720LM Direct Imager Adapter with focusing capability for Leica stereo microscopes equipped with a phototube
Unlock premium image quality with modern SLRs and mirrorless system cameras
Our LM microscope adapters with integrated precision optics allow you to use powerful digital cameras with your Leica microscope. These advanced digital cameras are equipped with large image sensors (full-frame, APS-C and M4/3) and can significantly enhance image quality compared to conventional microscope cameras, which typically feature smaller image sensors (usually 1/2 inch). The full-frame cameras currently available on the market deliver the best image quality, but excellent results can also be achieved with the smaller APS-C and M4/3 sensor formats.
We have developed our adapter solutions specifically for Leica stereo microscopes. Depending on the camera’s sensor format, we can offer different adapter solutions. With the adapter’s integrated wide-field optics, it is possible to capture the largest possible field of view (FoV) without any vignetting.
Our direct adapter solutions can be attached directly to the basic phototube with an M38 external thread. We have designed this adapter system specifically for professional use. It delivers superior image quality and its modular design ensures that it can be adapted to suit the user’s unique demands.
The adapter solution is equipped with a focusing feature, allowing for an adjustment of the image viewed through the eyepiece with that of the phototube. The adapter comes with a filter holder with a 37 mm connecting thread for integrating optical filters, for example a polarising filter, directly into the setup.
Overview of key features:
- Precision wide-field optics for an extra-large field of view (without vignetting)
- Large lens diameter for even more light gathering power
- Very compact, short design
- Modular design facilitating maximum flexibility
- Integrated filter holder with M37 thread
- Focusing capabilities (the image observed through the eyepiece can be aligned with that of the phototube)
Compatible Leica stereo microscopes
- Leica M-Serie: M50, M60, M80 / Leica M125 C / Leica M165 C / FC
- Leica S-Serie: S9-Serie, S9 E, S9 D, S9 i, S6 E oder S6 D
- Leica A60 F / A60 S
- Leica Ivesta 3
The image above shows the four options for connecting your DSLR or system camera to your Leica stereo microscope. Diagram 3 outlines how to connect the LM Direct Adapter directly to the basic phototube of the microscope with an M38 external thread, bypassing the need for additional tube components.
Alternatively, the following other mounting options are available for attaching modern mirrorless system cameras and DSLRs to a microscope using LM microscope adapters:
If your Leica stereo microscope is already equipped with an original 1.0x Leica video/photo objective 1.0 no. 10 445 930 or a Leica tube 1x C-mount adapter 1.0 for HC no. 10 450 317, we can offer you two additional adapter solutions:
Diagram 1: Adapter solution for the Leica video/photo objective 1.0 no. 10 445 930
The Leica tube no. 10 445 930 features integrated optics with an optical factor of 1x and a tube connection on the camera side with an internal diameter of 37 mm. The LM adapter solution is attached to the original Leica tube. This combination of the original Leica tube and LM adapter solution delivers high image quality.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 phototube ==> Leica video/photo objective 1.0 no. 10 445 930 ==>LM C-mount 1x (TUST37C) ==> LM microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
Diagram 2: Adapter solution for Leica tube 1x C-mount adapter 1.0 for HC no. 10 450 317
The Leica tube no. 10 450 317 features integrated optics with an optical factor of 1x and a tube connection on the camera side with an internal diameter of 35 mm. The LM adapter solution is attached to this original Leica tube. This combination of the original Leica tube and LM adapter solution delivers high image quality.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 phototube ==> Leica tube C-mount adapter 1.0x for HC no. 10 450 317 ==>LM C-mount 1x (TUST35C) ==> LM microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
The LM adapter can also be attached to the microscope using the original Leica C-Mount Adapter 1x no. 10 450 829.
Diagram 4: Leica C-mount adapter 1x (video adapter 1.0x C-mount for 1" digital cameras no. 10 450 829)
The Leica C-mount 1x no. 10 450 829 features integrated optics with an optical factor of 1x and a standardised C-mount connection on the camera side. The LM adapter solution is attached to this original Leica tube.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 phototube ==> Leica C-mount adapter 1.0x no. 10 450 829 ==> LM microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
If your microscope doesn’t have a dedicated phototube, we offer an equally capable adapter solution for the eyepiece tube. This adapter version also delivers very good image results and offers great flexibility because it can be used on the 30 mm eyepiece tube of other microscopes.
If you decide to upgrade your stereo microscope with a trinocular head or an angled beam splitter at some point in the future, you can still use the adapter solution for the eyepiece tube by just adding some accessory parts. We offer specialised adapter solutions that integrate with eyepiece tubes with an internal diameter of 30 mm and are also equipped with a C-mount connection.
If you’re interested in our adapter solutions or in suitable cameras, or if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to offer expert advice.
21.01.2026Photography:
Fitting the microscope to digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC ), digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) or C-mount cameras is easy with our LM digital SLR adapters, which feature a plan achromatic optical system. Our products make it possible to capture top-quality microscope images. To help you select the adapter that is right for your camera, we have set up an online configurator on our website. You can also email us – ideally with attached photographs of your microscope.
Modern DSLR and single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) offer the latest technology and are generally very well suited for microscopy applications. Most of them can be controlled remotely via PC/Mac. Because of their high sales volumes, they offer an excellent price/performance ratio compared to special-purpose microscope cameras.
Features of top DSLR and single-lens mirrorless cameras (DSLM):
- Large, powerful full-frame sensors (36 x 24 mm)
- Sensor resolution of 61 megapixels or 240 megapixels with Pixel Shift technology
- High light sensitivity (ISO 400,000+)
- Extensive dynamic range (up to 15 aperture stops/f-stops)
- Short exposure times (1/8000 second) up to 1/32,000 seconds using the digital shutter
- 4K Ultra HD or 8K Ultra HD video function
- Live video capture on external monitors in ultra HD quality
In most cases, these cameras are significantly more powerful than microscope cameras with smaller sensors (1/2" or 2/3"). On our website you will find our current camera recommendations and a camera ranking which is specifically tailored to microscopy applications.