This is description of this part:
Repair component for the Lux-US halogen illuminator (12V 100W) used in the Reichert Zetopan microscope and other microscope models using an illuminator with the same housing.
This is a spherical rear reflector mirror mounted inside the halogen illuminator behind the lamp. The function of this element is to collect and reflect the light that "shines backwards and escapes" and direct it towards the collimating lens.
Important: the Lux-US halogen illuminator was used exclusively in Reichert Zetopan microscopes.
Reichert Diapan and Reichert MeF-2 microscopes do not use the Lux-US illuminator, however the illuminators used in these microscopes have an identical mechanical housing and use the same rear reflector mirror.
Therefore, the mirror presented here is also compatible with these microscopes - it is a repair part for the illuminator rather than for a specific microscope.
Older Reichert Zetopan microscope models were equipped with a 6V 30W illuminator, while newer models used the Lux-US illuminator with a 12V 100W halogen lamp. Currently (as of 2026), most amateur microscope users believe that this illuminator should be converted to an LED light source, while professional users still prefer a halogen bulb as a light source because of its full colour spectrum.
However, in both cases this lampenhaus is essential and must be repaired if damaged. Since it protrudes beyond the outline of the microscope (it is attached to the rear of the microscope base), it is exposed to mechanical damage. The mirror located directly next to the light source is susceptible to damage, among other reasons, due to exposure to high temperatures. In addition, over the decades the mirror surface may oxidise, causing the mirror to lose its optical properties and the entire illuminator to lose brightness.
Information from the manufacturer's English-language catalogue "Zetopan Research Microscope. Price List, Effective December 1, 1976":
- This component belongs to the microscope illuminator. The catalogue number of the illuminator is: "Lux US" 9 14 41 04 and "Binolux 3 dual lamp housing" 9 60 05 21
In the photo gallery you will find the exact dimensions of this element, and the last photo shows the complete Lux-US illuminator for the Reichert Zetopan microscope, allowing compatibility to be confirmed with certainty.
What is this part needed for?
- as a service part (repair component) if you own a microscope equipped with this illuminator and this part has been damaged
