Home page of the microscope service parts, repair and spare parts online catalog - Sermik-Oplatek Mikroskopservice Dresden f.n.n.Z

Description of this part for the microscope.

the OEM version of this objective; it was made for export and has no engraved manufacturer logo
Magnification: 40x
Correction: achromatic
Marking on the objective: 40 0,65
Numerical aperture N.A.: 0,65
Tube length: 160 mm
Parfocal length: 33 mm - so-called short barrel objective
Cover glass: yes, 0.17 mm thick
Immersion: no
Specimen protection: yes, the objective has a spring-loaded front mount that prevents breaking the slide
Thread: RMS

LOMO exported its microscopes to Western Europe, where they were sold under the names Bresser Biolam / Bresser Erudit (mainly in Germany) and Zenith Biolam (in the UK). These microscopes often (but not always) came with special versions of the objectives without the "ЛОМО" engraving.

A note on the Bresser Erudit microscope: Bresser sold two different microscopes under this name. The first was a Lomo microscope labelled "Bresser Erudit", the second is the plastic, Chinese-made "Bresser Erudit DLX" microscope.
The microscope objective offered here fits the first of these two Erudit microscopes. A photo gallery of the first model can be found here: https://www.microscopeparts.eu/gallery/lomo-erudit-microscopes-207.

This is a so-called short barrel objective with a parfocal length of 33 mm. It is very often mounted on a 12 mm extension, which allows it to be used in microscopes that require objectives with a 45 mm parfocal length. Professional adapters with protective optics, metal adapters and popular DIY 3D-printed adapters all work well here.

LOMO objectives are very popular with owners of microscopes from other manufacturers. Due to historical ties, owners of Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes regard them as an obvious replacement for the German objectives.

This objective fits practically any microscope from any manufacturer, as long as it has an RMS thread and accepts objectives with TL = 160 mm and 33 mm parfocal length (or 37 / 45 mm with a suitable adapter). Several example microscopes are listed in the "compatibility" section, but the list is not complete.

Description of this part for the microscope.

objective:
Manufacturer: Lomo (ЛОМО)
Magnification: 40x
Correction: achromatic
Engraving on the objective: 40 0,65 Ф-2 ЛОМО
Numerical aperture N.A.: 0,65
Working distance: 0,55 mm
Tube length: 160 mm
Parfocal length: 33 mm - a so-called short barrel objective
Cover glass: yes, 0,17 mm thick
Phase contrast: yes, type F-2 (Ф-2), which means there are two phase rings inside the objective
Immersion: no (dry objective, sometimes called an "air immersion" objective)
Specimen protection: no, the objective has no spring-loaded mechanism
Thread: RMS
Work in brightfield without phase contrast: possible, but even the manufacturer states in the manual that the image quality is worse than with an objective without phase rings inside

A very important note: two phase rings inside an objective bring to mind variable phase contrast (PhZ at PZO or PhV at Carl Zeiss Jena). With LOMO, however, this is rather something like a "second type of positive phase contrast". LOMO states in the manual (https://laboratorium.dp.ua/item/68) that one image is obtained when light passes through both rings (with the condenser iris diaphragm open) - and a different one when the diaphragm is closed far enough that light no longer reaches the outer, wide ring and only the inner ring works. The manufacturer recommends viewing the specimen in both modes, because together they give a more reliable idea of its structure. The contrast stays positive (thicker or denser parts of the specimen appear darker against a bright background), and both modes differ from work with the single-ring "Ф" objectives and the LOMO KF-4 condenser (ЛОМО KФ-4), where both the objective and the condenser diaphragm have only one ring. So the resulting effect does change - but this is not variable phase contrast; the change is stepwise (either-or), not continuous.

The objective presented here fits the LOMO KF-5 condenser (ЛОМО KФ-5). That condenser has a mounting diameter of 37 mm and is very often used on microscopes from other makers, among them Carl Zeiss Jena and Olympus (especially Olympus CH). With a suitable build-up ring fitted (3D printed, for example), this condenser is commonly used in microscopes with a 39,5 mm condenser seat as well. The instructions for setting up LOMO KF-5 phase contrast can be found here: https://scopica.ru/proj/ustroystvo-dlya-nablyudeniya-metodom-fazovogo-kontrasta-kf-5/

This is a so-called short barrel objective, with a parfocal length of 33 mm. It is very commonly mounted on a 12 mm extension, which allows it to be used in microscopes that require objectives of 45 mm length. Professional adapters with protective optics, metal adapters and the popular 3D printed DIY solutions all work here.

LOMO objectives are very popular with owners of microscopes from other makers. Because of the historical links, owners of Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes treat them as an obvious substitute for those German objectives.

