# Hardware **URL:** https://forum.microlist.org/c/hardware/6.md [Latest](https://forum.microlist.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.microlist.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.microlist.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Hardware category](https://forum.microlist.org/t/about-the-hardware-category/15)
**Author:** [@talley](https://forum.microlist.org/u/talley)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 12:12pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/about-the-hardware-category/15 "2021-05-06T12:12:54Z")
A category for discussions about microscopy equipment and hardware. --- ## [Fringes on laser fiber output and impact on lightsheet quality](https://forum.microlist.org/t/fringes-on-laser-fiber-output-and-impact-on-lightsheet-quality/3412)
**Author:** [@Milo\_Imbeni](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Milo_Imbeni)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/fringes-on-laser-fiber-output-and-impact-on-lightsheet-quality/3412 "2026-09-25T19:39:24Z")
Hi everyone! I work with a dual view lightsheet microscope, with the laser launched from an NKT select with two outputs. We then input the fiber in an ASI scanner. One side has consistently performed worse in terms of sh… --- ## [Inherent aberrations in an aplanatic objective](https://forum.microlist.org/t/inherent-aberrations-in-an-aplanatic-objective/3413)
**Author:** [@zacsimile](https://forum.microlist.org/u/zacsimile)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/inherent-aberrations-in-an-aplanatic-objective/3413 "2026-09-25T16:40:56Z")
Hi all. My understanding is that in aplanatic objectives any spherical or coma aberrations in the objective have a magnitude on the order of \<250 nm/2pi. Does anyone know how much residual spherical and coma (order of ma… --- ## [Equivalent cameras to the Photometrics Kinetix?](https://forum.microlist.org/t/equivalent-cameras-to-the-photometrics-kinetix/3396)
**Author:** [@Kyle\_Douglass](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Kyle_Douglass)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 1:05pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/equivalent-cameras-to-the-photometrics-kinetix/3396 "2026-09-17T13:05:38Z")
Hi all, I am re-entering the camera market after a long hiatus and am wondering whether any Photometrics competitors offer a camera that is the equivalent of or similar to the Kinetix? I am assembling a spreadsheet of … --- ## [Andor Neo throws an error \[micro-manager\]](https://forum.microlist.org/t/andor-neo-throws-an-error-micro-manager/3410)
**Author:** [@Daniel-Waiger](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Daniel-Waiger)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/andor-neo-throws-an-error-micro-manager/3410 "2026-09-15T12:53:44Z")
Hi All, My camera decided to spite me, on my last PhD exp. I get this error and not sure what to do. I reset the PC, camera, and microscope (Nikon Eclipse Ti). USBs are plugged-in, and basically nothing changed in the … --- ## [Manual rotary microtome](https://forum.microlist.org/t/manual-rotary-microtome/3407)
**Author:** [@ChristopheWinckler](https://forum.microlist.org/u/ChristopheWinckler)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 7:56pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/manual-rotary-microtome/3407 "2026-09-08T19:56:52Z")
I have a manual rotary microtome and I do not use it anymore. Who can help me on this topic., --- ## [Digital Offset settings Confocal PMT](https://forum.microlist.org/t/digital-offset-settings-confocal-pmt/1372)
**Author:** [@Mitchell\_Han](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Mitchell_Han)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/digital-offset-settings-confocal-pmt/1372 "2026-08-25T11:57:42Z")
Dear all, I recently watched the excellent training video for the LSM880 by Jason Kirk for reference of our own facility. In his video he mentions using the Digital Offset slider for the PMT to eliminate “blue” (underex… --- ## [Nikon Eclipse Ti back port to Back Focal Plane distance specification needed](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-eclipse-ti-back-port-to-back-focal-plane-distance-specification-needed/3204)
