Nikon Coolpix Camera To Microscope And Slit Lamp Adapters

 
Nikon Coolpix Adapters:  Mount A Nikon Coolpix Camera To Your Microscope or Slit Lamp
Through a either a C-mount or a Trinocular Port
Through The Eyepieces

 
Contents
When You Should And Should Not Use The Coolpix Cameras
General Information
What Makes Our Adapters Better
Slit Lamps
Mounting Methods
Coolpix Model Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
I'd Like More Information/Email Us
Our Homepage

 
When You Should/Should Not Use Coolpix Cameras
The Coolpix line of digital cameras are an excellent choice in the consumer camera market for microscopy.  However, there are times when they (nor any other consumer grade digital camera) should not be used due to end user requirements.  Below are listed some of the applications that the Coolpix cameras are great for as well as several reasons that a consumer camera may not be right for your needs.  While we are mostly discussing the Coolpix cameras, the reasons for NOT using a consumer camera below are applicable to ANY consumer grade digital camera.  We want to be clear that the limitations listed below are not shortcomings of the just the Coolpix cameras, but all consumer grade digital cameras.  If you can use a consumer digital camera based on your needs, then  the Coolpix line is the best line of consumer digital cameras to choose from when all things are considered.  Please review these carefully to determine if a consumer grade digital camera is a good choice for your needs.
When You Should Use Coolpix Cameras
These are a few examples of when the Coolpix cameras should be used for microscopy/slit lamp use:

1.)  If you need to collect good, but not research or diagnostic quality, images.
2.)  Simple, basic photo documentation.
3.)  Simple, basic printing of images.
4.)  E-mailing of Simple, basic images.
5.)  Home/hobby photomicroscopy.
6.)  If you do not need a large, high resolution, real time image before taking your images. 
7.)  Low cost is the most critical factor in your camera selection.
When You Should NOT Use Coolpix (Or Any Consumer Grade) Cameras
We want to be clear that the limitations listed below are not shortcomings of the just the Coolpix cameras, but ALL consumer grade digital cameras.  If you can use a consumer digital camera based on your needs, then the Coolpix line is the best line of consumer digital cameras to choose from when all things are considered.  Please review these carefully to determine if a consumer grade digital camera is a good choice for your needs.
If you find that any of the conditions below apply to your needs, please take a look at:
Our scientific grade cameras page where there are several camera options listed. 
OR
You can also take a look at our DIG-CAM-LITE introductory level scientific camera, which is a relatively inexpensive scientific grade camera.  You can download a datasheet for this camera here.
1.)  When resolving power is critical. 
Bear in mind that no consumer digital camera is designed for image analysis and quantification - they will all produce anti-aliasing aberrations in the images and the bulk of the images from these cameras is interpolated.  Most of the sensors in these cameras are only 640x480 or 800x600.  The rest of the resolution is generated by software in the camera, and would be analogous to taking an 800x600 image into Photoshop and resizing it - you gain image size, but not resolving power. 

2.)  If you want to quantify (measure) objects in your images.
For much the same reasons as the resolving power issue.  Most of the image data in consumer digital cameras is interpolated (approximated) and therefore would produce questionable, unreliable, and inconsistent data.

3.)  For research or diagnostic purposes
For much the same reasons as the resolving power issue.  Most of the image data in consumer digital cameras is interpolated, (approximated) and therefore would produce questionable, unreliable, and inconsistent data.

4.)  If you need to get a large live image preview before capturing your images.
For example, if you would like a live preview of your image on a computer monitor before capturing, consumer digital cameras are not a good choice.  It is true that you can get a live image from some of the consumer cameras onto a computer or video monitor, but the preview image resolution is limited to 640x480 in almost all cases, which is not usually sufficient for most users.

5.)  If you want a one step capture, i.e. images captured directly into a computer.
Almost all of the consumer digital cameras require the use of memory cards.  The images must be captured onto a memory card and later downloaded into the computer.

6.)  If you need computer control of camera settings.
Because these will all be accessed through the camera buttons and not the computer.

