[WTB Germany] Amscope trinocular soldering microscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 10:19:54 am
content: Hello everybody, as the eyes are getting older and older and electronic parts smaller and smaller I want to Louis Rossmann-ify myself with a nice trinocular Amscope or a reasonable priceced clone, sold in Germany and who doesn't thake months or more to arrive + the joyfull travel to to Zoll (customs).Unfortunately, Amazon is rife with scammers (to my great amazement) and on evilbay I only get in Germany this wonderful clone of a clone called Luckyzoomfor just 1000EUR!!!.Link for LOLs:https://www.ebay.de/itm/Luckyzoom-3-5X-90X-Simul-Brenn-Doppel-Galgenstativ-Trinokular-Stereo-Zoom-Mikro/114092730781So if anyone wants to give up his, or knows a non-gouging seller or other similar model, kindly please let me know, all offers are appreciated.Thanks,DC1MC

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 10:39:03 am
content: Luckyzoom is a legit china reseller of microscopes.I got mine from them, as well as the ones at work and a friends one too. Good company.However, as you spotted, the seller in your URL is not luckyzoom, it's someone else.Luckyzoom (the official seller) isn't selling 'clones', they are genuine goods from the same factory that amscope and other brands use. Amscope simply slap their own badge on the front.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 11:08:17 am
content: @Ψ - good to know, let's see if I can find some German seller with sane pricing then.Cheers,DC1MC

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 11:17:10 am
content: Don't look for "Trinocular". Look for "Simul-Focal". Trinocular only gets you a camera port, but if it's not simulfocal, there's no separate optical path for the camera. Means you'll have to switch one ocular to the camera port, loosing stereo vision. If you don't plan on streaming repair videos "Rossmann style", there's little benefit for the money it will cost. Save the money, buy a binocular, invest in good lights or a better stand. Get a 0.5x Barlow lens.I bought an Amscope via Ebay. It was expensive. I didn't find a local seller for a comparable model.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 11:35:55 am
content: While i definitely agree that Simul-Focal is nicer, the one time i tried the Simul-Focal version it had minor optical issues. (where the two images don't quite 'mesh' together right no matter how you adjust it) Something i've not seen on any of the non-Simul-Focal ones.And i heard a similar story from someone else.I've not seen/used enough to draw any firm conclusions, it just makes me a little weary of buying Simul-Focal for no reason other than "it's better".If you're going to be streaming the camera view while you use it then it's a must. But not everyone does that. The little switch is fine for a lot of use cases.I'm not sure how the optics work in a simul-focal head, but it wouldn't surprise me if they are more sensitive to correct alignment.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 11:38:30 am
content: Quote from: thinkfat on April 28, 2020, 11:17:10 am

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 11:52:44 am
content: Eleshop.eu seems to carry them at better prices than the Luckzoom sellers. It think that's a Dutch company so shipping to Germany shouldn't be too terrible.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 12:47:18 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on April 28, 2020, 11:35:55 amI bet Amscope's "simul-focal" (beam splitting) head uses a cube beam splitter. Being two right angle prisms cemented together, it should make no more demands on alignment as the single prism Amscope probably uses for a "non-simul-focal" (non-beam-splitting) head – other than they now have two exit beams to take care of rather than one.A disadvantage of a cube splitter is that its introduces substantial amounts of aberration if the incoming beam converges or diverges. Amscope could address that with expensive, infinity (collimated) optics – and they do in some microscopes they sell for thousands of dollars.I wonder if those aberrations noticeably worsen the view out of the camera port.

author: Nuno_pt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 03:03:47 pm
content: You can import just the head from China, that is not expensive even with the customs tax, then buy the other things.I'm thinking to get one like that, first the head, thatt is the most expensive around 180€ simul focal trinocular, and then the barlow lens and camera alone with a pole and make my base, wich is the most expensive to ship due to the wight.

