Re: digital camera for nikon diaphot inverted microscope

From: J. Paul Robinson (jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu)
Date: Thu Aug 10 2000 - 20:03:44 EST


The Nikon is not a bad camera at all, if  a bit expensive - I have the
900 in the lab and we use it all the time however, while it does
outstanding outside pictures, it sucks in the lab - indoor pics are
frequenly out of focus - this was actually pointed out in several
reviews as well. The expensive part is the cmounts for microscopes
($7-800)

I've actually decided to get another digital camera because I find
the Nikon poorly suited to indoor uses in the lab....now for the BBQ
- its great!
Paul Robinson


> Dear Steve,
>
> I don't get any money from Nikon for this, but I strongly recommend the new Nikon
> Coolpix 990 for this purpose. The camera is cheap (ca. US$ 1500.-), easy
> to use, and has many professional features. If you have a PC with a frame grabber or
> a video tape recorder, you can also use it to produce videos.
> Although it is by far not as sensitive as our Hamamatsu, it is sufficiently sensitive
> for the average FITC or GFP, as well as PE or Texas Red application.
>
> I bought the camera together with an Eclipse microscope, but in a jiffy I can attach
> it to the Diaphot. What you need is a c-mount and the Coolpix adaptor
> lens (about US$ 800.-)
>
> I should add that I also tested the latest Olympus and Kodak consumer cameras.
>
> An important drawback of the coolpix is that since we have the camera, everybody comes
> up to me and wants to take it home over the weekend for
> barbecue parties and thelike :-)
>
> If you are interested in sample pics, let me know.
>
> cheers, brn
>
>
> On Tue, 08 Aug 2000 00:00:22 -0500, Steve Mullen wrote:
>
> >
> >Dear colleagues,
> >
> >Our lab is interested in purchasing a digital camera for our older Nikon
> >Diaphot inverted scopes. We use them for visual and fluorescence
> >microscopy. It would be nice to have an interface to a zip drive or direct
> >computer connection. Also, if there is a camers that could be removed from
> >the scope and used as a stand alone digital camera (like a normal 35mm SLR)
> >that would be ideal. I am just wondering if anyone out there has experience
> >with such a setup and can recommend models or accessories.
> >
> >
> >Thanks in advance.
> >
> >Steve
> >
> >Steven F. Mullen
> >Graduate Fellow/Research Assistant
> >Purdue University
> >Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
> >Cryobiology Laboratory
> >Lynn Hall, G242
> >West Lafayette, Indiana  47907-1398
> >Phone: 765-494-0336
> >Fax: 765-496-1108
> >mullensf@vet.purdue.edu
> >
>
>


J.Paul Robinson, Ph.D.,
Professor of Immunopharmacology
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Director, Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1515
(Ph) (765) 494-0757  Fax (765) 494-0517
jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu

http://www.cyto.purdue.edu

http://www.bioscope.org



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