Meet Uli Koch, who is a passionate collector of Nikon microscopes and has meticulously been gathering and restoring models that span the history and evolution of the brand. Through his collection, Uli offers us a rare glimpse into the artistry, innovation and heritage of Nikon Microscopy.
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Exploring Uli Koch’s Nikon Microscope Collection
An interview with Uli Koch, who has spent over 40 years collecting and studying Nikon microscopes.
“In the beginning, it wasn’t easy to find the microscopes in my collection, especially before the internet. I used to visit camera shops across Germany and rely on mailed lists from the US. These days, it’s much easier with online auction websites.”
Uli says that many of the microscopes in his collection arrive damaged or in poor condition, often covered in dust or affected by humidity. Cleaning and restoring them has become part of the process. Despite those challenges, over the course of 45 years, Uli has built a remarkable collection and now estimates that 90% of his microscopes were produced between 1925 and 1975.
Uli Koch using Nikon’s model H microscope
The use of microscopes expanded into various fields starting in the mid-1950s. Nikon responded to these new applications by introducing specialized models like the POH microscope, designed primarily for polarizing but also capable of reflected light work. Around the same time, Nikon launched the S-type biological microscope in 1956. The S-type was easy to use and affordably priced, making it accessible to a wide range of users and providing an ideal entry point for anyone interested in microscopy.
Nikon also pioneered the development of inverted microscopes, where the illumination comes from above rather than below the stage. Uli says, “The first inverted model, the H, was followed by the model M in the 1970s and 80s - a beautifully engineered instrument renowned for its versatility and substantial build. These microscopes were so robust and adaptable that you could perform nearly any experiment on them. For instance, scientists could observe the growth of living cells over time and even capture time-lapse movies using a camera, opening up new possibilities for research and discovery.”
“My favorite is the first one, the so-called JOICO microscope,” he says. “It’s the very first microscope that Nikon ever designed. Made of brass, it’s incredibly beautiful, and that’s why I love it.”
For Uli, the JOICO microscope represents more than just a prized collectible; it’s a symbol of Nikon’s beginnings and a testament to the artistry of early optical engineering. “I feel that I have a huge collection of history, and I want to share that history with the world,” he adds.
Uli and the Nikon JOICO microscope from his collection
As part of Nikon Microscopy’s 100th anniversary celebration, eight microscopes from Uli’s collection, the JOICO, the S-Series, the H-Series, the E-Series, the M-Series, the SM-5, the L-Ke, and the POH, are currently on display at ARTIS-Micropia in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This special temporary exhibition — MAGNIFIED — is open to the public until January 30, 2026.
Uli Koch’s microscope collection displayed at ARTIS-Micropia in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Uli Koch (on right) and Daniel Ciepielewski, Senior General Manager European Strategy, Product & Marketing & Deputy Vice President - Nikon Europe Healthcare (on left) in front of a display of Uli’s Nikon microscope collection at ARTIS-Micropia, Amsterdam
Nikon would like to give a special thanks to Uli for graciously allowing us to showcase the remarkable collection of historical microscopes. Visit ARTIS-Micropia in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and enjoy exploring the fascinating pieces and discovering more about Nikon’s rich history over the years.
To learn more about Uli, visit his website here.