**Author:** [@Yossi\_Steinberger](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Yossi_Steinberger)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2026, 7:11am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-eclipse-ti-back-port-to-back-focal-plane-distance-specification-needed/3204 "2026-08-17T07:11:48Z")
Hello all, I am designing a single-molecule microscope using a Nikon Eclipse Ti-E inverted microscope. My setup involves focusing a collimated laser beam onto the back focal plane of a 100×/1.4 NA objective via a ~200mm… --- ## [Fixing broken pins/contacts on a ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet sample chamber lid](https://forum.microlist.org/t/fixing-broken-pins-contacts-on-a-zeiss-lattice-lightsheet-sample-chamber-lid/3397)
**Author:** [@Omnistic](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Omnistic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 2:57pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/fixing-broken-pins-contacts-on-a-zeiss-lattice-lightsheet-sample-chamber-lid/3397 "2026-08-07T14:57:15Z")
Hello everyone, In our facility, the sample chamber lid of our ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet had some broken pins/contacts. We do not know how it happened, but some pins were stuck at their minimum height and weren’t contact… --- ## [Connection error for DeltaVision Elite microscope](https://forum.microlist.org/t/connection-error-for-deltavision-elite-microscope/3017)
**Author:** [@Lanxin\_Bei](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Lanxin_Bei)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/connection-error-for-deltavision-elite-microscope/3017 "2026-08-05T15:32:05Z")
Hi all, I am a DeltaVision Elite user experiencing a connection issue. I would appreciate any answers or suggestions from our community. Here is a brief description of the error. The blue IC/MIC bottom can not be turn… --- ## [LSM 780 Spectral Detector Servo Motor Map](https://forum.microlist.org/t/lsm-780-spectral-detector-servo-motor-map/3394)
**Author:** [@llamero](https://forum.microlist.org/u/llamero)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 2:35pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/lsm-780-spectral-detector-servo-motor-map/3394 "2026-08-03T14:35:11Z")
Hey Microscopists, In case this is helpful to anyone else, I went ahead and mapped out the motors in the spectral detector for the LSM 780: LSM 780 Spectral Detector Motor Map.pptx - Google Slides Cheers, Ben Smith --- ## [Looking for relicts of Leica TCS-SP2](https://forum.microlist.org/t/looking-for-relicts-of-leica-tcs-sp2/2422)
**Author:** [@blaubaer](https://forum.microlist.org/u/blaubaer)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2026, 10:32am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/looking-for-relicts-of-leica-tcs-sp2/2422 "2026-07-17T10:32:27Z")
25 year old Leica TCS SP2 is far out of professional awareness but it may be still charming for hobby use. I have collected the AOTF-scanhead, supply station plus other hardware complete and the right LCS version as well… --- ## [How perfect is Nikon's Perfect Focus System (PFS)?](https://forum.microlist.org/t/how-perfect-is-nikons-perfect-focus-system-pfs/2610)
**Author:** [@georgeoshardo](https://forum.microlist.org/u/georgeoshardo)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2026, 10:35am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/how-perfect-is-nikons-perfect-focus-system-pfs/2610 "2026-07-14T10:35:02Z")
Dear all, I have been dealing with a sporadic problem with our Nikon TI2-Eclipse’s perfect focus system for some time now. My issues always arise when doing very large and long timelapse experiments. Here is my typical … --- ## [Zeiss AxiObserver Main controller2 board -PmcMain.exe, xml exception error](https://forum.microlist.org/t/zeiss-axiobserver-main-controller2-board-pmcmain-exe-xml-exception-error/3391)
**Author:** [@GGasp](https://forum.microlist.org/u/GGasp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/zeiss-axiobserver-main-controller2-board-pmcmain-exe-xml-exception-error/3391 "2026-07-08T17:44:22Z")
Hi all, Hoping someone here has hit this specific failure before, or has hands-on experience with the MainController2 board internals. System: Zeiss Axio Observer.Z1 Controller board: Garz & Fricke MainControlle… --- ## [Leitz Laborlux D](https://forum.microlist.org/t/leitz-laborlux-d/3387)
