I ran into a new tool that I really like and I thought I would share it with you. It’s called the zPix microscope and it plugs into your computer.

It has magnification up to 130x. I’ve used it. It REALLY brings out the detail in your stamps. If you have trouble using powerful magnifiers, the zPix microscope may help you. It’s about 6 inches tall and about 2 inches in diameter.

The microscope works on both Macintosh and Windows computers. It comes with an installation disk, but if you’re using Windows 7, you’ll have to download the driver from a website. The microscope can take still pictures of your stamps as well as video.

This microscope won’t help you find watermarks. It won’t detect regummed stamps. With a little work, it may help you see grills on early US stamps more easily. And with magnification up to 130x power, it brings out the details on stamps like you’ve never seen them before.

One minor annoying thing that I found is that as long as it’s plugged in to your PC, the LED lights stay on. It would be nice if there was an on/off switch for it so that I could shut the lights off when I’m not using it. Alas, I unplug mine when it’s not in use.

I really like this microscope. The set up was easy and it works very well. If it sounds like something that would be of use to you, I suggest you purchase one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

If you would like more information about the zPix microscope, contact fellow stamp dealer Phil Keareny at Long’s Peak Enterprises, 5390 Promontory Circle, Windsor, CO 80528. Phone number 970-484-4824 or email pdkearney@comcast.net. Tell Phil that you heard about the zPix microscope from me. Ask him for his price and ordering information. Good luck!