Help, please: Microscope suggestions?

[Dani Girl]

Sorry to bother everyone. Would anyone be willing to make a list, or a few people list all the scopes that they would recommend. I am trying to work on a budget but if it's worth paying more now to save in the long run I'll happily do that too. Not sure what $ I'm looking at for something half decent yet?

Thanks

Danae.

 

[BrianPowley]

In the "TIPS ARCHIVE"....
Link:
http://www.engraverscafe.com/showthread.php?3451-Stereo-Microscopes-to-BUY-and-to-AVOID

Tira Mitchell sells the Leica A60-F...It is perfect for engraving and my next tool purchase.
http://www.engraver.com/leica-a60-f...icroscope-with-flex-arm-stand-and-ring-light/

 

[sam]

Meiji, Zeiss, Leica are some of the best stereo-zoom microscope brands and it's safe to say you won't regret buying any one of them.

 

[monk]

and if you listed all who use scopes, you'd likely get a bewildering variety of scopes and the types of mounts

 

[Dani Girl]

Monk, I agree, bewildering is the word. I'm basically looking on a shortened list that everybody can agree on. Bargains alright, if they're actually work out and don't end up just being a waste of money. Thanks Sam for that short concise list.

I'm starting to feel like i won't improve much, or very fast without being able to see better. Big investment but I'm sure it will be worth while.

Thanks everyone for the input... I really know nothing about scopes so it's good to get some info from those who know. Thanks guys

Danae.

 

[BLW]

Hi Danae,
There is a Jewellery fair on at the Gold Coast this month and Australian Jewellers Supplies should have a few microscopes there you could have a play on its the 23rd - 24th March if you can get up there would be worth the trip. As Sam mentioned I wouldn't go past those brands and make sure its set up right, you've only got one pair of eyes and there not to be messed with

Brendan

 

[silverchip]

I Lika my Leica!!!!!

 

[quickcut07]

Never used a Zeiss but between the Meiji and the leica having both set up I prefer the leica clearer and better FOV

Eric

 

[Donny]

I have used these four scopes to engrave with...
Amscope...wasted my money but it does work with a little adjusting here and there. Eyes do get fatigued after about 3-4 hours. I'm 48 so keep that in mind.
Olympus SMZ old school grey metal ones. Very clear pretty nice over all. Never used them longer than an hour at a time though. Class situation.
Meiji EMZ-5 at the GRS class I took, taught by REX!!! Super class ....very nice scope. Came close to buying one but I had just bought my Amscope and was determined to get my money out of it. (stubborn and stupid)

Wild M3Z ....In truth it was like the heavens opened and poured wonderful crystal clear light onto my work piece. Pure perfection. Used one for a week from a friend.

Having said all that i will be buying a Wild M3Z with a .63 objective lens and 10x eye pieces and a swing arm stand. UNLESS I try the Leica A60 and it blows my socks off.

I've never tried a Zeiss BUT i have never heard one person say they disliked a OPMI1 or a Stemi 2000...

Donny

 

[Dani Girl]

I am interested in the Leica A60-F... Brian, that link you put on... does that include everything I'd need ... I guess it vice clamps onto a bench. Is 120mm working distance good for engraving... there is a lens that changes it to 165mm which might make engraving easier.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Regards,

Danae.

 

[RDP]

Danae, send Tira an email, she has all the answers on the Leica, and can work out a good shipping cost for you, I have talked to Tira recently and am now waiting for a better dollar exchange to get one, there is also import duty for us and adds a fair (unfair ) amount to the price,

http://www.engraver.com/

Richard.

 

[blacksmith_wills]

Here's the link to one I bought.

The scope looks like he took a lot of care refurbishing it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWLY-REFURBISHED-BAUSCH-LOMB-STEREOZOOM-4-MICROSCOPE-0-5X-LENS-B-L-SZ4-SZ-4-/310886667058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48624a1332

 

[Dani Girl]

Leicia A60-F

Does anyone know much about them. They're going for about $2000 new with the stand and light and the lens to change the 120mm workspace to 165mm

Does anyone have any suggestions of good comparable scopes that compete well with price and performance. I am hoping to be engraving for another 50 years or so and I'd like to make the right choice now.

Thanks everyone.

regards, Danae.

 

[BLW]

Just got a quote for the Leica A60 F from Leica Australia in NSW
Supply and Delivered for $2800 AUD
I will have to save a bit before I order one

 

[zzcutter]

I did a lot of shopping around and I went with the Leica a60. I felt it was best scope for the money. Comes with all you need, swing arm stand and great light. Talk to Tara and she will set you up. ZZ

 

[graniteguy52]

Dani,
I've been using a Zeiss OPMI for about 5 years, and just recently purchased a Leica from Tira. The scopes are comparable in clarity, range of magnification, matching user dimensions, being user friendly, and lack of eye fatigue. The Leica has a greater depth of field which is the main reason for purchasing it. Also the led light seems to work quite well - I had to use supplemental light with the Zeiss (they have an internal lighting system). The only thing I can say negative about the Leica - the boom arm moves a bit too easily - but I was used to a solid stand on the Zeiss (and adjusting the vise and turntable instead of the microscope) - and I have since fabricated a solid arm to fit the Leica to my old Zeiss stand. The Leica boom will allow me to engrave gun barrels though - another reason to buy it.
I don't have another 50 years to engrave, but I feel the Leica will work nicely for at least 20 or 30 years for me.
I do not think you will regret the purchase of a Leica from Tira. (and it will be so much easier than trying to find a good used Zeiss)

 

[RDP]

BLW, do you have Leica Australia contact details? please,


Richard

 

[BLW]

Leica Microsystems Pty Ltd
All Microscopy and Specimen Preparation, Bond, Peloris and Novocastra Reagents
Unit 3, 112-118 Talavera Road
North Ryde, 2113 Australia
Phone: +61 2 8870 3500
Fax: +61 2 9878 1055
I was talking to Scott Up to 3 week delivery


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[RDP]

Thanks mate,

Richard.

 

[LVVP]

Good to know, thanks