7.)  If you need very precise camera settings.
The consumer digital cameras allow for control of many camera settings, but they are not extremely precise.  For example, you may have 10 intensity gain settings as opposed to 4,000 with some of the scientific grade cameras.
If you find that any of these conditions apply to your needs, please take a look at our scientific grade cameras where there are several camera options listed.  You can also take a look at our DIG-CAM-LITE introductory level scientific camera, which is a relatively inexpensive option for a scientific grade camera.    You can download a datasheet for this camera here.

 
General Information
We carry a variety of adapters to connect a Nikon Coolpix camera to a microscope via an eyepiece OR the camera port.  These are for a variety of microscopes:  Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss, Leica, Mitutoyo included.  There are several different ways we can connect to your microscope, depending on whether you have an exiting C-mount adapter, phototube, or wish to go through the microscope eyepiece.  Assuming that you have one of these options available, pricing ranges from $200 - $500, depending on the exact clamps required for your particular application. 

Certain models of the Coolpix cameras also require additional parts to fit our adapter system.  Be sure to provide us with your model of camera when requesting pricing to ensure you get all the parts you will need.

 
What Makes Our Adapters Better
Our Guarantee
We stand behind them with a full 14 day money back guarantee.  You may return all adapters and clamps for recommended Coolpix models for a full refund less freight within 14 days of delivery for ANY reason as long as you keep them in new-like condition.  This way you can try our adapters and see firsthand how well they work.  Even with this liberal return policy, we have never had anyone who has wanted to return a adapter!  This speaks volumes for our customer satisfaction.  We will also exchange any adapters or clamps that fail within 1 year after purchase.

Better Quality

Our adapters also have correct optics and magnification for the Coolpix series cameras built in so that you get almost all of the full zoom range of the camera with no vignetting.  There is no noticeable chromatic aberration or spherical aberration caused by adapters. 

Better Design

One nice thing about our Coolpix system is that the optics system is universal as far as the optics is concerned.  We use the same optics no matter which scope you are using - you would just need a different clamp to mount on various models of microscopes.

If you would rather mount through the eyepieces of the scope, our adapters will drop INTO the eyepiece receivers on the microscope and NOT grip around them as some of the digital camera adapters on the market.  This is a much more stable way of doing things so you don't wind up with a $700 camera falling off your scope.

It's less bulky and much cleaner than competing adapters so it won't get in the way if you want to look in the other eyepiece while the camera is attached to the microscope. 

You don't have to worry about getting the camera the correct distance from the ocular to have the camera parfocal with the microscope because our adapter slides into the eyepiece tube rather than clamping around the eyepiece and having the camera at the incorrect optical distance from the eyepiece.

You don't have to worry about the magnification of the eyepieces in your microscopes - our adapter has the correct magnification for the Coolpix series cameras ALL the time.  This provides maximum use of the zoom range of the Coolpix cameras.  Our competitors' adapters that fit around the eyepiece rely on the magnification of the eyepiece.  Since the eyepieces were not designed for this application, they are usually the incorrect magnification.  Without our optics specifically designed for the Coolpix cameras, you will probably experience vignetting and very low magnification, resulting in very poor image quality. 

Easier To Use

If you choose to mount through your eyepieces, you don't have to screw it onto the microscope - just leave the adapter attached to your camera and all you'll have to do is pull the eyepiece on your scope and drop the camera/adapter assembly in - rather than trying to get a bunch of screws tightened on the eyepieces.  If you are going through the eyepieces, this makes it a lot easier to take the camera off and on the microscope.

If you would rather mount through your trinocular port, we have the correct clamps to do so for all the major microscope manufacturers and models.

More Options

Most of our competitors only offer a couple of choices for mounting the Nikon Coolpix cameras to your microscope.  Some offer only solutions for eyepieces, some offer only solutions for limited models of microscopes, some offer only solutions for mounting to C-mount adapters.  We offer all 3 methods.  Since all of our parts are interchangeable and designed to work together, if you have a variety of different microscopes, you can get exactly the clamps and optics required and can move the clamps and optics from scope to scope as needed.  And if you only have a single microscope, you can be assured that you can mount the way you want to mount.

