Microscope Illuminators

Illuminators are available for most popular models of microscope. If your model is not listed in the table below, please ask. An illuminator can usually still be fitted. The light source is approximately 20 high-intensity LEDs. The LEDs mount around the objective of the microscope to get the light where it is needed in a shadow-free pattern. The construction is open, with no actual housing, but due to its very low voltage operation, the shock hazard is nil. The mounts connect to existing holes on the microscope and no modification to the microscope is needed.

LED Selection:

Two basic LED types are available standard:

Cool White ~9400K Color temp

46 candela brightness each LED

Warm White ~4000K Color temp

20 candela brightness each LED

Cool white is brightest, but lacks warmer colors at the red end of the spectrum. Inexpensive.

Warm White is about 1/2 the brightness, but gives excellent warm color representation. Costly.

The usual configuration is half cool white and half warm white, for a good compromise of brightness, color, and cost.

These illuminators are not optimized for photography. They are for visual observation only.

All illuminators include a 5V wall adapter with a USA 2-prong universal/international power adapter. If a specific country adapter is required, please ask.

NOTE: Some assembly is required. Instructions are included. Swarf Systems will do all assembly and alignment free of charge if the customer delivers the microscope. Installation and alignment usually take around 5-10 minutes.

As with all Swarf Systems products, the microscope illuminators come with a lifetime warranty. If any failure occurs please contact us for instructions.

Supported Microscopes

How to Buy

Model ................................................... Price

Bausch & Lomb (Cambridge) SZ4 .......... $150

Bausch & Lomb (Cambridge) SZ7 .......... $150

Leica Zoom 2000 ......................................... $175

Leitz 511 .......... $250 (Install by Swarf Systems only)

Meiji EMZ-TR ................................................. $175

Mikon MBS-1-10 .......................................... $175

Mitutoyo M-Plan family including APO ... $150

Nikon SMZ-2 .................................................. $150

Nikon SMZ-2B ............................................... $150

Olympus SZX16 ............................................ $150

Swift M80 ........ $225 (Install by Swarf Systems only)

Wild M5 ........................................................... $150

USA Wall Adapter (5V 2A) ........................ $9.00

NOTE: Prices shown are for half-and-half LED configuration. For cool-white only, subtract $15; for warm-white only, add $25.

"I've been using my Cambridge microscope for almost 10 years now and recently had Ted Hadley fabricate a custom LED light assembly for it. An excellent accessory that has enabled me to see so much more now in my minerals."

"I've had two scopes outfitted with Swarf LED lighting with one that has an alternative light temperature spectrum model that is easily interchangeable"

-- Dan Evanich, Calminco, San Jose, CA

“ ... the beauty of the ringlight is that the illumination is ALWAYS in the right place. Not having to monkey around with the goosenecks is a joy, and I've cleared more space on my office desk upstairs, where I do most of my mineral observation. I'm trying to decide if I want to get another ringlight installed on my travel scope as well.” (He did indeed buy a second illuminator.)

-- Al Wilkins, Coto de Caza, CA, 2019

General Specifications

Power Requirements: 5.0VDC 400mA +/- depending on LED configuration

Power Source: UL Listed wall adapter, 2.4 W

Color Temp: 9000K (cool white), 3000K (warm white)

Beam angle: 15 degrees

Mount: Aluminum

Light board: FR4 glass epoxy UL94V-0 compliant

“I installed it in less than 1 minute!”

- Ron DeBlois, Hollis, NH, 2017