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.

lenses:
- N.A. 0.3 for low-power objectives (this is the lens offered here)
- N.A. up to 1.4 (variable aperture) for high resolution and magnification
- oil dark field lens (cardioid condenser)

This condenser is used in Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes:
- Nf
- Nu / Nu2
- Lumipan
- Amplival (gray condenser)

but can also be mounted in the following microscopes:
- Jenaval
- Jenalumar
- Lu (I'm not sure)
- Ng
- Ergaval
- Docuval
- Polmi A

The companies IOR Bucuresti and Lomo made their own versions of pancratic condensers - I don't know if this lens is compatible with them.

Description of this part for the microscope.

33 mm
Cover Glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: Yes, oil immersion
Thread: RMS
Info: Ph = phase contrast. NOTE - this is not a "Phv" type contrast.

This objective lens is in excellent condition, with no signs of use. It's difficult to find an objective lens of this quality on the used parts market.

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer, along with a compatible phase contrast condenser. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 33 mm.

After installing the 12 mm adapter, this objective lens will have FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

mm
Cover Glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS
Info: Ph = phase contrast. NOTE - this is not a "Phv" type contrast.

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer, along with a compatible phase contrast condenser. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 33 mm.

After installing the 12 mm adapter, this objective lens will have FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

NU2

This holder features two centering screws on the side, which are very important for polarization. The front retaining screw is also different from standard microscope stage holders (i.e., those without centering). Of course, standard stages, rectangular, round, and sliding EPI stages can also be used with this holder.

Description of this part for the microscope.

illuminator housing with frosted filter
- illuminator tube
- illuminator holder with frosted filter
- sometimes the German-language term "Lampenhaus" is used

Notice - this is NOT a complete illuminator assembly. Please carefully examine the photos in the gallery; as an additional element (which is not included here), a separate silver component extending beyond the outline of the microscope base is screwed in to help support the illuminator with bulb. Here I offer and describe the part that is located inside the microscope base.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Description of this part for the microscope.

polarized transmitted light with the possibility of use as a brightfield condenser
Mounting: the condenser is permanently integrated with a dovetail mount
Top lens: flip-out system allowing the upper lens to be moved into or out of the optical path to change the numerical aperture
Iris diaphragm: yes
Diffuser: yes, with the possibility of moving it into or out of the optical path
Polarizer: yes, rotatable, with the possibility of moving it into or out of the optical path

This condenser fits the following Carl Zeiss Jena microscope models:
- Polmi-A
- Nf
- Ng
- Nu / Nu2

Note: despite the visual similarity of the mounting interface, this condenser does NOT fit the Carl Zeiss Jena Lu microscope.

Important: the condenser is permanently integrated with the dovetail mount and cannot be used with other microscopes without significant modifications.

Description of this part for the microscope.

4 mo2 condenser holder that was used in the Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscope. The same condenser (but with a different lower lens) is used in an identical holder in Fluoval microscopes. Condenser holders with such screws can also be found in the following microscopes:
- Docuval
- Amplival
- NU-2

The purpose of this spring screw is to push the clamp in which the condenser is mounted outward. Thanks to the spring integrated in the screw, it is possible to center the condenser using long centering screws (you can find such a centering screw in the database under number 99132).

In the last photo, an arrow clearly indicates which screw is meant and where it is mounted in the condenser holder.

Description of this part for the microscope.

that was used in the Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscope. The same condenser (but with a different lower lens) is used in an identical holder in Fluoval microscopes. Condenser holders with such screws can also be found in the following microscopes:
- Docuval
- Amplival
- NU-2

In the last photo, an arrow clearly indicates which screw is meant and where it is mounted in the condenser holder.

Description of this part for the microscope.

160 mm
Focal Length: 45 mm
Cover Glass: no
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS
Info: Phv = phase contrast variable

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer, along with a compatible Phv phase contrast condenser. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Carl Zeiss Jena Nf
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lumipan
- Carl Zeiss Jena NU / NU2

This lens DOES NOT FIT grey pancratic condensers from the following microscopes:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival
- Carl Zeiss Jena Docuval

IOR Bucuresti and Lomo produced their own versions of pancratic condensers - I do not know whether this lens is compatible with them.

