We specialize in the restoration and sale of the fine microscopes made by ERNST LEITZ GmbH, Wetzlar (Now Leica Microsystems) in Germany. We include a one year warranty on all of our reconditioned Leitz microscopes. We provide our customers with complete and fully functional microscopy systems that may include new accessories such as LED illumination, modern digital cameras, motorized stages and focus drives for enhanced capabilities. Z-Stacking (aka EDF=extended depth of focus), image stitching, AR (augmented reality) and telemicroscopy are all digital methods that may be used with microscopes that may be 30 years old! Visit our "LEITZ RESEARCH AND RRR MICROSCOPES" section on this website for short details on the various Leitz microscopes we offer. We are constantly adding to our inventory that specializes in LEITZ and WILD products. All are subject to prior sale. Many are offered on EBay or LabX. SAVE A MICROSCOPE FROM A TRIP TO THE LANDFILL...TAKE YOUR MICROSCOPY TO THE NEXT LEVEL FOR LESS MONEY THAN PURCHASING NEW MICROSCOPES...YES, EVEN CHINESE MAKES.
Most "name brand" (aka NOZL) research microscopes being sold on Ebay are in need of profesional service to repair, clean and align the mechanical movements. Most "used" microscopes being sold will be missing key components that may be difficult (or impossible) to locate. LEITZ research microscopes are designed for RRR and we at Bunton Instrument provide that effort here in Maryland for the past 60-PLUS YEARS. Key Leitz research stands from 1960-1990 include ORTHOLUX I/II and ORTHOPLAN. Yes, we service and sell most of the other Leitz models from this 30-year period. These three models are fantastic "foundation" stands that offer the research scientist a wide variety of optical choices. We take the time to locate missing components, update illumination to LED and provide unique microscope accessories of our own design and construction. We discuss your application and future options for expansion of the basic Leitz microscope stand. We can help with your DIGITAL PHOTOMICRSCOPY requirements. Real LEITZ QUALITY and decades more performance thanks to the RRR from Bunton. Try getting a microscope today that can do what a ORTHOLUX or ORTHOPLAN can do...why are there so many nice Leitz accessories on EBAY? The reason is that the sellers take these older surplus instruments apart and they do not have a "clue" about their use or operation....we do!
We offer LEITZ MICROSCOPES for both LIFE SCIENCE and MATERIALS SCIENCE applications. Transmission or reflected light studies. Specialized methods including phase contrast, DIC, darkfield, brightfield, polarized light and fluorescence methods. Digital photomicroscopy and HDMI for real time teaching and discussion.
CITIZEN SCIENTISTS are interested in all types of samples ranging from pond water critters to materials viewed in refleced light (DIC, darkfield, polarized light etc.). Leitz made some very unique optical kits during this 30-year window. HEINE PHASE, Smith DIC, ULTROPAK, Francon, Nomarski) are only available for the flagship models mentioned here. We have rare models including the world's first Ortholux I with PLOEM incident light FLUORESCENCE vertical illuminator. Heine COLOR PHASE CONTRAST!
LEITZ research microscopes (ORTHOPLAN AND METALOPLAN) are listed in a separate section for the discriminating microscopist with requirements going beyond the usual brightfield student and hobby brightfield microscopes. Bespoke construction is available for your specific requirements. We can provide you with optimal camera couplers for any of our RRR microscopes to mate your existing camera properly. We specialize in the Leitz microscopes made prior to 2000 and offer accessories for contrast enhancement that most serious microscopists will demand for their research and photomicroscopy needs.
Yes, BUNTON is into BESPOKE MICROSCOPY!
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 2025 LEITZ MICROSCOPE PURCHASE PROSECTS: THE BEST PRICE WILL ALWAYS BE DIRECT BESPOKE MICROSCOPE TRANSACTIONS DIRECTLY WITH
BUNTON INSTRUMENT CO., INC. YOU TELL US HOW YOU WANT THE INSTRUMENT EQUIPPED. WE ALSO LIST COMPLETE LEITZ MICROSCOPES ON EBAY. NO OPTIONS AND IT MAY NOT BE EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT THE OPTICAL SYSTEM KIT TO MEET YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET. EBAY SALES INCLUDE THEIR COMMISSION AND SALES TAX. DIRECT TRANSACTIONS DO NOT INCLUDE EBAY COLLECTIONS OR SALES TAX....UNLESS YOUR SHIPMENT GOES TO A LOCATION IN MARYLAND. Q2-2025 WILL BE A MAJOR SELLING EFFORT AS WE REDUCE OUR LEITZ INVENTORY. WE PLAN TO CONTINUE SALES AND SERVICE ON LEITZ PRODUCTS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. CONTACT ME AND WE CAN DISCUSS AN INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS. BEST TO START OUT WITH AN EMAIL CONTACT SINCE I AM RARELY NEAR THE PHONE THESE DAYS. TOO MANY SCAM CALLERS AND TIME-WASTERS ON THE INCOMING LINE. TELEPHONE SPAM!
WE CAN THEN ARRANGE A TIME CONVENIENT FOR YOU TO TALK ON THE TELEPHONE.