author: HobGoblyn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 04:44:29 pm
content: Amscope Global have loads on Amazons UK site, I'd imagine Amazon Germany would be similar (if they ship to the UK, I'd have thought they would to Germany) ?I sent them a ton of messages and they got back really quickly.I ordered the SM-3NTP from them last Wednesday afternoon. It was picked up in the USA Wed evening (well evening for me), it was at my door by 9:30am this Monday, just under 5 days including the weekend.Comes with a 5 year warranty (have to pay shipping to Holland if a warranty claim is needed, they pay for shipping it back).And of course we have to pay for shipping from the USA which isn't cheap (but no additional customs)You can also return to Holland at your cost within 30 days if you decide you don't like it for any reasonFor your info from my many many messages to them (links to their Amazon UK products)The SM745NTP is the simulfocal head with lockable zoom, £316.99 + £36.03 deliveryhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/AmScope-7X-45X-Simul-Focal-Trinocular-Microscope/dp/B01G5XR3ZU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Amscope+SM745NTP&qid=1587562718&s=electronics&sr=1-1The single boom arm is their SAW model and is £185.99 + £71.74 delivery]https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmScope-Sturdy-Microscope-Single-arm-Stand/dp/B005C85R76/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=amscope+SAW&qid=1587562874&sr=8-12The double boom arm is their DAW model and is £206.99 + £96.44 deliveryhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/AmScope-Heavy-Duty-Double-arm-Stand/dp/B005OSJ64Y/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=amscope+DAW&qid=1587563192&sr=8-10The SM745NTP and Single boom arm package is their SM-3NTP, and costs £400.99 + £109.83https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmScope-7X-45X-Simul-Focal-Lockable-Microscope/dp/B06X9HQR52/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=amscope+SM-3NTP&qid=1587562966&sr=8-1The SM745NTP and double boom arm package is their SM-4NTP, and costs £559.99 + £111.24 deliveryhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/AmScope-7X-45X-Simul-Focal-Lockable-Microscope/dp/B01H4FOLVM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=amscope+SM-4NTP&qid=1587563084&sr=8-1All of the above are for the microscope/stand only, no light ring and no cameraThese model/package numbers will be listed under the product information in the Amazon listings as well, sodouble checkon the German site that the right model/package numbers is whats listed. The non simulfocal head and boom arm package looks the same, but the package/part/item model number for that one is SM-3T, likewise the package for the binocular (no camera port) and single boom arm is SM-3B.I asked them about their warranty, here is their replyQuoteEDIT: I just checked Amazon.de, Amscope Global is listing under Amicroscope on there (presuming google translate got it right), If I click on either Amscope Global on the UK site or Amicroscope on the German site, both bring up exactly the same address (and same business name).Quote

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 05:21:40 pm
content: @HobGoblyn - Here are some of my considerations regarding the nice documentd nswer of yours:1) I totally want a bundle with everything at once, all bits and pieces and fiddly lenses and screws and washers and so on, because I doubt that the shipping of individual parts will be less than the full bundle, twice, because if I'll have issues assembling them, with parts missing/not fitting right, I want to be able to get support (a.k.a replacements) without being told "sorry mate, we only support our bundle, you're sol on this...".2) There is no Amazonian stock in Germany that I can find, except the onmi-present scammers, only EU (no VAT) stock in the UK with large delivery times and beyod obscene shipping costs:AmScope 7 x 45 x Simul Focal Stereo Zoom Microscope with Boom Stand Camera 5MP€764.34€304.50 deliveryFor 300EUR I can get a cab or rent a car in Germany and drive to their place to pick it up.Finally I was looking on the full bundle around 600EUR like the USians, 1000 is way over budget for me and I don't have a Manhattan store, or any store at all.The Eleshop.eu have also large prices that reach 1000EUR, with the bouns that I get a world famous Elezoomfor this price, GTFO, I've actually never seen a remotely usefull deal in this store.In any case, it seem that my only hope is to get some meta-clone from somewhere less shameless to ask for more then the Amscope or for samebody that get bored and wants to get rid of his, no way to make a modest configured usable bundle under 8-900EUR and that is cutting all the corners, c'est la vie.Thanks again,DC1MC

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 06:19:52 pm
content: Would you consider a used microscope?If you would, could you list what the microscope must have and what would be nice for it to have?

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 06:37:10 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on April 28, 2020, 06:19:52 pmSure, as long as it's mechanically stable and the optics are not degraded by the flux fumes, misalignment or colour aberrations or delamination of the optic coating, of course. I don't care a bit of scratches, Gebrauchsspuren, packaging or stuff like this.So double boon, trinocular (not necessarily simul-focal, I only have a good eye), suitable oculars and Barlow lenses for 15-20cm of work space (not for iPhones like these baby-Amscopes), MUST have a camera tube/mounting that doesn't do vignetting or frame cut.If there is a suitable tested camera with an HDMI/USB output this is nice to have, but I can find something around, I can even splurge here on a global shutter sensor, even if lower megapixels.That will be it.Cheers,DC1MC

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:01:38 pm
content: Must it have zoom?What magnification range, with and without an 0.5X auxiliary lens?

