Today, there are all to many in microscopy who see "Infinity"-systems as nothing but the "latest and greatest" development to be had.
However, the truth of the matter is that the "Infinity" concept in microscopy is old, quite old.
Certainly, in Metallurgy ar least, the concept was well established in the 1950's (e.g: Leitz Metallux) and by the mid-1980's was well established with the Japanese (e.g: Olympus BH2-M series).
But the best case-in-point is perhaps American Optical who pioneered infinity microscopes in the clinical and educational markets beginning in the mid-1960's -- 50 years ago!. (Their Nosepiece Focusing system, introduced on their Series-10 models, became the forerunner of many of today's systems and its decendents may be found even on the current research models of some of the world's most respected makers!)
The Series-10's were quite popular, largely due to their ease-of-use (nearly "idiot proof"), rugged design, and excellent reliability. Their "infinity" Plan Achromat optics were also quite good.
So, while the "Infinity" concept itself may not actually be the "latest and greatest," at least it would seem to have a rather long and favorable history!
Monday, July 7, 2014
What's all the fuss about 'Infinity'?
There seems to be a good deal of confusion, uncertainty, and just plain misunderstanding when it comes to the new "Infinity-type" scopes.
On one hand, it seems that these may be merely a thinly-disguised ploy; merely "Planned Obsolescence" with a fresh coat of paint. And, perhaps, for many users this might very well be true. But, on the other hand, there are a range of new, exotic techniques now available which simply cannot be supported by the older "finite-type" instruments. However, in fairness, these new methods and their related equipment tend to be very expensive, very specialized, and of legitimate benefit to only a select few users.
Justifications aside, the only real benefit of an "Infinity-type" system is the ability to insert accessory devices into the optical path, above the objective, with a very minimal loss of image quality. In fact, it is quite possible to even "stack" a pair of such devices to achieve a compounding of techniques -- "DIC & Epi-Fluorescence" is just one fairly common example.
Now, although such capabilities may be a great boon to some researchers, what about the rest of us "common" folks who have no need for such exotic contraptions?
Just what does all this "Infinity" business mean to us . . . ?
If I had to sum this situation up in just one word, I would say the word is, "Opportunity"!
Why "opportunity" . . . ?
First, as with anything "new," there will be those who simply "must" have the latest and greatest. In such quests, the "old" is often mindlessly cast aside ("dumped"?) This creates an "opportunity" for the watchful to acquire formerly state-of-the-art equipment at a fraction of its only-too-recent value.
Second, the existence of "new" stuff tends to reduce demand for the older equipment types in the used market. Some buyers will switch to chasing the "new" versions instead, even at premium prices. This drop in demand is often followed by a reduction in prices, which also creates an "opportunity" for the watchful.
Finally, there is the issue of "warehousing," where dealers and others may have amassed significant amounts of "old" equipment, usually in hopes of profitable resale. However, with the advent of replacement models, often incompatible, these vendors now face the likelihood of being "stuck" with gear for which there will be a dwindling pool of professional and institutional buyers. So, some number of these players will elect to unload "older" equipment at reduced prices -- to clear out the "old," generate some cash, and make room for the "new." Again, another potential "opportunity" for us!
So, for those of you (us?) who cruise the Internet searching for 'goodies," bide your time, decide what you really want/need, and be ready to pounce when it surfaces!
Isn't New Stuff just Great!?
On one hand, it seems that these may be merely a thinly-disguised ploy; merely "Planned Obsolescence" with a fresh coat of paint. And, perhaps, for many users this might very well be true. But, on the other hand, there are a range of new, exotic techniques now available which simply cannot be supported by the older "finite-type" instruments. However, in fairness, these new methods and their related equipment tend to be very expensive, very specialized, and of legitimate benefit to only a select few users.
Justifications aside, the only real benefit of an "Infinity-type" system is the ability to insert accessory devices into the optical path, above the objective, with a very minimal loss of image quality. In fact, it is quite possible to even "stack" a pair of such devices to achieve a compounding of techniques -- "DIC & Epi-Fluorescence" is just one fairly common example.
Now, although such capabilities may be a great boon to some researchers, what about the rest of us "common" folks who have no need for such exotic contraptions?
Just what does all this "Infinity" business mean to us . . . ?
If I had to sum this situation up in just one word, I would say the word is, "Opportunity"!
Why "opportunity" . . . ?
First, as with anything "new," there will be those who simply "must" have the latest and greatest. In such quests, the "old" is often mindlessly cast aside ("dumped"?) This creates an "opportunity" for the watchful to acquire formerly state-of-the-art equipment at a fraction of its only-too-recent value.
Second, the existence of "new" stuff tends to reduce demand for the older equipment types in the used market. Some buyers will switch to chasing the "new" versions instead, even at premium prices. This drop in demand is often followed by a reduction in prices, which also creates an "opportunity" for the watchful.
Finally, there is the issue of "warehousing," where dealers and others may have amassed significant amounts of "old" equipment, usually in hopes of profitable resale. However, with the advent of replacement models, often incompatible, these vendors now face the likelihood of being "stuck" with gear for which there will be a dwindling pool of professional and institutional buyers. So, some number of these players will elect to unload "older" equipment at reduced prices -- to clear out the "old," generate some cash, and make room for the "new." Again, another potential "opportunity" for us!
So, for those of you (us?) who cruise the Internet searching for 'goodies," bide your time, decide what you really want/need, and be ready to pounce when it surfaces!
Isn't New Stuff just Great!?
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