Here we have a good example
of a vintage Carl Zeiss of Jena in Germany monocular laboratory microscope in black enamel
finish dating to the 1950s and carrying serial number 282662. The
condition of this example is generally very good, with only a few age and use appropriate signs of wear to the
paint finish on the instrument and just the right time worn look. This example has a good set of
objective lenses (by Zeiss and Olympus) and may well therefore be quite a sought-after classic
model in view of the quality manufacturer, good optics and completeness of the
package. There's also a Zeiss inclined eyepiece unit supplied, allowing the instrument to be used un-inclined which is useful for viewing liquid specimens for example.
Turning to the main technical
details of this quality monocular microscope, we have the following:
1) A monocular eyepiece unit
with chromed draw-tube that's graduated for tube length, allowing it to be set quickly at the optimum 170, 190 etc value depending on the optics being used. There's also an inclined minocular eyepiece unit that can be swapped over in a matter of seconds and you'll see images of both in use in the listing photos. There's also an excellent selection of 5 different eyepieces all by Zeiss supplied as follows:
No 2 - 5x by Carl Zeiss
5x by Carl Zeiss
7x by Carl Zeiss with focusing via draw-tube
15x Mobimi by Carl Zeiss
15x by Carl Zeiss
2) The instrument's main focus
and fine focus are controlled via sets of thumb-wheels located at the top of the limb which move the optical tube - travel and focus are both very good with the optical tube holding in position as it should. The upper limb on this model of microscope is
designed to tilt, although with the alternative monocular unit being angled, it's also perfectly usable without inclination, meaning that the stage can be kept horizontal, which is ideal for inter alia liquid specimens.
3) There are four good quality
objective lenses on the quadruple turret, as follows:
10x - Olympus NA 0.25
40x - Olympus NA 0.65
40x - Carl Zeiss NA 0.65
90x - Carl Zeiss NA 1.25 HI
The objective lenses and eyepieces supplied
therefore provide an effective magnification range from around 50x up to a theoretical 1,350x
magnification when using the 90x objective with an immersion technique.
4) The stage
is of a circular design with rotation through a full 360 degrees and it has good level of resistance to motion so that it holds in position and it can also be locked and centered via various thumb-screw adjusters. It's currently fitted with a Zeiss mechanical over-stage that locates to three small holes in the stage surface - one is threaded and the other two just take guide pins. The stage works very well and when fitted it does prevent full stage rotation. The over-stage has above-stage x/y controls as well as a sprung slide holder mechanism that works very well.
5) Below stage there's a
condenser by Zeiss marked 1.2 with graduated and smoothjly operating iris and a 33mm swing-out filter carrier. There's a rack and pinion system to adjust the
height with single-sided control. The condenser has adequate reach to allow oiling to the back of slides for higher magnification work.
6) Lighting is provided by plano-concave mirror on a gimbal mount with near-perfect silvering to both sides.
7) There is the original case with internal racking, carry-handle and Zeiss instruction/information in French. The case also has its lock with original key.
In summary, this is a nice clean example of a vintage 1950s Zeiss monocular microscope in good condition, with some well thought out optics. This example may therefore
appeal to collectors as well as specialists seeking a quality instrument with flexible monocular set-up. It's also extremely good value for a such a quality
vintage instrument from well-known makers Zeiss.
This is also quite a heavy laboratory microscope equipment
especially with the wooden storage case, so owing to its weight it will be
partially dismantled, very well packed and dispatched by insured courier upon
receipt of cleared funds. Overseas buyers please use eBay Global Shipping
if it's available in your territory or contact seller for alternative shipping
options/costs.
Please also study the photos as they form part of the description.
Thanks for looking - please check
out my other listings if you get a chance.