We stock hundreds of LEITZ OBJECTIVES for various applications, requirements and budgets. Each lens is completely cleaned and checked on a Leitz microscope to assure perfect performance. Minor metal scratches but the "glass" is free of dings or it is not put in the stock drawer. We carefully test full performance and make sure the spring loaded lenses or optics with coverglass correction collars or iris diaphragms all work. We know how to take these optics apart and clean and lube as needed. LEITZ OPTICS RARELY DELAMINATE OVER THE DECADES. THE OPTICAL PERFORMANCE 30-50 YEARS AFTER PRODUCTION IS THE SAME WHEN SET UP PROPERLY ON A LEITZ STAND TODAY. ACHROMATS TO FLUORITES TO APOCHROMATS....WE KEEP THEM IN STOCK FOR USE ON THE MANY LEITZ MICROSCOPE STANDS WE HAVE ON HAND. THE OPTICS ARE THE HEART OF ANY FINE MICROSCOPE!
NEW INFO ON SELECTION OF OPTICS FOR YOUR AREA OF INTEREST AND BUDGET
VISIT THE "ACCESSORIES" PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE. NEW CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND INFLATION-BEATER P0LICY FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASE A LEITZ MICROSCOPE FROM BUNTON INSTRUMENT....THIS POLICY APPLIES TO BOTH BESPOKE INSTRUMENTS AS WELL AS EBAY PURCHASES. SAVE UP TO 40% ON BUNTON AND LEITZ ACCESSORIES AFTER THE SALE. DETAILS ON THIS WEBSITE UNDER "ACCESSORIES".
LEITZ DIAVERT INVERTED MICROSCOPE (VISIT LEITZ MICROSCOPES RRR) FOR DIGITAL PHOTOMICROSCOPY AND UNIQUE ILLUMINATION METHODS THAT INCLUDE POLARIZED LIGHT AND OBLIQUE PHASE CONTRAST AS WELL AS THE ABILITY TO AUTOMATE Z-STACKING. PERFECT MATE TO YOUR LEITZ UPRIGHT MICROSCOPE FOR AQUATICS, CELL CULTURES, EMBRYOLOGY, STUDY OF BIREFRINGENT SAMPLES AND ANY SAMPLE THAT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO VIEW USING AN UPRIGHT MICROSCOPE. THE POLARIZED LIGHT IMAGE (TOP HEADER) YOU SEE ON THIS HOME PAGE WAS CAPTURED ON THE DIAVERT WITH SIMPLE POLARIZED LIGHT AND THE FULL LAMBDA COMPENSATOR (10X OBJECTIVE). DIAVERT IS AN IDEAL INSTRUMENT FOR CLASSROOM STEAM TEACHING AS WELL AS AN ECONOMICAL CHOICE FOR MICROFLUIDICS STUDIES. CLICK ON THE YOUTUBE ICON (RED WITH WHITE ARROW) TOP RIGHT AND VIEW THE 12 MINUTE VIDEO ON THE DIAVERT CONTRASTING METHODS.
SEE OUR SPECIAL STEAM DIAVERT AT THE END OF THIS PAGE...PHASE, DARKFIELD, POLARIZED LIGHT, LED ILLUMINATION AND HDMI COLOR DIGITAL VIDEO AND PHOTOMICROSCOPY. PRICES START UNDER $3,000.00.
SEE THE NEW UPRIGHT MICROFLUIDICS MICROSCOPY SYSTEM "MHS" BY READING FURTHER......
THE LEITZ "ORTHOPLAN" MICROSCOPE STAND (CA. 1965) WAS THE FLAGSHIP MODEL FROM LEITZ FOR ABOUT 25-YEARS. MORE ACCESSORIES FOR THIS MODEL ARE AVAILABLE ON EBAY THAN ANY OTHER MICROSCOPE EVER MADE AFTER 1900. VERY FEW KNOW HOW TO OVERHAUL THE FOCUS BLOCK AND USE THE CORRECT LUBRICANTS TO KEEP THESE PRECISION INSTRUMENTS IN OPERATION INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. WE HAVE THOSE SKILLS AT BUNTON AND OUR BESPOKE APPROACH TO PROVIDING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH FIRST-CLASS RESEARCH MICROSCOPES IS QUITE UNIQUE IN THE U.S. MARKETPLACE. ORTHOLUX 1, ORTHOLUX 2 AND ORTHOPLAN.....ONE INSTRUMENT TO STUDY LIVE CELLS TO MEMS DEVICES!
WE OVERHAUL LEITZ MICROSCOPE FOCUS BLOCKS IN MARYLAND. CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS. Restoration of your Leitz microscope with free expertise before and after the RRR job.
Shopping for and purchasing used microscopes is a roll of the dice these days. Seldom will one find a completely serviced or correctly outfitted used microscope on the usual websites. Most sellers of used microscopes do not have a clue about their function or condition. Let the buyer beware! A handfull of these sellers offer a warranty. We have seen offers for used Leitz microscopes that are missing lamps, power supplies, objectives...even the body tube and oculars. Rarely would you find a used Leitz microscope (or any other make) that has had the focus block lubed and adjusted properly....Bunton offers only complete systems and our warranty and support after the sale is a rarely found when you deal with individuals or companies lacking the necessary expertise in these areas. Notice how ebay sellers of microscopes confess "we are not microscope experts" in their offers.
