7 replies to this topic

[Marcus Rowland]

I want to do a little photomicroscopy but my microscope is an old professional model and an awkward design - fairly high with a vertical camera tube - which would make it very difficult to use live view and a pain to use the viewfinder. When I've tried it in the past it's taken a long time to set up each shot and get a good result.

 

What I was hoping to use was some sort of tethering software, unfortunately it would have to be with my laptop, a MacBook Pro running the current release of OS-X, since the microscope is in another room to my Windows PC and I don't have room to set it up nearby. I say unfortunately because I have a good freeware tethering program for the PC, DigiCamControl, but can't find something that works properly for the mac. So far the closest is Sofortbild, but for some reason liveview isn't working, I have no idea why.

 

I really don't want to spend money on the Nikon software for this, it isn't really a very important project, just a favour for someone.

 

Any suggestions?

[dcbear78]

Camranger can do everything you want. But you will have to spend money.

[Merco_61]

You can download a trial version of Smart shooter from Kuvacode and check if it works. It is not free, but it is significantly cheaper than CCP.

Download

 

Sofortbild doesn't work with Mac OS versions later than Yosemite as the SDK it is based on isn't compatible anymore.

[Marcus Rowland]

Actually, I think I've got a cheaper answer - I'm going to install Windows 7 on the laptop under Boot Camp and use DigiCamControl.

[Marcus Rowland]

That worked! Haven't tried it on the microscope yet, it's taken me most of the evening just to install Windows etc. and get over my loathing for the process, but I've got camera control and LiveView is working via the computer screen. I think I'll try some actual photomicroscopy tomorrow.

[Marcus Rowland]

First test works well, but I need a stronger blue filter, images are coming out too red. Possibly the lamp in my microscope needs replacing, that might affect the colour to some extent. Apart from that I'm reasonably happy - I can control everything apart from focus on the computer, which is a LOT easier than trying to operate the camera through a periscope.

[Merco_61]

I have used a piece of archival Pergamyn™ in place of the specimen glass to do a manual white balance to be able to go on with a light source that is on it's way out. Might be worth a try.

[Marcus Rowland]

Thanks - that's a good idea, replacing the lamp is another possibility. It's some sort of halogen bulb, can't remember which one without going inside the casing