This objective fits practically any microscope from any maker, provided it has an RMS thread and accepts objectives with TL=160 mm and a parfocal length of 33 mm (or 37 / 45 mm if a suitable adapter is used). A few such microscopes are listed in the "compatibility" section, but that is not a complete list.

Description of this part for the microscope.

objective:
Manufacturer: Zeiss West Germany
Engraving on the objective: Planapo 63/1,4 Oel 160/-
Manufacturer catalogue number: 46 18 40 - 9901 (also written as 461840-9901)
Magnification: 63x
Numerical aperture (N.A.): 1.4
Optical correction: plan-apochromatic
Immersion: yes, oil
Coverslip: according to the engraving on the barrel of this objective, it can be used both without a coverslip and with a standard coverslip of 0.17 mm thickness
Tube length: 160 mm
Parfocal distance: 45 mm
Thread: RMS
Specimen protection: yes, the objective has a spring-loaded mechanism preventing the slide with the specimen from being broken
Phase contrast: no - the objective has no phase rings inside
DIC: prisms allowing work in DIC mode are available on the market for this objective (sold separately)

This objective fits practically any microscope of any manufacturer, provided it has an RMS thread and accepts objectives for a 160 mm tube length with a parfocal distance of 33, 37 or 45 mm. A few such microscopes are listed as examples in the "compatibility" section, but this is not a complete list.

Description of this part for the microscope.

10x
Mounting diameter: 23.2 mm

Because this is important, I will write it again: this is a single eyepiece, not a pair of eyepieces.

This is a solution for people who:
- either have a pair of these eyepieces, but one of them needs to be replaced
- or have a microscope with a monocular head

For Will Wetzlar microscopes, eyepieces from practically any manufacturer can be used, provided that they are designed for a finite tube length system and have a mounting diameter of 23.2 mm. However, many users appreciate having original parts.

This eyepiece also works the other way around - it fits almost any microscope from any manufacturer that allows the use of eyepieces with a mounting diameter of 23.2 mm. Users of microscopes from many manufacturers are happy to choose German eyepieces because of their high quality. I have included some examples in the "compatibility" section, but this is definitely not a complete list.

Microscope users have several names for eyepieces of this type with a large field of view. Among others:
- wide field eyepiece
- widefield ocular
- WF eyepiece
- wide angle eyepiece
- large field of view eyepiece

Description of this part for the microscope.

catalogue number: 46 78 36 (also written as 467836)
Colour: blue matt
Diameter: 32 mm
Material: glass

This is a filter that combines the functions of a blue filter and a ground glass diffuser:
- the blue filter is used to convert the yellow, warm light of the bulb into light closer to white light
- the matt filter (called a diffuser or ground glass) is used to even out the light across the whole area of the specimen and to remove the visible filament of the bulb

This does, however, have one consequence: without a visible filament it is not possible to work with illumination set up according to the Koehler method - and Zeiss mentions this in the leaflet supplied with the filter.

Very often only one or two microscope filters can be fitted in a microscope, for example one on the illuminator and the second in the holder below the condenser. The fact that the glass filter offered here is a 2-in-1 solution makes it possible to save the possible second slot for another filter.

The diameter of 32 mm is a standard with many manufacturers, which means this filter can be used with microscopes of numerous brands. The "compatibility" section lists over a dozen such microscopes, but it is not a complete list.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Jena microscopes over nearly 100 years. They differ in the appearance of the barrel and in the engraving.

Appearance of this variant of the Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective:
- black section next to the thread
- silver upper section
- the marking "8/0,20 160/-" on one side of the silver part of the barrel
- the Carl Zeiss Jena logo and the serial number on the other side of the silver barrel

Here (https://www.microscopeparts.eu/part/99852) you will see the same Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective, but in a slightly older variant (without the value "160/-" engraved on the barrel).

The Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective is often used for macro photography - both on a microscope and on a camera (with an RMS adapter or a bellows unit). Although it is an achromatic objective, it renders fine detail very well and works nicely for focus stacking. It is a good complement to a set together with the Carl Zeiss Jena Semiplan 3.2x, LOMO 3.7x, Carl Zeiss Jena Semiplan 6.3x and Nikon M Plan 10x objectives.

Basic parameters of this objective:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Magnification: 8x
Correction: achromatic
Marking on the objective: 8/0,20 160/-
Numerical aperture N.A.: 0.20
Serial number: above 580 000
Tube length: 160 mm
Parfocal length: 33 mm - a so-called short barrel objective
Cover glass: either way - objectives with such a low magnification can work both with and without a cover glass
Immersion: no (a so-called dry objective)
Thread: RMS

Important - this objective is suitable for taking pictures with the "direct-projection" technique, because it does not require plan-compensating optics.

