Leica M820
The Leica M820 is a surgical microscope from Leica Microsystems intended primarily for anterior segment surgery, including cataract procedures. The model uses a motorized 6:1 APO-Zoom system with two separate beam paths and independent OttoFlex II illumination supporting production of the red reflex. The suspension system, assistant view, equipment for posterior segment observation and image recording depend on the specific configuration. Below, we present the units of this model currently available.
Leica M820 – model overview
The Leica M820 is an ophthalmic surgical microscope intended primarily for anterior segment procedures. It is part of the Leica microscope portfolio and uses a motorized 6:1 APO-Zoom system with two separate beam paths. Direct halogen illumination lights the surgical field, while the independent OttoFlex II module supports production of the red reflex.
Motorized focusing has a range of 54 mm, and the XY module allows the optical axis to be moved relative to the surgical field without repositioning the suspension system. The microscope head can be tilted from +15° to −50°. The available objectives have focal lengths of f = 200 mm (WD 175 mm), f = 225 mm (WD 200 mm) or f = 250 mm (WD 225 mm), allowing the space above the surgical field to be adapted to the configuration and working method.
Leica M820 configurations can differ in their suspension system and additional equipment. These differences include the assistant view, controls, video system components, wide-angle posterior segment viewing systems and image inverters. The detailed range of functions therefore depends on the configuration of each unit.
Use of the Leica M820 in ophthalmology
The Leica M820 is an ophthalmic surgical microscope primarily for anterior segment procedures, including cataract surgery.
OttoFlex II and the red reflex
In the Leica M820, the direct halogen illumination and OttoFlex II module can be adjusted independently. The former illuminates the surgical field, while OttoFlex II supports production of the red reflex, allowing the brightness of both sources to be adapted separately to the viewing conditions.
OttoFlex II reduces stray light passing through the sclera and increases red reflex contrast. Its illumination field diameter can be adjusted continuously from 4 to 35 mm at a working distance of 200 mm. This solution also supports observation with a small pupil or advanced cataract.
The main light source uses two 12 V / 50 W halogen lamps housed in a quick lamp-change mechanism. The mechanism allows illumination to be switched to the second lamp if the first stops working.
Configurations for posterior segment procedures
The Leica M820 can be used with wide-angle posterior segment viewing systems and image inverters. In a configuration with the Oculus SDI/BIOM system, the SDI inverter is mounted directly on the M820 optical head, and selected functions of the system can be assigned to the foot control. These components are additional equipment and are not present in every unit.
Key technical data for the Leica M820
APO-Zoom and optical parameters
The optical system of the Leica M820 uses apochromatic correction and Leica OptiChrome objectives. The motorized APO-Zoom provides a magnification change ratio of 6:1. In a configuration with an objective with f = 200 mm (WD 175 mm) and 10× eyepieces, the magnification range is 3.5×–21× and the field of view diameter is 7–80 mm.
The Leica M820 can be equipped with an OptiChrome objective with f = 200 mm (WD 175 mm), f = 225 mm (WD 200 mm) or f = 250 mm (WD 225 mm). The choice of working distance affects the position of the microscope head relative to the surgical field and the space available for instruments. Motorized focusing with a range of 54 mm allows focus to be adjusted without repositioning the suspension system.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Optical system | APO-Zoom |
| Optics | apochromatic correction, Leica OptiChrome objectives |
| Zoom | 6:1, motorized |
| Magnification | 3.5×–21× at a working distance of 175 mm with 10× eyepieces |
| Field of view diameter | 7–80 mm |
| Working distances | 175, 200 or 225 mm |
| Focusing | motorized, 54 mm range, automatic reset |
| XY module | motorized, automatic reset |
| Head tilt mechanism | motorized, from +15° to −50° |
| Main illumination | two 12 V / 50 W halogen lamps, quick lamp-change mechanism |
| OttoFlex II | independent red reflex module, adjustable 4–35 mm field at a working distance of 200 mm |
Controls and function automation
Leica M820 functions can be operated using the touchscreen and a programmable foot control. The system allows settings to be saved for up to 30 users, while StepCycle organizes operation into programmed sequences. Auto Reset supports the return of selected functions to defined settings after the microscope is repositioned. The range of available functions and assignments depends on the configuration of the device.
Leica M820 suspension systems
The Leica M820 is available in configurations with the mobile Leica F20 and Leica F40 suspension systems, as well as the F19, C40 and CT40 variants. These designations refer to the suspension system, rather than separate versions of the M820 optical system. The suspension system supports placement and positioning of the microscope head; detailed information about the construction, brakes and movement ranges of the F20 and F40 is provided on the pages dedicated to these systems.
Leica M820 compared with the M844 and M822
The Leica M820 and Leica M844 are ophthalmic surgical microscopes using OptiChrome objectives, motorized 6:1 zoom and the OttoFlex II module. They remain separate models: the M844 uses the QuadZoom system, which is not present in the M820. The M820 is intended primarily for anterior segment surgery, while the M844 is also used for advanced posterior segment procedures.
The Leica M822 is the successor to the M820 in the manufacturer’s portfolio. One of the main differences concerns illumination: the M822 combines main LED illumination with the halogen coaxial OttoFlex system, while the M820 uses main halogen illumination and the independent OttoFlex II module.
What determines the price of a used Leica M820 microscope?
On the secondary market, the price of a used Leica M820 microscope depends on the device version, its technical condition, completeness and the equipment of the individual unit, including the suspension system, optical configuration, assistant view, foot control, video system components and posterior segment equipment. At Medical Elektro, the level of preparation is neither an offer option nor a factor that differentiates pricing, as every unit offered undergoes the same standard of refurbishment. The price is determined individually for the complete configuration.
Refurbished Leica M820 microscopes at Medical Elektro
The term “used” means that the microscope has previously been in service. A refurbished surgical microscope is a used device that has undergone a multi-stage process of preparation for sale.
Refurbishment at Medical Elektro follows one standard applied to the complete configuration of each unit. For the Leica M820, this covers the complete microscope: the microscope head, suspension system and the unit’s actual optical, viewing, control and video equipment. Each refurbished unit has individual photographs and a description matching its configuration, and is covered by a 12-month warranty. The detailed scope is presented on the surgical microscope refurbishment process page.
Availability of Leica M820 microscopes
The list of Leica M820 units is updated automatically. Information on availability, suspension system, optical configuration, assistant view, video system and posterior segment equipment is provided for each unit.
A broader overview of devices for this specialty is available on the ophthalmic microscopes page. Contact Medical Elektro to discuss selection of a Leica M820, the equipment of available units and an individual quotation.