Welcome everyone!

This is a forum for amateurs and hobbyists interested in using the microscope for direct observation of objects too small to be observed by the naked eye. Our stated purpose is to encourage people of all ages to join or start a microscopy club, become involved in school or community workshops, and to promote amateur science projects.

On this group you'll find help and information on buying or building microscopes, so if you don't already own an instrument join us anyway and get started regardless of your budget.

We expect that all your messages will be civil and respectful, and we will tolerate no abusive posts, SPAM, advertising, or recruiting. You must also use your real first name. Please read the group RULES.

- Us “Micro-Hookies” – People Hooked on Microscopy Just like Robert Hooke and Leeuwenhoek!

The Microscope of the Month is a Graf-Apsco stereo microscope submitted by Glenn Shipley. Glenn writes: "As a teenager I worked very briefly for Graf-Apsco, where I bought my first microscope. Last year I found this "Stereo-Graf" scope on eBay and bought it for $54 (including shipping). It has 10x oculars, a single overall magnification of about 25x, and no zoom capability. The interpupillary distance is still adjustable, but the eyepiece focus is frozen in position. I believe it was made sometime in the 1960s, but I do not have a date and cannot find a Graf-Apsco catalog for it. It says 'Made in USA' and is built like a Sherman tank. The optics are just marginal, but mechanically it continues to work very nicely. Everybody should have a stereo microscope! I use mine every day."