“I have been looking for a video microscope for a while but have been put off by some of the poor quality offerings on sale. Upon receiving this with a few lines of Python and illumination provided from a torch it was immediately obvious that the HQ camera and this lens are capable of good results. I liked the idea that a PI could be built in to make an all-in-one unit. I fitted a Pi4 (2GB) in the base , with some passive heatsinking (heat sink + gel pad and graphite sheet under PI) and it runs surprisingly cool. Lighting has been provided by some cheap gooseneck led lights (cool white) , eventually to be under software control. Still very much a work in progress but if you are after a simple microscope and like a project this is for you. For the price it is hard to fault however some minor gripes are there is some play in the focusing mechanism - at maximum magnification it shifts the camera slightly to one side while adjusting, the lens does have a little chromatic aberration at the edges but for the price I'm being very picky. Attached are some sample pics (mostly at maximum magnification) and the build so far...”
“Blurb says:
"The base of the stage is held by two screws".
Not on mine - the base seems to be permanently attached. Not a problem for me, but may be for others.
It would be really nice if you offered a dedicated source of illumination for the stand - perhaps ring-shaped - that could be controlled from an RPi. This would help me to take time-lapse photos of crystal growing.
Otherwise, a decent product.”
“Having fun looking at different objects! Pros: easy to assemble. Would have been nice to receive some printed instructions. Robust. Nice touch leaving space in base for pi and holes for cables.
Cons: Would have liked an adjustable stage that can be lit from below. Perhaps available in aftermarket.”
“This is a must have product if you have the new high quality camera for the Pi. The lens is very good quality, not plasticy, and is c mount so the new camera unit fits perfectly. The stand is of good quality and very stable. There are several adjustments and a fine adjustment thumb wheel. A very good product and very well made. Couple that with Pimoroni service and it's a winner.”
