We specialize in the E. Leitz Wetzlar German-made legacy microscopes from about 1960 to 2000. These precision compound microscopes are completely cleaned and serviced with a ONE YEAR BUNTON WARRANTY PERIOD. Instruments are offered for both biological and industrial applications. Most have phototubes for connection of a modern digital camera. See our section on REPAIR AND SERVICE regarding our expertise in those areas. Most sellers of used microscopes are not able to pack them properly for shipment....much less make them usable by the microscopist. Beware of used microscopes being sold on-line "as is" or without a warranty. Many are missing key components or equipped with objectives/oculars made by other microscope brands. We stand behind our RRR microscopes and make sure the new owner is totally satisfied with their purchase. BUNTON SELLS SOLUTIONS....our customers will quickly differentiate us from our competitors. We support you for years to come and we are always available for quick information or guidance on proper use of your microscope and accessory equipment. Expert service people are available upon request. Just ask.
SPECIAL RECONDITIONED MICROSCOPE PRICES WHEN ORDERED WITH MICROVISIONEER WSI SOFTWARE
NICE SELECTION OF PRECISION LEITZ STUDENT AND LABORATORY MICROSCOPES....BLACK "SM" AND "LABORLUX" (170MM TUBE LENGTH LIKE THE ORTHOLUX 1) PERFECT FOR HOME SCHOOL AND HOBBY EFFORTS - LEITZ "SM-LUX AND DIALUX" (BOTH 170MM) EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE BLACK MODELS IN THE 1970'S - WE HAVE VARIOUS VERSIONS OF ALL AND SOME CAN BE ORDERED WITH MODERN LED AND ACCESSORIES FOR PHASE CONTRAST, POLARIZED LIGHT, OBLIQUE ILLUMINATION AND DARKFIELD - DROP US A NOTE WITH YOUR EXACT REQUIREMENTS AND WE WILL SEE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS. ALL LEITZ TRANSMITTED LIGHT MICROSCOPES FROM BUNTON CAN BE EQUIPPED FOR SIMPLE PHASE CONTRAST, POLARIZED LIGHT, DARKFIELD AND OBLIQUE ILLUMINATION. CHEAP BRIGHTFIELD MICROSCOPES FROM CHINA ARE ONLY OFFERED FOR SIMPLE BRIGHTFIELD MICROSCOPY OF STAINED (DEAD) TISSUE SLIDES USED FOR TEACHING PURPOSES. A SERIOUS HOBBYIST AND LAB MICROSCOPE SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORIES TO VIEW SO MUCH MORE....LIVE AQUATIC SAMPLES, UNSTAINED TISSUE AND MICROBES. TRANSPARENT MINERSALS, FIBERS AND CHEMICAL MELTS. PHOTOMICROSCOPY WITH LED ILLUMINATION. SIMPLE CONDENSER INSERTS THAT DON'T COST A LOT OF MONEY BUT MAKE YOUR MICROSCOPY MORE EXCITING AND INTERESTING. STAINED TEACHING SLIDES GET BORING VERY QUICKLY. KEEP STUDENTS INTERESTED WITH UNIQUE ACCESSORIES. HIGH QUALITY LEITZ OPTICS AND MECHANICS. BUNTON HAS BEEN IN THE MICROSCOPY BUSINESS FOR OVER 60 YEARS HERE IN MARYLAND. FULL SUPPORT AFTER THE SALE THAT INCLUDES EXPERT ADVICE ON ALL OF THE LEITZ ACCESSORIES AND EVEN ACCESSORIES WE MAKE OURSELVES FOR THE LEGACY MODELS. WE INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS, SAMPLE PREPARED SLIDES (DIATOMS, THIN MINERAL SECTIONS ETC) AND EVEN A STARTER SUPPLY OF BLANK SLIDES AND COVERGLASS.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING OF SERVICE!
