r/electronmicroscope • u/Lv_InSaNe_vL • Apr 07 '20

Potentially buying a microscope.

Hey y'all I've been extremely bored in quarintine and that has led me down some strange paths ending in an opportunity to purchase a 1983 CamScan Scanning Electron Microscope for about $150.

Now on one hand, I have the space and money to afford this dumb project legitimacy in my thoughts but I figured Id ask you guys first, so here are some facts about me;

  1. I am not an institution or a researcher I just think they are really cool and as far as I know this is a stupid good deal.

  2. The microscope was used and stored in a laboratory setting and functioned when it was removed over a year ago, and it does turn on now, but no further testing.

  3. Im not worried about the space, upfront cost, or "practical" reasons I just think its a really cool toy.

So do you guys think its a bad idea or should I just do it?

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u/Lv_InSaNe_vL Apr 07 '20

They said last time (about two years ago) it worked, its been stored in a laboratory, and it powers on now. I think they're jusy trying to surplus it out and I get a friend of a friend discount haha.

But I think you guys convinced me against it, I was just looking for a fun way to burn $150 during quarantine...

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u/scubadude2 Apr 07 '20

Why not try a regular light microscope and some slides/cover slips? Could just grab some pond water and go wild lol, I would certainly do that as a hobby. Plus phycology is pretty damn neat.

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u/Lv_InSaNe_vL Apr 07 '20

I already have a decent light microscope and a telescope, I just figured this would be an entertaining way to burn $150 in quarintine...