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[Poll]
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How many of you own microscopes?
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| We own one |
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| We don't have one, won't get one |
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| We don't have one, will get one |
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| We just borrowed/rented one |
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Total Votes : 33
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(last vote on : 7/9/2008 3:47:49 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 6:28:54 PM
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3tolove
Posts: 10
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Hello all! I haven't posted here in a while. I'm just curious to see how many homeschoolers have microscopes at home. (Debating if we should get one or not for our kids). Also, what other items did you find necessary to have at home for homeschooling? (besides the basics: books, computer, art supplies, etc.)
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Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10)
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 6:34:23 PM
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Bagel
Posts: 360
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Oregon
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I bought one last year at our homeschool expo used curriculum sale. The whole set for $5
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Bagel Lisa
check out my blog at http://bagelslifehomeschool.blogspot.com/
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 7:14:54 PM
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Jenny-Fair
Posts: 6648
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From: WA
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We have two...or three. Um, I don't really know. Not much of a socialist, am I?
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 8:01:19 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7786
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From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jln2boys
We have two...or three. Um, I don't really know. Not much of a socialist, am I?
Apparently not. That's a good thing, btw.
We do not have a microscope. We will buy one for the 2008-2009 school year, but do not need one right now. We will be in Apologia Biology (I think that's it) where we will need one at that time. Until then, we will hold off.
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The devil isn't winning, but he wants you to think he is so you will give up and let him win. Often the battle is hardest before the victory. You may get bloody, but that doesn't mean you are losing, it only means you are fighting.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 8:16:28 PM
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Ellie-Mae
Posts: 4294
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From: The EMPIRE state!
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We own one, but it isn't a very good one.
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He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
W2D1
292 more miles to go!
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 8:47:40 PM
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BCMOM
Posts: 91
Joined: 8/27/2005
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Just bought it yesterday.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/29/2007 9:22:18 PM
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2jsmom
Posts: 2859
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: The Midwest
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We had an inexpensive one, but I upgraded because Joe is doing Apologia biology this year. I'll hang on to it for a while in case he wants to do anatomy and physiology.
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Sue
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/30/2007 8:58:05 AM
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rtwallis
Posts: 14
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Midwest
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We are using the cheapo one I got in my Sears Microscope set when I was 11. When it is time for a "real" one I can borrow from my friend who is a biology major grad.
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Tracy
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/30/2007 12:27:35 PM
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3tolove
Posts: 10
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Thank you for your responses. I was debating about getting one for my kids. I didn't want to get one if it wasn't really necessary. What is a good microscope? What specs do you look for?
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/30/2007 1:10:57 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7786
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 3tolove
Thank you for your responses. I was debating about getting one for my kids. I didn't want to get one if it wasn't really necessary. What is a good microscope? What specs do you look for?
Check out www.hometrainingtools.com. I'm pretty sure they have an article on this subject or at least information about it. They sell microscopes.
_____________________________
The devil isn't winning, but he wants you to think he is so you will give up and let him win. Often the battle is hardest before the victory. You may get bloody, but that doesn't mean you are losing, it only means you are fighting.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/30/2007 1:15:44 PM
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bzirk
Posts: 2995
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From: Where the deer and antelope play
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My daughter tried to do some biology without one. Big mistake. I ended up buying one from someone, and it cost me $20. It's a pretty nice one that had been sitting on a shelf in this person's storage closet for about 5 years when I bought it. Wish I had bought one sooner.
If I had to buy a new one, I guess I would, but I'm cheap so I scouted around for a used one. Glad I did that, 'cause they're expensive, and did I mention I'm cheap? 
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Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
Great quote: I just ain't God and don't know it all. -- SonInMe1
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/31/2007 12:07:15 AM
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W.O.F.
Posts: 1683
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: an ignoble beginning
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cynthia
quote:
ORIGINAL: 3tolove
Thank you for your responses. I was debating about getting one for my kids. I didn't want to get one if it wasn't really necessary. What is a good microscope? What specs do you look for?
