inverted or stereomicroscope? - Nematode experiments (May/18/2008 )
Hi,
I need to invest in a microscope to monitor nematode viability in 96 well plates. Problem is, I'm not sure what type.
My initial thoughts were about an inverted microscope, as it has phase contrast and would (i guess) allow good definition of the nematodes. But, I read an article which used a stereomicroscope. Some stereo microscopes have a light source on the stage, which could allow for a similar effect to phase contrast....oh help!
I pretty much know nothing about microscopy, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
thanks
I need to invest in a microscope to monitor nematode viability in 96 well plates. Problem is, I'm not sure what type.
My initial thoughts were about an inverted microscope, as it has phase contrast and would (i guess) allow good definition of the nematodes. But, I read an article which used a stereomicroscope. Some stereo microscopes have a light source on the stage, which could allow for a similar effect to phase contrast....oh help!
I pretty much know nothing about microscopy, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
thanks
We bought a Leica DM IL Inverted Microscope (also a stereomicroscope) extra for nematode experiments. It works well but I don't know if it is absolutely necessary. At least it is very comfortable to work with (more handling space, huge platform, perfect optical system). And they are upgradable and you can add cameras etc. Compared to a binocular (if you meant) the main advantage is of course the bigger magnification.
I would prefer inverted microscope, as I'm not a great fan of stereos in general. 
Anyway the choice depends on:
(i) the target of your observation (slice/3D, fixed/living, bright field/dark field/fluorescent etc. ...I'm not familiar with nematodes...)
(ii) as a microscope is terribily expensive, the future plans of your lab...
I took a look to Leica DM IL (hob's suggestion) and it seems a preatty smart machine!
I'd love to put my hands on something like that... 
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We bought a Leica DM IL Inverted Microscope (also a stereomicroscope) extra for nematode experiments. It works well but I don't know if it is absolutely necessary. At least it is very comfortable to work with (more handling space, huge platform, perfect optical system). And they are upgradable and you can add cameras etc. Compared to a binocular (if you meant) the main advantage is of course the bigger magnification.
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Thanks for your help - I looked at the nikon ts100f - what do you think of it?) The microscope would probably also be used for artermia salinas toxicity tests too, but thats it at the moment....
I had the opportunity to work with some Nikon and Leica instruments.
The one I liked most were the Nikon ones, but we are talking of very high quality in both cases.
Probabily it will be better if you cantact salesmen of both companies and ask them for demonstrations. Maybe they can leave you the system on trial for some days or organize a lesson for your lab...
If you are interested in digital imaging and you are a very lucky guy, you can think about this accessory: http://www.nikoninstruments.com/DS-L2_Controller/. 
It's a wonderful toy! I worked with it and I loved it!!!
The one I liked most were the Nikon ones, but we are talking of very high quality in both cases.
Probabily it will be better if you cantact salesmen of both companies and ask them for demonstrations. Maybe they can leave you the system on trial for some days or organize a lesson for your lab...
If you are interested in digital imaging and you are a very lucky guy, you can think about this accessory: http://www.nikoninstruments.com/DS-L2_Controller/.
It's a wonderful toy! I worked with it and I loved it!!!
Thanks! I had actually looked at the controller - it looks like it could be very very very useful.....now i just have to be persuasive ...
but really - thanks for your comments, they were very helpful