Thread: Magnification recommendations?

I had one like the 'currency detecting microscope' in the top picture. It was on it's third set of batteries, the contacts in the lid were broken off, and the only reason it was still working was a folded piece of tin foil bridging the gap to complete the circuit.

I bought a carson scope like the bottom one. But ideally I'd like something with some more longevity to it. The kind of thing you'd purchase once and not have to replace because the thing is built to fall apart.

Which is kind of a strike against a USB microscope like PCM's. The nature of electronic components, sure it'll probably be good for 3-5 years, but will it still work in 10? 15? Maybe it'll be obsoleted next year, who knows? I'm seriously considering going old school with a lighted stereo microscope.

Originally Posted by Utopian

How much are you willing to spend? Are you only considering loupes or are USB or optical microscopes an option?

The problem with a lot of USB scopes is that the have high magnification but not enough resolution. Contact member PCM, please, and ask him what his microscope is. I suggest that because he has posted a lot of very good edge photos with sufficient magnification and resolution and I have been curious to know what he is using but have been too lazy to ask.

I bought this one, a year ago. It works pretty good and is not too expensive. Limited levels of magnification, and I have a tough time getting enough brightness (and don't want to post process photos all day):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have to say, even though I bought the Carson under heavy recommendation here, I don't like it. I don't like it at all. Why? Under the supplied blue led lighting and angle of illumination all edges look pretty much the same. Blue hazy scratches. If there was a way to provide an incandescent bulb, or white led lighting, IMO,it would perform several magnitudes better. The lighting is horrible. However some things are illuminated well. I don't know why it behaves this way. Maybe it has to do with the amount of reflective surface it is illuminating or the color of the item under view. I know this because I can compare it to my usb scope and get a much different picture. I agree though for the price you can't go wrong, but I'm sure there is a way to modify it to show a better representation of the item under view. Any ideas? Or am I just flat out wrong? I am using a new battery if that helps.

PCM,
That scope looks like a very good option. With the stand it would be easy to quickly/easily bring the blade under the camera and then just focus by moving the blade up and down--on the lower magnifications. 5 megapixels is about as good as I've seen for a USB camera and 300x is about all that is of any use with that resolution.

That combination for that price is a great value. It would not be hard to set up an external light source for it to make it even better.

Thanks for the link!

Originally Posted by Aerdvaark

I have to say, even though I bought the Carson under heavy recommendation here, I don't like it. I don't like it at all. Why? Under the supplied blue led lighting and angle of illumination all edges look pretty much the same. Blue hazy scratches. If there was a way to provide an incandescent bulb, or white led lighting, IMO,it would perform several magnitudes better. The lighting is horrible. However some things are illuminated well. I don't know why it behaves this way. Maybe it has to do with the amount of reflective surface it is illuminating or the color of the item under view. I know this because I can compare it to my usb scope and get a much different picture. I agree though for the price you can't go wrong, but I'm sure there is a way to modify it to show a better representation of the item under view. Any ideas? Or am I just flat out wrong? I am using a new battery if that helps.

Might be better used with external lighting? I'll figure that out when I have it in hand I suppose.

I recently made the discovery that LED 75 Watt equivalent lightbulbs are very much not equivalent at all. I literally feel like wearing sunglasses in the house with those bulbs installed in an overhead light. Perhaps instead of taking them back, I can swap them to a lamp and repurpose them as a honing/project lighting bulb...

PCM - thanks again for the quick reponse to the PM, and for posting the link here as well! Looks like I've got some research ahead of me.

Originally Posted by Utopian

PCM,
That scope looks like a very good option. With the stand it would be easy to quickly/easily bring the blade under the camera and then just focus by moving the blade up and down--on the lower magnifications. 5 megapixels is about as good as I've seen for a USB camera and 300x is about all that is of any use with that resolution.

That combination for that price is a great value. It would not be hard to set up an external light source for it to make it even better.

Thanks for the link!

You're welcome! I haven't tried rigging up another light. Some of the issue may be the reflective surface, and possibly the software doing Auto exposure.

The stand and microscope like knobs make it easy to adjust focus. There are about 3 useful levels of magnification. I use the highest for most pics done here.

sent from my phone.

Originally Posted by Marshal

Might be better used with external lighting? I'll figure that out when I have it in hand I suppose.

I recently made the discovery that LED 75 Watt equivalent lightbulbs are very much not equivalent at all. I literally feel like wearing sunglasses in the house with those bulbs installed in an overhead light. Perhaps instead of taking them back, I can swap them to a lamp and repurpose them as a honing/project lighting bulb...

PCM - thanks again for the quick reponse to the PM, and for posting the link here as well! Looks like I've got some research ahead of me.

Sure. It works fine for my use. I us it with a mac. Software is bare bones. May be nicer with a PC.

sent from my phone.

Try using different colored backgrounds, white and black, along with changing the angle of the bevel to the lens. White will reflect more light, black will show contrast better.

I sit the razor on a 6mm craft foam sheet, open the razor, so the scales are to the rear, 90 degrees to the edge, like when shaving. Let the scales hang over the edge of the foam. This will put the bevel parallel to the lens.

You are all quite crafty individuals from whom I have benefited a lot over the years on so many topics. Here is my tiny contribution: best microscope is the one you make yourself.... a smartphone camera with a lens. You would be amazed at the quality you can get!! How about a 12 MP sensor with a high quality lens microscope, with a 1080P or even 4K 5-6 inch screen, plus a very powerfull software for less money than any of the cheapo and useless usb microscopes from China? Let me elaborate..... as Keith said, 5 MP sensor is about the best usb microscope camera you can get, and pcm's suggestion is indeed good, for what it is..... The lens and sensors on most microscopes below $1000 are crappy, though. But, even low end smartphones nowadays sport 12 MP cameras. An android app such as Magnifier is all you need, and it is free. Then you need a semi decent lens to attach. There are many options.... usb camera lens, striped loope lens, dvd player lenses, any of those cheapo magnifying lenses you have..... that you trash as soon as the battery runs out.

The one I use: an old usb camera lens. I striped the camera and retrieved the lens. Then with a hairpin and scotchtape you attach the lens on the back of the phone. I do not need to do this all the time....but when I do, it is super simple and easy once you put it together. Soon, you all will have many lenses to use, and your own setup. As fancy, or as simple, as you want to make it. I use two flashlights for lighting ideally with diffusers. Give it a try, and enjoy!

How about some pixs?