A microscope objective with such a low magnification (keeping the 160 mm tube we get an 8:1 reproduction ratio) is used for observation or macro photography of, among other things:
- insects
- minerals
- inclusions in amber
- handwriting
- micro shells

Why do I describe the appearance of this variant so precisely in the description of this objective? Some users care about completing their Carl Zeiss Jena microscope with parts from the same series and roughly from the same period. The exact way the parameters are written on the barrel makes it possible to compare this objective not only from the photos in the gallery, but also at the level of the text description - especially for AI systems.

This is a so-called "short barrel objective", with a parfocal length of 33 mm. Very often this objective is mounted on a 12 mm extension, which makes it possible to use it in microscopes that require objectives with a parfocal length of 45 mm. Professional adapters with corrective optics work well here, as do plain metal adapters and the popular DIY parts from a 3D printer.

This objective fits practically any microscope from any manufacturer, provided it has an RMS thread and supports objectives with TL=160 mm and a parfocal length of 33 mm (or 37 / 45 mm if we use a suitable adapter). A few examples of such microscopes are listed in the "compatibility" section, but that is not a complete list.

Carl Zeiss Jena objectives are very popular among users of microscopes from other manufacturers. Because of the historical connections, owners of LOMO microscopes treat them as an obvious replacement for their own Soviet optics.

After the Second World War the Carl Zeiss Jena production plant ended up in the Soviet occupation zone, and the Russians began copying the German technical documentation - see for yourself that the LOMO 8x objectives are an exact copy of the objective presented here: https://www.microscopeparts.eu/?search_2=8x&search_7=ob&search_8=lomo. The objectives made for school microscopes such as the Opta Junat are also a clone of Carl Zeiss Jena optics: https://www.microscopeparts.eu/part/00639.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Jena microscopes over nearly 100 years. They differ in the appearance of the barrel and in the engraving.

Appearance of this variant of the Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective:
- black section next to the thread
- silver upper section
- the digit "8" on the first line and "0,20" on the second line, on one side of the silver part of the barrel
- the Carl Zeiss Jena logo and the serial number on the other side of the silver barrel

Here (https://www.microscopeparts.eu/part/99851) you will see the same Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective, but in a slightly newer variant (with the value "160/-" engraved on the barrel).

The Carl Zeiss Jena 8x objective is often used for macro photography - both on a microscope and on a camera (with an RMS adapter or a bellows unit). Although it is an achromatic objective, it renders fine detail very well and works nicely for focus stacking. It is a good complement to a set together with the Carl Zeiss Jena Semiplan 3.2x, LOMO 3.7x, Carl Zeiss Jena Semiplan 6.3x and Nikon M Plan 10x objectives.

Basic parameters of this objective:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Magnification: 8x
Correction: achromatic
Marking on the objective: 8 0,20
Numerical aperture N.A.: 0.20
Serial number: 503 729
Tube length: 160 mm
Parfocal length: 33 mm - a so-called short barrel objective
Cover glass: either way - objectives with such a low magnification can work both with and without a cover glass
Immersion: no (a so-called dry objective)
Thread: RMS

Important - this objective is suitable for taking pictures with the "direct-projection" technique, because it does not require plan-compensating optics.

A microscope objective with such a low magnification (keeping the 160 mm tube we get an 8:1 reproduction ratio) is used for observation or macro photography of, among other things:
- insects
- minerals
- inclusions in amber
- handwriting
- micro shells

Why do I describe the appearance of this variant so precisely in the description of this objective? Some users care about completing their Carl Zeiss Jena microscope with parts from the same series and roughly from the same period. The exact way the parameters are written on the barrel makes it possible to compare this objective not only from the photos in the gallery, but also at the level of the text description - especially for AI systems.

This is a so-called "short barrel objective", with a parfocal length of 33 mm. Very often this objective is mounted on a 12 mm extension, which makes it possible to use it in microscopes that require objectives with a parfocal length of 45 mm. Professional adapters with corrective optics work well here, as do plain metal adapters and the popular DIY parts from a 3D printer.

This objective fits practically any microscope from any manufacturer, provided it has an RMS thread and supports objectives with TL=160 mm and a parfocal length of 33 mm (or 37 / 45 mm if we use a suitable adapter). A few examples of such microscopes are listed in the "compatibility" section, but that is not a complete list.

Carl Zeiss Jena objectives are very popular among users of microscopes from other manufacturers. Because of the historical connections, owners of LOMO microscopes treat them as an obvious replacement for their own Soviet optics.

After the Second World War the Carl Zeiss Jena production plant ended up in the Soviet occupation zone, and the Russians began copying the German technical documentation - see for yourself that the LOMO 8x objectives are an exact copy of the objective presented here: https://www.microscopeparts.eu/?search_2=8x&search_7=ob&search_8=lomo. The objectives made for school microscopes such as the Opta Junat are also a clone of Carl Zeiss Jena optics: https://www.microscopeparts.eu/part/00639.

