microscopic camera options

[Qutadah]

Hey guys,

So I am very new to watchmaking and I bought the microscopic camera, which can be clamped to the table, and then you connect it to a PC. This in total with the laptop I will connect it to will be around $230 in total.

Here is a photo of the current setup:

 

Now, I saw another option, which is a microscopic camera with a base attached to its built-in screen and it is like $70. So it is comparatively like a third of the price, so I am wondering if that's a better option.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBV43XXR/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A25KB8OA370XBE&psc=1

 

The only downside would be I will not be able to work on the movements directly under it since its base is very small.

My purpose for recording is to have some record of taking movements apart when I get lost while putting them back together.

 

What would be my best option?

 

Thanks!

[JackH]

I use a similar setup using a Adonstar microscope from Amazon (similar to your link) removed from it's table mount. I attached it to a microphone boom arm with a 3D printed bracket. It stays above the bench and when I need it to take photos, I pull it down. It makes it easy to document a disassembly. The nice thing about the microphone boom is that it stays where you place it. I also added a light source.

 

Edited March 8 by JackH

[spectre6000]

I believe you'll find the consensus around here is that all of those things are stopgaps. It'll allow you to take disassembly photos, but ultimately what you'll need is the ability to actually see what you're doing while you're doing it. Taking photos is important at times, but secondary. Once you get a few under your belt, you don't even bother with disassembly photos unless it's something really complicated, and even then only maybe. The cameras people on here are using are those that either attach to eyepieces or mount on trinocular/simufocal ports on stereomicroscopes. They are a bit more expensive (I think one was identified recently in the neighborhood of $400 with everything you need), but they're universally agreed to be transformative and well worth the cost of entry. To the point that I've heard several watchmakers say they're essential in print here and elsewhere, as well as verbally. 

[JackH]

I do find it incredibly useful and have occasionally helped others by supplying photos of a movement. It was never meant to work under. It has helped me countless times and most certainly not a "stopgap".

[Qutadah]

17 hours ago, JackH said:

I use a similar setup using a Adonstar microscope from Amazon (similar to your link) removed from it's table mount. I attached it to a microphone boom arm with a 3D printed bracket. It stays above the bench and when I need it to take photos, I pull it down. It makes it easy to document a disassembly. The nice thing about the microphone boom is that it stays where you place it. I also added a light source.

 

Oh i didnt know that you can remove it from its table mount! Thats incredibly useful, I think that might just be my best option! I have the mount and the lights also, so I might just return the Hayear camera I got and get one with the screen and dismount it from its table and use it on my mount! Thanks!

3 hours ago, spectre6000 said:

I believe you'll find the consensus around here is that all of those things are stopgaps. It'll allow you to take disassembly photos, but ultimately what you'll need is the ability to actually see what you're doing while you're doing it. Taking photos is important at times, but secondary. Once you get a few under your belt, you don't even bother with disassembly photos unless it's something really complicated, and even then only maybe. The cameras people on here are using are those that either attach to eyepieces or mount on trinocular/simufocal ports on stereomicroscopes. They are a bit more expensive (I think one was identified recently in the neighborhood of $400 with everything you need), but they're universally agreed to be transformative and well worth the cost of entry. To the point that I've heard several watchmakers say they're essential in print here and elsewhere, as well as verbally. 

Yes i totally agree, hence I wanted the screen as well, but I just dont like the small bas which I cant do much on other than take a photo... This is why I think @JackH solution is really good!

[spectre6000]

On 3/8/2024 at 7:58 AM, JackH said:

I do find it incredibly useful and have occasionally helped others by supplying photos of a movement. It was never meant to work under. It has helped me countless times and most certainly not a "stopgap".

What are you using for magnification while you work?