Description of this part for the microscope.

160 mm
Focal Length: 45 mm
Cover Glass: yes, 0,17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS
Info: Phv = phase contrast variable

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer, along with a compatible Phv phase contrast condenser. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Length: 33 mm
Cover Glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 33 mm.

After installing the 12 mm adapter, this objective lens will have FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

eyepieces can be used with microscopes from any manufacturer, as long as the microscope supports eyepieces with a mounting diameter of 23.2 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

microscopes from any manufacturer, as long as the microscope supports eyepieces with a mounting diameter of 23.2 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

an integrated gear for adjusting the height of the microscope condenser, as well as a rack with the element on which the condenser holder is mounted.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Manufacturer: Lomo
Magnification: 20x
Model: 20 0.40 P
Numerical aperture: 0.40
Tube length: 160 mm
Focal length: 33 mm
Cover glass: yes, 0.17 mm
Thread: RMS + Pol adapter
Info: P = Polarization

This is an objective designed for transmitted light work with a cover glass.

The RMS thread objective is mounted on a dedicated slide-in adapter that allows it to be used in Lomo MIN series and Lomo Polam series microscopes. Of course, the objective can be unscrewed and another objective can be mounted in the adapter.

The objective itself, once removed from the adapter, is a standard objective that can be used in virtually any microscope with an RMS thread. It is a so-called "short objective" (focal length 33 mm). When a 12 mm adapter is added, the total length becomes 45 mm, allowing it to be used with newer microscopes from any manufacturer.

Lomo polarization objectives with RMS thread can be installed in an RMS-M27 adapter and then used in microscopes such as Lomo Biolam M, Lomo Biolam I, Lomo Lumam, or Lomo ML-2. I have also frequently seen such objectives used in Zeiss Axio series microscopes with M27 thread.

The Pol adapter also allows precise centering of the objective relative to the entire optical path - this requires tools (keys / tools).

Info: I have repeatedly seen information stating that this RMS-Pol adapter is compatible with Leitz Wetzlar polarization microscopes - however, I have not personally verified this.

In summary, this objective is dedicated to Lomo MIN-1, MIN-4, MIN-5, MIN-6, MIN-8, Lomo Polam R-113, Polam L-211, Polam L-213, Polam R-311, Polam LMPR microscopes - but it is practically compatible with any microscope from any manufacturer that supports 160 mm objectives.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Note - this model of microscope objective is very often used for macro photography and focus stacking. More information on this can be found at the end of this description.

Manufacturer: Lomo
Magnification: 9x
Model: PLANACHR 9x0.20 P
Numerical aperture: 0.20
Optical correction: planachromatic (flat field)
Tube length: 160 mm
Focal length: 33 mm
Cover glass: optional, can be used but is not required
Thread: RMS + Pol adapter
Info: P = Polarization

The RMS thread objective is mounted on a dedicated slide-in adapter that allows it to be used in Lomo MIN series and Lomo Polam series microscopes. Of course, the objective can be unscrewed and another objective can be mounted into the adapter.

The objective itself, once removed from the adapter, is a standard objective that can be used in virtually any microscope with an RMS thread. It is a so-called "short objective" (focal length 33 mm). When a 12 mm adapter is added, the total length becomes 45 mm, allowing it to be used with newer microscopes from any manufacturer.

Lomo polarization objectives with RMS thread can be installed in an RMS-M27 adapter and then used in microscopes such as Lomo Biolam M, Lomo Biolam I, Lomo Lumam, or Lomo ML-2. I have also frequently seen such objectives used in Zeiss Axio series microscopes with M27 thread.

The Pol adapter also allows precise centering of the objective relative to the entire optical path - this requires tools (keys / tools).

Info: I have repeatedly seen information stating that this RMS-Pol adapter is compatible with Leitz Wetzlar polarization microscopes - however, I have not personally verified this.

