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The Leica DM IL: an inverted microscope that excels in many areas

Leica’s infinity-corrected DM IL inverted research microscope, which hit the market in 1998, was intended primarily for routine examinations of cell and tissue cultures, liquids and sediments. Our LM digital adapters can be attached to this microscope quickly and easily to produce photographs of exceptional image quality. This combination makes it simple to achieve digital photo documentation using state-of-the-art camera technology.

Two basic stands are available: one is the standard bright field version using the contrasting methods bright field, phase contrast and integrated modulation contrast; the other is the fluorescence stand which also offers three transmitted light contrasting techniques as well as incident light fluorescence. Owing to the low centre of gravity of these stands, they are exceptionally stable, a characteristic that can be enhanced further in photomicrography applications by using an additional stabilisation plate.

Beyond the binocular tube and an ergo module, a trinocular tube is available as well. That tube offers an additional documentation output for taking photographs (switchable to direct 100% of the light either to the eyepieces or the photo port). With our LM digital adapters, almost any DSLR or system camera can be attached to the microscope.

The viewing angle of the DM IL is 45º. Its tube has an adjustable eyepiece holder that allows a field number of 20. If intermediate tubes (such as the multi-discussion facility) are used, that field number is limited to 18. The optical axis of the documentation port is offset to the left by 88 mm to ensure a free view of the specimen when using this tube. The photo tube viewed from above:

Leica’s DM IL has an integrated lamp housing equipped with a 6 volt/35 watt halogen bulb. However, 12 volt/100 watt lamp housings are also available.

Objectives are pivotal to ensuring quality images, and the Leica DM IL is equipped with a four-position objective turret. All microscope objectives with magnifications of 2.5 to 100 can be used. Leica also offers a wide range of objectives that deliver images of outstanding quality.

Conclusion:
When suitable objectives are used, Leica’s DM IL is an excellent microscope for use in photomicrography.

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.