Service & Support

If you have ANY questions on mounting a Coolpix camera to your microscope, you can call (724-728-7493) or email us for answers.  We have tremendous experience in both microscopy and digital cameras and can answer your questions.  We respond to 95% of all calls and emails within 24 hours.

 
Slit Lamps
We can also mount the Coolpix camera to Haag-Streit, Topcon, Nikon, Zeiss or Marco slit lamps as well.  Please see our section on Mounting Through The Eyepieces.

Certain models of the Coolpix cameras also require additional parts to fit our adapter system.  Be sure to provide us with your model of camera when requesting pricing to ensure you get all the parts you will need.

 
Mounting Methods
There are 3 ways to mount the Nikon Coolpix cameras onto a microscope.  The parts and information on your microscope that we need depends on how you want to mount onto your microscope.  The 3 ways to mount onto a microscope are:

1.)  Through The Eyepieces
2.)  Through A 1X C-mount Adapter
3.)  Through A Trinocular Port
Mounting Through The Eyepieces
This is the most straightforward way to mount the cameras onto the microscope.  Optically this is equivalent to the other methods.  The only difference is that with this method the camera will occupy one of the eyepiece receivers in the microscope while in use. 

When you should mount the camera this way: 
1.) If you have a microscope without a trinocular port 
2.)  If you have a microscope with a trinocular port that we do not have an adapter clamp for (See 'Mounting Through A Trinocular Port') AND you do not already have an existing 1x C-mount adapter.

Information we need to fit your microscope: 
There are only 2 options for this method.  In order for us to supply you with the correct parts for your microscope, you must simply measure the outer diameter of the eyepiece on the end that fits into the microscope.  It should be either 23mm or 30mm outer diameter (some slit lamps have less common 28mm or 25mm diameters, which we can also mount to). 

Simply let us know: 
1.)  Whether you have 23mm or 30mm eyepieces.
                        AND
2.)  Your Coolpix camera model.  


23 mm eyepiece

30mm eyepiece
Mounting Through A 1x C-Mount Adapter
This is the second most straightforward way to mount the cameras onto the microscope.  Optically this is equivalent to the other methods.  If you have a microscope without a trinocular port or a non-standard microscope, this may be the only option available.  Your C-mount adapter must be 1x magnification for reliable results.  Please note that a C-mount adapter is not the same as a trinocular port, please do not confuse the two.  A C-mount is a specific type of threaded adapter with an outer diameter of 25.4mm and 32 threads per inch (see image below).

When you should mount the camera this way: 
1.)  If you have a microscope with a trinocular port that we do not have an adapter clamp for (See 'Mounting Through A Trinocular Port') AND you already have an existing 1x C-mount adapter.
2.)  If you have several different makes of microscopes and already have 1x C-mount adapters on them.

Information we need to fit your microscope:
First, verify that your C-mount adapter is 1x magnification.

Then, let us know:
1.)  That you would like to mount your camera to a 1X C-mount adapter
                AND
2.)  Your Coolpix camera model.


C-mount adapter
Mounting Through A Trinocular Port
This method will require the most amount of information to get a Coolpix mounted on your microscope, but the advantages are that it is less expensive than mounting onto a 1x Cmount adapter and is more convenient to use than mounting through the eyepieces.  Optically this is equivalent to the other methods. 

When you should mount the camera this way: 
1.)  If you have a microscope(s) with a trinocular port for which we have an adapter clamp for AND you do not have 3 or more different makes of microscopes for which you already have existing 1x C-mount adapters.

Information we need to fit your microscope: 
First, please consult the microscope clamp information section to find your microscope's trinocular port.

Please note:   Providing your microscope model information is not enough information for us to provide you with the correct parts that you would need.  The microscope manufacturers frequently use several types of ports on the same model of microscope, so you must consult the microscope clamp information section to find your microscope's trinocular port or we will not be able to tell you which parts you need.

Then, let us know:
1.)  Which clamp matches your microscope
        AND
2.)  Your Coolpix camera model.