In summary, this objective is dedicated to Lomo MIN-1, MIN-4, MIN-5, MIN-6, MIN-8, Lomo Polam R-113, Polam L-211, Polam L-213, Polam R-311, Polam LMPR microscopes - but it is practically compatible with any microscope from any manufacturer that supports 160 mm objectives.

Additionally, this objective is very often used for macro photography even without a microscope. This objective does not require a cover glass and works in the "direct-projection" technique, meaning it can be connected directly to a camera without additional optics. This allows achieving a very high magnification scale and great depth of field across the entire image when using focus stacking. The fact that this is a polarization objective (i.e. stress-free optics without internal glass tensions) further improves image quality at high magnifications.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Note - this model of microscope objective is very often used for macro photography and focus stacking. More information on this can be found at the end of this description.

Manufacturer: Lomo
Magnification: 3,7x
Model: 3,7 0,11
Numerical aperture: 0.11
Tube length: 160 mm
Focal length: 33 mm
Cover glass: optional, can be used but is not required
Thread: RMS + Pol adapter
Info: P = Polarization

The RMS thread objective is mounted on a dedicated slide-in adapter that allows it to be used in Lomo MIN series and Lomo Polam series microscopes. Of course, the objective can be unscrewed and another objective can be mounted into the adapter.

The objective itself, once removed from the adapter, is a standard objective that can be used in virtually any microscope with an RMS thread. It is a so-called "short objective" (focal length 33 mm). When a 12 mm adapter is added, the total length becomes 45 mm, allowing it to be used with newer microscopes from any manufacturer.

Lomo polarization objectives with RMS thread can be installed in an RMS-M27 adapter and then used in microscopes such as Lomo Biolam M, Lomo Biolam I, Lomo Lumam, or Lomo ML-2. I have also frequently seen such objectives used in Zeiss Axio series microscopes with M27 thread.

The Pol adapter also allows precise centering of the objective relative to the entire optical path - this requires tools (keys / tools).

Info: I have repeatedly seen information stating that this RMS-Pol adapter is compatible with Leitz Wetzlar polarization microscopes - however, I have not personally verified this.

In summary, this objective is dedicated to Lomo MIN-1, MIN-4, MIN-5, MIN-6, MIN-8, Lomo Polam R-113, Polam L-211, Polam L-213, Polam R-311, Polam LMPR microscopes - but it is practically compatible with any microscope from any manufacturer that supports 160 mm objectives.

Additionally, this objective is very often used for macro photography even without a microscope. This objective does not require a cover glass and works in the "direct-projection" technique, meaning it can be connected directly to a camera without additional optics. This allows achieving a very high magnification scale and great depth of field across the entire image when using focus stacking. The fact that this is a polarization objective (i.e. stress-free optics without internal glass tensions) further improves image quality at high magnifications. Info: https://www.closeuphotography.com/lomo-3-7x-objective/2017/12/24/lomo-37x-011-microscope-objective

Description of this part for the microscope.

for taking microscope photographs or recording microscope videos. This is a gray photographic adapter.

Basic technical parameters:
- mounting connection to microscope stand: 41 mm dovetail
- output connection type on the photo port: 49 mm internal thread
- connection for binocular head mounting: Jena standard 41 mm dovetail
- magnification directed to the binocular head: 1.6x
- magnification on the photo output: none (that is 1.0x)

Because this photo head has a 49 mm threaded output, virtually any device, camera, adapter, tube or other accessory can be connected after using an appropriate 49 mm thread adapter. Direct projection technique may be used (because there is no additional optics inside), or any projection eyepieces may be installed in the optical path.

