Re: Which Microsscope?

Yeah, definitely phase contras would be great. I'd forgotten to mention 
that important point about staining. I think a phase contrast might be a 
bit expensive/hard to find though, unless Sven has a lot of money to 
play with (: Another alternative is dark-field. For this, you need a 
special condenser. Doesnt look as good as phase contrast though, I reckon (:

ianj wrote:
> It's also worth noting that bacteria are more easily seen if they are
> stained- that means they are dead!
> If you want to see them alive then a good option (the best?) is to buy a
> microscope that has a phase contrast kit. This requires a special objective
> lens, which allows you to see the bacteria while they are still alive. I
> have watched, for instance, gliding bacteria from a pond. They are able to
> move across the surface of a glass microscope slide- but they don't have any
> visible means of locomotion (none of the flagella, or whip-like appendages
> that most bacteria that can move have).
> Phase contrast will give hours of fun! (in fact, you might be quite limited
> without it.
>
> Opinions of those more versed in microscopy are welcomed!!
>
> Ian Jenson
> Sydney Australia