ZEISS S5 — suspension system
ZEISS S5 is a suspension system used in complete configurations of ZEISS surgical microscopes. The system takes the form of a mobile floor stand, a ceiling mount or a wall mount. Individual setups differ in their suspension design, microscope head, illumination, controls and equipment. The optics and clinical application depend on the particular complete configuration. Below is an automatically updated list of devices offered with the S5 system.
Is ZEISS S5 a microscope model?
ZEISS S5 is a suspension system, not a standalone microscope. It forms a structural part of a complete setup: it supports the microscope head and allows it to be positioned within the range provided by the particular version. The S5 designation should therefore be considered together with the microscope head model and the way the system is mounted.
Which configurations use the ZEISS S5 system?
The S5 family comprises three mounting versions: mobile, ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted. Complete configurations with this system include:
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 150 on mobile S5;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 150 on ceiling-mounted S5;
- ZEISS OPMI Pro Magis on S5;
- ZEISS OPMI ORL S5.
The mobile and ceiling-mounted VISU 150 setups differ in their construction and technical specifications.
Construction and versions of the ZEISS S5 system
ZEISS S5 mobile suspension system
A mobile base, vertical column, horizontal arm and swing arm form the structure of the S5 mobile system. The arms allow the microscope head to be positioned, while the base allows the complete unit to be moved. Once the stand is in position, the base locks stabilise the system.
ZEISS S5 ceiling-mounted suspension system
The ceiling-mounted version comprises a column whose length is selected for the particular installation, a motorized lift arm, a horizontal arm and a swing arm. The complete microscope is attached to a prepared ceiling structure. The motorized arm allows the height of the setup to be adjusted and can be operated via a foot control or a chair.
Power supply and illumination in VISU 150/S5 configurations
In VISU 150 configurations on mobile and ceiling-mounted S5, the suspension system integrates the power supply and a 12 V/100 W halogen illumination module with a backup lamp.
Positioning and balancing the complete system
In the mobile version, the spring balance setting is matched to the weight of the mounted microscope head and equipment, while resistance at the axes is set by adjusting the friction. A travel stop defines the arm’s range of movement. The balance needs to be checked again after changing the microscope head or accessories.
The ceiling-mounted version remains attached to its mounting point. The arms are used to position the complete microscope, while motorized vertical movement allows the setup to be raised and lowered within the range provided for this configuration.
ZEISS S5 technical specifications in VISU 150 configurations
The table below compares the construction and key specifications of mobile and ceiling-mounted S5 in complete VISU 150 configurations.
| Component | VISU 150 on mobile S5 | VISU 150 on ceiling-mounted S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Installation method and main components | mobile base, vertical column, horizontal arm and swing arm | attachment to a ceiling structure; column selected for the installation; motorized lift arm, horizontal arm and swing arm |
| Swing arm | length 750 mm; rotation 325° | length 800 mm; rotation 330° |
| Vertical travel of the swing arm | ±300 mm | ±300 mm |
| Horizontal arm | length 300 mm; rotation 200° | length 400 mm; rotation 280° |
| Motorized lift arm | not present in this configuration | length 1000 mm; rotation 270°; travel 250 mm upwards and 300 mm downwards, 550 mm in total |
| Dimensions and installation requirements | stand height 1770 mm; base 700 × 640 mm | column length selected to suit the installation requirements |
| Maximum load on the swing arm | 13 kg — weight of the microscope including accessories | 14 kg — weight of the microscope including accessories |
| Weight of the suspension system version | approximately 120 kg | approximately 161 kg |
What determines the price of a used microscope with the ZEISS S5 system?
On the second-hand market, the price of a used microscope with the ZEISS S5 system depends on the model and version, its technical condition, completeness and the equipment fitted to the individual unit. At Medical Elektro, the level of preparation is neither an option within the offer nor a factor that changes the price, because every unit offered is refurbished to the same standard. The price is determined individually for the complete configuration.
Refurbished microscopes with the ZEISS S5 system at Medical Elektro
“Used” means that the microscope has previously been in use. A refurbished surgical microscope is a used device that has undergone a multi-stage process to prepare it for sale.
Refurbishment at Medical Elektro follows one standard that applies to the complete configuration of each individual unit. For microscopes with the S5 system, it covers the complete microscope with its mounted head and actual equipment, not just the suspension system. Each refurbished unit is shown in individual photographs and has a description that matches its configuration, and is covered by a 12-month warranty. The detailed scope is presented on the surgical microscope refurbishment process page.
Availability of microscopes with the ZEISS S5 system
The list of devices with the ZEISS S5 system is updated automatically. Information about availability, configuration and equipment is provided for each unit.
Contact Medical Elektro about selecting a microscope with the ZEISS S5 system, the equipment fitted to available units and an individual quotation.