Olympus U-TRU vs U-TRUS Camera Ports: What’s the Difference?
View the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus U-TRU vs U-TRUS Camera Ports: What’s the Difference?’
Hi, this is Chad with Monday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the difference between the U-TRU and U-TRUS camera intermediate ports.
These ports are typically used on the Olympus BX series microscopes, although you can also install them on the CX series. They are most commonly seen on the BX41, BX46, BX51, and BX43 models — but the same principles apply across the series.
Let’s Get Into It
Here we have a U-TRUS port. The main advantage of this model is that it allows you to keep your ergonomic head while adding a camera. You’ll split the light by pulling the rod, which sends partial light to both the eyepieces and the camera tube.
This is your camera adapter, where your camera will mount. For demonstration purposes, we’re using one of our TuxCam cameras — a great little camera priced at around $350 at the time of this video. You simply screw the camera onto the adapter and plug the cord into the port. The setup stays clean, organized, and ergonomic.
A Quick Tip
When you screw the camera onto the adapter, the cord might end up pointing diagonally, straight up, or at another awkward angle. To adjust it, use the 3 mm Allen screw located here. Insert the included tool, loosen the screw, rotate the camera to your preferred position, and tighten it down for a seamless setup.
Now, regarding camera adapters, there are two types we commonly use:
This one here allows you, once you bring the image into focus through the eyepieces, to rotate it left or right to fine-tune the focus on the camera screen. This adjustment lets you make the camera image parfocal with the eyepiece image.
Let’s Reassemble Everything
We’ll first remove the head — again, using the same 3 mm Allen wrench at the front. Then, we remove the camera adapter and the U-TRUS port. When using a U-TRUS, there’s a small riser piece available. Without it, the camera tube will angle off to the side. With the riser installed (secured with the same 3 mm wrench), the camera can project straight out the back, creating a cleaner setup. Without the riser, as Mike shows you here, the adapter must come off the side — which isn’t ideal.
Now Let’s Look at the U-TRU Port
The U-TRU exits the microscope at a 90° angle by default, so no riser is needed. The principle is the same: mount your camera onto the adapter. This Olympus camera adapter locks into place with an Allen screw located at the back. To make the camera image parfocal, remove the locking screw, adjust the focus while monitoring the screen, and re-lock it once aligned.
Additional Notes
The U-TRUS is often preferred when using certain ergonomic heads, such as those seen on BX45 or BX46 models. For example, if you mount the U-TRU directly behind a taller ergonomic head, the back of the head may block the port, preventing you from installing the adapter correctly. In those cases, using a U-TRUS with the side exit — or adding the riser to create a straight exit — solves the problem.
For a standard black tilting head, you can mount the U-TRU directly behind the head with no issues, and you can rotate the adapter so the cord exits cleanly straight back.
Summary
- The U-TRU and U-TRUS perform the same function.
- The U-TRUS is usually slightly less expensive.
- The U-TRUS allows flexibility with risers, which can help if you’re taller or using an ergonomic head.
- Both allow you to keep your ergonomics and add a camera with minimal fuss.
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