Photographic microscopes are used to study objects or microorganisms more closely by capturing them through a photograph. To able to take a photo of microorganisms first, they must be killed with formalin, if not photographs will be blurred. The photograph of a magnified image taken through a microscope is called micrograph, microphotograph or photomicrograph. To obtain a micrograph, a camera is attached to a microscope. Usually the range of total magnification is from 10x to 1000x.This magnification depends on the magnification of the optical setup, on the size of the image sensor and paper prints and on the size of the image displayed on a computer screen. The most important aspect of photomicrography is the illumination, which includes the type of light source, collector lenses, condenser, and correction filters.

There are different types of micrographs. An electron micrograph is a micrograph obtained using an electron microscope and micrograph ontained using an electron microscope.

First, using an eyepiece with a rubber ring (called ocular guard) to avoid scratches on eyeglasses is a primitive and old way of taking pictures. It is highly advised that the body of the camera should be hold firmly with one hand while the other hand manipulates the manual focusing device. A tripod socket is needed for the camera to be attached. Next is with an adapter, which mounts the camera to a regular a eyepiece. Stability is the main purpose for this adapter. This is specifically recommended if the optical setup needs compensating eyepiece to fully correct for lateral chromatic deviation. This will allow the head of the microscope to move up and down to focus. Lastly, the camera is mounted on a phototube. The use of a phototube allows the most stable configuration and greatly supports to avoid vibration.

Aside of a simple phototube, a trinocular tube can also be used. This setup is made up of a binocular viewing part with a phototube that has a 38 mm ISO port. On top of this phototube mounts a special part called TV-tube. On this TV-tube connects a C-mount adapter. Lastly, with the appropriate relay lens camera is attached.

Instead of connecting the digital camera’s video output to a TV monitor, it can also be connected to a computer system. In this set up the microscope can be use as a video microscope to record images in various formats.

Involving in a digital photomicrography requires sound equipment, lots of time and skills. At start, it is normal that involving in a digital photomicrography could bring disappointments in relation to the pictures taken. In whatever types of photomicrography, digital or analog requires a lot of practice especially in exact focusing. An expert photographer can easily recognize images lack contrast compared to high quality digital imaging devices or standard film emulsions. However, the moment you get it right, through digital photomicrography will be able to part for documentation and sharing of microscopic images to the whole world.