The "Laborlux 160" series was introduced by Leitz as early as 1980 as a student model (Laborlux 11). These were the so-called 160 models that transitioned E. Leitz to the DIN standard (160mm tube length) for transmitted light. Prior to this model, E. Leitz corrected all of their transmitted light optics to their "own" 170mm tube length correction. Soon the model Laborlux 12 came to the market and this was followed by the D versions (coaxial coarse and fine focusing). The series ended by 1990 as the Laborlux-S model that you see in the LEFT PHOTO. We have a good selection of all models including Laborlux 11 student binocular models, Laborlux 12/D/S set up for fluorescence studies (PHOTO LEFT REAR). Alternative accessories are available for DRAWING attachments, MODULATION CONTRAST, PHASE CONTRAST and DIGITAL PHOTOMICROSCOPY.
All Leitz finite tube length microscopes were replaced in the early 1990's by the INFINITY TUBE LENGTH "DM (das mikroskop)" series. The Laborlux products were joined by other models....Dialux 20/EB/22, Diaplan and Aristoplan.
The inverted models of this era included Labovert and Fluovert (See below).
This microscope was so far ahead of the competition that it immediately became the instrument of choice in many tissue culture labs. The unique modular design with modern halogen lighting and easy-to-use phase contrast set up made the Diavert a benchmark for all others to follow. We normally always will have Diaverts set up for biological phase contrast methods. The perfect workhorse in a tissue culture lab. Prices start around $1650.00 with complete phase kit...optional photo tube. Note the high position of the viewing oculars. Easily used with the stage left or right...or from "behind" as shown. A single phase ring for objectives 10x, 20x, 25x and 32x.....no turrets or phase ring changes at all magnifications. 62mm condenser-side working distance. OPTIONAL LED - NO MORE BULBS! Microplastics fluorescence microscopy using external LED illumination. SEE "Microscope Accessories" chapter and "Lighting Accessories" page.
Complete Diavert models start at about $1,500.00. DIAVERT with LED and phototube with a RRR Wild MPS and a modern DSLR after being converted from use with analog film to a Nikon DSLR camera. Note filter slots on the condenser-side as well as the analyser slot just below the nosepiece turret. DIAVERT can be viewed with the stage LEFT or RIGHT....or turn the tube 90-degrees left from its present position for a more compact footprint on the bench. Easy to use for both students and new microscopists in the lab.
DIAVERT IS VERY MODULAR AND PERFECT FOR DIY PROJECTS.....INVERTED MICROFLUIDICS MICROSCOPY
THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR VIEWING SAMPLES THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO STUDY ON AN UPRIGHT MICROSCOPE. DIAVERT HAS FOUR (4) FILTER SLOTS AS WELL AS A NOSEPIECE SLOT FOR AN ANALYSER. USE OBLIQUE PHASE CONTRAST OR POLARIZED LIGHT. Z-STACK USING OUR RetroZED AND CONTROLLER WITH YOUR DSLR CAMERA. THIS INSTRUMENT USES FINITE TUBE LENGTH OBJECTIVES (PHACO) BUT CAN ALSO DO FANTASTIC WORK IN DARKFIELD USING THE PHASE RING #1 AND LOW POWER OBJECTIVES 1.6X, 2.5X, 4X AND 6.3X. VIEW CRYSTALS IN DISHES OR TUBES IN POLARIZED LIGHT.....PUT A FIRST ORDER RED COMPENSATOR (LAMBDA PLATE) IN FRONT OF THE POLARIZER AND WATCH THE COLORS LIGHT UP....BLACK BACKGROUND CONVERTS TO A BEAUTIFUL MAGENTA! DO THINGS WITH THIS MICROSCOPE THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH YOUR UPRIGHT. FULL CAMERA INTERCHANGEABILITY AS WELL AS A FOCUS DRIVE THAT CAN BE USED ON OTHER MICROSCOPES IN YOUR LAB. DIAVERT MEANS VERSATILITY AND CREATIVE ADVENTURES IN PHOTOMICROSCOPY! NEW WHITE PAPER ON DIAVERT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Check out #302 May 2021 on www.microscopy-uk.org.uk
ALSO: Go to YouTube and SEARCH: Diavert hobbies withsteve
Launched in the 1930's as the world's first real modular research microscope stand. Primarily used for biological research, Ortholux was also used in pathology, geology, metallurgy, and materials science. It is an upright microscope and always comes with a phototube. Lighting is available as halogen, fiber optic or LED with modern configurations. Most of our Ortholux I models are for biology. It is a fantastic instrument for hobbyists who want a model to expand. Heine or Zernike phase kits. Ultropak for incident light darkfield studies of opaque sample with irregular surfaces. A Leitz exclusive!
