Numismatic Microscopes/camera supplies

For all of those that have had interest in obtaining a microscope, or other photograhic supplies, here is the company that I have purchased from.

http://www.coinoptics.com

 

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Thanks, ND ! That's a keeper; I'm bookmarking it.

I've been thinking about a stereo microscope, but not quite willing to let go of the money.

I'd also like to get a scale

http://www.safepub.com/Catalog/coins/scale.htm

but same deal.

I see them both as handy devices for purposes of authentication.

 

I have dealt with both companies many times over the years. Even resell a few items from "Safe". For most collectors, a microscope is out of their needs. I use mine daily. The scale on a semi regular basis. One thing that I would recommend is the zoom microscope. Changing the lens on some of the cheaper models can be time consuming, and if not done properly can damage the lens.
If you do research on coins or collect varieties, the cost will certainly be outweighed by the benefits in the long run. With the camera attachment, it is an incredibly valuable tool.
There is a rumor abound that Radio Shack is going to be offering a pocket stereo microscope in the very near future. How it will work, or what it will cost is still not known.

 

Unless it's a whole bunch better than their pocket 30x microscope, it will be overpriced no matter how small the cost, due to its tiny field of view and difficulty in focusing.

 

Geez,

I use my Radio Shack pocket scope all the time. Yes it has a small field of view. I have no trouble focusing it. It cost maybe $10?

It is an older model, no longer offered. Perhaps you have a newer one?

 

Any way to hook up one of those microscopes to a monitor so you could view the coin on a screen as opposed to just the eye piece?

 

You have to mount your camera to the scope and use that to view on your monitor.

 

I have seen such a microscope demonstrated at the Long Beach Show. As I recall it was quite expensive, and functioned as a sort of camera by allowing you to save the image. If I get a chance to attend the next Long Beach Show in September , and if I remember this thread , and if it is there again I'll revive the thread and post some more info about it.

 

I figure it would be expensive but it would be a lot easier to look at a coin, especially if two or more people would like to look at it.

 

I bought two of them last week at Radio Shack for $9.99 each. It does lack a correcting lens, so the image is always upside down. You get around that by putting the object under it upside down. Also, I find it impossible to hold it in one hand and the coin in another. The coin has to be on a surfact with the 'scope down on it. Other than that, it is a neat little toy and one I will carry with me. (The other is set aside.)

Michael