Olympus BH2 Phase Contrast Microscope Setup & Overview-Video

At Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace, we work with microscopes from every generation—but there’s something special about a properly refurbished Olympus BH2.

This classic platform continues to prove that “older” doesn’t mean outdated—especially when it’s rebuilt the right way and paired with modern upgrades like LED illumination.

A Legacy Microscope That Still Performs

The Olympus BH2 series has been a staple in laboratories for decades. Built with precision optics and mechanical reliability, these microscopes were designed to last—and they have.

When properly refurbished, a BH2 can:

• Deliver crisp, high-contrast images
• Provide smooth mechanical movement and focusing
• Support advanced techniques like phase contrast
• Perform reliably in demanding lab environments

Phase contrast itself is a powerful technique that enhances contrast in transparent or unstained samples by converting subtle optical differences into visible detail.

That capability is exactly why this platform is still widely used in environmental and biological applications today.

Why Refurbishment Matters

Not all refurbished microscopes are created equal.

A true refurbishment process goes far beyond a simple cleaning. At Munday Scientific, that means:

• Complete disassembly and inspection
• Rebuilding mechanical components (focus systems, stage drives, etc.)
• Cleaning and aligning optics
• Replacing worn or degraded parts
• Verifying performance under real-world conditions

When done correctly, the result is a microscope that doesn’t just “work”—it performs like it did when it left the factory.

LED Upgrade: Bringing a Classic into the Modern Era

One of the biggest upgrades we recommend—and often install—is LED illumination.

With an LED conversion, the BH2 becomes:

• Brighter and more consistent
• Cooler (no heat drift during long sessions)
• Lower maintenance (no bulb replacements)
• More energy efficient

In many ways, this upgrade transforms the user experience. It’s one of the reasons customers often say a refurbished BH2 with LED feels like a brand-new microscope.

Built for PCM Asbestos Testing

The microscope featured in this video is configured specifically for PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy)—a widely used method in asbestos and environmental testing.

Here’s how that process works:

• Air is drawn through a filter to collect airborne particles
• The filter is mounted on a slide and made transparent
• The sample is analyzed under a phase contrast microscope
• Fibers are counted within a known field of view to determine concentration

PCM is the standard method for analyzing airborne fibers because it is fast, cost-effective, and reliable for routine monitoring.

This makes it ideal for:

• Environmental testing labs
• Industrial hygiene applications
• Asbestos abatement and clearance work
• Occupational exposure monitoring

While PCM does have limitations (it cannot distinguish asbestos from non-asbestos fibers), it remains a critical first-line tool in the field due to its speed and practicality.

Why Labs Still Choose the Olympus BH2

Even with newer microscopes on the market, many labs continue to rely on the BH2 platform for PCM work—and for good reason:

1. Proven Optical Quality

Olympus optics from this era are still highly regarded for clarity and contrast.

2. Mechanical Durability

These scopes were built to last—and they do.

3. Cost Efficiency

A fully refurbished BH2 can provide exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of new systems.

4. Upgrade Flexibility

From LED lighting to camera integration, these microscopes adapt well to modern workflows.

A Reliable Solution, Delivered Fast

This particular BH2 was built, configured, and shipped on a tight timeline for an asbestos testing application. That’s something we take pride in—getting customers exactly what they need, when they need it.

Whether it’s:

• PCM asbestos scopes
• Pathology or Mohs setups
• Tissue culture systems
• Stereo microscopes

Our goal is always the same: deliver equipment that works right out of the box.

Final Thoughts

The Olympus BH2 is proof that great engineering stands the test of time.

With proper refurbishment and modern upgrades, it remains:

• A reliable lab instrument
• A cost-effective solution
• A powerful tool for real-world applications like asbestos testing

If you’re looking for a microscope that delivers performance without the price tag of new, the BH2 is still one of the best values in the industry.