Photo LEFT shows a fine Ortholux ONE model with modern finite tube length objectives. Yes, you can use "160" tube length corrected objectives on the "170 (mm)" Ortholux ONE....as long as they are higher than 10x. Any objective 10x and LOWER must be "170" tube length and made by Leitz for all objectives to be within parfocality specifications. Hope this ends some of the confusion of many folks giving incorrect info on various blogs etc.
We have adapters for modern LED lighting on the Ortholux ONE....we also offer 3D printed retrofit FILTER HOLDERS for the condensers #600 and #400. These permit the use of polarizers and first order red compensators. We also offer our own push-in PHASE/DARKFIELD module for use on the brightfield condenser series #600 (SHOWN LEFT). Insert this module one way to use it with PHACO 25 or 40 Leitz phase contrast objectives or insert it from the other end to get fantastic LOW MAGNIFICATION DARKFIELD using objectives down to 2.5X.
Shown (LEFT) with the FSA trinocular tube that keeps the camera sensor parfocal with the ocular focus. Add DSLR/MILC adapters...or even our own RRR optical core to allow VARIABLE MAGNIFICATION to the camera sensor...2x, 2.5, 3.2X allowing continuous field of view for your camera. Nothing like this on the market. Details upon request.
STUDENT and HOBBY MICROSCOPES...we only sell refurbished Leitz microscopes at Bunton.
Ortholux II came out about ten years after the Orthoplan. It is totally modular but without the large field of view of the Orthoplan. It is a "170mm" optic instrument and a real step up from the Dialux noted above....note how the objective nosepiece turns "in" rather than "out" as on the Dialux model. This feature permits easier exchange of slides....and the nosepiece is quickly changed (as on Orthoplan) in a horizontal dovetail....quickly add a Ploem illuminator, Ultropak or seperate nosepiece with phase contrast components. They all come with trinocular FSA phototubes. Halogen 50W or LED options. Shown with DRAWING DEVICE...CAMERA LUCIDA attachment for left or right hand operation.
This is the upright "brother" for the Diavert inverted...everything is interchangeable.
VERSIONS AVAILABLE FOR INCIDENT LIGHT FLUORESCENCE AND POLARIZED LIGHT STUDIES
Orthoplan II was the "160mm" replacement for the aging Orthoplan I. It was made as an early offering only for the US market since Orthoplan I had ended production and Aristoplan was not quite ready for world-wide launch. Orthoplan and Aristoplan have the option of an integrated Ploem illuminator for epifluorescence. Aristoplan then replaced Orthoplan II. Not many differences other than the nameplate. Note the ergonomic hand rests in the photo of Aristoplan. A Leitz unique feature on these models was the in-base controls for aperture and field diaphragm....i.e., the aperture diaphragm was not in the condenser! Rather, it was in the base and easily set up for Kohler with your left hand. The 12V power supply was built into the microscope base and 100W halogen was the basic lighting component. Several are offered with the ergonomic binocular viewing tube (tilting for operator ergonomics). The last of the Leitz finite tube length microscopes prior to launch of DM Series around 1991 (infinity corrected tube length). A pathologist's dream-scope ready for use with the Microvisioneer WSI stitching software (manualWSI). Available with Nomarski IC-T kit and our own RetroZED for serious Z-stacking duties.
Labovert replaced the Diavert model. Primarily used for cell culture, live cell micromanipulation/microinjection, the Labovert eventually came out with a "FS" (fixed stage) model that was more suitable for micromanipulation of cells in dishes....the objective nosepiece moved in the z-axis and the stage and sample remained in a fixed position. We have models with phase contrast, DIC or modulation contrast. Note the ergonomic position of the body tube.....easy on the neck. Most of our offerings of Labovert will include the "ergotube" invented by Leitz. This tube tilts the oculars 0-40 degrees and creates and erect image for comfortable viewing angles of both short and tall humans. Ideal for micromanipulation and routine cell culture photomicroscopy.
