Technical information

16.6.7 Microscope cameras

In addition to flexcams, scientific equipment suppliers list models that are specifically

designed for use with microscopes

. Not only are these provided with suitable adaptors

to connect the camera to the microscope but design features enable them to focus

appropriately when placed over the eyepiece of a microscope. In addition to the sens-

ing chip, there will usually be a lens.

In theory, better images should be obtainable if the microscope’s eyepiece lens is

removed when fitting the camera, so that light from the object does not need to trav-

erse the extra lens. However, in practice, this may not make a noticeable difference

since the camera chips that are used may not have a high-enough resolution to detect

differences between images viewed using different combinations of optics.

Stills-photography cameras and camcorders

Schools may wish to utilise stills-photography cameras or camcorders for attachment

to microscopes. It should be noted that not all of these can easily be attached to a

microscope. It is always best to use models in which the lens can be removed. This is

possible for cameras with C-mount lenses (ie, SLR models) and, for these, adaptor

kits

are available. A limited number of non-SLR, stills-photography cameras and

most camcorders can be attached to a microscope

. For other types of digital cameras

in which the lens cannot be removed, an adapter

may nevertheless be available. (See

also Microscope adaptors in section 16.6.8.)

Versatility of microscope cameras

With suitable mounting, cameras purchased for video microscopy can additionally be

used in place of other types of camera for general display applications. Some are

provided with mountings to enable them to be attached to a flexible arm, effectively

converting them into flexcams, eg, the Moticam range and gooseneck stand.

See section 16.6.8 (Video microscopy) for further discussion of attaching cameras to

microscopes and Tables 16.4 and 16.6 for details of equipment and connectors.

For example, the Moticam range from Philip Harris and Timstar Laboratory Suppliers, the BMS mCam from Scientific &

Chemical Supplies or theScope, manufactured by Scalar, and sold by Granet Science.

For example, adaptor VID 100510, from Scientific & Chemical Supplies and those supplied by Brunel Microscopes.

Some stills digital cameras, such as the Nikon Coolpix (990, 995, 4500) or the Olympus 4040 and most camcorders, have a screw

thread in the lens housing which can be used to attach an adapter directly via a coupling ring. Brunel Microscopes supplies

adapters for these cameras.

Again, from Brunel Microscopes. Its web site, www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk, and the associated web site www.microscopy-

uk.org.uk, may be valuable sources of information.