Which microscope is "best" for coin collecting ???
longtimecollector
Posts: 2,368 ✭
I mean........ Which one gives you the most "bang" for the "Buck" (No coincop hunting references please! )
Cam-Slam 2-6-04
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Numerous POTD (But NONE officially recognized)
Seated Halves are my specialty !
Seated Half set by date/mm COMPLETE !
Seated Half set by WB# - 289 down / 31 to go !!!!!
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IN MEMORY OF THE CUOF
3 "DAMMIT BOYS"
4 "YOU SUCKS"
Numerous POTD (But NONE officially recognized)
Seated Halves are my specialty !
Seated Half set by date/mm COMPLETE !
Seated Half set by WB# - 289 down / 31 to go !!!!!
(1) "Smoebody smack him" from CornCobWipe !
IN MEMORY OF THE CUOF
0
Comments
I use the Intel QX3+... I likes it You have to modify it to use the 200x on slabbed coins, and it can often be difficult to get the coin positioned right and then focused in the 200x range... but, the added bonus of being able to take pictures right from the microscope is nice
42/92
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Bridget
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(My beautiful children!!)
I don't use it often, but for stuff that needs a real close-up it's the best thing.
The QX5 is relatively new, and basically an upgraded QX3, slightly different magnification levels, and somewhat larger resolution (ie, bigger pictures), but at $90 and 3x the cost it wasn't worth it to me.
Need more $$$ for coins?
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars
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I love my QX5. I got it for $75.00 and it's worth every "penney"!
I use a Nikon SMZ-2T.
Jack
myCCset
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
pictures? scan many coins quickly?
what magnification are you looking for?
many options - best for your buck would depend on your use
the ones already listed all have advantages and disadvantages
Several years ago I researched microscopes specifically for use in studying coins. I found exactly what I wanted, made by Bausch & Lomb. Unfortunately it was in the $2500 - $2700 price range. The Zeiss units were even more expensive. With a little perseverance and determination, however, I was able to locate a used Bausch & Lomb stereo microscope, 10X-60X, continuous zoom, with adjustable high intensity light source and measuring graticule, not for $2500, but for $150. It is the best microscope I have ever used for coin examination. I recommend the measuring graticule, but if your microscope does not have one, replacement 10X, 20X or 30X eyepieces, with the graticule built into the eye piece can be purchased from Edmunds Scientific or other places. This allows you to make precise measurements on coins, with the measuring scale displayed directly in your field of view.
I am at a loss for his name right now, but there is a very helpful guy who sets up at all of the major national shows with microscopes, video cameras, digital cameras, light sources, and the like. He makes an adaptor that will attach a digital camera to any stereo microscope for taking photographs.
Look around, and see if you can find a quality used microscope, with precision ground optics, instead of plastic lenses. Long term, you will be much happier.
Here is the date of an 1845 doubled date half dime.
<< <i>I'm really surprised at the options suggested here, or should I say the lack of options. I have no doubt that the "QX3" is a good low priced microscope, but for that amount of money you certainly cannot get good quality optics. PerryHall made an excellent suggestion, however. Try looking, as he suggested, either at medical schools, pawn shops or on eBay for something with a little better optics. >>
I am curious as to what one would be looking for or missing on coins that you would not see in the types of pictures taken above with the Intel QX5?
CoinPeople.com || CoinWiki.com || NumisLinks.com
<< <i>I'm really surprised at the options suggested here, or should I say the lack of options. I have no doubt that the "QX3" is a good low priced microscope, but for that amount of money you certainly cannot get good quality optics. >>
How good do you need? Look at wam98's posted pics. For a microscope that costs only around $70, that's just about as good of quality as one would ever need, coinwise.
<< <i>Anyone know if the QX3/5 work with Mac OS X? >>
I don't think so. I use both PC and Mac and was hoping the QX5 would work on a Mac. The box only says Windows with no reference to Mac at all.
It doesn't look like it at the link below:
INTEL QX-5 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS LINK
If I only had a dollar for every VAM I have...err...nevermind...I do!!
My "Fun With 21D" Die State Collection - QX5 Pics Attached
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Proud Owner of
2 –DAMMIT BOY!!! ® Awards
10x Zeiss Loupe
The difference is awesome. Huge field of view, tack sharp, nice deep eye relief...I can use it for hours without eye fatigue! They ain't cheap but it's worth it. They also make a 6x.
"It is possible to keep a mind so open that it is perpetually empty."
--Peter Huber, "Galileo's Revenge"
miXscope QX5 for Mac OS X
(just in case anyone else finds this useful!)
<< <i>quite a valuable tool that search function is, indeed. >>
How valuable is a thread that's over 5 years old when discussing the best of a current product?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.