I just heard a comment that coverslip thickness can make a difference in photomacrography. I'm using a polarizing microscope to photograph crystals that have formed when I dissolve a chemical in a solution and heat it on a slide- are there any recommendations for coverslip thickness that I should be...

Anyone want to make me an offer?

Thanks very much for both replies, and good to hear that I am not entirely at fault for the inability to align and the various stability issues I believe the device has as shipped. I don't believe either of you is in the US, so I hope I can find someone who can help me improve the stability... I sho...

I just got a WeMacro Micromate and am having trouble aligning it to the focuser on my (Motic BA310POL) scope, and I think there are some basic design issues that are at least partially responsible. I'd like to PM with someone who owns one and/or someone who might be able to help build a new mount fo...

I think my favorite results currently are from urea, thiourea, beta-alanine and most of those mixed with glycine. That could keep you busy for a long time ;-). Some people melt their compounds on a slide on a hot plate, which I have tried, and others use a tea candle or a Bunsen burner to speed up c...

maybe is better I buy them in Europe?

Sorry. I don't know any European sources.

Loudwolf has fairy small batches - find on Amazon or direct. Also try Etsy for some things... Dextrin / 4 Ounce Bottle / 100% Pure Food Grade/Fine Powder/USA Sodium Thiosulfate, Fine Crystals, 99.5% min, 500 Grams (1.1 lb.) HiMedia GRM822-100G Hydroquinone, 100 g Humco 272730001 Sodium Silicate Solu...

Have a look at the Facebook Crystal Art group. Great images and good resources in the file section, including a large list of birefringement compounds. BHT, Beta Alanine, Urea, Thiourea...

Nice work!

BHT and Glycine crystallized. Photographed using a polarizing microscope. ISO 100, 4" exposure, 15x
Melted thiourea crystallized. Photographed using a polarizing microscope. ISO 100, 4" exposure, 37x

Thanks for your note. Much appreciated.

Thanks, Mark. Lots to learn here. The goal is to get it as thin as possible to avoid stacking, but I'm used to stacking from my DSLR/tube lens/scope objective work, so I will definitely give that a try.

First light with new Motic microscope. Melted menthol at 40x (10x objective, 4x photo adapter). Single shot. Looks like it needs sharpening and possibly a stack would help. Suggestions welcome.

Will do. Thanks for the reference.

You might enjoy this book:
Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing Paperback – April 1, 2008
by Margaret S. Livingstone (Author)

Explains some of the biology of illusions as well as how illusions work in various master artworks. One of my favorite references.