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Upgrading the Nikon Diaphot 300/200 with modern digital camera systems (DSLR, system or C-mount cameras) 

Nikon’s older inverse research microscopes, such as the Diaphot 300/200 (with and without NT-88 micromanipulator system) remain high-quality instruments despite their decades of service. With our LM digital adapters, they can be upgraded quickly and easily for photo documentation applications that use modern digital camera systems (DSLR, system or C-mount cameras).

These older inverse Nikon research microscope models (such as the Nikon Diaphot) offer a wide range of functionalities and a multitude of specialised imaging techniques including fluorescence, phase contrast or differential interference contrast (Nomarski) imaging.

For these microscopes, which were manufactured in the early 1990s, CF objectives that feature Nikon’s high-grade chromatic aberration-free system were used. Nikon even offered specialised CF fluorite lenses for fluorescence microscopy under UV illumination.

Attaching a modern camera system to the microscope is best accomplished using the side port. If the microscope does not have a side port, it is also possible to mount a camera to one of the two eyepiece tubes. The optical quality is equally good with both approaches.

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.