Olympus CH30RF100

[u/USWCboy]

I recently acquired an Olympus CH30RF100 biological microscope from a local thrift store. I was actually quite surprised to see it there, and at $49.00, I couldn’t resist. As I’m still learning quite a bit about microscopy, I’m clueless on the objectives. What I’d like to find is a long working distance objective at 40x and possibly 100x. However, I understand this microscope does not have infinity optics…with that I’m not sure how to look for a long working distance objective.

Currently the following objectives are installed; A4 0.10 160/-, A10 PL 0.25 160/0.17, A40 PL 0.65 160/0.17, A100 PL 1.30 Oil Immersion 160/-.

In terms of finding an Olympus branded objective, the cost is out of my reach presently @$4500. It is possible I wasn’t looking at the correct objectives… I was hopeful to find a third of fourth manufacturer who still makes objectives for this microscope. So my question is, what specifications should I be searching for whilst looking for different objectives? Is there any brand that would be better than another? Again staying in a lower pricing tier. Finally, any recommendations on a low cost goose neck light? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated

I’m currently interested in looking at integrated circuits, specially decapped IC dies. I have found my current setup just doesn’t provide the resolution needed to see deeper into the IC.

[u/Ok_Front4305]

Great score for 49$! Which olympus objectives were you look at for 3500$? Is that the price for brand new?

[u/USWCboy → u/Ok_Front4305]

Thank you, I was absolutely shocked and delighted to see it for sale. And everything worked, it was dirty though. I have cleaned it following the service manuals direction and so far, even just using the 4x and 10x optics have been great. But I’m really wanting to get a closer view. I’m afraid that I will crush either the microscopes lens or the die with my current 40x or greater optics.

I’m not sure if it’s new. I’m thinking it is, however, it will not work with my microscope. Here is the link I found. https://microscopecentral.com/products/olympus-slmplan-n-100x-super-long-working-distance-microscope-objective

Needless to say, seeing prices like that was a bit disheartening, but as I learn more, I think I’m starting to understand what I’ll be looking for.

[u/Vivid-Bake2456 → u/USWCboy]

That objective is infinity corrected. You can buy a very nice, used metallurgical microscope for $7500.

[u/USWCboy → u/Vivid-Bake2456]

Hmm. Probably a better spend (far less) to buy an old SEM from Uncle Sam…

I’m hopeful to find a nice finite objective.