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Hi Ajo,

There is something called 'blue tack', I think, that is a residue free adhesive that may be of value in the darkfield condenser project. It would hold the coin in place and could be removed without causing damage or leaving a big mess.
I read about this in a forum and have not personally tried it.

g2b2

__________________
A pixel is worth a thousand words but it takes a thousand words to explain a pixel. g2b2

I used a coin and put it in the filter holder. Here is my solution:

One-Penny Darkfield Illumination Filter DIY Science and Electronics Projects

does this let the light come around it or ami totaly wrong could someone explain please ?

The point is to get the light to illuminate the specimen but miss a direct hit of the objective. With the darkfield stop the light comes to the specimen at a sharp angle, away from the objective. Check this link and can scroll down to "How does darkfield illumination work":

One-Penny Darkfield Illumination Filter DIY Science and Electronics Projects

There are a couple of diagrams of the light path with and without a darkfield stop.

- Alex

Thanks a lot avtanski

Take a look at Ebay 280593035357 you might consider a whole set
since the price seems reasonable.

Good job Ajo, and you had as much enjoyment making it, as using it ! Yes, you can also use a compass cutter, and try working with cardboard or even thin craft foam.

See pictures of Darkfield on my site Rheinberg Filters for Microscopes and Optical Staining

My new book is out - How to Make Rheinberg Filters, for the Hobbyist or Professional. Check it out at the above site.

Good luck, and keep experimenting!
Rgds,
Mike Shaw

I can heartily recommend Mike's filters. I bought some from him some time ago and I use them a lot,they give very good effects,and you get a set of D/F filters as well.
He,s very easy to deal with

I must add that I have no connection with Mike other than a very satisfied customer

Hi Ajo
Are you saying that the stop you made is different to the one that came with your microscope and the original one only gave black and white views? I have a darkfield disc with my microscope and never see any colours but it does work on all the objectives only going a bit greyer on the higher magnification objectives. You have inspired me to play with the disc size and try and get some colours.

I tried resting some coins on my existing darkfield metal disc that sits in the swing out arm but they didn't make any difference to the colour seen in the eyepiece. Maybe my eyes are monochrome and I never knew. I think the light source probably has a lot to do with it especially since I moved the mirror about and it hardly makes any difference to the image as if the light above the sample is supplying most of the light to the sample.