Another high end unit I was lucky enough to get my hands on, and how exciting this bad boy of a machine was!
This fluorescence microscope, the FM690TC-PL, is a fluorescent capable version of the T690C-PL, which I’ve touted as one of the best compound microscope models I’ve ever used before at that price point. Very close to comparable to the big name brands I shy away from for budgetary purposes (Nikon, Zeiss, Olympus, etc). Although, of course, for significantly less in cost than you would end up shelling out for a fluorescence microscope from a big name brand. We like quality deals here, so that’s all we’ll bring you.
Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most advanced functions for a compound optical microscope, so if you aren’t sure what this is, I suggest giving a read over at my Fluorescence Microscope page (under construction–it will be up soon!). Typically, you’ll know if you need this before you even start shopping for a microscope, but just in case you find out on the journey, this will be your go to life saver page and fluorescence microscope recommendation!
AmScope Fluorescence Microscope Review “FM690TC-PL”
So, what did you get for the price point here? Amazing optical quality–unparalleled in the market for Chinese fluorescence microscopes. Infinity plan optics are flat to the point where your focusable field of view in the eyepieces is about 95%. I could hardly notice the fall off at the far ends of the field of view because it was so narrow, but going from an achromatic or even a plan achromatic lens to this, the difference became immediately clear. Those of you that work under microscopes (specifically fluorescence microscope units) for long periods of time, this helps immensely in avoiding headaches and eye strain. You can drop down to simple infinity optics to get an increase over the achromatic variants, but for a little cheaper (about 85-90% instead of 95%) by going with their step down model here: FM690TC-FL.
For the lighting, you have three main adjustments–the intensity control knob by the power switch, the base illuminator lens, and the iris diaphragm on the condenser. Between these three, achieving true, even Kohler illumination is possible–also adding to the great depth and quality of the image you’ll get out of this fluorescence microscope when using it as a brightfield microscope. You can add darkfield and phase contrast to this FM690TC-FL as well, if you so desired to–again, it’s a T690C-PL with a twist.
For the more advanced user, we break into the twist of the unit; the included fluorescent kit. For those of you unfamiliar with this, essentially what it does is emits full spectrum light from a powerful mercury bulb, and filters all but a specific wavelength of light out. This specific wavelength is passed through a filter mirror, called a dichroic mirror, and shines down through the objective onto the sample. The sample is dyed with a specific dye that, when the light hits it, the molecules of the dye are excited into fluorescing a different color. That excitement shines back up through the objective, through another filter in the dichroic mirror, and then into the eyepieces. This allows one to see very fine details or actions taking place in various samples, such as with tissue cultures or cell cultures.
The FM690TC-FL comes with blue and green filters, allowing visibility of green and red excitation, respectively. I have heard that AmScope also sells a UV filter kit for certain fluoresence microscope models, but I do not believe this kit is one of them, as I cannot find an easy way to remove and swap out the filter “cubes.” This may be a small shortcoming of the unit if you have dyes that need UV light to excite, however for most common applications, the blue and the green filters are all that you need. Note that this unit does not allow for brightfield top light without making your own mirror cube to reflect full spectrum light into the path of light–the middle neutral setting simply blocks the light entirely.
The trinocular port is included with this, but the cameras are separate purchases, so be aware of that if you intend to use this digitally. Also, if wanting to do fluorescent microphotography, note that you may need a significantly more light sensitive camera that I’ve recommended here, or to go with a low resolution camera like the MU300 or MU130 (they tend to be more light sensitive at lower resolutions).
All in all, if you’re a huge hobbyist and want a unit that can do it all, this FM690TC-FL is your best bet for a fluorescence microscope. I was blown away by all I could do with it, and the quality of this professional grade unit. You will be able to do just about everything except polarization through the FM690TC-FL (as that requires an entirely different kind of rotating stage and filters)–darkfield, phase contrast, brightfield, and fluorescent imaging. Pretty much, you would never need to buy another microscope again!
You can check the unit out and get it on order from here or any other link in my review: FM690TC-FL
And, as a bonus, here are the accessories if you want to get them to make this unit all inclusive:
DK-OIL200-INF (Oil darkfield condenser for 40x and 100x objective use)
DK-DRY200-INF (Dry darkfield condenser for 4x and 10x objective use)
PCT200-INF (Phase contrast kit, including condensers, objectives, and centering telescope)
As always, let me know if you have any questions I can help answer for you! Feedback and comments are welcome!