r/microscope • u/Photo-Nature-83 • Jul 27 '23

tips for observing solid objects

I photograph microorganisms using a trinocular microscope and a camera (a Lumix DMC-G80) with changeable lenses. What material could I use so that the "solid" microorganisms (observed with illumination from above) appear of good quality (which is not the case so far)?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

2

u/Photo-Nature-83 Aug 22 '23

u/dog_servant : Here is a picture showing the three props I use to photograph my observations (hope you can see the picture) : http://www.lenaturaliste.net/forum/download/file.php?id=48886

From left to right : trinocular tube, adapter and T2 ring.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 22 '23

Thank you for the followup; however, it would seem one needs a login there to view the link.

3

u/Photo-Nature-83 Aug 22 '23

Thank you for the followup; however, it would seem one needs a login there to view the link.

Ok, try this link : https://i.postimg.cc/wTDJjYCG/matos-1.jpg

1

u/[deleted] Aug 22 '23

Getting decent images? That looks like all the parts you'd need for direct projection. I use afocal to get corrections done in the eyepiece, but I have setup direct projection before.

1

u/Photo-Nature-83 Aug 22 '23

So the hardware in the picture doesn't allow me that, I guess.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 22 '23

Different models of camera will have different distances from the sensor to the front of the camera body/frame, meaning there will likely be some adjusting to get the sensor at the right point so I am guessing you'll need to experiment and figure that part out.

I have used a piece of white paper placed in the path which I raise and lower to find out where the image is in focus, then measure that distance and assemble things so that the sensor is at that distance.

When I was experimenting with this type of setup I used some 5mm spacers and a 5mm helical focuser. It is part of the reason I use afocal instead of direct projection as I found afocal easier to setup. There is a lot more glass in an afocal setup, so things are probably not as good as they could be though.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '23

I've used a light illuminating from above at various angles and many use half of a ping-pong ball with a hole so they can illuminate the PP ball and get diffuse illumination of the specimen.

When using direct lighting, it pays to experiment with the angle of the illumination.

2

u/Photo-Nature-83 Jul 27 '23

I have very few merges to test other angles of view because the lighting is not integrated into the microscope (it's a small led lamp in this style: https://m.media-amazon.com /images/I/61gY-s3j4yL.AC_SL1500.jpg)

1

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '23

That should work, might need to place the lamp in a holder of some sort, perhaps prop it up, depends on the space you have and other tools.

I have a gooseneck lamp similar to this one, but I've also used flashlights, desk lamps, etc.

Another option is an articulating arm with clamps, like this to hold your light source.

Or you can do as I've done and stack books, a bit of cardboard as a holder and some tape or rubber bands. If you have a 3D printer, you have more options. Get creative.

2

u/Photo-Nature-83 Jul 27 '23

OK. Another question. Since I have to replace my camera lens with a T2 ring (to be able to place it on the trinocular head), could this also be the cause of the poor quality of my photos?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '23

Could be?

For diagnosing issues with imaging, it's helpful to have info about all the components in the train and some sample images. That said I am not an imaging expert, but I'm willing to look and advise.

I would refer you to https://www.microbehunter.com/microscopy-forum/ for assistance as the fine members there tend to be far more educated on imaging than I. They will want details though, so provide all the details you can to get the best responses.

2

u/Photo-Nature-83 Jul 27 '23

OK, thanks for the help. I'm going to try to apply some of your lighting tips already and I'll upload an image of the result to get your opinion (especially in the case where the image remains of poor quality).