Microscope Model Clamp Information
Leica, Leitz, Wild
Nikon
Olympus
Zeiss
My Model Is Not Listed Or I Can Not Find A Match For My Port
Leica, Leitz, Wild
There are 4 possible options for these microscope trinocular ports:  1.)  37mm photoport 2.)  38mm photoport  3.)  25mm phototube and 4.)  HC optics photoport.  Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below to decide which clamp you need.  Please note that the exact configuration of your port may not look exactly the same as those shown here.  The critical item is the inner (outer) diameter of your port, not it's appearance.

37mm and 38mm photoports (ADPT-37MM and ADPT-38MM)

Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below.  Measure the inner diameter of you trinocular port and decide whether you will need the 37mm or 38mm adapter.  The clamp you need is the ADPT-37MM or ADPT-38MM.

Please note: Although there is only a 1mm difference in the diameter of these two ports, there is a 23.6 mm difference in the length of our adapters to correctly project the image to the camera due to the internal microscope optical differences used with the ports.  Therefore, MEASURE YOUR INNER DIAMETER AS ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE.

25mm phototube (ADPT-25MM)

Some Wild microscopes have a 25mm phototube.  The inner diameter of which is 23mm and the outer diameter is 25mm.  If this matches your microscope, the clamp you need is the ADPT-25MM.

HC Optics photoport (ADPT-LEICHC)

There is also an 'HC' optics adapter which is not pictured here, but can be identified because the objectives on the microscope will have the 'HC' designation stamped onto them as should any existing adapters you may currently have mounted on your microscope.  The inner diameter of your trinocular port in this case should be approximately 34.5mm.  The clamp you need is the ADPT-LEICHC.

ADPT-37MM Needed
ADPT-38MM Needed
ADPT-25MM Needed
Nikon
There are 3 possible options for these microscope trinocular ports:  1.)  38mm photoport  2.)  23mm phototube and 3.)  30mm phototube.  Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below to decide which clamp you need.  Please note that the exact configuration of your port may not look exactly the same as those shown here.  The critical item is the inner diameter of your port, not it's appearance.

38mm photoport (ADPT-38MM)

Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below.  Measure the inner diameter of you trinocular port.  It should be  38mm.  There should not be any structures within your photoport (as with the ADPT-NIK-23MM and ADPT-NIK-30MM).  The clamp you need is the ADPT-38MM.

23mm phototube and 30mm phototube (ADPT-NIK-23MM and ADPT-NIK-30MM)

Visually, these two ports appear identical.  The difference is in the inner diameter of the holder inside the port.  Please see the blue line in the image below.  Measure the inner diameter of your holder and determine if it is 23mm (ADPT-NIK-23MM) or 30mm (ADPT-NIK-30MM).  Hint:  If you can not fit a ruler inside your port to measure, try putting one of your eyepieces into the phototube and see if it fits tightly in the holder.  If it does, you can measure the outer diameter of the eyepiece on the end that fits into the phototube holder.  The clamp you need is the ADPT-NIK-23MM or ADPT-NIK-30MM.

ADPT-38MM Clamp
ADPT-NIK-23MM and ADPT-NIK-30MM Clamps
Olympus
There are 3 possible options for these microscope trinocular ports:  1.)  U-SPT photoport 2.)  non-U-SPT photoport and  3.)  25mm phototube.  Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below to decide which clamp you need.  Please note that the exact configuration of your port may not look exactly the same as those shown here.  The critical item is the design of the mounting surface presented by the microscope for a camera.

U-SPT photoport (ADPT-OL-SPT)

Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the image below.  Note the dovetail flanges in the image; your port should have similar flanges.  The inside diameter of your port measured as in the image (from inside wall to inside wall excluding the flanges) should be approximately 50mm.  If this matches your microscope, then the clamp you need is the ADPT-OL-SPT.

non-U-SPT photoport (ADPT-OL-XSPT)

Please note that the shape outer body surrounding your clamp is insignificant - some are round, some are rectangular as in the image below.  The important item is the dovetail on the adapter (surrounding the photoeyepiece in the image below).  If your trinocular port looks like the ADPT-OL-XSPT photoport below, then the clamp you need is the ADPT-OL-XSPT

25mm phototube (ADPT-25MM)

Some Olympus microscopes have a 25mm phototube.  The inner diameter of which is 23mm and the outer diameter is 25mm.  If this matches your microscope, the clamp you need is the ADPT-25MM.

