Description

The Nikon Model H field microscope, which bears a resemblance to a classic Leica camera at first glance, was a laboratory-grade diagnostic instrument widely used by physicians around the world. Developed in the 1960s, the Model H was frequently employed in hemocytometry and for detecting diseases such as filariasis, malaria, and sleeping sickness.

The body of the Model H features a combination of chrome, black enamel, and leather, allowing it to be handheld, mounted on a tripod, or carried with a neck strap. It comes with a reinforced leather case that securely stores the microscope, its accessories, and an immersion oil dispenser, though the case is not shown here. Weighing approximately 800 grams, the design features a high eyepoint, wide field of view, compensating eyepiece, battery-powered illuminator, Abbe condenser, and fine focus wheel. For observation, specimens are mounted face down under clips on the crosswise traveling stage.

The optical path of the Model H, which functions as an inverted microscope, features a long-base prism typical of the John N. McArthur design from the 1930s, used in portable instruments. The objective changer knob allows the operator to select from three of the ten available parfocal, achromatic objectives, with magnifications ranging from 4x to 100x. A special port on the side of the microscope enables the introduction of immersion oil when using the 100x oil objective. Additionally, beneath the black body, there is a diaphragm control and a slot for a filter.

The Model H body is finished in chrome, black enamel, and leather, and like a fine camera, can be handheld, mounted on a tripod, or carried by a neck strap. A reinforced leather case safely stores the microscope. The Model H weighs about 800 grams, and its design incorporates a high eyepoint, widefield, compensating eyepiece, a battery-powered illuminator, an Abbe condenser, and a fine focus wheel. For observation, specimens are mounted facedown under the clips on the crosswise traveling stage.

The optical path of the Model H, which is actually an inverted microscope, features a long-base prism typical of the circa-1930s John N. McArthur design for portable instruments. The objective changer knob provides the instrument’s operator with a choice of three achromatic objectives that range in magnification from 4x to 100x. A special port on the side of the microscope allows the introduction of immersion oil when the 100x oil objective is engaged. Beneath the black body, there is a diaphragm control and a filter slot.

The owner has replaced the original metal strap with a modern Cordura strap for easier use during fieldwork.