Description of this part for the microscope.

condensers:
- PZO K3Ph
- PZO K3Ph1
- PZO K4Ph
- PZO KS (this is the "stereo contrast" condenser sold with PZO MB30S microscopes. There are no(!) markings or numbers whatsoever on this condenser)

The diaphragm blades themselves, which are located inside this module, also fit the diaphragms installed in the following condensers:
- PZO K3PhZ (variable phase contrast)
- PZO KPI2 (condenser for Pluta DIC)

Mechanically, this diaphragm is screwed onto the lower part of the phase contrast condenser. The housing of the diaphragm module has a 32 mm male thread. The complete diaphragm with its housing has a diameter of 52 mm.

The iris diaphragm is damaged very often. Replacing it can solve the following problems:
- when the small lever used to open and close the diaphragm blades breaks off. This is a common failure, because this lever is a thin sheet made of a brittle alloy
- when the diaphragm blades get damaged, bent or broken. This is one of the most common faults in microscopes
- when the diaphragm blades jump out of their mounting grooves and you cannot reassemble them
- when the diaphragm stops opening and closing and is completely seized. This happens when the grease has dried out or rust has glued the blades together

The last photos in the gallery show the PZO KS condenser, with an arrow indicating where this diaphragm is located inside the condenser. This allows the component to be identified unambiguously.

PZO phase contrast condensers are often fitted in microscopes from manufacturers other than PZO, so the component presented here is not a repair part for one specific microscope model. This diaphragm will help to repair a phase contrast condenser - regardless of which microscope model and which manufacturer it works in.

Description of this part for the microscope.

condensers:
- PZO K3Ph
- PZO K3Ph1
- PZO K4Ph
- PZO K3PhZ (variable phase contrast)
- PZO KS (this is the "stereo contrast" condenser sold with PZO MB30S microscopes. There are no(!) markings or numbers whatsoever on this condenser)

These condensers contain phase annuli (also called phase rings) and each of them can be centred. They are centred by turning two screws with rectangular heads (different from the square heads in Carl Zeiss Jena condensers).
The condenser models listed above have a special centring module screwed to the housing of the turret, with two spring-loaded centring keys that fit these screws. Thanks to this, there is no need to keep the centring keys at hand and there is no risk of losing them.

Unfortunately, these centring keys protrude more than 40 mm beyond the outline of the condenser and often get bent. In addition, many users unscrew them from the housing for transport or when they store the condenser in non-original packaging - and this leads to the unscrewed centring keys being lost frequently. The solution to such a problem is then to buy separate centring keys or to replace the entire centring module.

Mechanically, this module is screwed to the housing of the PZO phase contrast condenser with two screws, which are additionally locked by two pins - all these elements are included with the centring module presented here.

The last photos in the gallery show the PZO K3Ph condenser, with an arrow indicating where this component for centring the phase annuli is located inside the condenser. This allows the component to be identified unambiguously. The video in the video gallery shows the movement of the moving parts, the action of the springs and how the centring keys rotate.

PZO phase contrast condensers are often fitted in microscopes from manufacturers other than PZO, so the component presented here is not a repair part for one specific microscope model. This module will help to repair a phase contrast condenser - regardless of which microscope model and which manufacturer it works in.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Basic parameters of this phase annulus:
Position in the condenser: phase annulus to be fitted in the "40x" position of a turret condenser, to be paired with the phase ring in a 40x phase contrast objective
Construction: disc with a phase annulus in a mount
Material: glass, colourless polarising film and printed black circles
Diameter of the glass disc with the printed annulus: 14 mm
Disc mount: metal, with a notch for the spring-loaded ejector pin
Spring cushioning: no - the mount of the 40x phase annulus has no spring cushioning
Other names: phase disc, phase glass, phase ring
Intended for: PZO KS condenser
Compatibility: PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ phase contrast condensers
Important note on appearance: the black dots and lines visible in the photo are not a surface defect - this is how PZO phase rings normally look
Note on the polarising film: two pieces of polarising film are glued onto the annulus. The vertical line running through the middle of the annulus is where these two films meet - it is neither a defect nor a crack, even though it looks like one

Over the years the polarising film used on these phase annuli very often came unstuck (delamination), which often - though not always - caused it to lose its properties and made stereoscopic contrast completely unusable. In such a case you can either:
- peel off the old film, clean the surface of the glass disc and glue on a new one, keeping the polarisation angle
- or replace the whole disc with one like the one offered here.

The specific feature of the PZO KS is that the ring of every disc is divided into two equal halves by two polarisers set perpendicular to each other. By rotating the analyser you extinguish one half of the ring and brighten the other - smoothly, without moving anything in the optical path. The specimen is then illuminated from one side.

