Olympus OM 35mm film system close-up and macro equipment
Macrophoto Stand VST-1
Introduction
A heavy, rigid stand similar to ones that Olympus has been using for some of its stereo microscopes since the 1970s. Supplied with a reversible opaque stage glass (black on one side and white on the other), and a pair of stage clips.
Olympus OM Macrophoto Stand VST-1
The height of the column is only 124 mm, but this can be increased by 74 mm by removing the screw-in cap from the top and replacing it with the Macrophoto Stand Extension Bar VST-E. Only one Extension Bar can be fitted, because it is only threaded at one end.
Olympus OM Macrophoto Stand VST-1, complete with Stand Extension Bar VST-E, Stand B Adapter and Trans-Illuminator Base X-DE
| Column height | 124 mm |
|---|---|
| Column diameter | 24.5 mm |
| Base width | 130 mm |
| Base length | 202 mm |
| Base height | 19.5 mm |
| Centre of column to centre of stage plate | 110 mm |
| Stage plate fitting | 100 mm |
| Microscope ref. | VST-1 |
| US stock no. | 104-120 |
| Introduced | 1972 |
| Discontinued |
Accessories
The Macrophoto Stand B Adapter, which was not supplied with the Stand, is required in order to provide a ¼″ screw fitting for attaching either the Auto Bellows or the Focusing Rail.
The Macrophoto Stand Extension Bar VST-E increases the height of the column, and extends the range of magnifications and subject sizes.
A range of stage plates for various methods of illumination was available, in addition to the supplied black/white stage glass.
Mechanical stages allow precise movements of microscope slides and other specimens, and the FM-II and FM-III were avilable as part of the OM system as well as for Olympus microscopes.
The Stand can be used on the Trans-Illuminator Base X-DE with subjects that need to be viewed by transmitted light. This arrangement is also used in conjunction with the Lieberkühn reflectors.
The Cup Stage is not mentioned in any of the Olympus literature on the OM macro equipment. It was considered to be an accessory for the Olympus stereo microscopes, but it can be very useful for getting a three-dimensional subject into the best position for viewing or to be photographed.
Brochures for the original M-1 system include the Polarizing Filter SZ-PO-P and the Analyzing Filter PM-POL20, 38, 80. They are not included in any later literature. A brochure for the SZ-III Zoom-Stereo Microscope illustrates the SZ-PO polarizing attachment, which appears to be the same diameter as the other stage plates.
Versions
Only one version is known.
Instruction leaflet
Instructions were not provided with the VST-1.
Sales Information File
A compact and sturdy multi-purpose stand for solid-camera support in close-up and macrophoto work.
This stand consists of three seperate available units.
The base unit is the Macrophoto Stand VST-1, which comes with frosted stage glass for incident light and may be used in conjunction with the Trans-illuminator Base X-DE for lighting of transparent subjects from beneath.
The Macro Photo Stand B Adapter is designed for mounting the camera, the Auto Bellows or the Focusing Rail to the Macrophoto Stand VST-1.
The Macrophoto Stand Extension Bar VST-E extends the height of the Macrophoto Stand VST-1 for longer subject distances, for instance when a standard lens or the 135mm Macro Lens is used.
This unit fits seamless in the Trans-illuminator Base X-DE for transmitted lighting.
Five separate exchangeable Stage Plates and Stage Glasses are available for various lighting techniques.
The Mechanical Stage FM enables pin pointing of the subject for high magnification work.
The Varimagnifinder is recommended for comfortable operation when the Macrophoto Stand is placed on a table.
A Motor Drive or Winder and M.Remote Cord are recommended to avoid camera position shift when winding the film.
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Created 18th May 2001 — Updated 23th April 2026
Copyright © 2001–2026 Alan Wood