Affordable Inspection Microscopes?

Good luck with that. If you can find a source for 10X-40X zoom scopes on a boom stand with a fiberoptic illuminator for $200 let me know.

The light systems new are about $250.

As a point of reference, I think we paid about $2k for a Meiji system like you're describing when I last bought one new.

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$200 is iffy, even for a used, reconditioned unit. I got an aged Olympus for about that some years ago, but had to make my own stand. There is a Chinese-made stereo microscope (no zoom) that is absolutely worthless for inspection, because the "throat" is about 3 inches. So, you can't see anything that is more than 3" from an edge of a board.

Most of the high-end stereo-zoom microscopes have several eyepiece magnifications and then have optional objective lenses to change the range of magnifications available. You need a mount with enough reach to see to the center of your largest board. You want as much "working distance" as possible, if you need to poke at things or resolder joints when inspecting. I really doubt you need as much magnification as you state, I usually want LESS magnification, so I can scan rows of pins, etc. quickly. When I spot something suspicious, then I might turn up the mag. to about 20X, that's all I need.

Stay with the major brands like Bausch&Lomb, you can still get parts and optional eyepieces for even 40-year old units.

Jon

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I just got a scope off of Ebay from Precision World. There have been some kinks, but, overall, it was a good experience. The scope I picked up actually zoomed a little too much for our needs (I need to use it for assembly, as well as inspection). They were very responsive on the phone, and I was able to get a lens that reduced some of the zoom, and gave me the working space I needed. There was also an issue with the zoom feature that required me to send the unit back on an RMA for repair...a process that, while aggravating because I need the scope, was actually pretty painless to deal with.

For what you're looking for, and that price range, I think you're looking for a used equipment auction, and a good deal. Check out Dovebid and X-Line.

cheers ..rob

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