And this is exactly how the disc from the KS condenser differs from the discs of the PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ condensers. Mechanically it is the same insert, 14 mm in diameter, and it fits those condensers. The difference lies solely in the polarisation of the ring itself, described above. That is why a KS disc used in an ordinary phase condenser still gives correct phase contrast with no loss of quality, but once an analyser is placed in the optical path (for example under the head) it can produce interesting, unexpected effects.

For DIY enthusiasts looking for new, unusual visual effects in microscopy, an interesting option is to fit this polarising phase annulus into a different phase contrast condenser. You can then explore the unusual behaviour of various objectives in partially polarised light.
Here is an example: a Zernike-type phase contrast objective (PZO Ph with a green stripe) combined with the phase annulus from the PZO KS condenser gives an unusual, bluish background colour (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1262188377207557&set=a.462747092529893). And here you can see PZO microscope objectives for six types of phase contrast: https://www.facebook.com/MikroskopyPZO/photos/por%C3%B3wnanie-obiektyw%C3%B3w-pzo-20x-do-kontrastu-fazowego-pier%C5%9Bcienie-zielony-ph-kf-do/1259433520816376/.

The PZO KS condenser was fitted to PZO MB-30S microscopes and was an essential part of a special phase contrast method called "Stereoscopic Contrast" (KS). This condenser is characterised by carrying no markings at all - and that is how you recognise it.

Fastest way to recognise the PZO KS condenser:
PZO KS condenser: no serial number, no manufacturer name or logo, no model designation
Other PZO phase contrast condensers: at least a printed model designation (for example KFF, KFL, K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph, K3PhZ, or KPI 2 in the case of the DIC condenser)

Description of this part for the microscope.

Basic parameters of this phase annulus:
Position in the condenser: phase annulus to be fitted in the "10x" position of a turret condenser, to be paired with the phase ring in a 10x phase contrast objective
Construction: disc with a phase annulus in a mount
Material: glass, colourless polarising film and printed black circles
Diameter of the glass disc with the printed annulus: 14 mm
Disc mount: metal, with a notch for the spring-loaded ejector pin
Spring cushioning: yes - inside the mount, underneath the glass with the phase annulus, there is a spring cushioning
Other names: phase disc, phase glass, phase ring
Intended for: PZO KS condenser
Compatibility: PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ phase contrast condensers
Important note on appearance: the black dots and lines visible in the photo are not a surface defect - this is how PZO phase rings normally look
Note on the polarising film: two pieces of polarising film are glued onto the annulus. The vertical line running through the middle of the annulus is where these two films meet - it is neither a defect nor a crack, even though it looks like one

Over the years the polarising film used on these phase annuli very often came unstuck (delamination), which often - though not always - caused it to lose its properties and made stereoscopic contrast completely unusable. In such a case you can either:
- peel off the old film, clean the surface of the glass disc and glue on a new one, keeping the polarisation angle
- or replace the whole disc with one like the one offered here.

The specific feature of the PZO KS is that the ring of every disc is divided into two equal halves by two polarisers set perpendicular to each other. By rotating the analyser you extinguish one half of the ring and brighten the other - smoothly, without moving anything in the optical path. The specimen is then illuminated from one side.

And this is exactly how the disc from the KS condenser differs from the discs of the PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ condensers. Mechanically it is the same insert, 14 mm in diameter, and it fits those condensers. The difference lies solely in the polarisation of the ring itself, described above. That is why a KS disc used in an ordinary phase condenser still gives correct phase contrast with no loss of quality, but once an analyser is placed in the optical path (for example under the head) it can produce interesting, unexpected effects.

For DIY enthusiasts looking for new, unusual visual effects in microscopy, an interesting option is to fit this polarising phase annulus into a different phase contrast condenser. You can then explore the unusual behaviour of various objectives in partially polarised light.
Here is an example: a Zernike-type phase contrast objective (PZO Ph with a green stripe) combined with the phase annulus from the PZO KS condenser gives an unusual, bluish background colour (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1262188377207557&set=a.462747092529893). And here you can see PZO microscope objectives for six types of phase contrast: https://www.facebook.com/MikroskopyPZO/photos/por%C3%B3wnanie-obiektyw%C3%B3w-pzo-20x-do-kontrastu-fazowego-pier%C5%9Bcienie-zielony-ph-kf-do/1259433520816376/.

The PZO KS condenser was fitted to PZO MB-30S microscopes and was an essential part of a special phase contrast method called "Stereoscopic Contrast" (KS). This condenser is characterised by carrying no markings at all - and that is how you recognise it.

