VOL. 7 Microscopes in the Postwar Period: System-Based Approaches
Released in 1967, the Photomax (LB) was a representative example of microscopes in the postwar period.
This model had a fully automated photographic device, a color temperature adjustment function for color photography, and an ideal color illumination system all built-in the microscope.
Mounting of a standard unit on the main body allowed users to select from three types of microscopes designed for biological, metallographic, and polarized microscopy. A range of accessories were available including super high pressure mercury lamp, xenon lamps, phase contrast (for transmitted and for incident light), neopak and a constant-temperature device to let users examine various subjects.
For photographic needs, an auto-winding 35mm camera was offered, as well as devices for large 4x5 film, Polaroid Land, Mamiya roll film, and dry plates.
To take pictures, users simply focused on the specimen through the binocular section, as they no longer needed to deal with the framing work. The photographer looked through the field of view eyepiece to take pictures according to the size of the film used. With fully automatic exposure control and fully adjustable color-temperature correction, the model allowed taking photographs for a variety of purposes.
Subsequently, this line of advanced universal research microscope systems (a modular, building-block system) was succeeded by the Vanox Series, which carried on the Photomax tradition for years to come.
With boundless passion for excellence and over 50 years of research and development, Olympus microscopes continue their evolutionary process into the future.