**Author:** [@Igo](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Igo)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/leitz-laborlux-d/3387 "2026-06-18T14:25:42Z")
Hello, I have a Leitz Laborlux D here with a fluorescent HMI ballast, a phototube, and a Ploemopak. Can anyone tell me more about this microscope? I’d like to start doing microscopy again after many years. Can you recom… --- ## [Nikon Microphot-FXA project / Hardware Parts](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-microphot-fxa-project-hardware-parts/3060)
**Author:** [@aristillius](https://forum.microlist.org/u/aristillius)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 3:09am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-microphot-fxa-project-hardware-parts/3060 "2026-06-16T03:09:06Z")
Continuing the discussions from Obtaining parts and information for Nikon Microphot-FXA and Nikon Microphot-FXA Microscope: Mike, (@Mdevvy) Thanks for the status on your project. I figured I would start new conversat… --- ## [Nikon Microphot-FXA Microscope](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-microphot-fxa-microscope/2588)
**Author:** [@MicroChemist](https://forum.microlist.org/u/MicroChemist)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 4:44am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/nikon-microphot-fxa-microscope/2588 "2026-06-15T04:44:57Z")
Hi! I have a Nikon Microphot-FXA Microscope. There looks to be a large slider hole between the nose piece and the EPI-FL3 Filter box not listed in the operations manual. Does anyone have any information on wh… --- ## [Zeiss Ultrafluor lenses -](https://forum.microlist.org/t/zeiss-ultrafluor-lenses/3381)
**Author:** [@nodi75](https://forum.microlist.org/u/nodi75)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/zeiss-ultrafluor-lenses/3381 "2026-06-11T16:26:12Z")
Hi all, quick question on this series of lenses - are they still actively used or primarily of historic interest? What is the basic equipment required to assess their functional quality / degradation? Are they hard to fi… --- ## [Anyone have their favorite HCI?](https://forum.microlist.org/t/anyone-have-their-favorite-hci/3301)
**Author:** [@JDP97](https://forum.microlist.org/u/JDP97)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/anyone-have-their-favorite-hci/3301 "2026-05-30T13:44:31Z")
Hi Everyone! I have the privilege of purchasing a new HCI. I have been looking at a few different options and have a budget of around $500k. Does anyone have their favorite? I have used the CX7 LZR Pro extensively in the… --- ## [Materials Science (Metallography) with a Biological microscope](https://forum.microlist.org/t/materials-science-metallography-with-a-biological-microscope/3330)
**Author:** [@Dimomo](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Dimomo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2026, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/materials-science-metallography-with-a-biological-microscope/3330 "2026-04-29T19:45:49Z")
This device was developed for “epi illumination on a Biological microscope (trans illuminated)”. Since biological (compound) microscopes represent 70 to 80% of all microscopes in existence (source: ChatGPT) an accessory … --- ## [DIY Epifluorescence Macroscope](https://forum.microlist.org/t/diy-epifluorescence-macroscope/1519)
**Author:** [@llamero](https://forum.microlist.org/u/llamero)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/diy-epifluorescence-macroscope/1519 "2026-04-26T17:25:05Z")
Hey Microscopists, I recently designed and built an epifluorescence macroscope centered around the Olympus XLFLUOR 4x/0.28NA objective and Kinetix camera for both fixed and live imaging. It uses the high power CBT-90 L… --- ## [Achieving Uniform Widefield Illumination Without Vibrators](https://forum.microlist.org/t/achieving-uniform-widefield-illumination-without-vibrators/3324)
**Author:** [@Yossi\_Steinberger](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Yossi_Steinberger)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 9:52pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/achieving-uniform-widefield-illumination-without-vibrators/3324 "2026-04-13T21:52:00Z")
Dear μforum community, I would like to add a 1W laser around 647nm in order to do single protein imaging. Specifically, I have a Nikon Ti2-E inverted widefield microscope, and want to achieve Kohler-based widefield illu… --- ## [Advantages of upright vs inverted confocal](https://forum.microlist.org/t/advantages-of-upright-vs-inverted-confocal/3321)
