Meade 9400 Microscope
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List Price: $165.00
Features
• Great starter microscope for students or for science hobbyists
• Three large professional-size objective lenses (4x, 10x, and 40x)
• Precision coarse-and-fine rack-and-pinion focuser permits sharp focusing
• Adjustable-inclination microscope body
• 6-aperture rotary diaphragm for lighting control |
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Meade 9400 Microscope Customer Reviews
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As advertised: a good microscope for an intermediate hobbyist
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NOTE: At the time of review, one of the images posted by Amazon is not correct: image displayed is of a lower model. The distinction is important because, among other things, the 9400 focuses by moving the objective/turret up and down.
This is a good microscope for a high-school student or adult hobbyist. But it doesn't mean that somebody in college won't enjoy it. The only limitation is on the maximum 400x magnification. For advanced college level study, higher
magnification will be desired for viewing certain organisms.
Of course, depending on your interest, you may never need more than 400x.
The optics and focusing mechanism enable you to view clear, sharp images at the maximum 400x magnification. It does have a fine-focus control, but I find that I don't use it that much: with a steady hand, the course focus is faster and just as effective. The course focus would be more critical at higher magnifications.
Originally, I wanted a scope with it's own light source, preferably, LED illumination to reduce the need to be near an electrical outlet. However, I find that the mirror provides plenty of light - as long as there is a lamp or a bright window nearby. In fact, for small translucent organisms, one will often need to reduce light in order to see them properly.
The scope uses a 5 hole disc diaphram to help adjust lighting: that just means that there is a disc with five different sized holes in it. The large hole lets in the most light...the small hole lets in the least. You get the idea. The system is adequate enough for an intermediate scope, and you can add extra precision by adjusting the mirror accordingly.
Adjusting the mirror does require some minor attention and some people may find it bothersome. But if you're careful enough to be viewing small and delicate things under a microscope, then you probably have the dexterity and patience to adjust the mirror without giving it much thought.
It doesn't have a mechanical stage, but this is another feature that really isn't needed at 400x. A little nudge is all it takes.
The microscope stands about 14" high; you may want to use a thick book to help adjust the height for comfortable viewing.
The microscope is manufactured in China. If you think heavy is a sign of quailty...it's heavy. The machining on the body could be more refined, but, as I mentioned earlier, it has enough precision in the critical areas. Weight helps to keep it steady. But how heavy does it need to be? I think the industry might consider the use of more high-grade plastics to help refine things and reduce weight.
I bought the 9400 on sale. In the future, if my interest in microbiology persists, I may upgrade to a more advanced model. But for now, I'm happy with it.
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Meade 9400 Microscope digital cameras, camcorders for sale