Aquaculture Microscopes

[Fishbulb2]

Hi guys,

I posted this in the photography forum but since my application is likely aquaculture, I thought I would look for feedback. Essentially I have the oppurtunity to trade an old car for an old microscope (Olympus CHA-P) and wanted to get people's thoughts on it. Is this likely better than a newer but far cheaper scope? I think the car is worth ~1K. By today's standards, that probably wouldn't buy you too great a scope. An Olympus rep told me that a new model equivalent to the CHA-P would likely be about $7K. However, he also said the CH models are now over 15 years old. Should I go high end and older or cheaper but newer? The scope will mostly be used for rotifer/copepod counts, looking at phytoplankton, and examining larvae.

Here is my other thread in the Photography forum. Thanks for any advice,

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2207657

FB

 

[billsreef]

Olympus makes some good scopes. If it is in good condition, and the modern equivalent a $7K scope, I'd go for it.

 

[Fishbulb2]

Thanks bill,

Your input means a lot to me since you probably have experience in both microscopy and aquaculture. I guess I just need to go look at it this weekend. I do know it has a much higher original MSRP than a modern $1K scope (and thus likely higher quality optics to begin with) and that it has basic technology that exceeds a modern $1K scope, such as phase contrast. I've looked at new hobby and medical school grade scopes and adding on phase contrast for better optics is about a $1,500 upgrade itself. I'll go check the scope out this weekend and bring some different phyto cultures along to see how the resolution looks.

Thanks again,
FB

 

[acroman]

Check the optics, lights, stage movement, etc.

As long as it is in good working shape, your getting a decent deal. Most hemocytometer work doesn't really need a super-powerful scope, so this should work great for you.

 

[Fishbulb2]

Well, thanks for the input guys. You're making me feel better about it. The car is serving us zero purpose now and is actually costing us a bit of money sitting the driveway unused (insurance, registration, ect). So I'm happy to trade it for a scope. I just wanted to confirm that a higher end used scope was a reasonable alternative to a much cheaper new scope. That was my hunch anyways. Trading it is actually easier for me as well. I think he will be very happy to get the scope off of his hands and I can knock out getting rid of the car and getting a scope in one day. If the scope is in bad condition, well then I'll just sell the car and shop elsewhere.

Thanks again guys, and if you have any other input I'd love to hear it,
FB

 

[Fishbulb2]

Hi guys,

I found the original brochure and such for this model. It looks like it spanned many years and goes as far back as the early seventies. This scope was likely refurbished and seems to be in great condition. I have a toddler and newborn on the way. What are the chances this thing could have lead paint on it?

FB

 

[billsreef]

See if it's possible to use the serial number to find out the production date. If it's made late 70's or in the 80's it's good to go.