This photographic attachment is intended mainly (but not exclusively) for the following microscope models:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Eduval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Laboval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival
- Carl Zeiss Jena Vertival
- Carl Zeiss Jena Epival
- Carl Zeiss Jena Metaval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Telaval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Pictoval
- Carl Zeiss Jena Epignost

The list above contains Mikroval series microscopes with gray housings - just like the tube shown and offered here. However, it also works with older black Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes:
- Carl Zeiss Jena L-Stativ (models Lg, Lu and Lr)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lumipan
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ng
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nf (and NfPk)

Please note that microscopes from other manufacturers also use the 41 / 41.5 mm dovetail connection standard. Because of this, this photographic head can also be used with microscopes made by:
- Lomo (for example Lomo Biolam)
- Meopta
- IOR
- selected Reichert microscopes (for example Reichert Neozet)
- Will Wetzlar
- Hund Wetzlar
- Leitz Wetzlar

This Carl Zeiss Jena tube is also very often used with microscopes having a larger head mounting diameter. In such cases users apply additional spacer or thickening rings. Because of this, this photo adapter also fits microscopes from manufacturers such as:
- PZO (for example the PZO Biolar model with 43 mm connection)
- Olympus (for example the Olympus CH model with 42 mm connection)

The element that allows a photographic camera or imaging camera to be connected to Carl Zeiss Jena Mikroval series microscopes may be referred to by different names. Commonly used names include:
- trino head
- trinocular head
- photo head
- photographic head
- photo attachment
- photographic attachment
- photo adapter
- photographic adapter
- photo tube
- photographic tube
- phototube
- photographic angle tube
- and various combinations of the words head, attachment, adapter or tube with terms such as photo, photographic, for camera and similar

Description of this part for the microscope.

Poland
- Model: 5/0.15 160/-
- Alternative model marking: 5/0.15 160/0
- Magnification: 5x
- Numerical aperture N.A.: 0.15
- Correction: achromatic
- Focal length FL: 33 mm
- Tube length: 160 mm
- Cover glass: not required, but may be used
- Immersion: no (dry objective)
- Thread: RMS

This model has a metal housing with no lens at its end. Additionally, this housing can be unscrewed without affecting the operation of the objective - resulting in a relatively large working distance of more than 20 mm.

Three features:
- large working distance exceeding 20 mm
- exceptionally high numerical aperture N.A. of 0.15
- achromatic correction allowing direct projection use
make this relatively uncommon model very frequently chosen for macro photography using a microscope objective connected to a camera (focus stacking).

The fact that this objective has FL = 33 mm allows it to be used with microscopes from other manufacturers, including:
- Lomo Biolam
- Lomo MBB-1A
- Carl Zeiss Jena LG / Lu / Lumipan
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nf
- Olympus CH

Note! Please note that the FL = 33 mm focal length means that this objective DOES NOT FIT the following microscopes:
- PZO Biolar
- PZO Studar

Early versions of this objective (with low serial numbers) have the engraved marking 5/0.15 160/0 suggesting that the objective is intended for use without a cover glass. This is true, but more precisely this objective can work both without a cover glass and with one. In newer versions the engraving already reads 5/0.15 160/- where this "minus" already means "indifferent".

Description of this part for the microscope.

Length: 45 mm
Cover Glass: yes, 0,17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS
Info: Phv = phase contrast variable

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer, along with a compatible Phv phase contrast condenser. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 45 mm.

Description of this part for the microscope.

mm
Cover Glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 33 mm.

After installing the 12 mm adapter, this objective lens will have FL = 45 mm.

The fact that this objective has FL = 33 mm allows it to be used with microscopes from other manufacturers, including:
- Lomo Biolam
- Lomo MBB-1A
- PZO MB-10
- Olympus CH

Description of this part for the microscope.

Length: 33 mm
Cover Glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer. The microscope must be compatible, meaning it supports RMS objectives, TL = 160 mm, FL = 33 mm.

After installing the 12 mm adapter, this objective lens will have FL = 45 mm.

The fact that this objective has FL = 33 mm allows it to be used with microscopes from other manufacturers, including:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lg
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lumipan
- Lomo Biolam
- Lomo MBB-1A
- PZO MB-10
- Nikon S
- Olympus KHC

Description of this part for the microscope.