ADPT-OL-SPT Clamp
ADPT-OL-XSPT Clamp
ADPT-25MM Clamp
Zeiss
There are 3 possible options for these microscope trinocular ports:  1.) 45.8mm photoport 2.)  30mm photoport and  3.)  25mm phototube.  Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the images below to decide which clamp you need.  Please note that the exact configuration of your port may not look exactly the same as those shown here.  The critical item is the design of the mounting surface presented by the microscope for a camera.

45.8mm photoport (ADPT-ZS)

Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the image below.  If it looks like the ADPT-ZS, please measure the inner diameter of your photoport (avoid on the mounting tabs sticking into the photoport - see the blue line in the image below).  If it is 45.8mm, then the clamp you need is the ADPT-ZS.

30 mm photoport (ADPT-ZS-2)

Look at your trinocular port and compare it to the image below.  If it looks like the ADPT-ZS-2, please measure the inner diameter of your photoport.  If it is 30mm, then the clamp you need is the ADPT-ZS-2.

25mm phototube (ADPT-25MM)

Some Zeiss microscopes have a 25mm phototube.  The inner diameter of which is 23mm and the outer diameter is 25mm.  If this matches your microscope, the clamp you need is the ADPT-25MM.

ADPT-ZS Clamp
ADPT-ZS-2 Clamp
ADPT-25MM Clamp
Unlisted Microscope Manufacturers
If you want to mount through your microscope's trinocular port and your microscope manufacturer is either not listed or you can not find an image similar to your trinocular port, we may still be able to mount to your trinocular port.

We will need to collect some information from you to determine if we have a fit for your microscope, please email or call us (724-728-7493) and provide us with the following information:

1.)  The manufacturer of your microscope.
2.)  The model of you microscope.
3.)  The inner and/or outer diameter of your photoport as appropriate.
4.)  An image of your microscope's trinocular port with any existing adapters removed, taken from the perspective of looking into your trinocular port from the direction in which the Coolpix will be mounted.
5.)  Your phone number.

 
Coolpix Model Comparison
Below is a table which lists the various Coolpix models that we have tested with our adapters.  If a model is not listed, it probably does not have a threaded lens mount and therefore can not be adapted to fit a microscope because there is no way to attach a microscope adapter to the camera.

You may return all adapters and clamps for recommended Coolpix models for a full refund less freight within 14 days of delivery for ANY reason as long as you keep them in new-like condition.  This way you can try our adapters and see firsthand how well they work.  However, any of the adapters for models which are NOT recommended are NOT returnable because they are specifically designed for use with certain models only and are not usable on other models of Coolpix cameras.

Since the Coolpix cameras are designed to compete in the personal photography market, the newer models are not designed with microscope use in mind and are not optically well suited to microscope use.  There are a few exceptions to this (see below for more information).  The lack of adapters for the newer camera models is not a reflection of a lack of interest on our part in developing adapters for these cameras, but is due to the optical design of the newer cameras.  It presents us with significant challenges to produce high quality optics that are cost-effective and work well with the new optical characteristics of the Coolpix cameras.  We will continue to work on new adapters for new cameras as they become available.  As such...

We have brand new adapters available for the Coolpix 5400 and 8400. 
We may have new adapters for some of the other Coolpix models (5700, 8700) available in the future. 
Please check this section soon to see the changes.
Don't forget to refresh your browser, so that you can see the changes to the available models!
Coolpix
Model		 Recommended Model?
Notes
880
YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Good Choice.
900
YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Good Choice.
950
YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Good Choice.
990
YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Good Choice.
995
YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Good Choice.
4300 YES Works well with all mounting methods.  Excellent Choice.
4500
YES Works well with all mounting methods. 
The only model with a swivel body, which is useful for seeing the LCD screen. 
Excellent Choice.
5000
YES Works well with all mounting methods. 
Other than the 5400 and 8400, this camera produces the best images from the Coolpix series when used with a microscope. 
Excellent Choice.
5400
YES
Can only be mounted through the eyepieces, into a 38mm trinocular port, into a 23mm inner diameter trinocular port or onto a 1X C-mount port.  We have 1X C-mount ports available for most microscopes that can be purchased if you do not have one and wish to mount on your camera port.