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:14:10 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on April 28, 2020, 07:01:38 pmYou want to say continous zoom, I think, because is the current year and this fixed zoom steps are a bit obsolete and also useles if one can't frame the area of interest.15-20cm with the 0.5 lens of course.if the magnification goes to around x40 with the Barlows and x10 oculars it's perfect, most likely won't go that much on a PCB that is not a (i)phone, but I don't intend to get more than one microscope. I can accept it even with x20 oculars, but it have to still show some usable fov for soldering, we're not looking at bacterias here.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:44:08 pm
content: Thanks. I think I have a better idea of what you are after. I happen to have an extra stereo microscope but it does not meet all of the requirements. I will keep my eyes open.

author: RobertPS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:48:42 pm
content: Banggood sell microscopes at good prices. Look for stock in the Czech warehouse, you will likely have it within a week.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:55:39 pm
content: So they do. Some of the microscope boom stands appear to have plastic base plates. That is the first time I have seen that.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:02:04 pm
content: The SM-4TP on eleshop.eu seems to be a quite decent deal, compared to what you have to pay e.g. on Ebay for the equivalent Amscope, at 574€.Surely you can find a C-mount adapter, a camera and a 0.5x Barlow lense for a decent price as well. A LED ring light is certainly not an expensive item.

author: RobertPS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:03:44 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on April 28, 2020, 07:55:39 pmThey do? I didn't see that.How about this one:https://www.banggood.com/3_5X-7X-45X-90X-Double-Boom-Stand-Zoom-Simul-Focal-Trinocular-Stereo-Microscope+34MP-Camera-Microscope-For-Industrial-PCB-Repair-p-1533615.html?rmmds=detail-left-hotproducts__1&cur_warehouse=CZ

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:08:53 pm
content: https://www.banggood.com/3_5X-7X-45X-90X-Double-Boom-Stand-Zoom-Simul-Focal-Trinocular-Stereo-Microscope+34MP-Camera-Microscope-For-Industrial-PCB-Repair-p-1533615.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CZI wonder what did they "cost optimized" at this one, except the 44LED pathetic light.

author: RobertPS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:19:47 pm
content: Quote from: DC1MC on April 28, 2020, 08:08:53 pmWell, reading the comments the last guy that received one mentioned the head was mounted with one screw (I have seen that before), the plugs were US, and apparently two handles for the double boom stand were replaced by screws(?). Still it's very cheap.I expect the one with the articulating stand this week. I'll see what actually arrives

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:33:27 pm
content: Quote from: RobertPS on April 28, 2020, 08:19:47 pmWell, the misrable ring light would go anyway to the spare leds bin at arrival, this was the price I'm willing to pay for cost optimization, but the replaced handles (and keeping the misleading pictures of an original) and the crappy head mounting are realy worisome and the one and only snapshot looks to have all possible issues:- chomatic aberrations- out of focus except a small region around centre- grainy miserable picture quality- a user declares that the camera adapter cuts a big part of the image (I was afraid of this)Decision, decisions....

author: RobertPS
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:57:15 pm
content: Quote from: DC1MC on April 28, 2020, 08:33:27 pmThat picture suffers from shallow depth of focus. And a cheap camera.For camera's they all seem to supply the SZMCTV 1/2 Lens, but it probably needs the 1/3 (which is more expensive) to approximate the field of view through the eyepieces.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 07:19:54 am
content: Quote from: DC1MC on April 28, 2020, 08:08:53 pmThey definitely build the microscope to a reduced price, rather than to meet a usual standard of performance. Three things I quickly noticed about the bangood microscope.It claims to have a camera that squeezes some thirty-six (36) million pixels into its 1/2.3" sensor. If it does, you may need sun glasses and perhaps a welder's helmet to shield your eyes from the light source that would fully excite it. The ad copy is sellingipso factoempty resolution.The stand's vertical shaft has a pretty large knob securing the ring that holds up the horizontal arms. I expect it needs to apply considerable torque to force a screw against the shaft – which is neither pleasant for the shaft or your hand. Typically, people use a shaft collar having an internal compression ring, that would need a much less imposing wing screw that you could tighten with a little finger.The vertical shaft is brighter than any hardened or hard-chromed precision shaft I have ever seen. Which makes me wonder if it is soft steel with decorative chrome.What frustrates me a little is that it would not cost much money to avoid such issues, but perhaps the individual costs would add up. Throw in good post-sales support and you might have to pay what Meiji Techno, for example, charges for a microscope.