17
Magnification: 40x
Correction: Achromat
Numerical aperture: 0.65
Tube length: 160 mm
Focal length: 33 mm
Cover glass: yes, 0.17 mm thickness
Immersion: no (dry objective)
Thread: RMS

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer. Of course, the microscope must be compatible, meaning it must support RMS objectives with TL=160 mm and FL=33 mm. After installing a 12 mm adapter, this objective can of course also be used in microscopes designed for FL=45 mm.

The fact that this objective has FL = 33 mm (meaning it is a so-called short objective) allows it to be used with microscopes from other manufacturers, including:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lg
- Carl Zeiss Jena Lumipan
- Lomo Biolam
- Lomo MBB-1A
- PZO MB-10
- Nikon S
- Olympus KHC

Description of this part for the microscope.

although incorrectly, referred to as "Lomo")
Model: 20 0,40
Magnification: 20x
Correction: Achromat
Numerical aperture: 0.40
Tube length: 160 mm
Focal length: 33 mm
Cover glass: 0.17 mm
Immersion: no
Thread: RMS
Serial number: 01234

It can be used with any microscope from any manufacturer. Of course, the microscope must be compatible, i.e. support RMS objectives, TL=160 mm and FL=33 mm.

After installing a 12 mm adapter, this combination of adapter and objective will function as an objective with FL=45 mm.

This objective is attractive mainly to collectors because:
- there are very few microscope objectives with the LZOS logo on the secondary market
- the objective has a so-called "golden serial number": 01234

Description of this part for the microscope.

2

this module serves as the aperture diaphragm. The field diaphragm is built into the illumination path inside the microscope base.

At the same time, it provides a holder for 32 mm round filters. The video available in the gallery also demonstrates how a filter is inserted into this holder.

The sliding iris diaphragm mounted beneath the microscope condenser allows oblique illumination to be set, producing a three-dimensional image with enhanced contrast of transparent specimens (such as unstained cells). The resulting image is similar to differential interference contrast (DIC).

This component is known under various names, including:
- decenterable iris diaphragm
- decentering aperture diaphragm
- off-axis iris diaphragm
- eccentric iris diaphragm
- sliding iris diaphragm
- sliding iris
- oblique illumination condenser
- condenser with sliding iris
- oblique illumination module
- oblique illumination diaphragm
- offset iris
- Poor Man's DIC device

Note — this diaphragm DOES NOT FIT the Carl Zeiss Jena Lumipan microscope, even though it appears very similar at first glance.

Because this module is removable, it is missing from a large proportion of microscopes available on the second-hand market. During decades of use, these diaphragm modules were frequently lost.

In addition, they are often damaged and need replacement. The most common failures include:
- the protective glass covering the diaphragm becomes scratched or broken
- the diaphragm blades become bent or broken
- the screw used to decenter the diaphragm bends or breaks
- the return spring responsible for restoring the diaphragm to its centred position becomes damaged or is missing

Replacing the damaged assembly with the diaphragm module offered here solves these problems.

Description of this part for the microscope.

Zeiss Jena
Model: Apl 1.4
Holder name according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Kondensor-Einhänger mo
Condenser name according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Aplanatischer Kondensor 1.4 mo / ms
Version: grey version from a Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscope (as opposed to the black version used, for example, on Carl Zeiss Jena Nf microscopes)
Numerical aperture N.A.: 1.4
Aperture diaphragm: yes, mounted in the condenser holder
Wide-field lens: yes, swing-out type
Removable top lens: yes, unscrewable
Mounting diameter: the optical section (the condenser without the iris diaphragm) has a mounting diameter of 39.5 mm and can be unscrewed from the condenser holder

The complete assembly consists of the following components:
- upper Apl 1.4 lens
- removable condenser (mo / ms)
- iris diaphragm attached to the condenser holder
- condenser holder mo
- swing-out wide-field lens
- two centring screws

The last photograph in the gallery shows a page from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Arrows indicate both this exact condenser holder model and the matching condenser.

