FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Screenname]

How keep two points at different depths in focus? I tried this with my microscope once and could only get the micro scope to focus on one point of the stone. Though I do not own one as fancy as yours, it's basic school microscope, literally I bought it from a teacher.

[simonoff]

People tend to use combineZ or Helicon focus. Take multiple pictures at different depths of focus. Then use software to combine them into one. All I have been getting are somewhat blurry pictures (but much better than any of the originals), but others seem to do very well with it. I hear it take practice and experimenting.

[Screenname]

And are there microscopes that hook up to the computer via USB cable? I have been trying to rig a USB camera to mine but no success so far since I have no USB camera, I was thinking a high quality web cam might work.

[simonoff]

Just take N pictures, load them into your PC using your typical means (card, etc.) then do it there. Or are you using film?

[Screenname]

No it's digital and I know what you are talking about, over lap the pictures I have photo software on this computer, at least I think I do, that will do that, thanks a lot. So is that how the micro pictures on here would have been taken?

[Screenname]

Nope I checked no photo editing software. So what is that basic photo editing software that does that, it usually comes installed in computers but my netbook don't have anything at all installed on it. Or if you know any other photo editing programs that can do that.

[jacquestouret]

From my experience, very tedious to reconstruct 3D-photographic images (elaborate softwares do exist, but they are really professional). But remember that drawings are very easy, quite sufficient for many purposes (often better than photos, as you can give far more explanations!). Especially good for fluid inclusions, as these are often too thick to be focussed, even for a single inclusion.

[simonoff]

Again CombineZ and Helicon focus do this. CombineZ is free, can't beat the price. Helicon Focus costs, but not a lot. Just a matter of learning how to use the software.

[Pete Richards]

[zanthal]

Perhaps taking many focused pictures in succession could simulate a slideshow that would look somewhat like video.

[Jason]

Simonoff has it right..you will need to use image stacking sofware..i have tried using it and had trouble making the pics look right..i used a free program..can't remember which one but had some trouble with it

[simonoff]

HEre is one I just did - it is a compilation of 23 images. Note this is my second attempt, so be gentle.

nontronite on mesolite and thomsonite from sugar grove, WV.

This picture is a compilation of 23 other pictures at different focal depths. I took the pictures, changing the focus in between each shot. When I was done, I off loaded the pictures from my camera to a temp directory. Then started combineZ. I pointed it at the directory and told it to run all macros. Then went to bed. Next morning this was waiting for me. I had to save it out as low quality to upload it here)

[bugrock]

Nice image. I have a few questions.

Was this done with macrolens or through a microscope?

Can you use the software for microphotography?

Is the software available for both Windows and Mac platforms?

Thanks

[simonoff]

Thank you!

This was done with a Meiji trinocular microscope. On it is an adapter onto which I can attach my Canon Rebel camera (with the lens removed). The adapter fits into the lens attachment.

The software is often used for macro photography as well and photo microscope work. Search the web for combineZ, combineZP and combineZM. You will see whole sites dedicated to phtographing insects and post processing the images using this software.

From what I see combineZP is Widoze only. The combineZP website is: https://www.hadleyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/CZP/News.htm
(link normalized by FMF)

Helicon Focus appears to run on the mac according to their web page.

[Jordi Fabre]

Bob,

Our antispam blocked your attempt of publish a link. I already recovered it and I published it in your upper post. To avoid same trouble, please next times follow this instructions -> https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?t=74

Thank you for your so useful posts!

Jordi

[simonoff]

Thanks Jordi!