January 9, 2024

Photomicroscopy

There are several ways to capture images of microorganisms. Digital microscopes have built in cameras and a screen to view images. Digital microscope cameras are also available to attach to microscopes where images can be viewed on a computer. Some come with software where more can be done with images, such as making measurements and other enhancements. Adapters can also be used on microscopes to attach other types of cameras.

I am using an AmScope trinocular biological compound microscope with a Canon EOS 60d camera attached using an AmScope Canon adapter. It came with 10x eyepieces and 4x, 10x, 40x, and a 100x oil immersion objective. I replaced the oil immersion objective with a 60x plan achromatic objective, so I don’t have to mess with oil, and purchased a 20x plan achromatic objective to fill the gap between the 10x and 40x. For dark field I use cheap dark field filters, which I purchased on ebay. AmScope eye-guards are attached to the eyepieces. For collecting microorganisms I use a plankton net where long rubber gloves come in handy. Other items include collecting jars, a wash bottle for washing off slides, Kimwipes for cleaning lenses, slides and cover slips, and a dissecting needle. Isolating an organism on a slide can be a problem. I try not to put too much on a slide, and sometimes tap the cover slip with a dissecting needle to move it around.

Posted on January 9, 2024 07:00 PM by jwwalker jwwalker | 0 comments | Leave a comment

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