Mechanically, this condenser is mounted using a dovetail guide located beneath the microscope stage. On the Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval this is a separate condenser mounting assembly, while on the Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival the dovetail is integrated into the microscope stage support assembly.

Description of this part for the microscope.

unscrewed. It is mounted onto the dovetail guide located underneath the microscope stage carrier and secured with a clamping screw.

Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscopes were originally equipped with a condenser attached to the "MO" holder. This holder has a permanently mounted iris diaphragm and wide-field lens, while the condenser itself is screwed into the upper thread. In this configuration, the condenser cannot be exchanged.
The Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval uses a similar arrangement, whereas the Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival was originally equipped with a panchromatic condenser.

If the user wishes to use other condensers (including those made by manufacturers other than Carl Zeiss Jena), the original condenser holder must be replaced with the MZ condenser holder. Once this has been done, any microscope condenser with a mounting diameter of 39.5 mm can be installed. Condensers with a 37 mm mounting diameter can also be used if they are fitted with a suitable adapter ring.

This is exactly such a holder for interchangeable condensers.

Basic specifications:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Original documentation name and model: Kondensor-Einhänger MZ
Colour: grey, the version manufactured for the Mikroval microscope series
Internal diameter: for mounting condensers with a 39.5 mm mounting diameter (for example the Carl Zeiss Jena cardioid darkfield condenser)
Condenser retaining screw: yes, central condenser clamping screw
Centering screws: yes, two condenser centering screws
Microscope mounting: dovetail

Although this component is grey, it is also compatible with older black Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes from the 1950s and 1960s (it simply will not look completely original unless it is repainted).

This condenser holder is compatible with, among others:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ng (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Polmi-A (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nf (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nu (the NU-2 version is grey)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Fluoval-2 (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival and its variants (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Docuval (grey microscope)

Various names are used for this microscope component, including:
- condenser holder
- condenser carrier
- condenser mount
- condenser support

The last photograph includes an excerpt from the original manufacturer's documentation. An arrow indicates this exact model of condenser holder, making it easy to identify the component.

Description of this part for the microscope.

unscrewed. It is mounted onto a dovetail guide located underneath the microscope stage carrier. The condenser holder is secured to the guide with a clamping screw.

It can accommodate any microscope condenser with a mounting diameter of 39.5 mm, regardless of the manufacturer. Condensers with a 37 mm mounting diameter can also be used if they are fitted with a suitable adapter ring.

Basic specifications:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Original documentation name and model: Kondensor-Einhänger MZ
Colour: black, the version manufactured for the black Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes from the 1950s and 1960s
Internal diameter: for mounting condensers with a 39.5 mm mounting diameter (for example the Carl Zeiss Jena cardioid darkfield condenser)
Condenser retaining screw: yes, central condenser clamping screw
Centering screws: yes, two condenser centering screws
Microscope mounting: dovetail

Although this microscope component is black, it is also compatible with the newer grey Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes of the Mikroval series.

This condenser holder is compatible with, among others:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ng (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Polmi-A (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nf (black microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Nu (the NU-2 version is grey)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Fluoval-2 (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival and its variants (grey microscope)
- Carl Zeiss Jena Docuval (grey microscope)

Various names are used for this microscope component, including:
- condenser holder
- condenser carrier
- condenser mount
- condenser support

The last photograph includes an excerpt from the original manufacturer's documentation. An arrow indicates this exact model of the condenser holder, making it easy to identify the component.

Description of this part for the microscope.

diameter: 23.2 mm

This eyepiece allows the microscope image to be projected onto a surface such as a wall, ceiling or projection screen.

Originally, this eyepiece model was supplied with the Carl Zeiss Jena Pictoval projection microscope. It can also be installed on virtually any microscope from any manufacturer with a 23.2 mm eyepiece tube.

Important: Projecting a microscope image requires a very large amount of light, so a high-power illuminator is necessary.

Description of this part for the microscope.

head in Carl Zeiss Jena Pictoval projection microscopes (microprojectors). The adjustable tilt angle of the eyepiece tube, which held a projection eyepiece (usually f=100), allowed the position of the projected image on the projection surface to be changed.