**Author:** [@planti](https://forum.microlist.org/u/planti)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 5:47am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/advantages-of-upright-vs-inverted-confocal/3321 "2026-04-11T05:47:39Z")
Hi all, Complete beginner microscopist here. I was wondering if switching to an upright from an inverted confocal (both Zeiss LSM900) would offer any advantages for my particular situation. Through some miscommunication… --- ## [Anyone tried an IDS camera on with LAS X running a Dmi8 Widefield](https://forum.microlist.org/t/anyone-tried-an-ids-camera-on-with-las-x-running-a-dmi8-widefield/3318)
**Author:** [@CharBuckley](https://forum.microlist.org/u/CharBuckley)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2026, 7:59pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/anyone-tried-an-ids-camera-on-with-las-x-running-a-dmi8-widefield/3318 "2026-03-08T19:59:25Z")
HI Microscopy Community! As background, we have to send our DFC9000 camera for our Leica DMi8 to be fixed due to condensation on the detector, and are looking at other options for running the system whilst the camera is… --- ## [Optimizing for large-area imaging](https://forum.microlist.org/t/optimizing-for-large-area-imaging/3303)
**Author:** [@Amirali](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Amirali)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 9:47am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/optimizing-for-large-area-imaging/3303 "2026-03-02T09:47:05Z")
Hi everyone, I am working on a CyCIF project and need to image a large tissue area (approx. 2cm x 2cm). I am using an Olympus FV3000 point-scanning confocal. In previous pilot runs on smaller areas, I used a 20x (NA 0.… --- ## [Laser Diode Quality (Newb question)](https://forum.microlist.org/t/laser-diode-quality-newb-question/3316)
**Author:** [@CMCI](https://forum.microlist.org/u/CMCI)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/laser-diode-quality-newb-question/3316 "2026-02-25T16:20:00Z")
I have a free-space laser coupler (Omicron Laserhub) that I purchased for the ability to switch out failed laser diodes when necessary. Touch wood, this isn’t necessary yet, but what’s the drawbacks to buying something l… --- ## [Byo Soa Lightsource lens](https://forum.microlist.org/t/byo-soa-lightsource-lens/3310)
**Author:** [@Schakel](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Schakel)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 6:01am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/byo-soa-lightsource-lens/3310 "2026-02-24T06:01:13Z")
Byo Soa Lightsource lens blurry 15 mins ago ​ Hello, I am new to this forum but I have a particulair problem I have bought a Byo Soa microscope long time ago but the lens of the light emmiter is getting blurry. This… --- ## [Black Stripes on Custom made Laser Scan Confocal Miscroscope](https://forum.microlist.org/t/black-stripes-on-custom-made-laser-scan-confocal-miscroscope/2573)
**Author:** [@Augusto\_Vieira](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Augusto_Vieira)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/black-stripes-on-custom-made-laser-scan-confocal-miscroscope/2573 "2026-02-19T13:54:15Z")
Greetings. I am currently building an laser scan confocal microscope to be used in my Master’s project. Optical elements such as galvo scan mirrors, lenses, laser, filters and PMT are assembled on a breadboard and the s… --- ## [Seeing 'floaters' in my eye using Olympus CX31 but not my Leitz or Micromaster scopes](https://forum.microlist.org/t/seeing-floaters-in-my-eye-using-olympus-cx31-but-not-my-leitz-or-micromaster-scopes/3299)
**Author:** [@Akademic](https://forum.microlist.org/u/Akademic)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/seeing-floaters-in-my-eye-using-olympus-cx31-but-not-my-leitz-or-micromaster-scopes/3299 "2026-01-27T02:28:03Z")
When viewing at high power through my Olympus 100x it seems I can see ‘floaters’ in my eyeball reflecting back off the eye piece. My other two brands of microscope don’t do this. It is weird and annoying. Anyone else se… --- ## [Homebrew slide scanner](https://forum.microlist.org/t/homebrew-slide-scanner/3295)
**Author:** [@lnimaging](https://forum.microlist.org/u/lnimaging)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/homebrew-slide-scanner/3295 "2026-01-26T21:43:06Z")
Hello All. Has anyone here had any success with a DIY slide scanner (no fluoro, just basic brightfield whole slide scanning)? I plan on overestimating my hobby time this year and am looking for a project to fail at. Ple… [Next page](https://forum.microlist.org/c/hardware/6.md?page=1)