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

For what I received, this was the Real Mitutoyo 500-196-30 and not a Chinese knock-off. For the battery, I used a 357 but not the SR44 which came with the caliper. The trick was removing the battery from the compartment since the 357 is a touch larger than the SR44. For this, I used a small piece of duck tape to pull the battery out of the compartment. For the caliper, I only use this when needed. Most of the time, it remains in storage. As such, I do not want to leave the battery inside when not being used for a while.

This is not a cheap Chinese nock off. Smooth action and holds it calibration well. The only reason I rated “easy to use” as a 4 was because it doesn’t have an auto on feature like my 12” Mitutoyo. Mitutoyo evidently did this to help save the battery, but this isn’t the fault of the seller.

Constructed to last. Good accuracy

This is a highly accurate tool and the best quality. Except nothing but the best. That is what you get with this item.

I ordered this to measure shims while doing a valve adjustment. The first order got lost but I had to wait another week for Amazon to make sure it really was lost before I could reorder and then another week plus for it to arrive. Did the job with my brothers digital caliper that cost a third what this one does and it did work fine once I figured out it was always .02mm over. Is this one worth three times the cost? I appreciate the craftsmanship, precision, fit and finish of the Mitutoyo and the pleasure using of a premium tool so for me it is worth it.

I used the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 150mm caliper for years as a student machine shop hand in undergrad, and now I bought my own set. Its as good as I remember. They are a small piece of perfection in your hands. It came with a Certificate of Inspection that is specific to my caliper (the certificate has the serial number matching my caliper). It shows measurement errors at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200mm lengths, as well as 0, 2, 4 and 6 lengths. It is NIST traceable via No.683/283699-13. It is also NMIJ/AIST and PTB traceable. I dont know if this is the same as the certificate of calibration that is optional on mcmastercarr, but it is a convincing document. As noted by others, it does not have an auto-off feature. The batteries last a long time, so I dont think this is an issue. One small disappointment: I bought the Mitutoyo 050083-10 75mm depth gauge attachment (

This is a very solid product. After using it I understand why the cost so much. Well worth it and I wish Id bought one years ago.

Product functions as intended. Has been very solid for the few things Ive measured so far. I plan on putting this to use for better fitment in future projects!

Its already a given that Mitutoyo is of the highest quality right alongside Starrett. So much so that the USA is getting flooded with overseas knock offs of the Mitutoyo Calipers. Amazon and a few other reputable Mitutoyo sellers are your safest place to buy them. But steer clear of eBay! There is about a dozen YouTube videos as of this writing, that can help you to verify if yours is genuine I was happy to determine that the one I purchased here on Amazon is indeed Authentic. Be careful out there, otherwise you could end up paying well over $100 dollars for a $10 dollar knock off.

Unsolicited feedback: With all of the fraudulent copy/knock-offs being sold online these days... I wanted to share with any potential customers that these Mitutoyo calipers are indeed genuine. These were purchased through the Amazon Mitutoyo Store and fulfilled by MSI Viking. Thank you!