Mechanical compactors and research quality microscopes

[Jorge A. Santiago-Blay]

Hi:

Can someone recommend me a company from where to get mechanical (as contrasted
to electrical) compactors?  Roughly, how much do they cost (per unit, whatever
the unit of cost may be)?

Likewise, overall for in the "balance" of quality and cost for RESEARCH
purposes, what are the best compound and dissecting microscopes around?
I have never evaluated this seriously although frequently hear that Nikon
is overall the best.

Thanks for replies and will gladly summarize results if there is interest.

Jorge