We have the expertise to bring older Leitz microscopes back into use for decades to come.
Bunton sells pre-configured, completely functional Leitz microscopes on EBay. You can get a Leitz instrument built to your exact needs and price range by contacting us directly and "bespoking" off of Ebay. You can still pay with PayPal or by check in advance. Out of Maryland customers are not charged sales tax. Free consultation before and after the sale.
We do not accept credit cards. Paypal has an interest-free arrangement for up to six months.
Contact me with any questions.....we stand ready to help you select a microscope to meet your needs and budget. REPAIR and RE-USE to help reduce your carbon footprint. Add modern made-in-America LED illumination and adapt old film camera attachments for use with modern digital imagers.
We accept UNIVERSITY and GOVERNMENT PURCHASE ORDERS with NET 30 PAYMENT TERMS. All other transactions are via Paypal or prepayment by check or bank wire. Why purchase NEW and very expensive microscopes that do not meet your EXACT REQUIREMENTS. "There are many microscopes, but few microscopists" (Glenn Richards - U of MN microscopy instructor). Together we can quote you a microscope system to meet your exact requirements.
NOZL (Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss and Leitz/Leica) microscopes and high quality optics are expensive. A set of apochromatic and fluorite plano objectives can easily cost over $10,000.00 for current, new laboratory microscopes. Bunton can provide you with a fully restored Leitz microscope with better mechanics and optics based on your exact requirements.....for less money than a few new objectives.....microscope and camera attachment included. Let us spec-out a microscope for your exact needs and save you a lot of money at the same time. Let's get these fine old microscope off the surplus shelves and put them back in use for the next 20 or so years. Clean-and-lubricate. Update to LED lighting, re-use old film camera attachments with modern digital cameras. RRR and reduce energy use by refurbishing microscopes that have been neglected and "put-away" in a closet. We are Leitz experts on the products made in Wetzlar from about 1960-1990....nothing like them on the market today. The many Chinese made products are getting expensive and do not come close to the quality and performance of a restored Leitz research instrument.
25 years of Leitz microscope production with comparison USA MSRP prices...watch what happens to the selling prices as Germany transitioned from the DM to the Euro. Inflation over this period resulted in very high prices for the research models from Wetzlar. Today we are seeing rampant world-wide inflation and devaluation of the US fiat currency. The Yen recently made a major shift in value against the dollar. Anything made in Japan or Germany will see increased selling prices in America. We can offer you excellent pricing on fully restored Leitz microscopes and include bespoke specs to meet your needs and budget. Just drop us an email and I will be glad to send you a copy of this recently completed price report.
Why do we see so many old microscopes being offered on Ebay? They are all in need of proper cleaning, lubrication and optical alignment. Just about all of them are missing key components such as lighting, optics, power supplies and even items such as body tubes, stages and nosepieces. We locate the missing pieces and take care of the full restoration process. We have over 150 LEITZ MICROSCOPES in our possession and we offer them on Ebay with a one year warranty. We provide fully functional microscopes only...no surprises for the buyer. We are unique as Ebay sellers....most sellers on Ebay are clueless on microscopes and their use. Still, without Ebay, I would not be providing Leitz microscopes that were built up to 40 years ago! I know the line (after 60 years in the microscope business) and I have the associates who can provide the proper restoration process to bring existing microscope back to use.
Bespoke LEITZ MICROSCOPES for your specific requirements are available....just contact me with your exact needs and I will be happy to quote you a price and availability. Already have a Leitz instrument? ....we can provide new capabilities to complement what you already own. Free consultation and Leitz expertise you won't find elsewhere these days.
Beat inflation and enjoy the optics and precision from Germany.
Don't waste your valuable funds on buying new microscopes that cost twice the price of a Bunton-restored microscope. Contact me with any questions or if you want to just chat about your applications and field of study now and in the future.
Thanks for listening!
Jim Averill
ATTENTION ROCK HOUNDS: I just came across a very nice (free) download from the MSA (Mineralogical Society of America) "GUIDE TO THIN SECTION MICROSCOPY" BY Raith, Raase and Reinhardt (2011) go to: msaweb.org/guide-to-thin-section-microscopy
This fine paper covers just about everything you need to know about the petrographic "pol" microscope and its many applications.
ANTIQUE LEITZ MICROSCOPES: Yes, they are at least 100 years old and make perfect gifts for those who appreciate German precision and optics. We have a few Leitz OrtholuxPOL models available for both incident and transmitted light petrography studies. Some very rare accessories like the Leitz integrating stage and universal rotating stage UT4. Wide selection of 170 and 215mm Leitz objectives and correct oculars. Ortholux is sneaking up on "antique status". Classics for display or use in your lab.
A Carl Zeiss AXIOPHOT POL that cost (new) well over $100K with all accessories included..also a Zeiss JenaPOL with all ofthe bells and whistles. Exceptional instruments at negotiable pricing....not real antiques just yet! Contact me for itemized listing ofall parts.
U-stage option. Amazing Zeiss optics.
