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Produce laser-sharp images using LM digital adapters with the Leica LMD6 and LMD7 microscope systems

The field of laser microdissection is highly specialised, and therefore top-quality images with pinpoint clarity are absolutely essential. With our LM digital adapters, this requirement can be met using commercially available DSLR cameras.

Laser microdissection is a method for isolating and analysing individual cells or tissue regions. It is widely used in bioanalytics. Generally, inverted microscopes are the most common instruments employed for live cell imaging. With its LMD6 (successor to the LMD6500) and LMD7 models, Leica offers two upright microscope systems for laser microdissection using LED transmitted illumination. Users can now choose between halogen and LED illumination. The Leica DM6 B upright microscope is integrated into both systems. It accommodates bright field, polarisation contrast, DIC, phase contrast and fluorescence observation (fluorescence filter cube). The major difference between the two systems is the laser power: while the Leica LMD6 is ideal for standard applications, the laser power of the LMD7 is designed to meet the most demanding requirements.

The instruments offer a choice of one or two camera ports, both located at the top of the instrument: the LMD6 has a dual camera port (ratio of observation:port = 100:0–0:100); the LMD7 comes with a single camera port.

With our LM digital adapters, users are free to attach either same-brand cameras or other cameras of their choice, including commercially available DSLRs and system cameras, to the LMD6/LMD7. Thanks to the specialised optics in our adapters, bright, sharp images with perfect detail can be produced.

As with the previous versions, the Leica LMD6 and LMD7 collect samples by means of gravity. This collection method is especially gentle, because users can collect their samples contact-free, no matter what size and shape the material is. This ensures that samples remain free of contamination. These new microdissection systems move the laser – guided by high-precision optics – not the sample, to provide for clean cuts. Two different stage options are available (motorised or scanning stage).

Leica offers a portfolio of objectives specifically designed and optimised for laser applications called the Leica “SmartCut” series. It comprises a set of 10 dry objectives (5x to 150x): a 150x SmartCut dry objective to go into detail with high magnification and high resolution, and a range of low magnification objectives for a large field of view. Special objectives for oil immersion are available.

Photography: 

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.