David... found this single specimen in a sample jar taken from Lake Sammamish here in Issaquah yesterday.

Hi Rik... more planar like coathooks.

a golden alga or chrysophyte

This is a Bryozoan statoblast. It is a cyst that can survive over the winter and begin a new Bryozoan colony when conditions permit. The little anchor shaped hooks really cling to things and allow the statoblast to hitch a ride on vegatation or animals. This was the first one I've seen, and it was n...

Hi J-M... where ya been? Excellent image! There is much detail here to examine, and the "depth" effect is great.

Gerd... yes... excellent details and interesting subject. I always seem to learn something new from your posts

Nice shot! Perfect use of the shallow DOF. I particularly like the way it falls across the legs on the left.

Bernhard... nice find! ...and nicely recorded! Thanks for posting it.

David... excellent in both cases! The phase shots you post look so "clean" (for lack of a better word). One part of that is probably your good sample preparation. Flatter definitely is better in phase.

If you use "Arca" style mounting plates and clamps I suggest you also take a look at the Novoflex "L" http://www.novoflex.de/english/html/co_eha4.php http://www.adorama.com/NVFRL.html?searchinfo=novoflex%20focusing%20rack&item_no=5 The base is the "Arca dovetail" and it has a geared platform that is...

Yup! Blue paper instead of green (for background). 10X has shorter working distance so "dome" is shallower, made from ping-pong ball.

Always thought this insect had great eyes!
3X objective top, 10X bottom. 2.5X photo-eyepiece, Canon 350D.

Dorsal view of head.
2X objective, 2.5X photo-eyepiece. Canon 350D.

Super detail in these Ken. Now let's put that new macro lens down occasionally and keep the Meiji and Axiostar limbered up!

Beautiful small crystal... looks like pure ice.