. From what I’ve read. I was looking for a slot in the condenser. Mine has a swing-out holder at the bottom of the condenser
• Why I should use a blue filter: I have halogen illumination
• How to make my own darkfield filter.
• What a Rheinberg filter is; how to make one; why/when to use one.
• What an oblique filter is and when to use one. I’d heard reference to oblique illumination, but had no idea what it is.

This site is a wonderful place to learn about microscopes and their uses

The end of a month of frustration - onward and upward

My last post ended with the failure of my mechanical stage. The Y axis (Vertical) froze and would not move. AMscope sent me another. Same problem. Third stage:  Same issue except on the X (Horizontal) axis.  GRRRR !!

Looking for other sources for a mechanical stage, I found one that looked identical and had the same dimensions as my stage. It wasn’t identical. The positioning posts and the screw are just fractions of a millimeter different so that it would not fit. 

I was amazed to see the quality difference between the AMscope device and the other. The AMscope stage was poorly made

compared the the other.

 

I resolved to make do with what I have; but I still looked at scopes that have an integral mechanical stage.  Out of my price range. Until I found one that I can afford.

My choice is the Celestron CB2000CF. It is an older model, but is a new scope. It has features that are lacking in my existing scope. And the price was right from Amazon.com.  It should be delivered tomorrow.

In the meantime, I’ve been looking at some interesting stuff including but not limited to toilet paper. I’ve looked at household things including cream of tartar, glycerin, vitamin C, boric acid and, more using different solutions.

Many things look different dissolved in alcohol instead of water. I’ve also tried hydrogen peroxide and acetone (fingernail polish remover).

The real excitement is when I polarize these samples. Some of the patterns and colors are amazing. I plan to make a collection of these.

Other experiments include taking a soil sample, and a sample of stagnant water. Haven’t seen anything in the soil sample; but the water sample showed some critters that I think are protozoa. This is the first time I’ve tried to identify tiny creatures like these.

Having fun. Making progress. Learning.