A website of interest to those who seek information on restoration and accessories for true antiques: www.microscope-antiques.com by Dr. Barry Sobel. We also are presently listing some of our Leitz antiques on Ebay. Several are pre-1900 with five digit serial numbers. Great gifts for those doing restoration and display of the wonerful scientific tools of the past.
RIGHT IMAGE: a unique photo of the last of the Leitz finite tube length research stands....ORTHOPLAN 2 (replaced by ARISTOPLAN) and LABOVERT FS (fixed stage). Note the ergonomic body tube on the Labovert for user comfortable positioning of the oculars.
These are large, heavy microscopes that were replaced by the "DM" (das mikroskop) infinity tube length models back in the early 1990's.
We presently have three Labovert FS inverted microscopes equipped for DIC (aka IC-T interference contrast transmitted light) with 15 or 25mm condenser side working distance. Also, several Fluovert inverted FLUORESCENCE INVERTED MODELS available with LED.
PHOTOMICROGRAPH RIGHT: combined polarized light and darkfield with our own contrast enhancing kits for under $75.00. Sample is "safranin", a stain used in biological histology and gram staining. Polarizer, analyser, first order red compensator and a simple push-in darkfield stop.
GREAT YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR STUDENTS AND NEW MICROSCOPY HOBBYISTS:
VISIT: www.microbe hunter.com and tune into Oliver's many fine YouTube sessions with the microscope.
DIATOM SLIDES: www.diatomlab.com
We have a great selection of Leitz microscopes for the young scientist, student and citizen scientist. Black models include SM and Labolux. We can offer bespoke versions and models with teaching heads, phototubes or accessories for darkfield, phase contrast or polarized light....this makes microscopy an interesting way to spend time exploring nature and seeing things that the usual entry-level microscopes from China cannot provide. Prices start under $500.00 and include our one year warranty.
PHOTOS BELOW: SM-LUX student microscope with simple polarized light kit.
The "heart" of any optical microscope......the GLASS!
Petrographic microscope for thin mineral section studies....LABORLUX POL. More advanced models ranging from DIALUX POL to ORTHOPLAN POL.
Transmitted and incident polarized light methods.
Note the new LED controller that replaces the original 6V 15W filament bulb and transformer.
Beautiful white light without change in color temperature. Getting hard to find many older light bulbs these days.
We are pleased to announce our newest microscopy system called "MHS" (microfluidics high speed) from MotionScope. The MHS includes a special microscope, high speed (fps) monochrome camera, software and USA support. Up to 1000+ frames per second using a global shutter Sony CMOS sensor camera. A color global shutter camera is available as an option for epifluorescence investigations. Camera is easily removed from this microscope and may be used with the viewer for any conventional microscope in your lab (upright or inverted type with camera port).
SPECIAL VERSIONS OF THE LEITZ INVERTED MICROSCOPES DIAVERT AND LABOVERT WITH A HIGH SPEED CAMERA AND SOFTWARE INCLUDED FOR MICROFLUIDICS RECORDING AND ANALYSIS
ORGAN-ON-CHIP
The MHS is designed to eliminate any vibrations to the image. Flicker-free LED for both transmission and incident light (coaxial illumination) is built-in to the basic instrument. The entire microscope carrier is mounted on precision linear rails and a very precise fine focus micrometer drive results in live focusing prior to recording high speed sample movements.
Manual mechanical XY stage with 50mm x 80mm scan range and coaxial substage knob controls. Image below tells the story on using a high speed global shutter camera.
NOW AVAILABLE WITH OUR OWN EPIFLUORESCENCE VERTICAL ILLUMINATOR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FILTER CUBES AND HIGH INTENSITY LED FOR BLUE (GFP, NILE RED) OR GREEN LIGHT EXCITATION.
HIGH MAGNIFICATION OPTION USING THE USA-MADE INFINITY VIDEOMAX KC MICROSCOPE.
Set up for options to include macroscopic or microscopic imaging. Coaxial illumination is an option and both transmission and incident LED (flicker-free) is offered. Software includes the ability to change camera shutter speed as well as to quantify linear dimensions of microchannels and sample size. Set up for Windows 10 or better operating systems (user provides suitable computer).
Priced in the $10-13,000.00 range. Contact Bunton for a quote or to answer any questions you may have.
ADD OUR GLOBAL SHUTTER HIGH SPEED CAMERA AND MICROFLUIDICS SOFTWARE TO YOUR EXISTING MICROSCOPE....UNDER $2,500.00. GO TO "ORDERING DETAILS" FOR CODE AND PRICING. FREE 2 WEEK EVALUATION FOR QUALIFIED LABS.
GO TO OUR "DIGITAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS" CHAPTER FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON MHS MICROFLUIDIC MICROSCOPY.
Take a look at our YouTube demo on this software called "mvSLIDE". www.microvisioneer.com is the perfect economical solution for WSI image stitching in pathology and cytology. Perfect for those intending to validate WSI prior to implementation...for under $3,400.00. That price includes the software that is downloaded to your computer (Windows 10 or better) as well as a global shutter camera with the latest Sony Pregius sensor. 5.6 or 9MP performance and a suitable c-mount coupler for your existing microscope. Special packages are offered that include the new infinity corrected microscope, computer and 4K displayer. Here you move the XY mechanical stage of the microscope and collect and stitch each field of view while watching the display screen to monitor focus and whole slide image progress. Once complete, the WSI (virtual image) is ready for sharing with others or archived for future reference. Perfect for students and small departments that wish to create teaching WSI images for special cases, stains or group discussions in the classroom. Great for virtual slide making duties with any microscope objective on the nosepiece.....10x-100x.
mvSLIDE is now available in a FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY version. Use with high apeture oil or water immersion lenses. This option sells for an additional $1,100.00.
