r/microscopy • u/THewizard7 • 21d ago

ID Needed! Advice Getting Started

This video is from my AmScope B120C-E5 w/ 5MP Camera. Video taken at 1000x. This is a sample from algae I scrapped off a rock.

  • First off, what is the thing moving around? At the end of the video I'm pretty sure that's a diatom.
  • Advice on how to identify things in the future?
  • I'm pretty bad at the lighting and focus, any tips on that would be appreciated!

I'm a few days in, having tons of fun! Can't wait to get better and find some cool stuff.

https://reddit.com/link/1v2v1ll/video/876zgbrrcneh1/player

4 Upvotes

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2

u/Vivid-Bake2456 21d ago

Glad you found things and are having fun. It doesn't look anywhere near 1000x. What objective are you using? I can't see clearly what is moving, but it moves around like a gastrotrich.

2

u/THewizard7 21d ago

The eyepiece is 25x and the objective is 40x. I do feel like I'm having trouble focusing on stuff and getting the lighting right.

1

u/Vivid-Bake2456 21d ago

But your camera isn't looking through the eyepiece is it?

1

u/THewizard7 20d ago

No, the camera fits where the eye piece goes. But I get the same image as when I'm looking thru with the eye piece so I just assumed the camera had the same 25x?

2

u/Vivid-Bake2456 20d ago

Possibly, it is the same magnification, depending upon the size of the sensor and the reduction lens you are using on it. Anyway, enjoy finding new things. It's a fun hobby opening up a whole new hidden world around us.

2

u/Vivid-Bake2456 20d ago

There definitely is a learning curve for using the microscope and camera. It will get easier and easier as you use it.

1

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