Fastest way to recognise the PZO KS condenser:
PZO KS condenser: no serial number, no manufacturer name or logo, no model designation
Other PZO phase contrast condensers: at least a printed model designation (for example KFF, KFL, K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph, K3PhZ, or KPI 2 in the case of the DIC condenser)

Description of this part for the microscope.

Basic parameters of this phase annulus:
Position in the condenser: phase annulus to be fitted in the "20x" position of a turret condenser, to be paired with the phase ring in a 20x phase contrast objective
Construction: disc with a phase annulus in a mount
Material: glass, colourless polarising film and printed black circles
Diameter of the glass disc with the printed annulus: 14 mm
Disc mount: metal, with a notch for the spring-loaded ejector pin
Spring cushioning: yes - inside the mount, underneath the glass with the phase annulus, there is a spring cushioning
Other names: phase disc, phase glass, phase ring
Intended for: PZO KS condenser
Compatibility: PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ phase contrast condensers
Important note on appearance: the black dots and lines visible in the photo are not a surface defect - this is how PZO phase rings normally look
Note on the polarising film: two pieces of polarising film are glued onto the annulus. The vertical line running through the middle of the annulus is where these two films meet - it is neither a defect nor a crack, even though it looks like one

Over the years the polarising film used on these phase annuli very often came unstuck (delamination), which often - though not always - caused it to lose its properties and made stereoscopic contrast completely unusable. In such a case you can either:
- peel off the old film, clean the surface of the glass disc and glue on a new one, keeping the polarisation angle
- or replace the whole disc with one like the one offered here.

The specific feature of the PZO KS is that the ring of every disc is divided into two equal halves by two polarisers set perpendicular to each other. By rotating the analyser you extinguish one half of the ring and brighten the other - smoothly, without moving anything in the optical path. The specimen is then illuminated from one side.

And this is exactly how the disc from the KS condenser differs from the discs of the PZO K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph and K3PhZ condensers. Mechanically it is the same insert, 14 mm in diameter, and it fits those condensers. The difference lies solely in the polarisation of the ring itself, described above. That is why a KS disc used in an ordinary phase condenser still gives correct phase contrast with no loss of quality, but once an analyser is placed in the optical path (for example under the head) it can produce interesting, unexpected effects.

For DIY enthusiasts looking for new, unusual visual effects in microscopy, an interesting option is to fit this polarising phase annulus into a different phase contrast condenser. You can then explore the unusual behaviour of various objectives in partially polarised light.
Here is an example: a Zernike-type phase contrast objective (PZO Ph with a green stripe) combined with the phase annulus from the PZO KS condenser gives an unusual, bluish background colour (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1262188377207557&set=a.462747092529893). And here you can see PZO microscope objectives for six types of phase contrast: https://www.facebook.com/MikroskopyPZO/photos/por%C3%B3wnanie-obiektyw%C3%B3w-pzo-20x-do-kontrastu-fazowego-pier%C5%9Bcienie-zielony-ph-kf-do/1259433520816376/.

The PZO KS condenser was fitted to PZO MB-30S microscopes and was an essential part of a special phase contrast method called "Stereoscopic Contrast" (KS). This condenser is characterised by carrying no markings at all - and that is how you recognise it.

Fastest way to recognise the PZO KS condenser:
PZO KS condenser: no serial number, no manufacturer name or logo, no model designation
Other PZO phase contrast condensers: at least a printed model designation (for example KFF, KFL, K3Ph, K3Ph1, K4Ph, K3PhZ, or KPI 2 in the case of the DIC condenser)

Description of this part for the microscope.

PZO - a company that existed until 2005, although it had ended mass production about a decade earlier.

Basic parameters of this binocular head:
Manufacturer: PZO Poland
Series: MND
Own magnification: 1.25x
Diameter of accepted eyepieces: 23.2 mm
Diopter adjustment: yes, on one of the eyepiece tubes
Interpupillary distance adjustment: yes
Mounting to the microscope tube: circular dovetail, 43 mm diameter
Intended for: all PZO Studar microscope models and the newer MS, MB and ML series models
Housing color: black (this matters, because the newer models are white)

By default this model of the binocular head was fitted to PZO Studar microscopes. It also suits other PZO microscope models:
- all models of the PZO Studar student microscopes
- PZO MB biological microscopes, for example PZO MB-10 and PZO MB-30
- PZO MS school microscopes, for example PZO MS-4
- PZO ML laboratory microscopes, for example PZO ML-5 or PZO ML-6

When you use this binocular head on PZO MS / ML and MB microscopes, keep in mind that these microscopes were sold by default with the PZO MND-4 binocular head of 1.5x own magnification. With a head of 1.25x own magnification the total magnification obtained on the microscope will change.

Although this binocular head mechanically fits PZO Biolar microscopes - I do not recommend it. Other PZO binocular heads are intended for PZO Biolar microscopes.