SOFTWARE AND CAMERA PACKAGES START UNDER $3500.00. Use classic optical methods such as phase contrast, DIC, darkfield and fluorescence. Difficult slides (plastic embedded, opaque samples, thin mineral samples...polarized light) that would be impossible to view with other slide scanners. Ideal for student use and replacing glass slides with virtual slides. If you go to You Tube do a search of "Concrete Petrography Microvisioneer" and see how this software can be used for non-biolgical WSI.
NEW FROM MICROVISIONEER! A new live viewing module called "mvLIVE" is now available with an option for broadcasting via CLOUD or LAN. $550.00 annual fee as an add-on to the basic mvSLIDE software. Great for on-line remote conferencing and quick decision-making with your associates. The LAN option is a one time fee of $1,100.00.
Global shutter cameras are required for WSI stitching. Rolling shutters would cause distorted images when doing the stitching process. We like the Basler (Germany) cameras. If you already own a global shutter CMOS color camera let us know the make and model and we can tell you if it is supported by mvSLIDE.
AUGMENTED REALITY MICROSCOPY (ARM) AND mvSLIDE/VIEW:
USE THE INTERNAL CAMERA OF THE AUGMENTIQS ARM MODULE AND PERFORM WSI AS NEEDED FOR ROI OR SPECIAL CASES THAT YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE AND SHARE WITH OTHERS...NOW ARM AND WSI ALL ON THE SAME MICROSCOPE FOR LESS MONEY THAN A BASIC WSI INSTRUMENT! TURBO-CHARGE YOUR EXISTING MICROSCOPE. DROP US A NOTE WITH YOUR MICROSCOPE MAKE AND MODEL AND WE CAN GO FROM THERE.
* Minimum 10fps at full resolution. Be sure the displayer resolution matches that of the camera being used.
Do you have an older fluorescence microscope with mercury arc lamp?
Do you have a fluorescence microscope not being used because the power supply is not operational and can't be fixed? Are you tired of dropping $200 on hazardous mercury burners every two hundred hours...and then having to do alignment procedures? IF SO, BUNTON NOW OFFERS A USA-MADE LED CONVERSION SOLUTION! (PHOTO LEFT MOUNTED ON A LEITZ LABORLUX 12 UPRIGHT WITH PLOEM ILLUMINATOR). ADAPTERS INCLUDED FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY OPTICAL MICROSCOPE MADE IN THE PAST 50 YEARS. SELECT FROM THE NEWEST 360NM (NEAR UV FOR DAPI), 460NM BLUE OR 540NM GREEN. INTEGRATED HEAT SINK AND VARIABLE INTENSITY WITHIN EASY REACH. CUT WAY DOWN ON QUENCHING AND SAVE LOTS OF $$$ OVER PURCHASING HAZARDOUS AND INEFFICIENT MERCURY ARC BULBS EVERY 200 HOURS.
AND OUR NEW MULTIPLE LED ILLUMINATORS WITH RAPID SWITCHING FOR THREE OR FOUR VISABLE RANGE SPIKES......
WE CAN PROVIDE ADAPTERS TO CONNECT TO JUST ABOUT ANY MAKE OR MODEL UPRIGHT OR INVERTED MICROSCOPE. DETAILS UPON REQUEST. WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING PLOEM ILLUMINATOR, FILTER MODULES AND OPTICAL SET. OUR NEWEST LED OFFERING (IMMEDIATE LEFT PHOTO) ALLOWS YOU TO PRESET THREE OR FOUR SPECTRA INTENSITY LEVELS INDIVIDUALLY FOR RAPID FILTER CUBE SWITCHING TO CHECK DAPI, FITC, CY5 (BLUE, GREEN, RED STOKES SHIFT EMISSION COLORS). SHOWN WITH A LEITZ FLUOVERT INVERTED MICROSCOPE AND DIGITAL CONTROL UNIT.
EASILY ADAPTED TO SPECIAL MICROSCOPY SYSTEMS INCLUDING EPIFLUORESCENCE FOR MACROSCOPIC WORK WITH EMBRYOS, ZEBRA FISH, C-ELEGANS, FLIES ETC. ASK ABOUT OUR NEW RetroFL MACRO/MICROSCOPE FOR DIGITAL IMAGING AND Z-STACKING.
PHOTO (LEFT) WAS PROVIDED BY BRIAN MATSUMOTO AND CAPTURED ON AN OLYMPUS BX-51 MICROSCOPE WITH A 60X WATER IMMERSION 1.2na OBJECTIVE. HIGH APERTURE WATER IMMERSION OPTICS (40X, 50X, 60X, 100X) ARE VERY GOOD ALTERNATIVES TO OIL IMMERSION. EXCELLENT RESOLUTION WITHOUT THE MESS OF OIL. MITOCHONDRIA (RED), F-actin (GREEN) AND DNA (BLUE). THREE EXPOSURES PROCESSED IN PHOTOSHOP.
