The key elements of any fluorescence system are:
NIGHTSEA implements these in different ways for different systems, as detailed in the various product pages on this web site. With a few exceptions the light source is positioned on its own mount and does not directly interface with the microscope. The main variations are in the way the barrier filter is attached or inserted. If none of these solutions works for you please contact us – we have been able to solve many challenges.
The standard microscope adapter offered with the Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter system mounts to nearly all stereo microscopes of any make, model, and vintage and provides a surface to which the barrier filters attach magnetically. It attaches at the base of the objectives where a ring light would attach. The inside diameter of the Adapter Ring is 67mm and will attach to any diameter down to 47mm.
(Click image for larger view)
Go to the bottom of the page for a list of stereo microscopes that we know the system has been used with.
Some things to watch out for:
For stereo microscopes with a diameter greater than 67mm at the base of the objectives where a ring light would attach we offer an oversize adapter. This fits microscopes up to 85mm diameter. The SFA-XL-AD is a substitute for the standard adapter and should only be selected when it is really needed. This oversize adapter includes the magnets for attaching the barrier filters and provision to attach the standard viewing shield. We know that some of the Leica lenses have a diameter on the order of 80mm. and this adapter also works well with the Labomed Luxeo 6Z.
We offer an adapter for the Leica Model EZ4 series of stereo microscopes. Visit the product page for more details.
Many of the stereo microscopes in the Amscope line have a tapered section at the bottom of the objectives, as in the example below. This is not a good surface for mounting our standard adapter ring. Fortunately, Amscope offers their own inexpensive ring light adapters that screw into the bottom of that taper and provide a suitable cylindrical surface for attaching our standard adapter.
We offer custom adapters for most of the lenses available with the Keyence VHX series of digital microscopes. Visit the product page for more details.
The diameter at the base of the objective is approximately 44mm, a bit too small for the standard adapter ring. This is easily solved with longer thumbscrews. If placing an order for an SFA system for this microscope please add -LT (for Long Thumbscrews) to the product number (e.g., SFA-LT-RB for a complete system with the Royal Blue excitation/emission set). There is no extra cost.
We supply barrier filters that attach directly to the Dino-Lite series of digital microscopes. Visit the product page for more details.
We offer adapters for some of the lenses available with the Hirox series of digital microscopes. Visit the product page for more details.
Below is a partial list of stereo microscopes that we know the system has been used with. If you have any additions please let us know so we can add it to the list to make it easier for others. Please note – if your microscope is not on the list, that does not mean that the SFA adapter will not fit, just that we do not have our own direct knowledge.