A PZO Biolar research microscope configured for polarised light and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy. This Polish-made laboratory microscope probably dates from approximately the 1980s and is supplied substantially as shown in the photographs.
The microscope is fitted with a PZO DIC-5 interference head together with a KPI-2 condenser, lower polarising unit, rotating stage and trinocular head assembly. It is supplied with a mixture of PZO, Olympus, Zeiss and Vickers objectives as listed below.
The microscope was tested using an LED lamp fitted to the original lamp holder. The LED lamp is perfectly adequate for testing and visual observation, although buyers intending to undertake serious photographic work may prefer to fit the original specification incandescent or halogen lamp for improved colour rendering and to avoid possible LED flicker with some cameras.
The linear polarising filters show some signs of delamination, although spare replacement filters are included. The KPI-2 condenser has had a small modification made to part of its clamping mechanism, as shown in the photographs, but remains secure in use.
As with most research microscopes of this complexity, some adjustment, alignment and setup should be expected following transport.
Included:
PZO Biolar microscope chassis
Five-position nosepiece
Carl Zeiss 40x/0.65 objective
Vickers 10x/0.25 objective
Olympus Plan 1.3x/0.03 objective
PZO Plan 100x/1.27 Oil (160/0.17) objective
Trinocular head assembly
Pair of Nikon Widefield 10x eyepieces
PZO DIC-5 interference head unit
PZO KPI-2 condenser assembly
PZO lower polarising unit
PZO SK14 rotating stage
PZO calibration graticule slide
Two condenser adjustment keys
Original lamp holder fitted with LED lamp
Spare rectangular polarising filter
Spare circular polarising filter
Not included / Please note:
No 6V power supply is supplied.
No trinocular camera tube is supplied.
The cover for the trinocular camera port is missing.
Only four objectives are supplied despite the five-position nosepiece.
No camera or imaging equipment is supplied.
Additional filters or accessories not shown in the photographs are not included.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description and show the condition and completeness of the microscope being supplied.
The PZO Biolar was widely used as a laboratory and research microscope and could be configured for a variety of disciplines including biological microscopy, polarising microscopy and petrographic work. The Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) equipment supplied with this microscope allows Nomarski interference contrast techniques to be employed for subjects where conventional bright-field microscopy offers insufficient contrast.
The combination of the DIC-5 head, KPI-2 condenser, rotating stage and trinocular viewing head makes this a particularly interesting platform for enthusiasts of scientific instruments, microscopy equipment and vintage laboratory apparatus, as well as users involved with mineralogy, geology, petrography, metallurgy and advanced biological microscopy.
