The four connections to match
A rigid endoscope connects to an imaging system in four places. Two connections carry the image, and two carry the light.
- Scope to camera
- The scope's eyepiece fits into a coupler or into a camera head with a built-in coupler. A direct-coupled C-mount scope threads straight into a C-mount camera head instead.
- Camera head to console
- The camera head plugs into a camera control unit, often called the CCU or console. Camera heads work within their own console family.
- Light cable to scope
- The scope end of the light cable fits the scope's light post, either directly or through an adapter.
- Light cable to light source
- The source end of the cable fits the light source port, either directly or through an adapter.
The light cable's fiber bundle should also match the size of the scope. A mismatch affects light output and heat at the connection.
Clear Choice Medical is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with any manufacturer. Brand and model names on this page identify equipment only.
Eyepiece and camera coupler
Many rigid endoscopes end in an eyepiece. An international technical specification, ISO/TS 18339, sets the shape of the eyepiece cap so products from different makers can be combined.
A coupler clamps onto the eyepiece and threads onto the camera head. It has its own focus ring. Some camera heads have the coupler built in and take the eyepiece directly.
A coupler may seat on another maker's eyepiece, but do not assume it. The same specification notes that combining products from different makers might not give the best results.
Couplers and built-in camera optics are listed at focal lengths from about 14 mm to 35 mm. Zoom couplers cover a range of focal lengths instead. The focal length changes how large the scope image appears on the monitor.
When you replace a coupler, match the mount on your camera head. Then note the focal length of the coupler you use now.
C-mount and direct-coupled scopes
Many couplers thread onto the camera head with a C-mount thread. A direct-coupled C-mount scope has no separate coupler. It threads straight into a C-mount camera head.
Some arthroscopes come in both eyepiece and C-mount versions. One maker notes that its C-mount scopes do not fit camera heads with an integrated coupler. Check which kind of camera head you have before you buy a C-mount scope.
Some connections are proprietary. Some scopes and couplers are labeled for use only with named camera heads from the same maker. Read the model number and the labeling on both parts.
Camera head and console
A camera head works with the camera control unit it was made for. Within one platform, each camera head family may need its own module in the console.
Backward compatibility depends on the maker and the generation. One maker states that its earlier HD camera parts work with its newer 4K controller. Do not assume the same across brands or generations.
Match the camera head model to your console model. Then check both models against the manufacturer documentation.
Light post and light cable ends
The light post is where the light cable connects to a rigid endoscope. Post fittings differ between makers. Adapter lists from several makers name three common fittings: Storz and Olympus, Wolf, and ACMI.
Makers group Stryker fittings differently, so compare the actual post or cable end rather than the brand name.
Screw-on light post adapters let one cable fit scopes of other makes. Several makers sell them, including Karl Storz, Olympus and Richard Wolf.
The other end of the cable has to fit the light source port. Makers sell source-end adapters too. Some light sources have a multi-port socket or turret that takes several cable types.
Many cables are sold with fixed fittings for one scope type and one light source. The fittings at each end show what the cable fits.
Some scopes have the light post on the opposite side, and post designs can change between generations. Use the listing photos to compare the post with the one on your scope.
Light cable diameter and length
Match the light cable's fiber bundle diameter to the scope. ISO/TS 18339 states that a bundle that is too large causes excessive heating where the cable meets the scope. A bundle that is too small reduces light output.
The diameter given for a cable is the diameter of its glass fiber bundle, not the outer jacket.
One maker's table pairs 2 to 2.5 mm cables with 0.8 to 2.9 mm endoscopes. It pairs 3 to 3.5 mm cables with 3 to 6.5 mm endoscopes. It pairs 4.8 to 5 mm cables with larger endoscopes, such as 10 mm laparoscopes.
Another maker recommends larger cables for some of the same scope sizes. Follow the documentation for your exact models.
Cables come in several lengths. Makers list lengths such as 180 cm, 230 cm and 300 cm, or 7.5 ft and 10 ft. One maker color-codes its cables with rings that match rings on its scopes' light posts.
Light sources
Light sources for rigid endoscopes use xenon, LED, halogen or metal halide lamps.
Some camera consoles control the same maker's light source, for example to switch it to standby. Some systems put the camera console and the light source in one unit.
One maker recommends using its own light cable with its own light source for the best image. A camera's white balance corrects slight color differences between light sources and endoscopes.
Autoclavable and non-autoclavable parts
Makers sell autoclavable and non-autoclavable versions of camera heads, couplers and scopes. Some scopes are labeled for one type of camera head only.
Scope-end cable adapters can also differ between autoclavable and non-autoclavable scopes. Check the marking on each part and the manufacturer's instructions.
Camera and light source matching checklist
- Note the maker and model of your camera head and your console.
- Check whether your camera head takes an eyepiece scope through a coupler or a direct-coupled C-mount scope.
- Compare the scope's eyepiece or C-mount fitting with that camera head.
- Compare the light post with the scope end of your light cable, and note any adapter.
- Check that the cable's source end fits your light source port.
- Match the cable's fiber bundle diameter to the scope.
- Verify each match against manufacturer documentation for the exact models.
Not sure it is the right match? Call (727) 482-5016 before you order. Send us your camera head and light cable models, and we will check them against the listing photos.
Clear Choice Medical offers a 30-day warranty against functional defects. All sales are final. We do not accept returns. Every item ships non-sterile, and your facility processes it before clinical use.
Buyer FAQ
How do I match a rigid endoscope to my camera and light source?
Check four connections. The scope's eyepiece has to fit your coupler or camera head, or a direct-coupled C-mount scope has to thread into a C-mount head. The camera head has to belong to your console's family. The light cable has to fit the scope's light post and your light source port, directly or with adapters. Its fiber bundle diameter should match the scope. Then verify each match against manufacturer documentation for the exact models. Clear Choice Medical is an independent dealer, and brand names identify equipment only.
Will any camera coupler fit any rigid endoscope?
Not always. Many couplers clamp onto a standard eyepiece cap, and one maker sells its couplers as fitting eyepiece scopes of virtually any make. A direct-coupled C-mount scope does not use a coupler at all. Some scopes and camera heads are labeled for use only with named models. Check the eyepiece or mount type and the labeling before you order.
What size light cable do I need for a rigid endoscope?
Match the cable's fiber bundle diameter to the scope. One maker pairs 3 to 3.5 mm cables with 3 to 6.5 mm endoscopes. It pairs 4.8 to 5 mm cables with larger endoscopes, such as 10 mm laparoscopes. A bundle that is too large causes excessive heating where the cable meets the scope, and one that is too small reduces light output. Another maker recommends larger cables for some of the same sizes, so follow the documentation for your exact models.
Do I need an adapter to use one brand's light cable on another brand's scope?
Often, yes. Light post fittings differ between makers, and screw-on adapters let one cable fit scopes of other makes. Several makers sell them, including Karl Storz, Olympus and Richard Wolf. The source end of the cable may also need an adapter for your light source. Compare the actual post and cable ends in the listing photos, and check the part numbers.