Abstract: A stage drive for moving a microscope stage designed as a mechanical stage including a first drive element linked to a first output element, and a second drive element, which is linked to a second output element. Through first and second transmission means, the first output element is linked to a first stage element and the second output element is linked to a second stage element of the mechanical stage supported by the first stage element. The stage elements are supported so as to be displaceable relative to a fixed base element in orthogonal directions X, Y in a plane extending normal to the optical axis of the microscope beam path. The at least one stage drive includes at least one drive element and at least one output element and is arranged in the base element so as to be displaceable in X direction and/or Y direction within an adjustment range and lockable.

Abstract: A prism changing device for a microscope for carrying out interference contrast examinations has a carrier for attaching the prism changing device to the microscope and a holder with at least two receptacles for prisms which is held at the carrier so as to be movable relative to it between at least two work positions in which one of the receptacles is arranged in the beam path of the microscope when the prism changing device is attached to the microscope. At least one of the receptacles is displaceable and rotatable relative to the holder in a plane transverse to the beam path of the microscope.