How can I take photos through a simple microscope without expensive modifications?
Asked 10/17/2011
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I have a basic microscope with a single objective setup and two eyepieces. Is there a simple, low-cost way to photograph what I see through it without major modifications? I'm interested in practical methods using a DSLR, point-and-shoot, or similar camera.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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If you have a SLR, it's as simple as pulling one of the microscope eyepieces, removing the SLR lens, and pointing the camera lens-box at the eyepiece hole.
You generally need to hold the camera about 1-2" from where the eyepiece sits.
http://imaginaryindustries.com/gallery3/var/resizes/album_006/album_002/album_001/_MG_3411.jpg?m=1304842222
Nikon D80 AF sensor
You lose contrast from light-leakage, but it works pretty well.
Originally by user2611. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2611
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The simplest low-cost method is afocal photography: leave the microscope optics in place and place a camera at the eyepiece.
Options mentioned:
- Point-and-shoot: Set it to macro mode and hold the camera lens up to the microscope eyepiece. It’s crude, but it can work.
- DSLR/SLR: One approach is to remove a microscope eyepiece and hold the camera body (with the camera lens removed) slightly above the eyepiece tube. This can produce usable results, though stray light may reduce contrast.
- Adapters/eyepieces: Dedicated microscope/telescope eyepiece adapters can make alignment easier and reduce vignetting.
- Webcam/small camera: These can also work well because they’re easy to position close to the eyepiece.
General tips: keep the camera as close to the eyepiece as possible, align it carefully with the optical axis, and use enough magnification to reduce dark corners (vignetting). Blocking stray light around the camera/eyepiece connection can improve contrast.
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