This is description of this part:
Pancratic microscope condenser by Carl Zeiss Jena.
Basic data and parameters:
Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Jena
Version: gray color, from Carl Zeiss Jena Amplival microscope
Number of lenses: 3
Numerical aperture N.A.: variable, from N.A. 0.16 to N.A. 1.4
Aperture diaphragm: yes, screwed on as a detachable module
The Carl Zeiss Jena pancratic condenser has three upper lenses:
- for working with low magnification objectives (usually up to 6.3x)
- Apl. 1.4 for working with high magnification objectives
- an oil immersion cardioid darkfield lens with N.A. = 1.05
Mechanically, this condenser is mounted on dovetail rails located on the microscope stage holder block.
Here are the mounting possibilities of the pancratic condenser to Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes:
- to Amplival, Docuval, Epival, Fluoval, Vertival microscopes, this condenser can be mounted directly
- to Ergaval, Nu, Nu 2, Nf microscopes, this condenser is mounted after unscrewing the aperture diaphragm from it
- to Jenaval, Jenapol, Jenalumar microscopes, this condenser can also be mounted, but it is installed together with the entire stage holder block from the Amplival microscope http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artfeb09/rs-jenalumar.html
- be careful, because the Lumipan microscope also features a pancratic condenser, but with a completely different mounting method
This condenser is often used as a "parts donor" for own DIY projects, for example:
- the Apl. 1.4 lens is often used to modify (upgrade) condensers with a lower numerical aperture N.A. in various microscopes
- the darkfield lens is very often used to build a standalone cardioid condenser
- the iris diaphragm has a very wide range of applications
On the last photo, an arrow indicates which element it is and where it is located in the microscope to clearly identify this part. Additionally, the attached video shows how the individual elements of this condenser move.
What is this part needed for?
- if you own a used microscope without a condenser
- if you own a microscope with a classic Abbe condenser
- if you need to upgrade your microscope with a darkfield observation option
- if you already own a pancratic condenser, but it is damaged or of very poor quality
- if you need components from this condenser for your own DIY projects
