719Add modern digital cameras to the Leica stereo microscope with phototube and attached Leica adapter 1x (Leica video/photo objective 1.0 / no. 10 445 930)
If you are looking to add modern mirrorless system cameras or SLR cameras to a Leica stereo microscope, the original Leica video/photo objective 1.0 with integrated optics can be used as a basic adapter for the LM wide-field microscope adapter. It has a tube connection on the camera side with an internal diameter of 35 mm.
By combining the Leica video/photo objective 1.0 and the LM microscope adapter with integrated wide-field precision optics, you will get a very high level of image quality. With the adapter’s wide-field optics, it is possible to capture the largest possible field of view without any vignetting (darker border at the periphery of the image), using the sensor to its optimal potential.
The multi-part design is very flexible, and the entire adapter solution can be tailored to the user’s specific needs with relatively little effort. The adapter also allows an optical focus alignment of the image observed through the eyepiece with that seen through the phototube. Thanks to its modular construction, the LM microscope adapter with C-mount connection can also be used on other microscopes with a standardised C-mount 1x connection and – adding just a few accessory parts – even on eyepiece tubes with internal diameters of 23.2 or 30 mm.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 photo tube ==> Leica video/photo objective 1.0 / no. 10 445 930 ==>LM C-mount 1x (TUST37C) ==> LM wide-field microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
Key features of the LM microscope adapter:
- Precision wide-field optics for an extra-large field of view (without vignetting)
- Large lens diameter for even more light gathering power
- Modular design facilitating maximum flexibility
- Integrated filter holder with M37 thread
- Focusing capabilities (the image observed through the eyepiece can be aligned with that of the phototube)
Compatible Leica stereo microscopes
- Leica M-series: M50, M60 & M80/ Leica M125 C / Leica M165 C / FC, M205 C,
- Leica S-series: S9-series (S9 E, S9 D, S9 i), S8 APO, S6 E or S6 D, S APO
- Leica A60 F / A60 S
- Leica Ivesta 3
- Leica MZ-series: MZ6, MZ7.5, MZ8, MZ9.5, MZ12.5, MZ16, MS5
- Leica Z-series: Z6 APO, Z16 APO
Alternatively, other mounting options are available for attaching modern mirrorless system cameras and DSLRs to a microscope using LM microscope adapters:
Option 1: Adapter solution for Leica tube 1x C-mount adapter 1.0 for HC no. 10 450 317
If your Leica stereo microscope is already equipped with an original Leica tube 1x C-mount adapter 1.0 for HC no. 10 450 317, we can offer you this adapter solution. The Leica tube no. 10 450 317 features integrated optics with an optical factor of 1x and a tube connection on the camera side with an internal diameter of 37 mm. The LM adapter solution is then attached to this original Leica tube. This combination of the original Leica tube and LM adapter solution likewise delivers a high level of image quality.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 photo tube ==> Leica tube 1x C-mount adapter 1.0 for HC no. 10 450 317 ==>LM C-mount 1x (TUST35C) ==> LM microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
Option 2: LM direct image adapter for direct connection to the phototube with M38 external thread.
This adapter solution can be attached directly to the basic phototube, a design we have developed specifically for Leica stereo microscopes equipped with a phototube with an M38 external thread. It stands out for its high level of flexibility, its excellent image quality and its compact design. The adapter solution is equipped with a focusing feature, allowing for an adjustment of the image viewed through the eyepiece with that of the phototube. The adapter comes with a filter holder with M37 connecting thread for integrating optical filters, for example a polarising filter, directly into the setup.
Option 3: Leica C-mount adapter 1x (video adapter 1.0x C-mount for 1" digital cameras no. 10 450 829)
If your Leica stereo microscope is already equipped with an original Leica C-mount adapter 1x no. 10 450 829, we can offer you this adapter solution. The Leica C-mount 1x no. 10 450 829 features integrated optics with an optical factor of 1x and a standardised C-mount connection on the camera side. The LM adapter solution is then attached to this original Leica tube.
Assembly steps: Leica stereo microscope with M38 photo tube ==> Leica C-mount adapter 1x no. 10 450 829 ==>LM microscope adapter ==> camera (DSLM/DSLR)
If your microscope doesn’t have a dedicated phototube, we offer an equally capable adapter solution for the eyepiece tube. This adapter version also delivers very good image results and offers great flexibility because it can be used on the 30 mm eyepiece tube of other microscopes.
If you decide to upgrade your stereo microscope with a trinocular head or an angled beam splitter at some point in the future, you can still use the adapter solution for the eyepiece tube by just adding a few accessory parts. We offer specialised adapter solutions that integrate with eyepiece tubes with an internal diameter of 30 mm and are also equipped with a C-mount connection.
If you’re interested in our adapter solutions or in suitable cameras, or if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to offer expert advice.
30.1.2026
Photography:
Fitting the microscope to digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC ), digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) or C-mount cameras is easy with our LM digital SLR adapters, which feature a plan achromatic optical system. Our products make it possible to capture top-quality microscope images. To help you select the adapter that is right for your camera, we have set up an online configurator on our website. You can also email us – ideally with attached photographs of your microscope.
Modern DSLR and single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) offer the latest technology and are generally very well suited for microscopy applications. Most of them can be controlled remotely via PC/Mac. Because of their high sales volumes, they offer an excellent price/performance ratio compared to special-purpose microscope cameras.
Features of top DSLR and single-lens mirrorless cameras (DSLM):
- Large, powerful full-frame sensors (36 x 24 mm)
- Sensor resolution of 61 megapixels or 240 megapixels with Pixel Shift technology
- High light sensitivity (ISO 400,000+)
- Extensive dynamic range (up to 15 aperture stops/f-stops)
- Short exposure times (1/8000 second) up to 1/32,000 seconds using the digital shutter
- 4K Ultra HD or 8K Ultra HD video function
- Live video capture on external monitors in ultra HD quality
In most cases, these cameras are significantly more powerful than microscope cameras with smaller sensors (1/2" or 2/3"). On our website you will find our current camera recommendations and a camera ranking which is specifically tailored to microscopy applications.