Pennate diatom, 60X DIC, 100X darkfield

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Sun May 04, 2014 2:14 pm

After taking a few DIC shots of these diatoms with the 60X, I thought I would try some high magnification darkfield with the 100X. Usually a pain and messy with the oil. And frustrating with live diatoms because at these magnifications they seem to move realatively quickly. But I think it gave a much nicer rendition and "feel" for the the glass-like clear silica frustule.

Beatsy · Post by **Beatsy** » Sun May 04, 2014 2:55 pm

Beautiful at 100x. How deep did you stack these? I've never bothered to try such high mag imaging on these because they positively zoom along as you say, and I don't have flash set up yet. But you've inspired me to get a move on and do so

abpho · Post by **abpho** » Sun May 04, 2014 3:39 pm

Wow Charles. These are stunning.

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Sun May 04, 2014 9:01 pm

Beatsy,

How deep did you stack these?

Only 6 images in each of the 100X stacks. These were done without flash... using the "stock" 100W halogen lamphouse. Typically I keep an eye on a few really nice looking diatoms as the water evaporates from under the cover-slip. Then just as soon as the slip drops down enough that they get "stuck", I shoot the frames I need as quickly as possible before they frustule cracks from cover-glass pressure.

arturoag75 · Post by **arturoag75** » Sun May 04, 2014 11:57 pm

Amazing job as usual

Jacek · Post by **Jacek** » Mon May 05, 2014 12:02 am

excellent photos

Beatsy · Post by **Beatsy** » Mon May 05, 2014 12:08 am

Then just as soon as the slip drops down enough that they get "stuck", I shoot the frames...

Doh! I never thought of that. I usually run a thin bead of vaseline around my cover slips to prevent evaporation. Surprising how long things keep going too. Thanks for the tip.[/quote]

sebba28 · Post by **sebba28** » Mon May 05, 2014 1:19 am

Excellent shots.

Litonotus · Post by **Litonotus** » Mon May 05, 2014 1:59 am

great to see you posting again (:

piermicro · Post by **piermicro** » Mon May 05, 2014 2:06 am

These are stunning.

carlos.uruguay · Post by **carlos.uruguay** » Mon May 05, 2014 6:47 am

Wonderful photos!!!!

Olympusman · Post by **Olympusman** » Mon May 05, 2014 7:15 am

Absolutley beautiful.

vasselle · Post by **vasselle** » Mon May 05, 2014 10:11 am

Magnifique photos

Sumguy01 · Post by **Sumguy01** » Mon May 05, 2014 7:26 pm

Hi Charles.
So glad you are back at it.
Great pics.
Thanks for sharing

Tom Jones · Post by **Tom Jones** » Mon May 05, 2014 8:21 pm

Insufficient superlatives...

Tom

Pennate diatom, 60X DIC, 100X darkfield

Pennate diatom, 60X DIC, 100X darkfield

Diatoms