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High-end adapters with integrated precision optics: upgrading the inverted Leitz Diavert laboratory microscope with a modern digital camera

Using our LM microscope adapters to attach cameras with state-of-the-art technology to the Leitz Diavert enables top-quality photographic documentation! Due to the outstanding price/performance ratios of the current Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony cameras, we recommend them for work on the Leitz Diavert.

The Leitz Diavert is an inverted microscope that is a little older but still offers excellent quality and is very well suited for microscopy, especially when used with our adapter solutions. At the core of the highly modular Diavert is an L-shaped stand, which is very flexible and facilitates the addition of a wide variety of devices and accessories. The Diavert is the inverted counterpart of the upright Leitz Ortholux II, and all major components are freely interchangeable between these instruments. As can be seen in the image above, the Diavert is a real “workhorse”. In addition to bright field, dark field, DIC and phase contrast, it can also be adapted for fluorescence studies with an additional module. It also features a photo port for which we carry adapter solutions that enable DSLR and system cameras as well as C-mount cameras to be attached to the microscope.

For modern digital photomicrography, we recommend cameras with large sensors (DSLR and system cameras with APS-C or full-frame sensors), which can also be controlled remotely via PC/Mac or smartphone/tablet. We can say from experience that the image quality is much higher than with “classical” microscope cameras. More information on making a camera selection can be found on the following two info pages: camera recommendations and camera ranking.

As an alternative to the photo port, the camera can also be attached to the eyepiece tube of the microscope. Simply remove one eyepiece and plug the camera, together with the adapter, into the tube (standard internal diameter: 23.2 mm). The image quality is equally good with both solutions, but if you think of workflow and ergonomics, using the dedicated photo port to connect the camera is definitely the preferred option. 

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.