author: HobGoblyn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 09:27:48 am
content: Quote from: RobertPS on April 28, 2020, 08:19:47 pmAll Amscopes also come with only one screw. he mentions this at 2.00 - 2.30, and he shows tightening the one screw at 6.00 -

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 04:26:06 pm
content: Nice video, thanks, I've seen it all on the channel, now I'm wondering, because of the 3 screw holes for the head, Amscope is a clone of what original product ?Cheers,DC1MC

author: Nuno_pt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 05:09:45 pm
content: According to this user <https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/soldering-stereo-microscope/msg2745442/#msg2745442>, they all are made by yydag or sunnyoptical and then rebranded with several labels.So believing on this matter, Luckyzoom Amscope Eakins are all from the same factory.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 05:36:06 pm
content: You know; I wouldn't mind the "original" Amscope price, they ship from UK, so teorethically no VAT, but the shipping costs are insane300EUR !!!, this isn't right.A Mantis Elite shipping costs to Germany around 40EUR.Sigh

author: HobGoblyn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 12:08:20 am
content: Mine was shipped from the USAThat said, my shipping was £109.83 for single boom.I can’t figure out why delivery is so much more expensive for Germany. Looking at my microscope on Amazon.de, same company, they are charging £230 (€263)Do you know anyone in the U.K.? Could have it shipped to them from Amazon UK site and they ship to you?What’s strange is if I go to Amscope.com and pick my microscope, it’s $138 (£110) delivery. And if I put Germany as the destination (chose Berlin and a random zip code) it’s still $138. Seems odd that when they are shipping from the USA, whether I buy in the U.K. or you buy in Germany , it’s the same delivery cost buying directly from them, but much higher for you than me if you buy from them on Amazon.de.Have you tried sending them a message via amazon, and question why it’s so high to you? They got back to me in about 15 mins. Could try asking if they could ship it to themselves in the U.K., and you arrange the additional shipping from U.K. to Germany?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 08:34:28 am
content: Quote from: jfiresto on April 28, 2020, 07:01:38 pmIdeally yes, you want adjustable zoom. it's much nicer to use when you can zoomThe standard china microscope that most of us use has 7x-45x adjustable zoom.This is sometimes written as 3.5-90x but that is just showing what's possible when using the two auxiliary lenses 0.5x or 2x.e.g.7x goes down to 3.5x when using the 0.5x lensand 45x goes up to 90x when using the 2x lens.For PCB work most people use either the 0.5x lens or no lens. (The 2x lens isn't really used for PCBs).Using the 0.5x lens makes the zoom change to 3.5x-22.5x.22.5x is more than you need for PCB stuff. So the loss of max zoom isn't an issue.Being able to zoom out a bit more to 3.5x is useful in some situations.But the main advantage of using the 0.5x lens is that it gives you a lot more working distance between the PCB and the bottom of the microscope.This extra room is VERY useful to get tools and a soldering iron under the microscope.The disadvantage of the 0.5x is that image quality is a little less compared to using no lens due to the extra glass you're adding to the optics.Personally i can't tell the difference, but some people say they can.0.5x = lots of room under microscopeno lens = small amount of room2.0x = almost no room at all.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 09:47:28 am
content: Quote from: HobGoblyn on April 30, 2020, 12:08:20 amActually, yes, I did ask them if they have some warehouse/partner in Germany and if there are other cheaper shipping options possible, even if the shipping takes longer.They've answered very fast and polite, but the answer was: no, there is no possibility of local shipping in Germany and no, there is no other shipping method available.That makes me think that either in the inflated shipping are crammed other costs, like the initial customs/VAT or there is just classical price gouging, to have the list price small and then when you want to buy it, the total cost is again 900-1000EUR.Assuming that those few metal pieces are like 25Kg heavy (strongly doubt), I was not even able to found something like normal wares shipping costs UK -> DE that comes even close to that price.Also from research and discussions I've seen that, more likely than not, one has to throw away the bundled crap and replace it with better options, so far the camera adapter, the ring light, the camera itself and so on...It seems that this stuff has now entered the race to the bottom, and the bundle is actually made of whatever crap could they found slapped together|OI will love to be able to organize a group buy, because I imagine that I'm not the only one with this problem in Germany, but really didn't find any reliable source.Still open for suggestions...

