Dear Rebecca,
a good microscope is very difficult to beat. The reason for this is the
larger numerical aperture (= the maximum cone of light that can enter
the lens) when compared to long and small-diameter tubes with a camera
on top. The resolution of the camera is less important here and it does
not compensate for poor optics.
What is most important is a proper illumination of the sample!
To the best of my knowledge and I am sure I have forgotten a few, a
listing of all more or less simple, medium throughput (without
plate-hotel), not so expensive, imagers:
Crystal Pro
Minstrel 1
Rockimager 1
Crystal Monitor
CrysCam
The best thing is to go and test these yourself with your favorite plate
and a difficult protein.... a specifically selected 96-well plate with
lysozyme crystals always look great in almost any imager. Nevertheless,
the crystal pictures in brochures of some companies already reveal
problems with the illumination as a clear dark ring is visible at the
rim of the image...........
Good luck.
J.
*R. Page wrote:
*
*
From:* CCP4 bulletin board [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of
*Page, Rebecca
*Sent:* Friday, October 26, 2007 6:10 PM
*To:* CCP4BB@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
*Subject:* [ccp4bb] Cost-effective imaging systems: recommendations and
opinions requested
Dear CCP4 community,
I know this question has been posted before, but imaging systems are
updated so often that I’d like to post it again.
I am considering purchasing *a crystal imaging system*.
I am looking for a system that is
1) cost-effective
2) straightforward to use
3) suitable for a low-medium throughput (2-4 academic laboratories; with
primary use by graduate students)
4) nice clear crystals images
I am interested in all systems, but I’d be especially interested to know
how people feel about the ArtRobbins CrysCam, including its pros and
cons and if there are any other comparable systems available for a
similar price. If you have an imaging system you are especially fond of
(or regret buying), any information that you can provide about that
system is very welcome as well, as is any information about the
associated software.
I’ll compile and re-post all comments and opinions for everyone else who
might find this information useful.
Thanks very much in advance,
Rebecca
Rebecca Page
Brown University
--
Jeroen Raymundus Mesters, Ph.D.
Institut fuer Biochemie, Universitaet zu Luebeck
Zentrum fuer Medizinische Struktur und Zellbiologie
Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck
Tel: +49-451-5004070, Fax: +49-451-5004068
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Http://www.biochem.uni-luebeck.de
Http://www.iobcr.org
Http://www.opticryst.org
--
If you can look into the seeds of time and say
which grain will grow and which will not - speak then to me (Macbeth)
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