At least one cheap one was out there a few months ago, when I accumulated my seventh focus block (Nikon and Olympus). I have some more projects in mind. . . .ChrisR wrote:If you can get a Nikon focus block for $66, good luck, I'd buy three now at that price! If seen very few, and they've been much higher. I paid about $160 for a coarser (?) Olympus BH-2 block, + $50 import duties + shipping of about $36.
For me, the key has been to search for cheap, badly described microscope junk on eBay, note anything that looks like it would have an appropriate block, and write the seller to see if the block works smoothly. Maybe I've just been lucky. (For those new to the forum--before purchasing any microscope focusing block, you will want to read this thread , as only certain focusing blocks are suitable, and one must be careful about their condition.)
Here is the set of FotoPro clamp and plate for $35 that made me quote that figure. Note that I have no experience with this brand.ChrisR wrote:A couple of Chris Hejnar plates and clamps would add $220 plus shipping probably $60 then duties. That's about $600 before any machine shop work.
I would not expect to pay more than $50 for this amount of fabrication. Probably more like $25. We are not talking about precision machining, which costs more. Cutting, drilling, and threading can be done quickly and still be done well.