An in-line holography setup is used to obtain electron and photon holograms of high magnification from various samples. Electron holograms are obtained using the coherent beam of low-energy electrons that originates from the electron point-source tip, Light optical holograms are generated for comparison using a divergent laser beam. In both cases the numerical reconstruction of the holograms yields the wave front at the sample. The low-energy electron point source microscope has been modified by incorporating an additional tip for manipulating the sample under observation. With this manipulating tip, individual nanometer-sized wires have been contacted, and an electrical current has been passed through carbon fibers as well as through carbon nanotubes while the holographic electron pattern has been observed in situ.