Camera for Leitz Dialux POL

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kengel
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri May 27, 2022 3:11 pm
Location: New Zealand

Camera for Leitz Dialux POL

Post by kengel »

Hi all, I am a recent geology masters graduate and have inherited what I think is a Leitz Dialux POL, although i'm not 100%. Can anyone help me identify it? I am trying to get it back in working condition and have no idea where to look for parts. The scope needs a new base plate polariser and I wouldn't mind a spare bulb. I am also wanting to attach my DSLR or a 35mm film camera to take photos. Is this possible, and if so what do I need for it? I have attached a photo for reference.

Thanks all for the help, it is much appreciated!! :)
Leitz Dialux POL.jpg

Pau
Site Admin
Posts: 6051
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Re: Camera for Leitz Dialux POL

Post by Pau »

Hi kengel, Geology and New Zealand form a most convenient pair.
Welcome to the forum!

This is a nice instrument (despite I don't like the single knob focusing system)

Because the Leitz objectives need complementary aberration corrections done by the "compensating" Periplan eyepieces you need a system that uses that kind of eyepiece to form the image on the camera sensor, There are two methods: afocal, putting a camera lens over the eyepiece or eyepiece projection raising a bit the eyepiece to force it to project the image onto the sensor.

For afocal, at https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... =8&t=15607 you have lots of info.

What is under the aluminum cap at top of the photo tube? likely you would need a Leitz tube eyepiece adapter* (not difficult to find) an adequate Periplan* and a system to put the camera over it.

Forget film, digital is much more convenient.

* in both cases the ones made for 170 corrected microscopes
Pau

kengel
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri May 27, 2022 3:11 pm
Location: New Zealand

Re: Camera for Leitz Dialux POL

Post by kengel »

Thank you Pau!

I had a look at the two types of photography, and I guess that means that I won't be able to use a microscope camera system either like a Moticam (attached pic)? If those are also out of the question, I think I will probably aim for setting up an afocal style jig. Would I just be able to use it monocularly and use the second eyepiece as the one for the DSLR?
Moticam
Moticam
The aluminium cap has nothing underneath it, just a smaller tube leading to a mirror I believe (attached pic).
Trinocular Tube
Trinocular Tube
If you think going with a DSLR is the best bet, any suggestions on where I can pickup all the required bits and pieces? I have a Sony A77ii which should be a Minolta A mount. Sadly it is a crop sensor so will give a further 1.5 x magnification I believe.

Thanks so much for your help, it is really appreciated :)

Pau
Site Admin
Posts: 6051
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Re: Camera for Leitz Dialux POL

Post by Pau »

The Moticam and similar cameras need a C mount adapter. Because the tiny sensor it needs reduction lenses and will not have the adequate compensation for your objectives. IMO a consumer camera or even a good phone over a Periplan eyepiece will do better.

Will try to propose the adequate parts for your DSLR afocal setup

1- EYEPIECE ADAPTER FOR THE CAMERA TUBE
It is needed for placing the eyepiece at the right height to be parfocal with the viewing eyepieces. If your tube inner diameter is 38mm it's what is pictured in this ended auction, in principle the 23.2 version for normal eyepieces:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203919584662?h ... 7675.l2557
There are several others for sale although at more expensive
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324694614900?h ... SwiRtg2gw4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254201367148?h ... Sw~uhUnOLw
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265249014791?h ... SwmGhhBeBt
Don't buy the model marked "160"

2- A good Periplan eyepiece for 170 corrected microscopes. Magnification could be 10X, 8X or 6.3, the best option depends of the camera lens focal length (see my formerly linked post) The ones marked with eyeglasses are in principle more adequate.

3- A camera lens. In general fixed focal lenses are preferable over zooms, again see the ideas at that post. I don't know what lenses are available for your camera, in principle prime lenses of 40 to 50 mm are preferable

4- A system to connect the camera lens filter thread to the eyepiece tube or to the eyepiece itself. There are many options with old style SLR adapters like the Pentax (M
thread and adapter rings.

- Eyepiece projection. It is easier, you will need the same 1,2 and 4 steps but placing the eyepiece few mm higher and with adapters directly to the camera mount without lens.

Hope this could help
Pau

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