One of the most rewarding parts of what we do at Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace is hearing from customers after their microscope arrives and gets put to work.

Recently, longtime microscopy enthusiast Jerry Jenkins shared his thoughts after receiving a refurbished Leitz Laborlux S from our team, and his feedback perfectly captures why we enjoy preserving and restoring these classic instruments.

"Looked New, In Fact"

After receiving the Laborlux S, Jerry's first impression was the condition of the microscope.

"Laborlux S arrived yesterday, beautifully cleaned and serviced, and professionally packed indeed. Looked new, in fact."

Every microscope that leaves our shop goes through a thorough inspection, cleaning, servicing, and testing process. We take pride in ensuring that these instruments are not only functional but also ready to provide many more years of reliable service.

Putting the Scope to a Real-World Test

Jerry immediately put the Laborlux S to work examining fresh leaf mounts of Mnium thomsonii, a small moss species that presents challenging optical details.

The sample contained low-contrast structures with tiny paired teeth measuring around a micron in size—features that require excellent illumination, contrast, and optical performance to resolve properly.

According to Jerry:

"All of which the scope did really well."

That's exactly what we hope to hear from users who depend on their microscopes for demanding observations.

Smooth, Precise, and Easy to Use

One of the characteristics that has made Leitz microscopes legendary among enthusiasts and professionals alike is their mechanical precision.

Jerry noted:

"Silky smooth adjustments, well aligned, went to Kohler easily. Very easy to use with old hands and eyes."

He also praised the optical performance of the microscope's Plano and Fluotar objectives, as well as the comfortable viewing experience provided by the 20 mm eyepieces.

The smooth movement of the condenser and stage controls stood out as particularly enjoyable, reminding us why so many microscopists continue to seek out classic Leitz instruments decades after they were built.

A Configuration Built for Real Biological Work

This particular Laborlux S was configured with a five-objective setup covering 2x through 40x magnification.

Jerry commented that the range is ideal for the type of biological research he performs:

"The 2x to 40x range, over 5 objectives, standard in pathology, is also my preferred choice for the kind of biological work I do."

Versatility is one of the reasons the Laborlux S remains such a respected platform. Whether used for pathology, botany, education, or general biological microscopy, the microscope offers an excellent balance of magnification, field of view, and usability.

The Nanodyne LED Upgrade Earns High Marks

Jerry was particularly impressed with the Nanodyne LED illuminator installed on the microscope.

"The Nanodyne illuminator has a logarithmic ramp on the potentiometer and gives really delicate control at the lower power ends, which is where I often work, especially for scanning."

LED upgrades have become increasingly popular among microscopists because they provide stable illumination, reduced heat, longer life, and improved control compared to traditional halogen systems. Hearing positive feedback from experienced users confirms why we've become such strong advocates of these upgrades.

Standing Beside a Zeiss Axioskop

Perhaps one of the most interesting comments from Jerry was where he chose to place his newly acquired Laborlux S.

The microscope now sits beside a Zeiss Axioskop equipped with plan objectives.

"I have it on a bench next to a Zeiss Axioskop... and will compare them when I get a chance. I think that, at least for me, they will be close."

That's impressive company for any microscope.

While every microscopist has their preferences, it speaks volumes when a classic Leitz Laborlux S can hold its own alongside one of Zeiss's most respected research microscopes.

Thank You, Jerry

We want to thank Jerry Jenkins for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. It means a great deal to our team.

At Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace, we're passionate about preserving quality microscopes and helping them continue serving scientists, educators, hobbyists, and researchers for decades to come.

When one of these instruments arrives at its new home and immediately helps reveal details measured in microns, that's what makes all the work worthwhile.

Happy microscopy, Jerry—and we look forward to hearing how that Laborlux S stacks up against the Axioskop.