PHOTO AT END OF THIS PAGE (#3) SHOWS OUR NEWEST LED FROM CHINA. THIS MODEL HAS THREE INDEPENDENT LEDS WITH INTENSITY ADJUSTMENT FOR DICHROIC CUTS AT 365NM, 470NM AND 560NM....DAPI, GFP AND TRITC FOR EXAMPLE....BLUE, GREEN, RED EMISSIONS. RAPID ON-OFF AND 20,000 HOUR PLUS LED LIFETIMES. THAT IS ABOUT THE SAME AS OVER 200 MERCURY ARC REPLACEMENT BULBS EVERY 100 OR SO HOURS OF BURN TIME...AT $200.00 PER BULB! LESS THAN $3,400.00 WITH AN ADAPTER FOR YOUR MAKE/MODEL MICROSCOPE. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. WE HONOR PURCHASE ORDERS FROM SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT LAB FACILITIES IN THE USA.
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR DEMO OF BOTH NEW LED MODULES.
Visit "ORDERING DETAILS" or "ILLUMINATION" on our "ACCESSORIES" pages on our website.
We offer LEITZ microscopes equipped with LED illumination, phase contrast, darkfield and HDMI real time cameras with SD card for recording stills as well as short full motion events. Electronic pointer and all camera functions are controlled by a mouse. On-screen menu. See one of these cameras and LED lamps mounted on the Diavert at the end of this page. STEAM learning centers need equipment far beyond the usual monocular brightfield teaching microscopes, magnifiers , $1.00 cardboard "scopes" and power-point presentations. Open the doors to biology for the students.....special purchase plans are available to K-12 schools that are ready to go outside of the usual learning box.
WORLD'S BEST KNOWN MODULAR MICROSCOPE - LEITZ ORTHOLUX!
The world's first modular microscope that may be outfitted with LED, digital camera adapter, phase contrast, darkfield, polarized light, incident light and basic brightfield. German precision and optics in a classic modular design. Ortholux is a great foundation microscope for hobbyist and citizen scientist requirements. Adapt your existing digital camera for high quality photomicroscopy and digital cine.
Prices start under $2000.00 with phototube, polarized light, darkfield and brightfield capabilities. Serviced with one year warranty by Bunton Instrument.
USA-made LED shown on the Ortholux to your right.
No more expensive (discontinued) 30W light bulbs and very homogenous illumination for viewing and photomicroscopy. Remote control of intensity and plenty of light for phase contrast and darkfield work. Shown with our new RetroH2O micro-dish with coverglass bottom. How do you like that classic (world's first 35mm on a microscope....the Leica)? World-famous "Micro-Ibso" has been converted for M42 so you can add the DSLR or MILC of choice. Just add a suitable $25.00 T-mount adapter and your camera. Shown with a Canon EOS digital. Just open the shutter (T on the MicroIbso) and use the shutter in the camera while in LIVE VIEW on your computer. We have a good selection of Ortholux ONE instruments from the 1950's to the early 70's....fully restored with a one year warranty. Bespoke construction based on your needs and budget limits.
ORTHOLUX 1 READY FOR BESPOKE SET-UP AND DELIVERY....LEITZ FLAGSHIP MODEL FOR DECADES
FULLY RESTORED BY BUNTON. AVAILABLE IN 2025:
World's original epifluorescence microscope after PLOEM.....LED or mercury arc....very historical version of Ortholux I.
FSA TUBE, US LED, DSLR COUPLER AND HEINE KIT
FSA TUBE, US LED, DSLR COUPLER AND SMITH-T
DIC KIT WITH (P) NPL SET 25X, 40X AND 100X OIL
FSA TUBE, US LED, DSLR COUPLER AND HD VERTICAL ILLUMINATOR WITH PLAN FLUOTAR OBJECTIVE SET
ORTHOLUX I-POL petrographic with full optic sets for transmitted and incident light studies...complete with mechanical stage, compensators and other unique components for serious microscopey of minerals.
ULTROPAK INCIDENT LIGHT DARKFIELD WITH FSA TUBE AND DUAL 100W HALOGEN LIGHTING FOR TRANSMITTED AND INCIDENT LIGHT APPLICATIONS
SEVERAL ORTHOLUX 1 WITH BEREK CONDENSER AND BRIGHTFIELD
REFLECTED LIGHT PHASE CONTRAST MODEL
ADD SIMPLE POLARIZED LIGHT AND DARKFIELD COMPONENTS. SIMPLE PHASE CONTRAST FOR 25 AND 40X PHACO #2 OPTICS
HEINE AND ZERNIKE PHASE CONTRAST KITS WITH INTEGRATED BRIGHTFIELD AND DARKFIELD SETTINGS
Incident light phase contrast for materials science studies.....Leitz exclusive!
FS TUBE VERSIONS WITH US LED LIGHTING AND FIELD DIAPHRAGM WITH 600 OR 400 CONDENSERS....OBJECTIVES AS NEEDED OR SUPPLY YOUR OWN FINITE TUBE LENGTH OPTIC KIT
CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS OR A PRICE QUOTE.