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 01:34:17 pm
content: Sometimes you see odd shipping costs due to a companies drop shipping from china where the government subsidizers shipping costs.

author: TheDane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 08:49:01 pm
content: Last year I invested in an AmScope 3.5x-90x Simul-focal Boom Stereo Microscope Fluorescent Light with a 3mp CameraPrice (incl shipping from UK to Denmark) was around £800.Expensive, but worth it - even though the AmScope label is falling off, the camera is slow and the head has some openings that needs to be sealed so flux fumes doesn't clog the lens over time.I had been looking for an Amscope for a while, and suddenly it showed up on ebay.co.uk - perhaps they get/got EU shipments in periodically, and only sell/lists them when they are in? The high shipping price could seem like it is being shipped from the US?A scope is a great thing, oscilloscope and microscopeUnderstand why you're interested, makes working so much easier.. and comfortable- the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant."we widened thescopeof our investigation"

author: baddogneverdie
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 11:10:38 am
content: DC1MC, I am in the same situation, looking for a microscope in Germany. What did you come up with in the end?

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 07:30:12 pm
content: @baddogneverdie Sadly totally nothing, there are no "hidden gems", the even more obscure Banggodd sellers, are offering absolute crap for marginal cost reduction and it seem that the bottom of the barrel is the Amscope, and then one has to throw away the included accessories and buy separate: camera adapter, Barlow lenses, a proper light and so on.No chance to get under a 1000EUR for a minimal usable setup, the used market is non-existent and the most worrisome thing is Amscope itself seem to be slipping in quality, to compete with the crap sellers, the nice knob screws are now ordinary crap screws, gone are the split brass friction sleeves, now there is just a hole in a piece of metal and the blocking screw touches the arm and scratches it and if what I've read about the optics is true, they become extremely crappy, with focus in center and all chromatic and optic aberrations that you can think of.No wonder the people are holding on the old scopes, there is exactly ZERO incentive to buy a new one, our flu overlords just "cost optimized" them to deathDC1MC

author: Weston
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 03:13:43 am
content: I dont have to worry about shipping issues, but mostly on topic, does anyone understand the difference between the different amscope microscope heads?They seem to have two trifocal microscope heads with the same specs that look slightly different and have a ~$10 price difference:https://www.amscope.com/stereo-microscopes/microscope-heads/7x-45x-black-trinocular-zoom-stereo-microscope-simul-focal-head.htmlhttps://www.amscope.com/stereo-microscopes/microscope-heads/amscope-sm745ntp-b-7x-45x-black-simul-focal-trinocular-zoom-stereo-microscope-head.htmlI was planning on buying one, and now I am stuck figuring out which one to buy. The only obvious difference seems to be the placement of the focus knob, and that just seems to be a matter of personal preference.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 08:15:26 am
content: Quote from: DC1MC on May 07, 2020, 07:30:12 pmI would not say that. I found a few prospects among therecently sold ebay stereomicroscopes, including a couple intriguing Zeiss OP microscopes with large working distances and I expect really nice, Zeiss five-step magnification, apochromatic optics. But I don't know old Zeiss equipment.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 09:34:00 am
content: @Weston As a totally anecdotal thing I believe that the bit more expensive head is the more performant guy to look for, why so ? Because I'm following at least 7 channels of micro-soldering and I've never seen used the "cost optimized" one, ever, nor I didn't see any (comparative) review, and my deeply pessimistic and distrusting nature tells me that if they passed a few dollarions less as bait for the customer, they've probably removed trice as much in materials and build quality, and a soldering microscope is not a tool that you change often and your eyes and work method adapt to it, so better buy once a good one.@jfiresto I've clicked on the link and while I've seen some scopes that are most likely excellent for research and other stuff, they do seem to be unsuitable for soldering and also the ones that we're looking somehow suitable, they were not especially cheap.Cheers,DC1MC

