The 50-VT is still the best retinal camera Topcon ever made. Admittedly, it had mirror/solenoid issues when a digital camera was mounted on the top, but as far as comfort for the patient and ease of use for the photographer, it beats the EX and DX.
Disadvantages of the EX/DX: * More prone to shadow/crescent and "floating dot" artifacts.* The viewing light is at least twice as bright, and cannot be turned down as much once focus is achieved. It is usually too bright to do angiography viewing through the barrier filter.
* The lens to cornea distance is 6 mm. closer, so the lens catches more of those tears generated by the brighter viewing light.
* The lens is larger (which helps catch more tears) and therefor the lens barrel is larger (which bumps more noses).
* Despite the larger lens, it seems the light transmission efficiency ("f-stop") is less, so the flash intensity has to be higher.
* The camera can only be tilted up 10 degrees (instead of 15 degrees) for superior photos.
Advantages of the EX/DX: * The geared tilt mechanism.* No separate power supply (the camera can only be tilted up 10 degrees because the power supply is in the base).
Just my 2 cents. Let the flames begin. Tom Quoting Tom Steele <TSteele@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
Upgrade before it crumbles into dust Thank You, Tom Steele, CRA Midwest Eye Institute 200 West 103rd Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46290 317.817.1018 tsteele@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential and/or privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and return the original message to us at the above email address From: optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optimal-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Breit, Peter Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 3:37 PM To: optimal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [optimal] Topcon 50VT Colleagues, I need help with an old 50VT problem. The camera is old, the problem is new.. The little slider near the top on the left side which changes from Normal to Plus (+) and Minus (-) and Anterior (A) is stuck in the Minus position. Lately it has been extremely difficult to move, why ? Maybe it got bend? I pulled it all out to "A" but could not slide it back. Something "clicked" sounded like something fell in the way, preventing it from sliding back in. A local dealer rep tried to fix it but was not able to solve the problem. Did anyone of you experienced a similar fate and was able to fix it ? Any advise is very much appreciated.. Thank you Peter Peter L. Breit, CRA. Director Ophthalmic Services The Lankenau Hospital & Bryn Mawr Hospital 484-476-3338 484-476-8206 fax 484-437-3262 mobile page 3707
