Reflection contrast microscopy (RCM): a forgotten technique?

Reflection contrast microscopy (RCM), which utilizes the optical phenomena caused by oblique epi-illumination in combination with a specific optical apparatus, provides an approach for exploring biological phenomena in greater detail. The lack of stray reflection makes it superior to other microscopes. It bridges light and electron microscopic capabilities by allowing the analysis of ultrathin sections beyond the usual light microscopic magnification. By using consecutive image analysis, quantitation can be achieved. The wide range of applications of RCM can be combined with most microscopical techniques, so extending the spectrum of information that can be gathered. Twenty-five years after the development of RCM, there is still scope for its application in modern cell biology. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.