Basic parameters:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Eyepiece mounting diameter: 23.2 mm
Mounting to the microscope arm: 41 mm diameter dovetail ring

Because this microscope head has a Carl Zeiss Jena standard microscope mount (a 41 mm diameter dovetail ring), it can be mounted on most microscopes from this manufacturer (e.g. Carl Zeiss Jena Eduval, Laboval, Ergaval, Amplival, etc.), as well as on microscopes made by Lomo (e.g. Lomo Biolam), IOR and Meopta.

It seems useful to mention a few points:
- never look through this microscope head with the naked eye if a projection eyepiece is installed in it and the head is mounted in a Carl Zeiss Jena Pictoval microprojector. This may result in loss of eyesight due to the very high light output emitted by this microscope
- when mounting this microscope head on a microscope other than a Carl Zeiss Jena Pictoval, a different magnification scale may be obtained than with the original heads designed for the particular microscope model
- projecting a microscope image requires a great deal of light, i.e. a powerful illuminator. This is worth remembering if you intend to use this head to project an image from biological microscopes with standard incandescent illumination (e.g. 15 W 6 V), which is definitely not sufficient
- visual observation using this microscope head may be inconvenient because it has a different (smaller) tilt angle than standard monocular or binocular microscope heads

Description of this part for the microscope.

meters:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Designation: Apl. 1,4
Name of the mount according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Kondensoreinhänger mfl 2, Bestellnummer 301080:021.26/0
Name of the condenser according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Aplanatischer Kondensor 1.4 mo / ms (applies only to the upper optical part)
Name of the condenser according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Kondensor hoher Lichtstärke mit Vorschaltsystem (applies to the entire module)
Version: grey colour with a black upper lens. Variant with a "dot" in the name after "Apl"
Numerical aperture N.A.: 1.4
Aperture diaphragm: yes, attached to the condenser mount
Wide-field lens: yes, it can be swung out of the optical path. This is the version with the large lens in a housing (see description below)
Removable upper lens: yes, it can be rotated
Mounting diameter: the optical part (condenser without diaphragm) has a mounting diameter of 39.5 mm and can be unscrewed from the condenser mount
Operating modes: the condenser can be used both as a dry condenser and as an immersion condenser

The entire part consists of the following elements:
- upper Apl. 1,4 lens
- screw-on/removable condenser (mo / ms)
- iris diaphragm screwed onto the condenser mount
- condenser mount model mfl 2
- swing-out wide-field lens
- two centering screws

This condenser is mainly used in Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Fluoval-2 fluorescence microscopes. It is optimal for use with high-numerical-aperture apochromatic microscope objectives. For precisely this reason, users often install it on Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval and Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival microscopes equipped with apochromatic objectives (Carl Zeiss Jena Apochromat).

It is worth mentioning again that this condenser can be used in two modes:
- without immersion oil on the upper lens of the condenser. In this case, it operates as a "dry condenser" and its numerical aperture N.A. is 0.9.
- with immersion oil on the upper lens of the condenser (i.e. underneath the microscope slide). In this case, it operates as an "immersion condenser" and its numerical aperture N.A. is 1.4, allowing a very bright image to be obtained – this is important in fluorescence microscopy or when using high-N.A. immersion objectives.

During production, this condenser was available in several versions:
- with a black upper lens, a dot in the model name (Apl. 1,4) and a wide-field module consisting of a single lens
- with a black upper lens, without a dot in the model name (Apl 1,4) and a single wide-field module consisting of several lenses (including one with a very small diameter)
- with a grey upper lens marked Apl 1,4mo2 and a single wide-field module consisting of several lenses (including one with a very small diameter)
- with a grey upper lens marked Apl 1,4mo2 and a wide-field module consisting of two independently swing-out lenses, each on its own mount

I have not found any information anywhere as to whether the above-mentioned versions differ in their operation. From experience, I know that they are used interchangeably – but I do not know whether any differences in operation can actually be noticed.

