This is description of this part:
Dovetail mounting ring for microscope condensers (including phase contrast condensers) used on Zeiss Standard series microscopes (Oberkochen, West Germany).
In Carl Zeiss Standard series microscopes (with the exception of the Standard Junior teaching microscope), the condenser is not mounted in a circular clamp. Instead, it is fitted with a circular dovetail ring that slides into the condenser mounting guide.
This mounting interface is used on, among others, the following microscope models:
- Zeiss Standard 14 / 16 / 18 / GFL
- Zeiss Standard WL / WL 89
- Zeiss Standard 20 / 25 / 25 ICS
- Zeiss Universal
- Zeiss Photomicroscope I / II / III RS
- Zeiss Ultraphot
The ring has a diameter of 41.3 mm and three mounting holes used to attach it to the condenser. It also features a tapered recess that engages with the locating pin in the condenser holder, ensuring correct positioning of the condenser.
When attached to a condenser made by another manufacturer, this ring makes it possible to use, for example, the PZO KPI-2 DIC condenser and dozens of other condensers on Zeiss Standard-class microscopes.
Note regarding the mounting diameter: during nearly 50 years of production of this microscope series, the dovetail diameter was always approximately 42 mm, but it was never exactly identical. Depending on the production year, the material (plastic, aluminium or brass), and the condenser type (classic Abbe condenser or phase contrast disc condenser), the actual diameter may range from just over 41 mm to almost 43 mm. This relatively large tolerance is a consequence of the condenser holder design. The holder incorporates spring loading, a locating pin and centring/locking screws. As a result, condensers fitted with a mounting ring between approximately 41 mm and 43 mm in diameter can almost always be mounted securely and remain well centred.
What is this part needed for?
- if this mounting interface on your Zeiss microscope condenser has been damaged
- if you want to adapt a microscope condenser from another manufacturer for use on a Carl Zeiss microscope
