Dino-lite AM4115 ZT USB microscope question

Rarestuff

I had used one of the Lighthouse USB microscopes that I bought at a coin show but got fed up with the software that was full of bugs and the customer support which bailed out on me. I got tired of the constant failure of the software to detect the microscope and just tossed the worthless trouble maker over a year ago.

I do a lot of research and really need to use the tool of a quality usb microscope so have boiled it down to the Dino-lite AM4115zt which has both the full range of magnification and the polarizing ring to reduce glare. Not cheap at roughly $650, but better than the grief of the lighthouse model.

Does anyone else use this model? Before I dive in, I was wondering if the focal distance to get full range magnification will work while viewing a coin in a slab? Also, are there any issues with focusing on the details of the underlying coin through the plastic? I also came across one person in a review complaining about the software having bugs. Has anyone experienced this? Needless to say it could be a deal breaker for me.

Type2

I bought some cheep o off Amazon for $40 work good for me well got it for free with points.

oih82w8

I have a Dino-Lite, and have good results with it.

SimplyCoins1

I have had the same problem. I have the lighthouse USB microscope as well and would like to upgrade to something with high resolution and better lighting options. I have been looking into AMScope stereo microscopes which are pretty expensive but the quality looks incredible. I wish I could see examples of how it pictures coins before spending $500+. I have been looking into the dino-lite as well, however, it looks very similar to the lighthouse one I have been using so I am hesitant to buy.

rmpsrpms

You can take pics like the ones below for <$500

[IMG]http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S Roll Search/55SSS-4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/Newport10x_1.jpg[/IMG]

OK, how do you link to photobucket with the new software?

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/55-S Roll Search/55SSS-4.jpg

rmpsrpms

You can take images like below for <$500

MICHAELDIXON

I have an AM411T and do not have any problems with it. Whenever I have any questions, I send Coin Zip an email, text or call him for immediate assistance. Ask Alan about them, as he is the rep for Dino Lite.

ricko

@Type2...Wow...those are amazing pictures.... Cheers, RickO

Rarestuff

I agree those images are outstanding. I am looking more for a USB as a working tool, and not for photography. I particularly am in need of the measurement capabilities of the AM4115 ZT. I have a separate Macro setup specifically for photography - though my skills at using it are still a work in progress.

LanceNewmanOCC

@rmpsrpms said:
You can take images like below for <$500

+1

forget the digi-scopes rarestuff.

if you are in it for the long haul, get a dslr+macro lens or bellows. or at least spend less than $50 for a 300x digiscope. gen 4 camera phones do a darn good job, especially with $20 or less lens accessories.
.

ricko

I ordered a Carson 53x USB digital microscope.... looks promising... will let you know how it works when I get it. Cheers, RickO

Type2

@ricko said:
I ordered a Carson 53x USB digital microscope.... looks promising... will let you know how it works when I get it. Cheers, RickO

There you go ricko.

ricko

Who knows...may even post a picture someday...... Cheers, RickO

Type2

@ricko said:
Who knows...may even post a picture someday...... Cheers, RickO

Now that will be a post....

RichieURich

@ricko said:
Who knows...may even post a picture someday...... Cheers, RickO

Looking forward to seeing your results!
But, I am betting you won't post a toned coin!

ricko

@RichieURich..... you are right....not sure I have one. Have loads of ASE's but they do not seem to tarnish. Cheers, RickO

BillJones

I have a Dinolite camera that I bought at a winter FUN show, and it has been nothing but grief. Unless you are a computer expert, DO NOT buy this product. It has been useless to me for almost all of the time I have owned it.

These things look great at the coin shows, but they are not taking pictures of coins in slabs, and they are not taking pictures with the camera's LED lighting system. They show watches runnng, 1963 Lincoln cents and other stuff close up lit by light sources that they don't sell and are not prepared to tell you where you can buy them.

You get get home. It works for a short while until Microsoft upgrades your software, then it's all over. The camera is obsolete.

BillJones

How do you get this thing to work once you get by the software problems which are huge? You have a circle of LED lights that reflect off the slab. What you have left is a tiny sweet spot in the middle, which has serious white balance problems. I've had better luck with raw coins and tokens, but the color is still way off. I mostly coverted the photos to B&W to get anything of use.

You can turn off the camera's lights, but results are still poor. I paid over $400 for this thing, and it's useless. When I try to down load new software, my coumputer goes nuts about viruses. This camera is just a no win situation.

ricko

Wow... this does not sound good for that product.... glad I did not invest in that one. I did buy another type... should be here this week. I have no idea what it will be like... it was cheap and I will at least try to do something with it. Who knows... may even post a picture someday...... Cheers, RickO

BStrauss3

I agree the lights are a problem, so"

I turn them off and use alternate light sources

• Janskos from Ikea - you can take a small piece of white cloth and a rubber band to make a diffuser,
• Buy a softbox like they have at the shows

Amazon has them as well as several nice options at Adorama (an old-line Photo Store, still in business). You can buy a pop-up cube that folds flat and a couple of Janskos...