The 5400 and 8400 cameras produce the best images from the Coolpix series when used with a microscope.

Excellent Choice.

This is a brand new optical design adapter that is optimized to make full use of the 5400's optical zoom, minimize distortion and allow the user to eliminate vignetting using optical zoom only.  The digital zoom of the camera is not required to eliminate vignetting.  Since digital zooming degrades image quality severely, this adapter produces much higher quality, sharper images with less distortion than competitive couplers which require the use of the camera digital zoom to eliminate vignetting.  It also features a focus ring to allow the user to easily adjust parfocality of the camera and microscope to ensure sharpness and clarity throughout the entire optical zoom range of the camera.  It also has a built-in lens tube extension so the camera lens can move in and out freely without requiring a separate spacer.
5700
NO/PENDING Can only be mounted through the eyepieces, or a 38mm trinocular port, or onto a 1X C-mount port.  We have 1X C-mount ports available for most microscopes that can be purchased if you do not have one and wish to mount on your camera port.

We do not recommend using this model at present, because you will need to use a lot of the digital zoom mode of the camera to eliminate vignetting, and this will degrade image quality.  This model requires a special adapter developed for use specifically with this model of Coolpix and it does not work with any other Coolpix models. 

Since this is a solution that we do not recommend, we will not accept any returns on the adapters for this camera, whereas we would allow you to return the parts with one of the recommended Coolpix models if you are not satisfied.

We expect to have a new adapter for this camera available in the future which will eliminate the current problems with this camera and should make it an excellent choice for microscopy.  Please check back to see the updated status of this camera. However, with the solutions that are currently available, this camera must still be listed as Not Recommended.
8400
YES
Can only be mounted through the eyepieces, into a 38mm trinocular port, into a 23mm inner diameter trinocular port or onto a 1X C-mount port.  We have 1X C-mount ports available for most microscopes that can be purchased if you do not have one and wish to mount on your camera port.

The 5400 and 8400 cameras produce the best images from the Coolpix series when used with a microscope.

Excellent Choice.

This is a brand new optical design adapter that is optimized to make full use of the 8400's optical zoom, minimize distortion and allow the user to eliminate vignetting using optical zoom only.  The digital zoom of the camera is not required to eliminate vignetting.  Since digital zooming degrades image quality severely, this adapter produces much higher quality, sharper images with less distortion than competitive couplers which require the use of the camera digital zoom to eliminate vignetting.  It also features a focus ring to allow the user to easily adjust parfocality of the camera and microscope to ensure sharpness and clarity throughout the entire optical zoom range of the camera.  It also has a built-in lens tube extension so the camera lens can move in and out freely without requiring a separate spacer.
8700
PENDING We expect to have an adapter for this camera available at some point in the future.
Please check back to see the updated status of this camera.

At this point, we expect that this camera will only be able to be mounted through the eyepieces, or a 38mm trinocular port, or onto a 1X C-mount port.  We have 1X C-mount ports available for most microscopes that can be purchased if you do not have one and wish to mount on your camera port.
8800 NO It is unlikely that this camera will be adaptable to microscopes or slit lamps with cost-effective optics.  The optics in this camera would make it extremely expensive to adapt to a microscope with an adapter that produces high quality images. 

It would be less expensive to purchase our DIG-CAM-LITE introductory level scientific camera than it would be to pay for the 8800 and what an adapter for the 8800 would cost.  Since the DIG-CAM-LITE  offers so many advantages over the consumer cameras and can be purchased for about the same cost as an 8800 and a suitable adapter would cost, we are not going to build an adapter for this camera.

We do not anticipate developing an adapter for this camera.
S2,S4,P2
 NO These cameras do not have threaded lenses and can not be suitably attached to an  adapter.
OTHER NO If a model is not listed above, it can not be suitably attached to an adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q:  How much do your adapters cost?
A:  It depends on the configuration you need - the clamps involved depend on your microscope and how you intend to mount.  Review the 'Mounting Methods' section to determine how you want to mount and supply us with the information as prescribed by the 'Information we need to fit your microscope' section for the mounting method you intend to use.  Certain models of the Coolpix cameras also require additional parts to fit our adapter system.  Be sure to provide us with your model of camera when requesting pricing to ensure you get all the parts you will need.  Once you have reviewed all of the information, please see the 'Need More Info' section and submit all of the information required for your particular mounting method.

