Section Overview:
Photomicrography, like any form of photography, is prone to a variety of faults and errors regardless of the sophistication of the microscope equipment or the experience level and skill of the photomicrographer. Errors must be carefully examined to identify the source, which is usually due to equipment failure, poor specimen preparation, improper technique, or processing mistakes. Use the links below to navigate to our specific discussions on the nature of photomicrography errors and suggested remedies.
Review Articles
Twenty Five Most Common Photomicrography Errors
In search of a quick answer to your photomicrography problem? The most common errors encountered in photomicrography are discussed in this section.
Microscope Configuration & Other Common Errors
Microscope configuration errors (incorrect settings, improper illumination adjustment, and optical aberration) and related problems are addressed in this section.
Exposure and Color Balance Errors
Addressed in this discussion are common problems with color temperature balance adjustments, reciprocity failure, incorrect exposure, and how to correct minor color errors with compensating filters.
Fluorescence Photomicrography
Photomicrography under fluorescence illumination conditions presents a unique set of circumstances posing special problems for the microscopist. Learn more about fluorescence photomicrography in this section.
Fluorescence Photomicrography:
Microscope Configuration & Photomicrography ErrorsUse this section as a guide to solving elementary problems in fluorescence microscopy and photomicrography.
Fluorescence Photomicrography:
Color Transparency Errors with Fluorescence PhotomicrographyDetermination of the correct exposure in photomicrography is much easier when transparency films are being judged.
Fluorescence Photomicrography:
Fluorescence & DIC Combination MicroscopyFluorescence microscopy can be combined with contrast enhancing techniques such as DIC illumination to minimize the effects of photobleaching.
Fluorescence Photomicrography:
Fluorescence & Phase Contrast Combination MicroscopyTo minimize the effects of photobleaching, fluorescence microscopy can be combined with phase contrast illumination.
Color Transparency (Chrome) Film Errors
We address common problems that occur when using color transparency film. The same errors are also reviewed utilizing a quadruple-stained thin section of alfalfa crown wart fungus to further illustrate common mistakes made.
Errors in Color Transparency Film Encountered with Reflected Light Microscopy
The featured section examines common errors that occur with reflected light photomicrography on color transparency films.
Color Negative Film Errors
Reviewed in this section are common errors encountered with color negative film in photomicrography using a multiple-stained thin section of pine tree tissue infected with blister rust fungus.
Black & White Film Errors
Although used far less often today than in the past, black & white film is still a very important medium for photomicrography, especially with stained specimens in brightfield illumination.
Film Processing Errors:
Color Transparency FilmProcessing color transparency film requires considerably more effort than black & white film. Although the basic steps are similar, color processes require more steps and greater temperature control than black & white processes.
Film Processing Errors:
Color Negative FilmJudging specific colors in color negatives is complicated by the presence of a mask that produces an orange tint over both the sprocket holes and the image area, including the color dye layers.
Film Processing Errors:
Black & White FilmTopics in this discussion are intended to help the microscopist distinguish between mistakes that occur with the microscope and those that are the result of faulty film processing.
