In microscopy it is customary to use a wide variety of imaging methods. Unfortunately, for most of these it is necessary to physically change the setup (filters, special objectives, etc.). We present a programmable microscope in which an integrated spatial light modulator (SLM) is incorporated in order to realize a number of otherwise physically intricate modifications. We employ a HDTV LCOS SLM (Holoeye Pluto, 1920x1080 pixel, 8 μm pixel pitch), 2 different LED illuminations in reflection and transmission, an Olympus UmPlanFl 50x objective with a NA of 0.8 and a CCD camera (SVS-Vistek eco204 1/3") with 1024x768 resolution. By the use of computer generated holograms (CGHs) we are able to recreate a number of classical phase contrast imaging techniques such as Zernike phase contrast or DIC, and modify them in unconventional ways. Additionally, the SLM enables us to compensate various kinds of aberrations. Other imaging methods like stereovision for three dimensional object reconstruction on a microscopic scale, structured illumination or confocal microscopy are also possible if the setup is extended to a state in which not only the imaging light but also the illumination light is propagated over an SLM with a CGH.