Setting up a Foldscope on a tabletop tripod
Dec 28, 2014 • 8:22 PM UTC
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Carl Cole
I'm a Master Naturalist and initially wanted to try the Foldscope in the field as an alternative to the jeweler's eye loupe MN's are taught to carry. That was before I knew we'd get a high resolution lens and a smart phone mount to enable microphotography. Now, I'm breathless at the possibilities
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I finished assembling and initially trying out the remaining components in my Foldscope kit (second Foldscope, light module and condensing lens, high magnification lens, cell phone attachment). Everything’s working OK now but I struggled a bit with some steps in the assembly. Some of the struggle may be limits on my dexterity. (I have somewhat clubbed fingers, that is, large rounded finger tips reminiscent of a tree frog.) Failure to conscientiously follow instructions accounts for the remaining struggle. I would watch a half dozen steps on the tutorial, stop the video, assemble that much, and then restart the video for a few more steps. Even with that cautious approach, I managed to get several things wrong at first attempt. (Maybe an old man’s failing short term memory has something to do with it.)
Speaking of limited dexterity, it was immediately obvious that I’d have to do something to support the smartphone (comparable to taping it to the desk in the video). I got a Joby GripTight mount for smartphones to mount it to a camera tripod. My full size tripod has a large quick release mount that gets in the way of the Foldscope but a cheap little tabletop tripod that I had laying around works great. Even with the smartphone securely supported, it’s going to take a good deal of practice for me to be able to effectively operate pan and focus on the Foldscope attached to the smartphone.
No decent microphotos to share yet.
Speaking of limited dexterity, it was immediately obvious that I’d have to do something to support the smartphone (comparable to taping it to the desk in the video). I got a Joby GripTight mount for smartphones to mount it to a camera tripod. My full size tripod has a large quick release mount that gets in the way of the Foldscope but a cheap little tabletop tripod that I had laying around works great. Even with the smartphone securely supported, it’s going to take a good deal of practice for me to be able to effectively operate pan and focus on the Foldscope attached to the smartphone.
No decent microphotos to share yet.
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