Re: USB Microscope camera or webcam for Linux?

CptDondo <yan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Floyd L. Davidson wrote:
CptDondo <yan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Floyd L. Davidson wrote:
Are there any microscope cameras that work with Linux USB webcam
drivers?
Or is anyone using a webcam on a microscope?

There are adapters for telescope mounts; I don't see why they
wouldn't work on a microscope.

I'd rather use something like gphoto2 and get a real camera.

Probably cheaper and much better in the long run.
For photomicrography your suggestions are in fact quite
correct.
I use a Nikon D2x (though gphoto2 doesn't work with it, and
"cheaper" it ain't).

:-) I was thinking more in line with one of the point-and-shoot
kind; I've heard of people "adapting" those by means of some
black paint and a short piece of black pipe. (Paint the inside
of the pipe black, stick one end over the *scope viewer, and
stick the camera in the other end.)

PVC plumbing to the rescue... ;-)

However, in this case the purpose is different. I want real
time video so that children can watch what is happening as a
specimen is setup for viewing. Video allows several children to
see the same things all at once, and it provides them with
something of interest during the process rather than only as an
end point for individual viewing.
A video camera designed for a microscope would clearly be the
best, but I suspect that it is possible to adapt a webcam too,
in much the same way that some of the "Point and Shoot" digital
cameras are adapted (which is very different than using a high
end DSLR).


OK, that makes sense. Someone makes a USB webcam-type of setup
for a telescope. (Meade? Orion? I can't remember.) It can't
be too expensive as it is a "giveaway" if you buy one of the
mid-range telescopes that sell for ~$500 or $800. Maybe you can
pick one up on ebay or your local astronomy club can help?

Does it work with Linux? I've seen lots of units designed
specifically for microscopes, but I can't find a single one that
is supported by any of the drivers for Linux.

You can also get a IP camera - google for AIC250 - for $70 right
now. No problems with compatibility; just point a web browser at
it. They're pretty decent cameras, but I don't know about
adapting for close distances.

That's an option I was only vaguely aware of and had not checked
out at all. It might be just the right thing too! Turns out
they commonly use a standard lens mount, so it should be fairly
easy to adapt one to a microscope. Thanks!

--
Floyd L. Davidson <http://www.apaflo.com/floyd_davidson>
Ukpeagvik (Barrow, Alaska) floyd@xxxxxxxxxx
.

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