This is description of this part:
Holder for mounting interchangeable microscope condensers for Carl Zeiss Jena microscopes.
This condenser holder is a separate, removable module that can be 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.
What is this part needed for?
- if you own a Carl Zeiss Jena microscope with a non-interchangeable condenser and would like to replace the original holder with one for interchangeable condensers
- if you want to use a darkfield condenser on your Carl Zeiss Jena Ergaval microscope
- if your condenser holder is damaged and needs to be replaced
