Used Discount Microscopes: Sources, Advantages and Limitations

Depending on the type, microscopes can be very expensive investments, especially those used for research. This is probably why many potential buyers turn to used discount microscopes, sold at auctions, secondhand shops and other optical microscopy retailers. Different types of optical microscopes are sold at discounted prices and many resellers and discount outlet owners offer some of the top brands, including Olympus, Nikon, Leica and Bausch & Lomb, among others.

Sources of used discount microscopes
Used discount microscopes may be sold as secondhand units, sourced directly from their owners. Some units may also be refurbished or reconditioned units – used microscopes that have been damaged or missing some parts. Some refurbishing centers and repair shops buy these units as used/damaged units, repair them, replace old, damaged parts with new ones and sell them at discounted prices, usually at about 20% - 60% of the original price.

Advantages of used discount microscopes
Used microscopes are the preferred instruments purchased by many students and hobbyists, although rarely by researchers and serious users. Their low discount prices are very often the attraction, although their quality can also be a reason they are often chosen. Many used microscopes sold at a discount have good to excellent quality, enough to perform in nearly the same manner as brand new units.

Better versions
Some units, such as those which have been refurbished or reconditioned, are sometimes the improved versions of the original unit. Old, refurbished units are sometimes stripped of the original parts and rebuilt from scratch, with newer attachments and enhancements added to improve the units’ features. Certain microscopy types such as ophthalmic and surgical microscopes are often expensive purchases. Used units, on the other hand, can offer significant savings.

Many manufacturers also offer used microscope units from off their own repair departments or authorized centers, so buyers are assured that units have undergone the same rigorous manufacturing processes and techniques as brand new units. Many of these used microscopes have the same features and functionality present in newer units.

Disadvantages of used discount microscopes
Optical microscopy systems are costly for a reason and that is mainly due to the quality of the materials used to build the instrument. With regular use, these microscopes can break down or get damaged, as is often the case with the used microscopes that find their way in repair and refurbishing centers. Some resellers also offer these instruments on an ‘as is, where is’ basis, meaning they remain largely untouched when bought from their previous owners – no repairs or parts replacements performed. Some used discount microscope, for example are bought on a ‘buyer beware’ premise.

Damage to parts
It is also possible that a buyer can come across a used discount microscope unit with damaged or old parts replaced with new parts that are often not up to par. It is often difficult for the new owners to notice the discrepancy until after the unit has been used for sometime. Some units, such as those bought from schools and other educational institutions, often exhibit more damage than other units previously owned by private individuals.

Optical quality
Another common problem with used discount microscopes is the quality of the optics. The optical system is one of the most easily damaged parts of the microscope, although it can be easily replaced. Warranty on used discount units are also limited over a short period of time, usually one or two years, with some resellers offering as much as three years, compared to warranty periods of about 10 to 15 years on new units.

New functions, features and compatibility
With used discount microscopes, it is also difficult to find units that have the newest features on board. This is because older models have parts and designs that are often difficult to replace and use with newer attachments. If a buyer is used to more features in newer units, some used discount microscopes might fail to deliver. It is also possible that some repairs performed on the unit are merely cosmetic, without putting too much effort on replacing or improving the usability of the instrument.

Compatibility with certain attachments can also be a problem in some used discount microscopes, especially older models. Newer models, for example, often come equipped with connectivity ports to enable the user to attach them to other devices such as a computer, a videocam or a digital camera. In some used microscopes, this type of connectivity is often absent. Depending on the usage requirement of the buyer, the lack of this feature, already a standard in many microscopy, can be limiting.