Check out www.hometrainingtools.com. I'm pretty sure they have an article on this subject or at least information about it. They sell microscopes.
They sell VERY good microscopes at very reasonable prices (unless of course you can get one used from a school or yard sale!).
If you can only afford one thing for your homeschoolers..I recommend a good microscope over art, etc. You can fit art and music in later as you can afford it, or by just simply visiting art musuems and encouraging creative activities...but a microscope covers not just the high school years, but the later elementary and jr high years as well.
The cheap chemistry set ones will work, but not at the high school level very well..but they are better than nothing at all.
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Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh no, she's awake."
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 3/31/2007 9:20:46 AM
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2jsmom
Posts: 2859
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From: The Midwest
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I found ours on Ebay.
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<-----Me measuring my "little" boy. Notice the step stool.
Sue
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/2/2007 8:32:11 AM
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amybreit
Posts: 939
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We don't have one yet, but I'm sure we'll need one soon. I plan on scouting out yard sales & of course checking the used book sales from our local hs groups. I may check ebay too. Probably should check out what makes a good microscope first, so thanks for the link!
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<------ Staci & Stoli, our k9 kids!
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/23/2007 11:56:56 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1422
Joined: 1/27/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 3tolove
Hello all! I haven't posted here in a while. I'm just curious to see how many homeschoolers have microscopes at home. (Debating if we should get one or not for our kids). Also, what other items did you find necessary to have at home for homeschooling? (besides the basics: books, computer, art supplies, etc.)
As a former science teacher I will often ask parents if their children have a microscope. Invariably those that say, "Yes, but the children never use it" have made the mistake of not buying a quality scope. The reason it's not used is becuase it's so HARD to use.
Choosing the correct microscope is very important and largely based on the age of your children.
Most parents instinctively look for a COMPOUND microscope. But, actually, in a lifetime, these are the LEAST useful scopes to own. I know that homeschoolers must have one of these for some courses and I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying one. But, recognize that the reason for having ANY scope is discovery.
THE most useful scope a family can own is a low power stereo microscope. It can be used for just about EVERYTHING. I own several of these and purchased on for my granddaughters. While I have a 10x-40x zoom stereoscope, the one I most often is is an inexpensive 10X scope. It's perfect for spontaneous discovery. It can be purchased on the web for a little over $130 and will provide a lifetime of learning. This scope can be used by every age group... from the very young on up to the day you die. Here is an image and some movies from one such scope.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/TMeeks/Microscope/Caterpillar_on_Raspberry.jpg
Caterpillar and Beetle Movies at 10X
I can go into more detail on why lower power (10X) is better in a Stereoscope if you'd lke. Just ask. The 10X model I bought for my grandchildren is C&A Scientific's SMJ-10.
SMJ-10 Stereoscope
It's available on just about any microsocope web site.
As for compound microscopes, please RUN from the toys. They are just plain junk and will actually end up discouraging your children rather than encouraging them. The BEST compound microscope for home schooling, if one can possibly afford it, is a dual view teaching microscope that has two eyepieces. It's virtually impossible to be sure that a student is seeing what they should be seeing. Having an eyepiece that the parent or teacher can use while the student is using the other is an excellent way to ensure that they truly have identified the correct object of study. These scopes run just over $200 on the web.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/TMeeks/Microscope/MA87_Setup.jpg
Here is a closer view of the C&A Scientific MF-04. Other companies also make similar scopes.
Dual View Compound Microscope
If this is beyond the budget, you still do NOT have to resort to cheap toys. Toys R Us primarily carries junk when it comes to scopes. But, they do have one shining exception and that is the My First Lab Microscope for $99. Make sure it's the 'Ultimate' version becuase that has the newest LED lighting. If it doesn't then look elsewhere on the web for it. The primary thing the My First Lab Microscope lacks is a mechanical stage.
It is an exceptional value for it's price. If you go to my blog there is a video sample of the quality of image you can achieve with that scope. Look for the Protozoa Animation Project where I discuss using a child's 3D modeling program for reporting what a student had seen in the microsocope. The Blobfans link is in my signature below.