LABOVERT AND FLUOVERT ARE VERY MODULAR AND PERFECT FOR SPECIAL LIVE CELL AND MICROFLUIDICS WORKSTATIONS. FLUOVERT MODELS ALLOW FOR LED EPIFLUORESCENCE
The FLUOVERT inverted research model shown in the second photo was the instrument of choice for those doing live cell studies involving fluorochromes. The typical lamp was HBO 100W mercury arc lamps but we can also offer this model with new LED illumination (below LEFT photo). This new LED illuminator has three spikes for blue, green and red emissions (INTRO PRICE UNDER $3000.00 WITH ADAPTER). FLUOVERT has a DUAL FILTER CUBE CHANGER built-in to the integrated Ploem illuminator. CHROMA in Vermont is our supplier for new filter cubes for just about any modern fluorescence study....just tell us your fluorochrome need and we can quote accordingly. CHROMA is a USA employee-owned corporation. They will increase their prices about 10% in July 23...first increase in TEN YEARS! Order filter cubes by June 30 and save a few bucks. We always have useable filter cubes (Leitz and Chroma) in very good condition. Labovert and Fluovert are both offered with mechanical stages. Photo: mouse egg undergoing transgenic microinjection...holding pipette left and injection needle on the right. Optics: differential interference contrast (DIC). PRICES START AROUND $3,000.00 with phototube and 100W halogen lamp.
The first image (BELOW) is a set of Leitz Ortholux ONE microscopes equipped with one of the world's first 35mm camera attachments for photomicroscopy. Makes sense....Leitz invented 35mm photography with the LEICA (LEItz CAmera) nearly 100 years ago! Just before WWII the Ortholux was introduced as the world's first modular resaerch microscope. It remained the benchmark research microscope for more than 25 years. Also notice the shot (PHOTO #3 BELOW) of the Leitz Micro-IBSO 35mm photomicrographic attachment with oculars. Bunton now adapts old MicroIBSOs, KAVARs (old code letter model that replaced MicroIBSO) with a M42 male ring so any modern DSLR/MILC can be used on these classic scopes with appropriate T-mount adapter for your make/model camera. RRR. We also adapt old MPS (WILD-Switzerland) as well as the famous Leitz Orthomat optical core for use with DSLR/MILC cameras. You can use full frame sensor cameras with these attachments since they were designed for 35mm film to start with.....24x36mm format. Most cheap DSLR microscope couplers not only have poor optical performance but they are only for the smaller APS-C CMOS sensor size (or smaller). Now we can even use iPhone adapters for photomicroscopy with 50-year old microscopes!
NEW RRR PHOTOMICROSCOPY OPTION FOR DSLR-MILC: SWISS-MADE BY WILD HEERBRUGG FOR OLDER LEITZ MICROSCOPES
ASK ABOUT OUR CONVERSION OF THE MPS SHUTTER WITH 0.32X OPTIC FOR FULL FRAME SENSOR CAMERAS
HIGH INTENSITY (USA-MADE) LED ILLUMINATORS TO REPLACE OLD LIGHT BULB ILLUMINATORS
We also show an old "internal workings" line drawing of the 1965 era Leitz research model "ORTHOPLAN" (CENTER IMAGE) What a great design! This was the Leitz flagship research model for about 20 years. The main feature was widefield sample field of view with oversized prisms in the body tube and new plano (flatfield) objectives mounted on a 1x nosepiece (Ortholux 1 was 1.25x). Orthoplan I was offered for biological work as well as versions for polarized light, metallurgy and semiconductor quality control (wafers). Ocular field index was up to 28mm with Orthoplan I...more than 2x the field of view of Ortholux I.....loved by pathologists. This is the widest field of view a human can "handle" without moving your head or trying to get your eyes to focus at the extreme edge of the ocular field. Today, modern NOZL microscopes have these same limitations and 24mm seems to be the maximum field index when using 10x oculars on the research models. And then everything went to total INFINITY CORRECTED OPTICAL SYSTEMS....that is where we are today with the MOTIC microscopes and all of the other NOZL microscopes.
