This $20US microscope objective is paying it's dividends and then some.
Caught this crystal today. It looks like it has a second plate growing off a column that is affixed to the main crystals plate. Or in other words, a capped pillar where one side started to flesh out. This makes it look like the main crystal is topped with a diamond. It is a very unique shape and a very lucky find.

[MSL]

Absolute superb. Any idea on the overall magnification?

[pichaser]

Stained glass windows are simple compared to these . TFS

[aitrus3]

Absolute superb. Any idea on the overall magnification?

Thanks!
Aesthetic crop just to centre it completely so not much, but looking at the original and with the accessories I *think* I used, only 5mm would fit in this frame. Essentially it's between 4.6x - 4.8x. I don't know the exact sensor size atm other than it's just under 24mm. I think this is it because I was switching accessories around depending on the size of the snowflake. Some needed way less, some needed more. It's possible this could be around 6x lifesize.

---------- Post added 01-25-2021 at 07:17 AM ----------

Stained glass windows are simple compared to these . TFS

They're truly stunning!

[MSL]

Thanks!Aesthetic crop just to centre it completely so not much, but looking at the original and with the accessories I *think* I used, only 5mm would fit in this frame. Essentially it's between 4.6x - 4.8x. I don't know the exact sensor size atm other than it's just under 24mm. I think this is it because I was switching accessories around depending on the size of the snowflake. Some needed way less, some needed more. It's possible this could be around 6x lifesize

Thanks. I've dabbled or thought about trying things in the 1-2X range so this gives me a sense of how much larger you are making things.

[ToddK]

That is an awesome looking snowflake! Well done.

[aitrus3]

Thanks. I've dabbled or thought about trying things in the 1-2X range so this gives me a sense of how much larger you are making things.

Some snowflakes are large enough that 2x would be fine. These smaller plate type crystals are only 1-2mm in diameter though, this one a tad bit more, so you do need a decent amount of magnification to fill the frame, or come close.

---------- Post added 01-25-2021 at 02:03 PM ----------

That is an awesome looking snowflake! Well done.

Thanks Todd!

[mroeder75]

Your photos are magnificent. If I had a $20 microscope I wouldn't know how to hook it up to a camera. I would have no idea how to put a snowflake under the lens. Yet tonight, we have a plethora of snowflakes falling.

[aitrus3]

Your photos are magnificent. If I had a $20 microscope I wouldn't know how to hook it up to a camera. I would have no idea how to put a snowflake under the lens. Yet tonight, we have a plethora of snowflakes falling.

It's pretty easy. Extension tubes, microscope objective with RMS thread. RMS to T2 adapter, T2 to pentax K adapter. Done deal!

[Larrymc]

Amazing images!!

[aitrus3]

Your photos are magnificent. If I had a $20 microscope I wouldn't know how to hook it up to a camera. I would have no idea how to put a snowflake under the lens. Yet tonight, we have a plethora of snowflakes falling.

For you, and others who are interested. I wrote a tutorial yesterday on this process that includes lower res jpgs of P-2021-Snowflake005 so you can practice focus merging in your software of choice. I do ask, if you enjoyed the tutorial, that maybe consider sending a donation o gregorybmurray@gmail.com but no hard feelings if you guys don't. I am providing it for free...
Dropbox - Snowflake Tutorial - Simplify your life

[MikeNArk]

Looks like an exquisite piece of fine jewelry. Amazing what beauty that nature provides and what skill that you have to provide us the opportunity to view it. Thanks.
Mike