I would be MORE than happy to help anyone that desires to make the best choice in a scope for their children. I have no financial stake in any of the microscope resellers or manufactureres. I'm most familar with C&A Microscopes becuase they are local to me and I have just about the full range of their scopes. It is features and quality that you want to look for... not brand name. Most scopes that we mere mortals can afford are built in the same few factories in China these days and have excellent optics for the cost.
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 12:28:24 AM
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cynthia
Posts: 7786
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
Status: offline
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Thank you, TMeeks. That was very helpful. I am wanting to get a microscope and that was a very helpful post. You now have stars for being thoughtful, helpful and writing out a great post.
_____________________________
The devil isn't winning, but he wants you to think he is so you will give up and let him win. Often the battle is hardest before the victory. You may get bloody, but that doesn't mean you are losing, it only means you are fighting.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 1:17:22 AM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1422
Joined: 1/27/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cynthia
Thank you, TMeeks. That was very helpful. I am wanting to get a microscope and that was a very helpful post. You now have stars for being thoughtful, helpful and writing out a great post.
Thanks! You made my day! :)
Again, I would be more than happy to help you in evaluating any of the scopes you might be considering. If it would be helpful I could also continue this thread with a list of comparison features such as mechanical stage vs. no mechanical stage and light control by simple turret with holes vs. iris control and how each affects usefulnes.
I'm actually planning to purchase another scope myself. I want one that is capable of using Phase Shift for photographing protozoa.
I currently own and have first hand experience with the following scopes.
Stereo and Low Power
SMZ-04 Stereo Zoom 10X-40X with Camera Attachment. (Overkill for most people)
SMJ-10 Stereo (My FAVORITE scope - Best Value)
SMJ-20 Stereo (Less depth of field and smaller field of view)
SMD-03 Multi Study Scope - Great for the youngest children. But, at 20X, smaller field of view.
Compound Microscope
My First Lab Microscope - Very good optics; but, no mechanical stage or fine focus
My First Lab Ultimate Microscope - EXCELLENT LED lighting system. Very bright image. Same issues as above
MF-04 Dual View Microscope - One of my favorites for teaching
MS Series Student Microscopes
There are 4 scopes in this series and I've had each one before giving most of them away to relatives. The MS-01 and MS-01L are very nice scopes; but, the mechanical stage is not included. You must buy it as an extra item. It also has the less effective disc diaphram.
The MS-03 and MS-03L are well worth the few added bucks and a much better overall value. My FAVORITE value in compound scopes (aside from my bias toward the dual view) is the MS-03L becuase of the LED lighting. It is SO much better than earlier lighting systems. The MS-03/MS-03L also have 1000X, the spiral condensor lighting control and an included mechanical stage.
Now, there are other makes out there that have the very same features. Again, it isn't the brand that I would be suggesting; but, the capabilities and cost/performance ratio.
On a whim I searched for the model numbers and found a place having the MS-01L for $120 and the MS-03L for $178. The MS-03L at $178 is by far the best value and investment. I have no idea if the place is high, low or even honest. But, it does give you some clues as to the relative costs.
The MS-01L at $120 is infinitely better than the Toys R Us value of the My First Lab Microscope at just $20 more becuase it has a fine focus and you can add a mechanical stage later. So, the search was interesting. :)
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 1:26:59 AM
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cynthia
Posts: 7786
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
Status: offline
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What do you think of the microscopes sold through Home Science Tools? I am going to be saving up for one and am looking at this one.
_____________________________
The devil isn't winning, but he wants you to think he is so you will give up and let him win. Often the battle is hardest before the victory. You may get bloody, but that doesn't mean you are losing, it only means you are fighting.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 9:37:15 AM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1422
Joined: 1/27/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cynthia
What do you think of the microscopes sold through Home Science Tools? I am going to be saving up for one and am looking at this one.
