Dr Harmon - Zeiss Standard Microscope

Dr. Harmon at California State University, Northridge, instructing students in the use of Zeiss Standard phase contrast microscope. She demonstrates set up and use of the scope in bright field and phase contrast.
Produced by Avo Guedekelian (www.avoguedeke...)

[@intensecutn]

Just got a second hand standard 14 today, so this video is going to be perfect for me! Thank you so much for taking the time to produce this very valuable video!

[@charlesdavis7940]

Thank you Dr. Harmon for this video. I just bought a used Zeiss like this one (just for fun), and this video is great. You have a very clear and concise way of explaining this process that leaves nothing to guessing. Good work!

[@Avoug]

I wish I had you as a Professor!!
I have a Midterm on this tomorrow.

[@cristianruiz10]

Excellent job!!

[@bouchoswatz]

thank you so much for sharing this!

[@keithstout8426]

Dr, Harmon, I have a 1969 Zeiss Standard Model 18 Phase Contrast scope. I have the large slide stage. The X,Y movements are too loose, too sensitive to my touch. I need to add friction to the movements. Do you know how I can do that? I have looked around for an adjustment screw, but can't find anything. I really need your help. Thank you so much for your video.
Keith Stout

[@intensecutn]

OK so I'm having a bit of trouble following this tutorial. I focus on the wax, no problem. When I get to the next step, I restrict the iris completely. But using the 40x plan objective, I don't see a small circle. It's just dim. When I enlarge the iris, it brightens up. OK...
So I thought I'd try the 10/0,22 phase contrast objective instead. With this objective, I see the small blurry circle but when I lower the condenser the blurry ring just get bigger, it does not sharpen the edges of the circle.
If anyone has any ideas or solutions, I'd love to hear from you.

[@intensecutn]

So I just did some looking around. It turns out she is using a 10x objective here. So I went ahead and switched to the 10x objective with the same result. I see the blurry blue ringed circle, then when I lower the condenser that circle just gets bigger, not more sharp. I only have a Plan 100x Oel, a Plan 40x, a 40x PH2, and a 10x. The weird thing is, I thought the 10x was a Phase contrast objective because it is black. Now though, I'm not so sure because it doesn't say PH2 like one of my 40x objectives does.
So, I'm still open to suggestions if anyone has any.

[@intensecutn]

I also realised that she didn't have the swing-out filter holders underneath the condenser. I swung them out of the light path, and low and behold, a sharper circle appeared.
The problem now, is that yes I can get it sharpER, but still not sharp. The sharpest point is just a fraction below the condensers highest point. It's still not a sharp polygon though.
Im going to go ahead and push on, and see now if I can get the phase contrast working.

[@intensecutn]

I realise I'm talking to myself here but I pushed on with the tutorial, but did not achieve phase contrast. I can see organisms moving, but they all just look like circles with a halo. So I'm guessing I'm getting somewhat closer, seeing a halo and all. But yeah, not phase contrast and can't even see things clearly. Everything is just spheres of light with a halo.
[2 MINUTES LATER:]
I GOT IT! I achieved phase contrast! When I saw those small circles of light moving around, I figured I would move the stage up/down and low and behold, micro-organisms! I'm so happy and excited. I thought moving the stage up or down would mess up the whole set up. Turns out it didn't.
One day in the future someone will read this whole thread. And I hope they are as excited for me as I am.

[@lotharmayring6063]

new zeiss microskopes cost to much for hobbymicroskopy

[@intensecutn]

No they don't. I just bought a zeiss standard 14 with phase contrast condenser today for $700AUD.

[@lotharmayring6063]

@@intensecutnand i a Leitz for 70 Bugs

[@intensecutn]

​@@lotharmayring6063what does that even mean?

[@intensecutn]

​@@lotharmayring6063I got a leitz sm-lux for $620. For all intents and purposes, the Zeiss is a superior microscope. It has phase contrast, dark field and a longer working distance. The working distance on my sm-lux is so short that I'm scared to use the 40x objective.

[@lotharmayring6063]

@@intensecutn spare money and buy good objectives instead