Prices

I am always put off by websites that don’t show prices, I tend to avoid asking for a price in case it is embarrassingly high and results in an inbox full of spam or annoying phone calls chasing me for business. Rest assured I will not spam you. 

Obviously it is hard to give an estimate of what it will cost to restore a microscope without seeing it, fine focus mechanisms in particular can vary a lot. However, in most cases I will be able to give you a fairly good idea of the work involved and cost if you send me some good, in-focus pictures with an honest description of the microscope and any problems it might have. Don’t worry if you can’t send pictures, just email a description of your microscope or phone for a chat.  I particularly enjoy working on microscopes which are in very bad condition and decisions are often easier where there is serious damage.

Rack and pinion

  • Racks and pinions are the most commonly needed repair for microscopes.
  • Straight racks and/or pinions can be made to match your original microscope.
  • Knobs, screws, mirrors and stage clips can also be made to complement your microscope
  • I am unable to make helical pinions.
from £150

Continental Microscopes

  • A small microscope such as a Leitz Stativ IV or a Continental style microscope will cost around £200 to completely restore.
  • A Society of Arts Microscope in very poor condition will cost around £250 to strip and relacquer.
  • I include the cost of any small replacement screws if a microscope is being re-lacquered.
  • Racks and pinions can take time and are unlikely to be included, although it depends very much on what else is being done.
From £200

More complex microscopes

  • Complex, ornate microscopes will cost from £400
  • Constructing items such as condensers for microscopes is time consuming and can be tricky, especially as it is best to avoid altering the original microscope whenever possible.
  • Contact me to discuss your requirements.
from £400

Cleaning and Servicing

cleaning and servicing

waxing

re-greasing

polishing of paintwork

from £100

It is unlikely that I will come across any major, unforeseen problems whilst restoring your microscope, but if I do, I will discuss them with you before starting the work so there will be no unexpected extra charges.