Jim
ORTHOLUX II replaced the Ortholux I model in the 1970's. Shown with modern LED illumination and a camera lucida tracing device, the Ortholux II may be equipped for phase contrast, fluorescence or polarized light studies. The zoom lens in the photo port is taken from an obsolete Vario Orthomat camera rig and then adapted to c-mount or DSLR cameras. RRR
Ortholux II has full interchangeability of major components (lamps, tubes, optics) with the inverted instrument of that era...DIAVERT. See a photo of Diavert at the very end of this home page.
Ortholux II is a very modular and expandable German-made instrument.
The LEITZ ORTHOPLAN is the flagship instrument for about twenty-five years. The first research microscope with up to 28mm field index due to larger prisms in the body tube, GW super-widefield oculars and plano objectives....up to 2.5X the field of view with comparable research microscopes. Shown with the famous PLOEM illuminator.
Bunton Instrument is proud to keep these fine Leitz microscopes in use. So many are collecting dust on surplus shelves or in landfills around the world. All they need is TLC and expertise to bring them back to a new and useful precision instrument. We provide that expertise with every RRR Bunton Leitz microscope we offer. We offer a ONE YEAR WARRANTY and back each sale with our 60-plus year experience with these Leitz microscopes. I am not aware of any other USA company with the ability to properly service these instruments and back their overhauls with a one year warranty. We can help you find old parts or, at least, give you free guidance on where to look and provide part numbers etc. Swiss-made Wild (MPS) camera attachment (above right) has been repurposed by our shop for use with full frame 35 (43mm diagonal) sensor cameras. Also useable for smaller sensors such as APS-C. A LEITZ DIALUX 20 microscope with our RRR MPS MODULE is shown in the photo above. The Canon EOS camera is connected to a Canon T-Mount adapter that connects to the M42 male thread at the top of the 0.32x lens inside the MPS housing. All set for LIVE VIEW on your computer!
Any cheap coupler from China (under $300.00) will degrade your crisp images to unuseable mush. Our repurposed Leitz couplers consist of a fixed interchangeable photo ocular or a Leitz zoom module (selling new for $1349. in 1993!).
We then use the Leitz 0.32x optical component mated with a M42 adapter for your T-mount adapter and camera of choice. Full frame 35 sensor cameras with the expected flat, sharp Leitz imaging you see in the oculars. You get what you pay for when it comes to the glass in the front and rear of your photomicro system. The heart of you microscope.
We also RRR the old Leitz Orthomat W film cameras (costing over $5000.00 when discontinued years ago!) Here we recycle the electronics and just use the ZOOM optical core mated to a M42 thread adapter tube. This may be the only OPTICAL ZOOM DLSR/MILC COUPLER for microscopes on the planet. 2X to 3.2x range for use on the Orthoplan or any later Leitz research model with the larger prisms in the body tube. See our report on camera couplers for small format cameras in the section covering digital cameras and photomicroscopy. This modified MPS is also useable on Nikon photoports (38mm) as well as older Wild stereo microscope phototubes with 38mm open port.
If you seek a microscope that is equipped with a 35mm film camera we can help. I have reserved a quantity of previously-owned Wild-Leitz MPS and Orthomat cameras that are for old-school analog film microscopists. We can also provide such film cameras with simple adapters that allow use of your DSLR/MILC when digital is the best route.
Try putting out such a requirement to the NOZL firms today......you won't get very far.
NEW MILC (mirror-less interchangeable lens camera) from SONY worth consideration. The Alpha 9 III is 24MP with a GLOBAL SHUTTER and FULL FRAME 35MM (24x36mm/43mm diagonal) SENSOR.
CONTACT US REGARDING THE CURRENT LEITZ MICROSCOPE AVAILABILITY. WE ARE HAPPY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS AND HOW WE MIGHT PROVIDE YOU WITH A FINE INSTRUMENT THAT IS WITHIN YOUR BUDGET. WE DO NOT SELL INDIVIDUAL LEITZ MICROSCOPE PARTS......WE ONLY SELL COMPLETE LEITZ MICROSCOPES AND GIVE YOU THE FLEXIBILITY TO USE YOUR EXISTING LEITZ PARTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE ON HAND.
Photomicroscopy to photomacrography to astro photography. Z stack MEMS by Krebs and MOON by Ilves. Try getting shots like this with a stereo microscope! The K2 is a long-distance compound microscope by design. Internal focusing with working distances (NWE front optic) from 27" to INFINITY! Attach any one of six front optics for tighter shots with working distances ranging from 2" to about 38". Used by NASA and other research labs calling for long working distance, high mag, high res digital imaging. Recent sale to a lab doing dental research....area of interest is totally surrounded by sensors and LED illumination. The K2 is mounted on a rigid support with ball and socket for positioning. That knurled ring in the center of the microscope is your internal focusing control. Note the beamsplitter option to connect a small format or large format (full frame 35 sensor) with quick switching from one to the other....or use one port for an eyepiece. A high speed camera is used to record rapid events with digital cine....the camera costs much more than the K2 with a few optics (about $10K).
