A high resolution energy loss spectrometer for general surface studies is described. Based on the 127° sector design, it utilizes a fixed analyzer and monochromator geometry, and a plug-in compatibility with a LEED–Auger UHV system. With an energy resolution of 8–10 meV and 1–3×10−10 A incident current at 5 eV energy, the performance is comparable to existing instruments. The main advantage of this design is that it allows a rapid interconversion between EELS and other surface techniques in the same chamber. The performance is illustrated with reference to scattering from a Cu(100) surface, and after adsorption of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and water.