This video (2:50) introduces the SFA system in the way that we do it when we are exhibiting at a conference.
A brief (2:39) intro showing you how easy it is to add fluorescence to virtually any existing stereo microscope in about 30 seconds. Note that this video includes our original, older-style connector for the light head. The videos above and below show the current connector.
And a 1 minute video showing the system being added to a microscope.
The Model SFA Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter is a complete solution for adding fluorescence to existing stereo microscopes. It includes everything you need for adapting (not converting) just about any stereo microscope. You can purchase any of the 6 modular wavelength combinations that you need now and add more at any time. And best of all – it’s just $1,225 to get started with the complete setup for one color ($1,375 for UV).
A complete system with one excitation/emission combination includes these 7 items:
If you want a second wavelength combination, either at the time of the original order or some time in the future, you do not need to order another ‘complete system’. You just need the add-on modular excitation/emission set.
Add-on modular wavelength sets include:
The part numbers for these add-on sets include the letters ‘LFS‘ (for Light and Filter Set).
The light head and filters can be removed and replaced in seconds, and color coding ensures that you are using the right combination. All components are also available a la carte.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that the Nightsea system I was awarded as the 2020 KEY award recipient has made a huge impact in my classroom, laboratory and STEM education outreach activities at Idaho State University. The versatility and ease of use of this system has enhanced both my research program and the classroom. My undergraduate researchers use the system to screen and image microinjected and fluorescently labelled Xenopus embryos in the course of their experiments from the comfort of our own lab space. In my Developmental Biology classroom, we use the system to follow lab experiments using fluorescent transgenic hydra, and to perform fate mapping experiments with Xenopus embryos. Additionally, I use the system during educational events at Idaho State University to teach middle and high school students about the wonders of embryonic development and STEM research.
Interested in how this product came into existence? Read the origin story.
Master distributor – Electron Microscopy Sciences
Local microscope dealers – The Stereo Microscope Fluorescence Adapter and its accessories are available from select local microscope dealers. If one of them referred you to the NIGHTSEA web site for more information, please go back to that reseller to place your order.
Designation | Excitation | Emission Filter |
UV – Ultraviolet | 360 – 380nm | 415nm longpass |
VI – Violet | 400 – 415nm | 450nm longpass |
RB – Royal Blue | 440 – 460nm | 500nm longpass |
RB-GO – Royal Blue, Green Only | 440 – 460nm | 500 – 560nm bandpass |
CY – Cyan | 490 – 515nm | 550nm longpass |
GR – Green | 510 – 540nm | 600nm longpass |
Scenario 1 – You do not own a NIGHTSEA system yet and want to observe GFP
You just need the Royal Blue excitation/emission set. The most common choice is part number SFA-RB, with the longpass filter. If you want the bandpass option the part number is SFA-RB-GO. Either would be priced at $1,298.50. If you wanted the dimming control (DIM option), the part numbers would be SFA-RB-DIM and SFA-RB-GO-DIM, respectively, price $1,584.50.
Scenario 2 – You do not own a NIGHTSEA system yet and want to observe both GFP and RFP
You need the Royal Blue and Green excitation/emission sets, but you only need one ‘complete system’. You would order SFA-RB ($1,298.50) and SFA-LFS-GR ($652.00).
Scenario 3 – You already own a NIGHTSEA system, for example SFA-RB, and want to add another wavelength set to observe RFP
You just need the add-on modular Green excitation/emission set, SFA-LFS-GR, price $652.00.