*UPDATED* Micro-Manager Tethered to a Nikon Digital SLR

***UPDATE 3/3/2014***

After a few requests for a report on x64 capability using this tethering technique, I tried installing the NK Remote software on a rather fresh copy of Windows 7×64 – it did not communicate with the camera at all. On the other hand, the open source application “DigiCamControl“, worked perfectly. Now, as far as micro-manager goes, there isn’t a connection from DigiCamControl to micro-manager. So – short term solution is to run the proposed setup below on an x32 system – if anyone gets x64 working please post here!!! -Austin

So I had a customer interested in a macro application for scanning. In some cases, applications like these don’t require a telecentric optical system such as the AZ-100, nor do they fit into a typical stereo microscope application. So, what to do? Well, when your object for imaging is too large for a microscope, one option may be a macro lens on a digital camera. Something like this:

This type of system will allow for a stable focusing and zoom setup, but is limited in magnification power and light control. In some cases though, this is the way to go.

The next problem is that of focal and positional control. No microscopy device control software available, such as elements or metamorph, supports non-scientific grade cameras. So, how do we position a specimen under this camera in an automated fashion? Well, it turns out micro-manager has a plugin available for such work, and it’s available in the nightly builds here .

What you end up with is a camera that can be controlled from a laptop, along with a stage, z motor and other automated imaging hardware. Here’s an example of my setup running on a windows 7 x64 laptop and a D80.

Requirements

This setup requires the following items:

1. Suitable camera and lens (see below)

2. Copystand for camera.

3. Computer for control.

4. External power supply for camera or a battery extension (more for ease of use but I consider it a requirement).

5. USB Cable to camera.

6. Control Software for interfacing to uManager. This is pay-for software, found here. The software currently ranges from $90-180.

7. A right angle view finder isn’t required, if you don’t mind a stiff neck!

Setup:

So, follow the instructions found here for setup. My summary of setup, which took a whopping 5 minutes (this is amazingly quick for open source software!) went as follows:

1. Download Breeze Systems trial for NKRemote & Install.

2. Download nightly uManager build & Install.

3. Set camera to PTP mode.

4. Run NKRemote and snap image to confirm communication with camera.

5. Run uManager. Edit hardware seup using the “Setup hardware” tool and removed the demo camera, and added the NikonDSLR.

6. started snapping images! Here is an example of running in uManager (click on the picture for a higher res version):

What cameras are supported:

All of the basic DSLR models from Nikon are included with the NKRemote software. Tethercam is the driver used for the uManager side, and it states an “incomplete list” of cameras as follows:

Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, Nikon D5000, Nikon D300, Nikon D300s, Nikon D700, Nikon D3X, Nikon D3s, Nikon D3, Nikon D200, Nikon D80.

Lenses to Use:

Some lenses that work as portrait lenses like a Nikon 50mm will work adequately as macro lenses. On the other hand, it’s recommended to shell out the extra cash for a well-made macro lens, such as this one. The nice thing about working with commonly available photo gear is that in many cases you can even rent lenses to see what works best for the job at hand.

This was a fun and quick test and I am excited to see how this capability is used for macro work in the future!

-Austin