Please note that PZO Biolar and PZO Studar microscopes look very similar to each other, and most of them carry no model name. A comparison of some PZO Studar models can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/MikroskopyPZO/posts/pfbid0WuTZtq8gD6snUH83vbze3ek1FcV6du22uoBBoHjN57H6Wz1gYUHcXoqGtPCs2mVVl

Users call this part by many different names, but all of them mean the same thing. Here are some of them:
- microscope binocular head
- binocular viewing head
- binocular observation head
- microscope binocular tube
- binocular eyepiece tube
- microscope binocular body
- bino head
- eyepiece head
- microscope head
- stereo head (although this is a wrong use of that name)
- binoculars (although this is a wrong use of that name, binoculars are field glasses)

Description of this part for the microscope.

5x
Magnification: 2.5x
Mounting diameter: 23.2 mm

Please note: this is a "CF" projection photo eyepiece, meaning "Chrome Free" (chromatic aberration free). The eyepiece itself carries no chromatic correction - for correct results it has to sit in the microscope objective. In the case of Nikon, those are the CF (CFN) and CFI objectives.

The standard 23.2 mm mounting diameter allows it to be used in the projection tubes of many microscopes from various manufacturers - both biological and stereo ones.

It has to be said that this is a very universal projection eyepiece. In the "compatibility" section I list only a small part of the microscopes this photo eyepiece can be used with.

From the experience of people I know, only testing a projection eyepiece yourself on a specific microscope setup gives you certainty about how it will behave.

With every configuration - different objectives, a different tube length, a different photo adapter, camera, DSLR, sensor size - the user will get a different result.

This applies to tests both on microscopes with finite tube length optics (for example the Nikon Labophot with 160 mm optics) and infinity optics (for example the Nikon Eclipse E600 infinity), and both on older stereo microscopes (for example the Nikon SMZ-10) and somewhat newer ones such as the Nikon SMZ-1500.

Description of this part for the microscope.

5
Magnification: 5x
Field number F.N.: 25
Mounting diameter: 23.2 mm

Please note: PLI is a series of projection eyepieces assigned to the CFI60 system (optics corrected for infinity / "I" as in "infinity"). I have, however, personally seen eyepieces from this series used on microscopes with optics corrected for a finite tube length (160 mm, to be precise).

This eyepiece contains no chromatic correction lenses, so that correction has to be built into the objective (in the case of Nikon objectives these are the CF / CFN / CFI series).

The standard 23.2 mm mounting diameter allows it to be used in the projection tubes of many microscopes from various manufacturers - both biological and stereo ones. It therefore has to be regarded as a very universal projection eyepiece. In the "compatibility" section I list only a small part of the microscopes this photo eyepiece can be used with.

From the experience of people I know, only testing a projection eyepiece yourself on a specific microscope setup gives you certainty about how it will behave.

With every configuration - different objectives, a different tube length, a different photo adapter, camera, DSLR, sensor size - the user will get a different result.

This applies to tests both on microscopes with finite tube length optics (for example the Nikon Alphaphot with 160 mm optics) and infinity optics (for example the Nikon Eclipse TS-100 infinity), and both on older stereo microscopes (for example the Nikon SMZ-2T) and somewhat newer ones such as the Nikon SMZ-18.

Description of this part for the microscope.

These eyepieces fit stereo microscopes of any manufacturer, provided they use eyepieces with a 34 mm mounting diameter, for example:
- PZO MST-1 / MST-2
- PZO MST-130 / MST-131 / MST-132
- PZO MST ZOOM
- PZO KLP-21 / KLP-22 colposcopes
- DIY devices (for example instruments for the artificial insemination of queen bees) built around PZO MST stereo microscopes
- Meopta DM23
- Carl Zeiss Jena SM-XX (the so-called SM-20)
- medical microscopes by Carl Zeiss Jena (for example ophthalmic slit lamps) built around SM-XX stereo microscopes

These eyepieces do not fit microscopes whose eyepiece diameter is other than 34 mm:
- they do not fit the PZO MST-110 / MST-127 stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 23.2 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Lomo MBC-1 / MBC-2 stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 30 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Lomo MBC-9 / MBC-10 stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 32 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Carl Zeiss Jena Technival / Citoval stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 23.2 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Carl Zeiss West Germany stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 30 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Euromex E series and Z series stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 30.5 mm diameter
- they do not fit the Hertel & Reuss STE series stereo microscopes, because those use eyepieces with a 31 mm diameter

PZO 10x/25 eyepieces reach very high prices on the second-hand market. If you own a PZO MST-130 stereo microscope or a compatible one without eyepieces and you need any pair of eyepieces at all to get the microscope working - then the following PZO eyepieces with a 34 mm mounting diameter are commonly available on the market:
- PZO 6.3x
- PZO 12x (also in a version with a linear or grid reticle)
- PZO WF 20x
- PZO 25x

Description of this part for the microscope.

addition onto the main objective.

