Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0 to 6/0 to 150mm Measuring Range, 0.0005/0.01mm Resolution, LCD

I purchased this for my own home use. The caliper appears to be genuine. There is a small bit of marring on the back of the bar. The fixed jaw has some minor finishing issues as well. The sliding motion is not entirely smooth with noticeable oscillatory variations in resistance when moved at more than a snails pace. The overall quality and attention to detail of this model does not live up to that of my ~60 year old Mitutoyo dial caliper, or the ~20 year old Mitutoyo digital caliper i use at work. Mitutoyo is still really the only brand to consider for high-end, buy once, use forever type calipers. Compared to the older models this caliper is something of a disappointment. Given the market Mitutoyo calipers appeal to it is a shame that the quality/QC has been seemingly compromised to lower the cost or increase profit. Even if getting a new caliper that lived up to the older models cost twice as much as this one did it would be more than worth it.

I bought this for my silver jewelry making. This one is so much nicer than my old one the only thing missing from this one is the fraction function that I have on my old one has but that’s minor in comparison. I will never use any other caliper, I also payed the extra money for the piece of mind and got the calipers with the certificate of calibration.

I went with a 35$ digital caliper initially. it seemed good, but when i got some extra money i decided to try what everyone else recommended. The size of my groups not only shrunk but also got more consistent. Using these I found the cheap ones were usually off by .001 often more. Im sure these will make up the cost difference over time.

This caliper works better than any I currently use.

I have been using cheap Chinese calipers for years. The difference between the Mitutoyo and the cheap Chinese calipers is night and day. The machine work of the Mitutoyo calipers is of a very high standard. Granted the price difference is huge, but after using the Mitutoyo calipers I can say the price difference is worth it in my case. I should have bought these years ago. Highly recommend Mitutoyo over anything else.

Its a delicate lab instrument and not a wrench that you just throw on the bench while measuring bullets or whatever. I received mine with a battery that is only a few months old. PROS - - Accuracy is high and consistent - I like the fact someone put their name on the QA/QC data sheet CONS - Mechanics of the jaws have a bit of slop, if you take a measurement inside the jaws measurement is consistent. If you take the same measurement towards the outer edge of the jaw the reading will be the same IF you do not drive the thumb wheel too hard. If you press the thumb wheel hard the measurement will be reduced a few thousands. I find its easier and more consistently accurate if you just close the jaws (press at the base rather than the tips) manually and do not use the thumb wheel.

This caliper is well made but I find it measures exactly the same as a $20 unit from Aldi. So probably not worth the extra money.

I bought my first Mitutoyo calliper 50 years ago and its still in good condition except the edges for inside measure gets little round. Now its much easier to read in mm and inches (not guessing), i like it (Ok its all depends how you care for the tools) . . .

There is no suggestion of non-Japanese manufacture in my caliper. The box stripes, the least significant digit readout, shipping papers, all indicate Japan origin. Its a beautiful caliper. Smooth as heck. Readout not jumpy. No need to constantly re-zero. Button layout is logical and intuitive. I could never understand why some calipers have a separate on and off button. Im quite satisfied with mine. It seems genuine. Id buy it again.

I have to trust measurements and after working with these for a while now I do. It hurt a bit to pay the price but no regrets!