Description
American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom Microscope 0.7X-3.0X 561-1 Base 10X WF
The American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star is a binocular stereo zoom microscope offering continuous zoom magnification from 0.7X to 3.0X via a smooth zoom control ring. It is mounted on the AO 561-1 base, which features a circular stage with a reversible plate — frosted white on one side for transmitted-light viewing and black on the other for reflected-light contrast. The unit is fitted with a pair of 10X WF (wide-field) eyepieces, giving an effective total magnification range of 7X to 30X.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: American Optical (AO)
- Model: AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom
- Zoom range: 0.7X to 3.0X (continuous zoom)
- Eyepieces: 10X WF (wide field), CAT 134 — matched pair
- Total magnification range: 7X to 30X (with 10X WF eyepieces)
- Head type: Binocular, with interpupillary distance adjustment
- Base: AO 561-1 with large circular stage opening
- Stage plate: Reversible — frosted white (transmitted light) / black (reflected light contrast)
- Focus: Rack-and-pinion focus via knob on arm post
- Zoom control: Single-hand zoom ring on objective body
- Optics: Appear clean and clear; no mold or haze observed
Applications
The American Optical Stereo Star series was produced from the 1960s through the 1980s and became a standard bench microscope in electronics assembly, quality control, biological dissection, gemology, and light industrial inspection. The zoom body design — with a single rotating ring controlling continuous magnification — was a major practical advantage over fixed-power stereo microscopes of the era, allowing technicians to quickly shift from a wide survey view to a more detailed inspection without changing objectives. The 561-1 base with reversible stage plate makes it versatile for both opaque and translucent specimens. These instruments are still actively used today in PCB rework and inspection, watchmaking, entomology, botanical dissection, and fossil preparation, and are valued for their robust all-metal construction and the availability of accessory objectives and ring illuminators that expand their capabilities.
This American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom Microscope has been inspected and is in good used condition. It was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use and functional. The body, zoom head, and 561-1 base show typical light wear consistent with lab use; the optics appear clean and clear with no visible mold or haze noted. The reversible stage plate (frosted and dark sides) is present and intact. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
American Optical |
Model: |
AO 569 |
MPN: |
AO 569 |
Secondary Model: |
561-1 |
SKU: |
30794 |
Type: |
Stereo Zoom Microscope |
Zoom Range: |
0.7X to 3.0X |
Eyepiece: |
10X WF (Wide Field), CAT 134 |
Head Type: |
Binocular |
Base Model: |
561-1 |
Illumination: |
Transmitted light stage plate (frosted/dark) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop |
Seller Notes: |
Includes 561-1 base with reversible stage plate and 10X WF eyepieces. |
Condition Notes: |
This American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom Microscope is in good used condition. Pulled from a working environment where it was in use and functional. Light wear on body; optics appear clean, no mold noted. 561-1 base included. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |