Microscope for cartridge inspection

Post pics of what your device shows, and links to the device, the results reveal what we can’t perceive from words.

I really could not visualize what 1000x would look like, and how close it needs to get, and the short focus distances are hard to imagine.

you need light all around without shadows, and angles to avoid glare

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mine, as I said, is cheap. I just bought it to learn something about how decent cheap ones have become, the pic shows it.

check specs carefully, the top one, not disparaging it, but the plastic lens gives 510x, it is 3x digital that magnifies that to higher numbers, now it might be terrific, but I want to see a pic of what you see before I choose/buy it..

A really high quality microscope is essential for determining wear on the tip of a stylus.  It also takes practice to develop proficiency.  I am blessed to have two old, but excellent microscopes, both Wild-Herrbrugg, an M3 and an M5.  The M5 is superior, but they both are excellent.  To use them properly you need to mount the stylus underneath the lens so that the tip of the stylus is facing straight up.  I use Silly Putty, but whatever it is important to ensure that the stylus is firmly planted such that it will not move.  Excellent light is important.  I found a ring of LED lights that clamp to the microscope work better than the two arm arrangement that I used to use.  As I key this message I am in NH, but when I return to our home in FL week after next where this equipment is housed I will set it up, take some photos and post them here if I can figure out how to do so.  

@johnss 

You may want to look for a direct view microscope either stereo or mono view with a 1500X or 2000x magnification range. 

Do you have a specific brand or model that you recommend?  the ones I am finding in my searches are prohibitively expensive.

I think 500X would be more than adequate to see assymetrical wear on a stylus tip.  That's the only thing I feel qualified to identify. If wear is symmetrical that means the stylus is evenly worn, and I don't have the expertise to determine how much symmetrical wear is permissible, not to mention the fact I probably could not detect it if it's there.

+1 @elliottbnewcombjr - USB digital microscope