[3dem] Thoughts on Gatan Cryoholders (CT3500 and 626)

[Cheng, Yifan]

We have both CT3500 and 626. CT3500 is more suitable for high resolution work, while 626 can tilt to higher angle. I noticed that the new CT3500 can also be tilted to 50 or even 60 degree, and 626 has a better design in the dewar and is more stable than older version. So, I would say that both CT3500 and 626 are improved compared with their earlier generation. Gatan’s specification of both holders are the same, 3.4A at LN temperature. But we got 2.3 from our CT3500, just like the original CT3500 from Oxford. Surprisingly, 626 gives also good resolution, better than 3.4A.

In general, CT3500 is more stable, but harder to handle. 626 is easier to deal with but less stable. Nevertheless, performance is still dependent on individual holders, or as always, depends on how lucky are you.

The problem for CT3500 is that it is very fragile. If you have a large user group, it is very likely that your CT3500 would be traveling a lot between your lab and Gatan. If you would like to have CT3500, it is better to have two. Although sounds ridiculous, but you will find this is actually necessary. Because, most likely, one of the two will be on the trip at any given time.

Good luck,

Yifan


On 9/17/10 9:55 AM, "Heather Holdaway" <hah46 at case.edu> wrote:

I am looking for insight on comparing two of Gatan's cryoholders: the CT3500 and the 626.  Is anyone willing to share the pros and cons of the two holder with me?  Or if you were going to be purchasing a holder, which would you choose?

Thanks for the input!
Heather



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Yifan Cheng, Ph.D.
University of California San Francisco
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Mission Bay, Genentech Hall, MC 2200
600 16th Street, Room S312B
San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
Phone: 1-415-514-9707 (office), 1-415-514-9708 (lab), Fax: 1-415-514-4145
email: ycheng at ucsf.edu
website: http://cryoem.ucsf.edu

Administrative Assistant: Melissa Paraiso
Phone: 1-415-514-4825; Fax: 1-415-514-4145
email: melissa.paraiso at ucsf.edu
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