Assembly of an Inexpensive and Fully Functional Stereomicroscope for the Frugal Forensic Microscopist

THE MICROSCOPE
2025, Volume 72:4, pp. 175–180
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59082/UNPJ2422
AUTHORS
Thomas A. Kubic, Michelle D. Miranda, and Antonio Del Valle
ABSTRACT
As practicing microscopists and criminalists one with more than 50 years experience (TAK), the authors have always wished to have available to them, in their forensic and chemical consulting laboratory at Thomas A. Kubic and Associates (TAKA), a high-quality, high-performance, multi-purpose stereomicroscope for forensic examinations and for the sorting of microscopic and larger evidence traces for a reasonable price. The high cost of such a multipurpose instrument together with the authors’ cost-conscious nature and budget prevented them from fulfilling their desires, until they examined the internet’s used equipment and “previously owned” market. They searched there with the goal of assembling the desired multi-functional microscope at a fraction of the original retail cost of a similar performing instrument. Assembling a suitable microscope system was possible after researching the major microscope manufacturers’ sales brochures (Olympus, Nikon, Zeiss, and Leica) and subsequently locating alternative equipment that is fit for the required purposes on internet locations such as Amazon, Google, eBay, etc. Although the crafted microscope may not be absolutely perfect for every function desired, the stereomicroscope assembled for use in the author’s lab and described in this paper is, in their opinion, of exceedingly high quality in every aspect, fit for the desired purpose, and accomplished at a fraction of what its original retail cost would have been. The estimated total cost of all this equipment would be considerably more than $10,000 USD, if purchased new, while the assembled microscope was less than $3,500 USD.
Only complete issues for this publication year are available for $25 each, plus shipping; individual articles are not for sale. To request a complete issue, or for any other inquires, please send email to themicroscope@mcri.org. Shipping: Unless you specify otherwise, the shipping will be 3-5 day Priority Mail through the United States Postal Service.