Grayfield Optical Inc - High Resolution Optical Microscopes

Up to 1.2" (30mm) depth of field, parallax free imaging, shadow free or 3D-illumination, up to 10 megapixel resolution.

Are you involved in macro photography and have problems with lack of real depth of field?

Do you need a high quality solution which works in real time avoiding the problems of small apertures (loss of resolution and massive amounts of light required)?

Then our new redesigned 3DOM (3D Optical Macro-Microscope), with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 (10MP) camera is for you (also available for Nikon Coolpix S4 or S10, Samsung Digimax S70 or S700)

The following table lists the depth of field available for the respective field of view (the maximum size of the object you wish to image).

As results with the Panasonic Cameras have been found to be less than satisfactory, when used with our optical lens system, we have decided to withdraw these cameras from our list of recomended cameras.

The Nikon Coolpix S10 was our preferred camera which provided better results, however Nikon has unfortunately withdrawn that camera from the market without a suitable replacement. Although individual cameras may still be sourced on the internet, they are not available in sufficient quantities to support the continued marketing of the 3DOM at this time.

As we match our optics precisely to the camera used, this has resulted in us having to withdraw the 3DOM system until a suitable replacement camera has been sourced, tested and optics prepared for it.

We hope to have a replacement system available by June 2008. We apologise for any inconvienience caused. If you can source your own Nikon Coolpix S10 camera locally, we can still provide a 3DOM system for that camera system while stocks last.

3D Optical Macro / Microscope with Panasonic DMC-FZ50

Portable Microscope (without camera)

Features:
ü Illumination in the Z-axis absolutely shadow and parallax free (with optional light box)
ü 3D effect with high resolution (no shadows like those seen with oblique)
ü Even flat structures, like fiber mats and paper, can be seen with high DOF and 3D effect
ü New perspectives possible when combining the 2 light sources
ü High resolution - full 8/10 megapixel capability supported by our optics
ü Natural-color rendition, High contour sharpness, full color contrast
ü Quick and easy to use
ü Easily portable for lab or field use.

Flat side
illumination

Shadowless
illumination

Vertical and
horizontal

Side illumination
(3D effect)

Optional Stage
1. Stage insert
2. Turntable 360°
3. Movable

This innovative 3D microscope targets the needs of Forensic Science, Metallurgy, Geology, Archaeology, Biology, the diamond industry, and other disciplines.

This microscope system introduces an entirely new approach in light microscopy by creating a variable cylinder of focus plane: the basis for the three dimensional view. Another innovation, incorporating a parallel light path, results in sharp contours. This system is not only superior to all known light microscopy techniques, but also renders obsolete the use of stereoscopic microscopes that create an illusion of depth and 3 dimensions. The inherent parallax errors (distortion from oblique paths) experienced by traditional stereo microscopes are eliminated by the 3DOM. The way the system controls the light path results in an extremely sharp image with natural colors and the flexibility to vary the color contrast.

The result of these revolutionary techniques is parallax error-free, true 3D images and a depth of field of up to 1.2" (30 millimetres).

Note: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 can also be used with a TV monitor to simultaneously display the image from the camera during imaging. To activate this feature, hold the Image Delete key (trash can) for 5 seconds - The video output in this mode is NTSC irrespective of the mode set for playback.

FAQ

1. Can other cameras be used?

The optical lens system used has to be perfectly matched to the camera used in order to obtain the optimum depth of field and the ability to zoom without refocussing. It is therefore not possible to simply use a different camera with the existing lens system. We sometimes get requests to use some specific camera, however the development costs to create a lens system for a non-approved camera can be prohibitive, buying an approved camera is nearly always the more cost effective method. To date, the 3DOM system can be supplied for the following cameras: Nikon Coolpix 4500, S4 or S10, Samsung Digimax S70 or S700 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 or FZ50.

2. My Panasonic Lumix Camera does not work with an external monitor?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is supplied with an AV video cable which connects a NTSC or PAL TV monitor with a small USB connector on the side of the camera. By default, a video signal is only sent to the monitor in playback mode and remains blank in record mode (ie. when taking pictures). Although this method is not mentioned in the camera's operating manual, the video output, in record mode, can be switched on by simply pressing and holding the image delete key (trash can symbol) for about 5 seconds. The video signal is output in NTSC even if PAL is selected for playback mode.

3. Do I need the light box between the camera and the sample?

The light box is optional and only needed when it is important to have shadow free images (e.g. tall tube like structures, electronic circuits, etc. In most cases, the two side lights can fulfil most needs.


4. Does the 3DOM work with US Power supplies (110 Volts)?

The 3DOM has been developed in Europe for European 220 Volt, 50 Hz power supplies.

The light box is designed to work with both European and US power supplies. Unfortunately the two side lamps use transformers which only work with 220 Volts. We will however supply suitable transformers from 110 to 220 volts to all customers, in areas that need 110 volts, at no extra charge.


5. Can transmitted light be used?

The 3DOM system can be sold with an additional lighting system, under the stage, for tramsmitted light observations. Please contact us for details if required.