Mechanically, this condenser is mounted on dovetail rails located underneath the microscope stage. In Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscopes, this is a separate condenser mounting block, whereas in Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Amplival microscopes, the dovetail is located on the microscope stage holder block.

The manufacturer describes this condenser as follows: "High-intensity condenser with an auxiliary system for illuminating large fields while imaging the field diaphragm. [...] The condenser of the FLUOVAL 2 can be used as a dry and immersion condenser of the highest aperture to achieve the highest possible excitation intensity. It is equipped with a switchable wide-field system that illuminates the large fields of low-power objectives while providing a sharp image of the field diaphragm in the object plane."

Description of this part for the microscope.

meters:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Designation: Apl. 1,4
Name of the mount according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Kondensoreinhänger mfl 2, Bestellnummer 301080:021.26/0
Name of the condenser according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Aplanatischer Kondensor 1.4 mo / ms (applies only to the upper optical part)
Name of the condenser according to the manufacturer's catalogue: Kondensor hoher Lichtstärke mit Vorschaltsystem (applies to the entire module)
Version: grey colour with a black upper lens. Variant without the "dot" in the name after "Apl"
Numerical aperture N.A.: 1.4
Aperture diaphragm: yes, attached to the condenser mount
Wide-field lens: yes, it can be swung out of the optical path. This is the version with the large lens in a housing (see description below)
Removable upper lens: yes, it can be rotated
Mounting diameter: the optical part (condenser without diaphragm) has a mounting diameter of 39.5 mm and can be unscrewed from the condenser mount
Operating modes: the condenser can be used both as a dry condenser and as an immersion condenser

The entire part consists of the following elements:
- upper Apl 1,4 lens
- screw-on/removable condenser (mo / ms)
- iris diaphragm screwed onto the condenser mount
- condenser mount model mfl 2
- swing-out wide-field lens
- two centering screws

This condenser is mainly used in Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Fluoval-2 fluorescence microscopes. It is optimal for use with high-numerical-aperture apochromatic microscope objectives. For precisely this reason, users often install it on Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval and Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival microscopes equipped with apochromatic objectives (Carl Zeiss Jena Apochromat).

It is worth mentioning again that this condenser can be used in two modes:
- without immersion oil on the upper lens of the condenser. In this case, it operates as a "dry condenser" and its numerical aperture N.A. is 0.9.
- with immersion oil on the upper lens of the condenser (i.e. underneath the microscope slide). In this case, it operates as an "immersion condenser" and its numerical aperture N.A. is 1.4, allowing a very bright image to be obtained – this is important in fluorescence microscopy or when using high-N.A. immersion objectives.

During production, this condenser was available in several versions:
- with a black upper lens, a dot in the model name (Apl. 1,4) and a wide-field module consisting of a single lens
- with a black upper lens, without a dot in the model name (Apl 1,4) and a single wide-field module consisting of several lenses (including one with a very small diameter)
- with a grey upper lens marked Apl 1,4mo2 and a single wide-field module consisting of several lenses (including one with a very small diameter)
- with a grey upper lens marked Apl 1,4mo2 and a wide-field module consisting of two independently swing-out lenses, each on its own mount

I have not found any information anywhere as to whether the above-mentioned versions differ in their operation. From experience, I know that they are used interchangeably – but I do not know whether any differences in operation can actually be noticed.

Mechanically, this condenser is mounted on dovetail rails located underneath the microscope stage. In Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscopes, this is a separate condenser mounting block, whereas in Carl Zeiss Jena Fluoval / Amplival microscopes, the dovetail is located on the microscope stage holder block.

The manufacturer describes this condenser as follows: "High-intensity condenser with an auxiliary system for illuminating large fields while imaging the field diaphragm. [...] The condenser of the FLUOVAL 2 can be used as a dry and immersion condenser of the highest aperture to achieve the highest possible excitation intensity. It is equipped with a switchable wide-field system that illuminates the large fields of low-power objectives while providing a sharp image of the field diaphragm in the object plane."