LEEDS Forensic Systems

The LCF Firearms & Toolmarks Comparison Microscope

The LCF Firearms & Toolmarks Comparison Microscope is designed with high quality Olympus optics that provides a superior color and light intensity balanced system. The optical system is apochromatically corrected, the highest correction level available to eliminate optical aberrations yielding clean, crisp, high resolution images.

The optical system has two zoom bodies with built-in aperture diaphragms, eleven matched magnification positions that are parfocal throughout the zoom ratio of 12.86:1. The total visual magnification range is 6x - 80x with a plan apochromat 1x objective (optional objectives and magnification ranges are available). This large magnification range allows the investigator to examine evidence without any adjustment  of  focus, instrument height or ergonomics.  

All visual magnifications are read directly from the zoom knob eliminating the need for the examiner to use multipliers to determine the actual magnification. Leeds also offers a - six shooter - system which provides six fixed magnification positions as an alternative to our standard zoom system. An N.I.S.T. traceable certificate of magnification is provided with every system at installation.

This unit has an erect unreversed image with a large 22mm field of view. This large field of view represents a 20% increase of viewable area over other systems on the market. This added area means fewer stage movements to view the complete sample and also allows the examiner to view a field size comparable to other systems, but at 20% higher magnification.

Correct visual magnification read directly from zoom knob.	Visual field selector

Images can be viewed as 100% right, 100% left, split or superimposed. The split-image dividing line is adjustable from no line to the operators desired line width. The superimposed image can be any strip width to full superimpose view.

The LCF Firearms System Stages

The mechanical stages mount onto either 21.2mm/revolution coarse focus units or 36.8mm/rev. coarse and 1.5mm/rev. fine focus units, both have rack and pinion crossroller slide movement with a total focus stroke of 80mm. The mechanical stage and focus units are mounted onto posts which allow them to swing back and out of the way.This allows large objects to be placed directly on the table top for examination.

Pictured with 13-watt fluorescent lights and ball cup stage

LCD scale

An LCD single axis measuring scale can be added to the left stage for direct reading of point to point measurement for land, toolmarks, etc. It is capable of measuring in inch or metric with a .0005”/.01mm resolution. It also has RS232 output which can be used to link it to software on a computer or an external readout. Use of this LCD scale eliminates the need for stage verniers, air gap method or eyepiece micrometers for measuring land and toolmark features.

An N.I.S.T. traceable certificate of calibration is provided with every LCD scale at installation.

System and Accessories

The LCF Firearms and Toolmarks Comparison System is designed with a motorized table that adjusts in height as low as 26" for a standard desk chair or as high as 43" for adjustable stools. The table is designed with a large work surface area and an "object roll-off" protection edge. Ergonomic comfort is achievable for investigators of almost any height utilizing the motorized adjustable table height combined with the 5-35 degree tiltable binocular head.

16" x 16" monitor shelf with "T" slot mounting and swivel arm	12" x 12 accessory shelf with "T" slot mounting and swivel arm	The table comes equipped with a 15 amp, 8 position outlet strip that has a resettable overload circuit protection. The legs have "T" slots for mounting accessories.

Installation, Service and Warranty

• Installation on all systems is performed by Leeds trained personnel.
• Annual service and calibration packages are available.
• Leeds Forensic Systems come with a limited 5 year warranty.