Microscopes

[raeghan.s]

Hi all,

New to the forum, looking for some recommendations for a new microscope. My current model has no tilt, I’ve recently undergone a spinal fusion in my neck, so once I’m back to work I would like to have something with tilt, will make my days earlier I’m certain! I have experience with the GIA DLScopes, but there’s obviously many other options out there. Ive looked at the Gemoro Elite Model DSPro 1067 also but I have no experience with the Gemoro product. Would like to know if anyone has used this particular model or has any other recommendations they could make to me.

Happy to be a part of the forum, excited to meet all!

Thanks in advance!

[Barbra Voltaire, FGG]

Hi and Welcome
See this former thread.
https://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/ph ... 57&t=22906

[raeghan.s]

Thanks Barbara. I hadn’t seen that one. I’d dug through the forum trying to find any information I could find on any scopes that could had the tilting ability that would work well for me. The DLScope is the only one I have previous experience with or know anything about. Appreciate it!

[Barbra Voltaire, FGG]

A lot depends on your budget.

[raeghan.s]

Would love to stay under $5000CAD, not opposed to spending more for better if necessary. I need something that will work with my neck and for many many years. I am in the process of building a lab that can be registered, so it’s business oriented. I consider it an investment over an expense.

[Barbra Voltaire, FGG]

Definitely not the cheapest, but this is what I sprung for several years ago:
http://www.eickhorst.com/en/gem-microsc ... cular-set/

[1bwana1]

Definitely not the cheapest, but this is what I sprung for several years ago:
http://www.eickhorst.com/en/gem-microsc ... cular-set/

Nice scope!!!!

[Brian]

I like this scope a lot.

Use the "search" feature at the top of the page, search for keyword "Meiji" in the "Gem Equipment" forum, and you'll come across several positive reviews. Purchased new, it will be right at the top of your budget.

[Stephen Challener]

There's always the option of getting an older gemolite. I have two with different heads and love them both.

[1bwana1]

Yep, the GIA Gemolite microscopes are great. I have a Mark VII Reichert model and it does everything I need. Great optics, and very sturdy and reliable.

[Barbra Voltaire, FGG]

I know the Gemolites have always been the favorite of Alberto Scarani!

[raeghan.s]

I have looked at used Gemolites on eBay as well, eBay shopping makes me nervous though. I know, like most things now, older models are certainly built to last lol. But having no factory guarantees makes me nervous when shopping for expensive equipment like this. I don’t know if that’s unfounded or not. Through all my looking I’ve definitely determined, I don’t want to shop based on strictly price, I believe you get what you pay for. I’d like to make this purchase without taking out a loan too, but I’ve accepted too that this is hands down imo, the most important piece of equipment sitting in an independent lab.

Gemoro reviews seem so hit and miss to me, and like I said, you get what you pay for.
The GIA products, although I’ve used them, I feel like are overpriced for what they have after comparing with other scopes.
I’ve looked through the Kassoy catalogue, and I like the idea of going trinocular for the ease of setting up camera too. There’s one in their catalogue that looks nice, but I want opinions on things from people who have used a variety of different equipment. Ideally I feel it would be easier to look at shows for this, but I’d like to get this set up for as soon as I’m cleared to go back to work, as my old scope without the tilt is far from ideal with my neck now.

Barbra, I have definitely put that scope on my radar, it is absolutely amazing. If only the Canadian dollar was not so weak against the Euro. It would be over $10,000.00 by my calculation right now. Here I sit praying for them to even out miraculously overnight lol.

[1bwana1]

I know the Gemolites have always been the favorite of Alberto Scarani!

And there is always a nice selection of very good used ones on Ebay for very affordable prices.

[Brian]

raeghan.s, when I wrote above that “I like this scope a lot,” I wasn’t talking about the Eickhorst. “This scope” in blue is a link to a webpage about a Meiji microscope.

Just wanted to make sure you saw this possible option for a microscope that addresses your needs and concerns.

[raeghan.s]

Yes! Thank you Brian. I’ve kept open tabs of all the scopes I’m considering right now, as such.

http://meijitechno.com/gemz-5tr-trinocu ... microscope
https://m.ebay.ca/itm/GIA-GEMOLITE-MARK ... SwtGlZAh1B
http://www.kassoy.com/Kassoy-Microscope ... Camera.asp
http://www.kassoy.com/kassoy-microscope ... scopes.asp

These are sort of my top contenders at this point. I’m not rushing the decisions, I want to make sure I get the right one.