Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions.
The essentials on condition, pricing, returns, and how to work with us. Don’t see your question? Send us a note and we’ll follow up.
The basics
What customers ask most.
Are your microscopes new or used?
Every instrument is pre-owned and completely refurbished. We restore optics, mechanics, and cosmetics, and we fully disclose any flaws or signs of wear before shipment.
What brands do you carry?
We specialize in Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, and Olympus research-grade microscopes and accessories, and we source other brands and components on request.
Can you help if I don’t know exactly what I need?
Yes — that’s most of what we do. Tell us your technique, samples, budget, and any existing components, and we’ll help configure a system or source the right part. Start with a configuration request or call us.
Do you sell individual parts and accessories?
We do. Objectives, illumination, cameras, adapters, stands, and hard-to-source components can be sourced around your existing instrument.
How is pricing determined?
Instrument condition is the primary factor, with scarcity and desirability considered secondarily. For current models we discount from published retail pricing; for discontinued instruments we calculate from historical list pricing.
What if the instrument isn’t right for my application?
If what you receive does not perform appropriately for your application, or is not what you expected, you may return it. We want you confident in the configuration before and after it ships.
Do instruments include manuals?
In most cases we enclose copies of original instruction manuals, and we maintain an extensive library of original manufacturers’ literature to support your configuration.
How do I get a quote or place an order?
Add instruments to an inquiry, send a configuration request, or call us. A person reviews every request and follows up directly.