Olympus OM 35mm film system close-up and macro equipment

PM-PSS Photomicrographic Supporting Stand

Introduction

The PM-PSS Photomicrographic Supporting Stand was designed to support a Photomicro Adapter L and an OM camera body just above a microscope, without transmitting any vibration from the mirror or shutter to the microscope. It can also be used to support other Olympus photomicrographic systems that attach to the 38 mm circular dovetail, such as the PM-10, PM-20 and PM-30.

The base, the column and the supporting collar are identical to those in the PMT-35 Photomacrographic System. The arm is different and has a recess for a photo eyepiece inside a 38 mm circular dovetail, similar to an eyepiece adapter.

PM-PSS

PM-PSS Photomicrographic Supporting Stand

The microscope needs to have a vertical photo tube with a standard outside diameter of 25 mm. The trinocular heads for the E, F and BH compound microscopes have suitable vertical photo tubes.

Microscopes such as the BH-2 and the Vanox AH that have trinocular heads incorporating a 38 mm circular dovetail cannot be used with the PM-PSS.

Base dimensions 320×398 mm (12.6″×15.6″)
Column height 530 mm (20.8″)
Column diameter 46 mm
Attachment 38 mm circular dovetail
US stock no. 105-034
Introduced 1972
Discontinued ?
1978 US price $350.00
1979 US price $530.00

Versions

Only one version is known.

Accessories

A two-piece Light Shield Tube was included. It is not the same as the PM-SDM Light Shield Tube that was used with bellows.

Light Shield Tube

Light Shield Tube for Photomicrographic Supporting Stand

The large part of the two-piece Light Shield Tube fits on the vertical photo tube of a trinocular head with a standard 25 mm outside diameter. It extends upwards on either side of the arm of the PM-PSS. The small part of the Light Shield Tube (a rubber collar) is slid on to an FK or NFK photo eyepiece, which is then inserted slowly through the circular dovetail into the vertical photo tube of a trinocular head.

Instructions

Note the use of the Light Shield Tube in 3(1) and 6.

PM-PSS instructions

Use of Photomicrographic Stand PM-PSS

Sales Information File

Summary

This is a convenient unit for photomicrography at high magnifications.

The unit supports the entire weight of the camera, isolating it from the microscope.

Main Characteristics

The weight and solidity of a separate stand alone tends to reduce any transmitted vibration.

Other bench vibrations are absorbed by the stand’s rubber feet and a rubber mat minimizes transmission of vibration from the microscope.

The PM-PSS stand may be used with any microscope having a vertical photo tube.

Camera and microscope operation is not impaired by the use of the stand, and all controls remain fully accessible.

Notes – Related Units

The supporting arm of the PM-PSS accepts either Photomicro Adapter L, an Automatic Exposure Body PM-PBA / PM-PBS or a Manual Exposure Body PM-PBM.

When a Photo Eyepiece (N)FK is used, the large part of the two-piece Light Shield Tube must first be put on the microscope photo tube. Then the small part of the Light Shield (the rubber collar) is slided on the tube of the Photo Eyepiece, after which it is inserted slowly in the microscope photo tube.

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Created 19th May 2026   —   Updated 19th May 2026
Copyright © 2026 Alan Wood

Olympus OM 35mm film system close-up and macro equipment