Q:  Which models of Coolpix cameras will your adapters work with?
A:  Please see this section:  Coolpix Model Comparison.

Q:  Which model of Coolpix camera should I get?
A:  This is more a question of what features you like in the cameras themselves.  See our Coolpix Model Comparison.

Q:  Why don't you support many of the newer Coolpix cameras?
A:  There are 2 reasons:  the optical design of the newer cameras and the lack of lens threads on the newer cameras.  First, the optical design of the newer cameras presents us with significant challenges to produce high quality optics that are both cost-effective and work well with the optical characteristics of the newer Coolpix cameras.  Secondly, since our adapters screw into the lens threads in the cameras, we can not adapt the newer cameras which do not have lens threads.   There are some adapters which use a body-mount instead of lens mounting, but we have found these to be very frustrating to use because it take a lot of time and effort from the end user to attempt to get the camera and microscope light perfectly perpendicular.  Unless the microscope light and camera optics are perfectly perpendicular, you will wind up with images that are partially out of focus.  We have therefore decided to continue to use our lens mount technology as this assures that the camera and light path are perpendicular making image taking much easier.

Q:  Why do you support the Coolpix cameras and not other consumer cameras?
A:  When we began designing microscope adapters for consumer cameras, the Coolpix cameras had optics that were the most suitable for use with microscope optics.  To this date, they remain the best suited consumer cameras for microscopic imaging.

Q:  I have a C-mount, but is is not 1x magnification.  Can I use one of your adapters with it?
A:  Possibly, but there is a good chance you will experience vignetting of your images.  This is not a recommended solution.

Q:  Do your adapters contain optics?
A:  Yes, and they are specifically designed to eliminate spherical and chromatic aberration when using a Coolpix camera. 

Q:  I already have an existing clamp and/or photo eyepiece.  Can I use it with your adapters?
A:  No, our adapters have the optics for the Coolpix camera built in and are designed to replace your existing photo-eyepiece.  We also use our own clamps and they are designed to fit directly onto the microscope, not any existing clamp you may have.

Q:  I have a slit lamp, will your adapters work for this as well?
A:  Yes, please see our section on Mounting Through The Eyepieces.

 
Need more info?
If you would like additional information on mounting a Coolpix to your slit lamp or microscope, in order for us to give you an accurate response, please include the following information: 

1.)  The model of Coolpix you are using or intend to use.

Since some of the camera models require specific adapter rings to be used,
we can not provide you with accurate information if you do not supply this information.

2.)  How you want to mount the Coolpix to your microscope.
 
The choices are:
A.)  Through the eyepieces
B.)  On a 1X C-mount
C.)  Through a trinocular (camera) port

3.)  Additional information we need based on how you want to mount.

 A.)  If you want to mount through the eyepiece port:
Tell us if you have 23mm or 30mm eyepieces.

B.)  If you want to mount the camera on a C-mount:
Before requesting pricing, please make sure of the following two important items:
1.)  That you actually have a C-mount adapter on your microscope
already and not just a trinocular port - there is a difference.
2.)  Make sure that your C-mount is 1X magnification.  If it is not 1X
magnification or if you are unsure, then you'll need to remove
your C-mount and mount directly to your trinocular port.

C.)  If you want to mount the camera on a trinocular port:
Please note:   Providing your microscope model information is not enough information for us to provide you with the correct parts that you would need to mount through a trinocular port.  The microscope manufacturers frequently use several types of ports on the same model of microscope, so you must consult the microscope clamp information section to find your microscope's trinocular port or we will not be able to tell you which parts you need.

1.)  Who is the manufacturer of your microscope?
2.)  Which image matches the trinocular port of your microscope?
PLEASE COLLECT THE INFORMATION ABOVE, THEN
Email us or call 724-728-7493

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