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 10:02:56 am
content: Oh, I really should have bid on theZeiss OPMI microscope. With its deep stage and 125 mm working distance it would have be fine for hand soldering. If it has the illumination I think it has, it should be the cat's whiskers for examining the walls of plated through holes.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 10:09:46 am
content: Quote from: jfiresto on May 08, 2020, 10:02:56 amOK, that was a really nice one, probably costed an arm, leg and two kidneys some while ago, not seeing this build quality anymore, all is becoming cheap disposable crap, because companies want revenue streams and a scope that holds for 30yrs is not so profitable, even that with the technological advancements they could have made them even better or cheaper at the same quality, it will not happen with the current mentality.DC1MC

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 10:40:55 am
content: I believe Meiji Techno still makes microscopes that are built to last, but a trinocular zoom system must cost over 2000 euros, new. I advised a fellow who picked up a Meiji EMZ-8TR, in excellent condition, that had been used by a forensic investigation firm. He seemed quite pleased with it. I should ask him what he thinks of it a few months later.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 11:07:00 am
content: Quote from: jfiresto on May 08, 2020, 10:40:55 amSadly this confirms my previous assertion, and actually, I think that even 1000EUR is on the lower side, the problem is that egal if you use it 2hr/week or 10hr a day, the crap is still crap. And not even a cheap crap.EDIT: Indeed is a beauty:http://usedmedicaltools.com/meiji-techno-emz-8tr-trinocular-zoom-stereo-with10x-eyepieces.php

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 12:12:44 pm
content: For anyone who might be interested, I priced out an EMZ-8TR system from tequipment.net, who give pretty good discounts. I got 2184,41 euros + shipping (attached). If I leave that in my online shopping basket for a few days, they may send a discounted quote. Add another 130 euros or so for a thread adapter plus a fairly recent, modestly used, four-thirds camera body – and you should be all set.A few years ago, a Dutch customs official told me that microscopes no longer interest them – should you want to buy in America and bring something back. I used to register my microscopes, as I left and reentered the EU, but no longer bother.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 12:32:01 pm
content: Also found this poor guy, probably to scratched and with weared off bearing to be of use to the phone repair shop that sells it:https://www.ebay.de/itm/Mikroskop-Stander-Double-Boom-Gebraucht/153916694768?hash=item23d62660f0:g:Ki0AAOSw1LperXUZIs not much, but the first used one that I've found in Germany.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 05:05:09 pm
content: It seems like microscope stands do not appear that often on ebay.de.Here is the first onethat looks reasonable to me that sold almost three months ago. Note the brass end and compression collars in photo 4: to keep from scratching the the posts – even if someone half clamped to one and forcibly turned the other.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 05:37:33 pm
content: The Amscope I bought last year still had brass sleeves and decent bearings in the double-boom stand. The booms themselves seem to be hardened, no signs of wear or scratches after a year's use. But I don't use it daily so that might not mean much.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 08:45:57 pm
content: Quote from: thinkfat on May 08, 2020, 05:37:33 pmNice that you got a good one, care to share where did you bought it, and what mode actually was ?Cheers,DC1MC

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 09:10:09 pm
content: Fun fact: I've had a look at Amazon Germany, to see if something local appeared on the Amscope front, guess what, still only our UK (?!?) guys, but hell, first 80% of the search results were "German" scammers, with the exact same copy and paste google translated shite (I'm not native, but I could tell, it is that bad):"Don't buy from Amazon or we'll cancel immediately, contact us to arrange something outside of the Amazon using this obscure email address..."Even the scammers raised the prices, now they are not 50% of the real deal, but 70%, the crisis hit hard.And actually they do have fake German addresses and stuff, how is it possible to register a shop that easy with Amazon, until I could sell with EBAY they wanted to know how a shitload of things and checks ?!?!?Does anybody know a non-cumbersome way to report these listings ?!?!Cheers,DC1MC

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 09:38:07 pm
content: Quote from: DC1MC on May 08, 2020, 08:45:57 pmI actually bought it from Amscope through their ebay shop. The package name is SM-4BX-FRL, it's a binocular with the heavy double-boom stand, it included a CCFL ring light that I immediately replaced with a LED version.