INFINITY PHOTO OPTICAL IN COLORADO, IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW MICROSCOPE BUILDERS IN AMERICA.
Here you will see the modular TS-160 microscope mounted on a rigid support stand with LED lighting for modeling and composition. Perfect for any small object photomacro or micro using the Micro HM objective shown. Add the "Macro" lens for larger samples to get a wider field of view. Focus as close as 18mm (16X) or back it out to about 27mm to get 4X. Not a zoom lens...this is a complete microscope for the critical photomicroscopist. Use up to full frame (24mm x 36mm) sensor DSLR and MILCs. Built-in aperture diaphragm to control DOF and maximize resolution/contrast performance.
The photomicrographs captured by Charles Krebs will illustrate the optical performance merits of the Infinity Photo Optical InfiniProbe TS-160. The photo of the TS-160 mounted on a stereo microscope support stand is ideal for high resolution photomicroscopy with a DSLR or MILC.....the TS-160 comes with both a macro(on stand)and micro(on main photo)interchangeable front lens. Note the twin flash head fixture for high intensity flash units. Wireless Nikon flash heads are in the photo of the TS-160 on microscope stand. TS-160 is perfect for manual Z-stacking using software from Zerene or Helicon. Another unit is called the KC-VIDEOMAX. The KC may also be used with full frame cameras but it is optimized for use with motorized sample stages for automatic z-stacking with products such as our Retro-ZED described above. You will not get such images using a camera on even the best stereo microscope (single photo channel). You will have the ability to capture photomacro or photomicro images with the same microscope...simply by changing optical components. Use with your DSLR and small format (HD) camera (for training and group discussions) at the same time. Create EDF (extended depth of focus) Z-stacks that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with even the best single channel macrozooms.....for a lot less money. All are made in the USA with a five year warranty. Thanks to Charles Krebs for his fantastic photomacrographs captured with TS-160....all z-stacked for EDF.
The TS-160 microscope with high mag optic is shown below....focus from 18mm to INFINITY!
PHOTO #1 BELOW: HMD for low-vision persons...direct screen viewing with Infinity ULTIMA and a small format camera mounted on a Zeiss Axioskop
PHOTO #2 BELOW: USA-made LED "NEW COMPACT VERSION" on a rare Leitz Dialux Gen 1 - Black to replace 30W lamp originally supplied by Leitz - Same fitting for Ortholux I - you can't get that bulb any longer!
PHOTO #3 BELOW: USA-made LED for two lambda epifluorescence with mod to existing lamp housings..RRR
Replaces mercury arc lamp and power supply for wide band BLUE and GREEN LIGHT FILTER
CUBES in PLOEM ILLUMINATOR. Economical and efficient retrofit for under $2,000.00 - CONTACT US FOR DETAILS ON LED CONVERSIONS
LEITZ ORHOPLAN WITH retroZED automated Z-STACKING device with modified MPS camera connector for DSLR.
INFINITY PHOTO OPTICAL "INFINIPROBE TS-160"
VISIT: www.ts-160systems.com
The LEITZ DIAVERT microscope (shown below) is available for biotech labs, citizen scientists and biology teachers who wish to have a very modular microscope for samples ranging from live aquatic organisms to cultured cells. BUNTON offers a ONE YEAR WARRANTY on all of our RRR microscopes. Qualified microscope techs are hard to find in the USA. We have listed two for your consideration here in Maryland.
The two most common issues with an optical microscope are the focus block and light source. Unfortunately there are quite a few "spit-and-polish" microscope "repair" techs in the USA but rarely will you find the expertise needed to address serious lubrication or part failures that are hidden from external inspection. Having the correct tools for microscope service is important. Using factory specified DIN lubricants is a must. Some tools are hand-made for disassembly of some Leitz focus blocks. SEE PHOTO ABOVE. One needs to know the exact procedure for disassembly, lubrication (with correct lubes) and reassembly and adjustment. Further, once in useable condition, the microscope will require periodic maintenance (preventative) to continue useable service and provide the user with first-class images. Simple DIY optical cleaning (front lenses of objectives, clean eyepieces and condenser lens) should be taught every user of an optical microscope. Even the correct cleaning solutions and tools must be on-hand for all users to keep things clean and clear as they use the microscope on a daily basis.
We accept PURCHASE ORDERS from USA Universities, local and state government labs as well as approved private sector firms that we have served over the past sixty plus years. We accept PAYPAL and payment by personal or corporate checks with appropriate bank clearing times. We do not accept credit cards.
We provide price quotations for your consideration and requisitions with your own purchasing departments. Most private sector orders will be subject to Maryland sales tax (6%) if located here in Maryland. Shipping may or may not be included in our quotations. We normally ship UPS Ground but can also use USPS Priority or your own account for shipping with FedEx or UPS.
Please feel free to view some of our accessory items by clicking on the "Ordering Details" header above.
We stand ready to respond to your questions prior to a quotation. Our expertise and many years of experience providing our customers with the finest microscopes from E. LEITZ and WILD HEERBRUGG will allow us to specify an instrument to meet your requirements and stay within your budget. We provide you with a fully functional microscope that will include a one year Bunton warranty with free support after the sale.
60 PLUS YEARS ....WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING OF SERVICE TO YOU!
