Description:

Introduced in 1985, the Diaphot-TMD set a new standard for tissue-culture imaging. A die-cast 57 lb body keeps the optical path short and vibration-free, while a 12 V 50 W halogen illuminator and ELWD phase-contrast turret condenser deliver even Köhler lighting through culture flasks. The binocular tube is fixed at a comfortable 45 °, and an internal Bertrand lens snaps in for rapid phase-ring alignment. A lever swaps light 100 % to the eyepieces or 80 % to the front F-mount photo port (with the remainder to view), enabling bright, flare-free 35 mm or CCTV capture; a side port accepts large-format backs. Objectives use Nikon’s final 160 mm finite tube system, prized for crisp contrast.

Economic Advantage:

By integrating phase alignment, photo-splitter and long-working-distance condenser into one chassis, Nikon eliminated costly bolt-on modules. Labs could switch from routine culture checks to time-lapse cinemicrography without swapping microscopes, squeezing more science out of a single capital line.