This auxiliary objective fits the following stereo microscopes:
- PZO MST-130
- PZO MST-131
- PZO MST-132

Please note: this lens fits the PZO MST-132 microscopes made by the so-called "old PZO". It does not fit the microscopes sold today under the name "PZO MST-132 Lab 4". You can see what the "Lab 4" model looks like on the distributor's website (I write "distributor" and not "manufacturer", because the company using the "PZO" logo sells microscopes made in China - status and active URL as of October 2026) https://pzo.waw.pl/oferta/mikroskopy-stereoskopowe/ze-statywem-kolumnowym/mikroskop-stereoskopowy-mst-132-lab-4.

In PZO MST stereo microscopes the 0.6x auxiliary objective serves several purposes:
- it reduces the total magnification obtained
- it increases the field of view
- it increases the working distance (and this is its main purpose)

According to the manual this auxiliary optic increases the working distance to 165 mm, but in reality (measured) it is about 150 mm, because the thickness of the additional lens has to be subtracted from the theoretical figures.

Description of this part for the microscope.

these guides:
Number of guides in the set: 2
Material: the guides are made of aluminium
Number of bearing balls: 13 per guide
Length of the guide: 114 mm
Width of the guide: 6 mm
Removed from: the mechanical stage PZO SK14
Which microscope this stage worked with: the PZO Biolar microscope

Important: these are longitudinal guides. They are responsible for moving the stage surface back and forth. They are not transverse guides for moving the specimen holder sideways - because the PZO SK14 stage, unlike many other stages, has NO transverse guides.

Please note: SK14 is a stage model made by the PZO company (SK = Stolik Krzyżowy, that is mechanical stage). The marking of this model (the marking "SK14") is on the stage. This stage was most often mounted on PZO Biolar microscopes, which carry no model name. As a result "SK14" is the only marking found on the microscope, and many people use the name "PZO SK14" - wrongly - for the whole microscope. This is a mistake: PZO SK14 is a stage model, not a microscope model.

The SK14 microscope stage these guides come from was mounted in a PZO Biolar B microscope. However, the same stage model was also used in other models of the Biolar microscope and in other microscopes made by this manufacturer, for example:
- PZO Biolar DIC
- PZO Biolar B2
- PZO Biolar GF
- PZO MB 30
- PZO Studar

This item is not a spare part for repairing a microscope. It is a component of the microscope stage - and the stage can be used with any compatible PZO microscope.

Detailed photos of these guides are available in the gallery. Every photo shows a scale with a millimetre division. The last photo shows the whole PZO SK14 microscope stage, with an arrow pointing at the component in question and at where it sits in the stage, so that this part can be identified without any doubt.

Description of this part for the microscope.

the longer of the two in the stage - that works together with the larger pinion of the stage manipulator and is responsible for moving the specimen sideways.

Basic data of this rack:
Length of the rack: 91 mm
Number of teeth: 62
Material: brass
How it is fixed: with 2 screws, which are included
Removed from: the mechanical stage PZO SK14
Which microscope this stage worked with: the PZO Biolar microscope

Important: there are two racks of different length in the PZO SK14 microscope stage. The one I am offering here is the longer one, responsible for the transverse movement, that is for moving the specimen sideways. This is not the shorter rack responsible for moving the stage surface back and forth.

Please note: SK14 is a stage model made by the PZO company (SK = Stolik Krzyżowy, that is mechanical stage). The marking of this model (the marking "SK14") is on the stage. This stage was most often mounted on PZO Biolar microscopes, which carry no model name. As a result "SK14" is the only marking found on the microscope, and many people use the name "PZO SK14" - wrongly - for the whole microscope. This is a mistake: PZO SK14 is a stage model, not a microscope model.

The SK14 microscope stage this rack comes from was mounted in a PZO Biolar B microscope. However, the same stage model was also used in other models of the Biolar microscope and in other microscopes made by this manufacturer, for example:
- PZO Biolar DIC
- PZO Biolar B2
- PZO Biolar GF
- PZO MB 30
- PZO Studar

A practical note on fitting: this mechanism needs a very tacky grease. If you need some, I will add it to the parcel - just write to me.

This item is not a spare part for repairing a microscope. It is a component of the microscope stage - and the stage can be used with any compatible PZO microscope.

Detailed photos of this rack are available in the gallery. Every photo shows a scale with a millimetre division. The last photo shows the whole PZO SK14 microscope stage, with an arrow pointing at the component in question and at where it sits in the stage, so that this part can be identified without any doubt.