This one seems excellent to me. In particular, I like the measurements on the stage. You might check to see if they have an LED lighted version. The LED lighting is whiter and doesn't generate the heat that the halogen lamps generate. I think most scope manufacturers will be moving in that direction.
Even if LED is not available, this scope would be the kind that I would hope parents choose for their children if at all possible. They'll be able to use it for the rest of their lives. Make sure you purchase several replacement bulbs if the scope you buy uses halogens. Bulbs don't last forever and the scope itself will probably outlive the supplier. Better safe than sorry. 
One rant. I notice that the site had a SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE. I buy directly from the wholesalers and I have yet to see a Suggested Retail Price. So, I consider the so-called 'savings' to be completely bogus. Since they don't give you a model number, or manufacturer, it's tough to compare prices. I did check their prices where they DID give the make and model and they compared very well.
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 10:06:44 AM
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AspieHome
Posts: 20
Joined: 3/17/2007
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I have a question for you. I have never been able to see through a microscope. I look through, adjust the focus and see nothing but faint blurs. I adjust more ad still see nothing. I have had science teachers look through it, say "Oh yeah that's real good there. Try it now." Still nothing. Any ideas? My children can describe in detail what they are seeing and I still see nothing! (For that matter, they love the "magic eye" pictures and I see nothing there either.)
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 4/24/2007 4:36:52 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1422
Joined: 1/27/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: AspieHome
I have a question for you. I have never been able to see through a microscope. I look through, adjust the focus and see nothing but faint blurs. I adjust more ad still see nothing. I have had science teachers look through it, say "Oh yeah that's real good there. Try it now." Still nothing. Any ideas? My children can describe in detail what they are seeing and I still see nothing! (For that matter, they love the "magic eye" pictures and I see nothing there either.)
This is probably not uncommon. The light path includes the optics of the microscope and your own optics in your eyes. The eyepiece is designed to converge the image at a very specific point above the physical plane of the top layer of glass of the eyepiece. From there, your eyes take over.
I'm guessing that you might have more difficulty with peripheral vision than normal. Or, that you have astigmatism at a position on your eye's lenses that is right in the path of the microscope's focal point and it distorts and scatters the image. With a microscope you need to be able to focus on a very tiny point, through a smaller section of your eye's lens. But, other vision falls on every part of your eye's lens so the distorted spot has less total effect.
I suspect that there could be any number of reasons. If you try seeing with your glasses on, it raises you above the the optimal position. This is a good question for an eye doctor.
From the microscope perspective there are vast differences in the focal points of less expensive microscopes and those having wide field and high point eyepieces. All of the scopes I use have wide-field; but, none have high point eyepieces. Wide Field is pretty standardw ith better scopes... even student scopes. But, high point harder to come by. In the C&A line there is only one high point offering, the MAX-200....their most expensive model. I'm guessing it is this type of scope that you need in order to see well.
Is the situation you describe true of both eyes?
< Message edited by TMeeks -- 4/24/2007 4:40:24 PM >
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 11/19/2007 12:27:44 PM
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Ellie-Mae
Posts: 4294
Joined: 4/9/2005
From: The EMPIRE state!
Status: offline
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I am getting ready to buy a microscope, and will be using this info to help me.
Thank you again for your time.
_____________________________
Isaiah 40:29
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
W2D1
292 more miles to go!
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RE: How many of you own microscopes? - 11/19/2007 12:46:06 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7786
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
Status: offline
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I'm going to be buying a microscope in the spring and will also use this thread to help me. I'm glad it's still around.
_____________________________
The devil isn't winning, but he wants you to think he is so you will give up and let him win. Often the battle is hardest before the victory. You may get bloody, but that doesn't mean you are losing, it only means you are fighting.
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Gosh... umm... there was no button to click "We have two" so I said we have one. Actually, we have a cheap "kids microscope" and a more expensive "family microscope" that a relative bought for us. The kids may use theirs anytime. We get out the family one when we have a serious project (like looking at a drop of blood, pond scum, etc.) 