Bunton is now working closely with BaneBio (www.banebio.com) located in nearby Frederick, MD. BaneBio specializes in RRR laboratory instrumentation and now offers both new and used optical microscopes. They have an excellent showroom area set up for the microscopes. They have an in-house microscope service and repair (see our Microscope Service and Repair page) as well as many microscopes from the NOZL firms et al. All are cleaned, lubricated and aligned for many more years of operation. We assist BaneBio in locating "missing pieces" for their microscopes in their showroom. Contact us for an appointment to visit BaneBio at your convenience. If you are looking for excellent laboratory instrumentation give BaneBio a call .... ask for Justin (Sales Manager) or Doug (Owner); or contact Jim Averill regarding any questions about microscopy or digital imaging....301-831-3434 or micro3d@comcast.net
Don't see what you're looking for? .... we have over 150 Leitz microscopes available. We can supply you a partial microscope to complement Leitz parts you may already have available....or we can offer a complete instrument with optics included along with new LED or digital camera adapters. Contact Bunton if you would like to visit us at the Bane offices in Frederick, MD to view the current microscope offerings. Some of the newer Leica microscopes as well as older instruments from Nikon, Olympus and Zeiss are offered through Bane Bio. Jim Averill is the Bane Bio microscopy consultant and their non-Leitz microscopes are serviced in-house at Bane with the same one year warranty period offered by Bunton Instrument. Lots to see at Bane Bio if you are looking for other non-microscope lab equipment at a reasonable price.....including lab glasswear. We have shopping carts available and the warehouse is open for your exploration. Call Justin for an appointment.
LEITZ MICROSCOPES FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE....you are most likely aware of the "chip" shortage around the world. A major cause of delay in automobile production not to mention so many other electronic devices ranging from cell phones to dishwashers. The photo at your left is the LEITZ ERGOLUX microscope that was designed to scan 100mm and 150mm wafers on fab lines. A motorized nosepiece and ergonomic viewing tube allowed a tech in their space suit to inspect a bit easier for longer periods. BUNTON offers SECOLUX, ERGOLUX, SM-LUX HL, METALLOPLAN and even EPIVERT (inverted bench metallograph) RRR instruments for the study of just about any opaque sample.....semiconductors/chips/wafers, polished metal samples, material failure analysis, MEMS devices, surface studies, ore samples etc.
Send us one of your samples for a FREE ANALYSIS AND IMAGING plus a report on the optical and illumination system that may best serve your needs. Note the MPS adapter (red) in the photo that allows attachment of your DSLR/MILC. Halogen 100W shown but we also offer high intensity LED options. Optics are usually brightfield for brightfield/darkfield type. Polarized light and reflected light DIC are available if needed.
Today we are seeing many of the entry level student and laboratory microscopes coming from China. We are also seeing the major microscope makers (NOZL) having their basic microscopes made in China and then sold under their own brand name. Many microscopes coming to the USA from China will have a USA private label brand name and one never really knows the corporate maker in China. Only a few Asian microscope makers will have an international brand name....such as Meiji (Japan) and Motic (China). Some microscopes being promoted in the USA may have origins in Italy or India. Local tech support, PM, and repair must be a key factor when choosing a new microscope. Many independent repair shops will not work on non-functional off-brand microscopes. Most firms selling these no-name microscopes on line do not provide knowledgeable tech support much less service after the sale. What good is a five year warranty if you have to return your microscope to a remote location and be without its use for long periods. One thing is for sure,...we will not be seeing any American-made optical microscopes in the near future! Bunton RRR LEITZ MICROSCOPES should be considered if you can't afford a new NOZL instrument.
RRR COMPARISON MICROSCOPY ...COMPARATIVE STAINS OR FORENSIC TRACE EVIDENCE (HAIR, FIBERS, SOILS)
We have always been on the lookout for the pioneer comparison bridge from Leitz....view the two images side-by-side (hemispheres) or superimposed (full field of view). Designed for the crime lab, this bridge simply connects two microscopes. We have comparison systems available based on the older black Laborlux and the later Dialux models. The photo shows the last of the Leitz finite tube length model Laborlux-S. Note the RetroDiode LED control unit. Lighting is very critical for such comparison systems. You must be sure the color temperature and illumination is perfect so that both images being compared have the same background and color balance. Bunton offers a single fiber optic lamp with bifurcated flexible light guide or two seperate LED lamps with variable intensity ...color temp is the same for both sides no matter which one you choose. We have the optics that are matched magnification and normally set these units up with a phototube so a digital camera may be attached for documentation or training. Complete systems for less money than the bridge alone when it was new!
