Operation Methods and Precautions for Microscopes
① Taking and placing the microscope: The microscope is normally stored in a cabinet or case. When in use, take it out. Hold the arm firmly with your right hand and support the base with your left hand. Place the microscope on the bench in front of your left shoulder. It is recommended that the rear end of the base be 7 cm away from the table edge for comfortable seated operation.
② Aligning light: Turn the nosepiece with your thumb and middle finger (never turn it by gripping the objective) to align the low-power objective with the aperture of the stage. A clicking sound indicates that the optical axis of the objective is centered with the barrel. Open the diaphragm, raise the condenser, and angle the mirror toward the light source. Look through the eyepiece with your left eye while keeping your right eye open, and adjust the mirror until the field of view is evenly and brightly illuminated.
③ Placing the slide specimen: Put the slide specimen on the stage. The coverslip side must face upward; do not place it upside down. Secure the slide with the spring clips of the mechanical stage. Turn the stage control screw to move the target area directly above the aperture.
④ Focus adjustment: Turn the coarse focus knob counterclockwise with your left hand to slowly raise the stage until the objective is approximately 5 mm above the specimen slide. Do NOT look through the eyepiece while raising the stage. Watch the stage from the side to prevent over-travel, which may damage the lens or specimen. Then keep both eyes open. Look through the eyepiece with your left eye, and slowly turn the coarse focus knob clockwise with your left hand to lower the stage until a sharp image appears in the field of view.
If the image is off-center, adjust the mechanical stage to center it (note: the slide moves opposite to the apparent movement of the image inside the field of view). If brightness is unsatisfactory, adjust the height of the condenser or change the diaphragm opening. If the stage has moved beyond the working distance (>5.40 mm) during focusing without an image appearing, the attempt has failed. Restart the procedure; do not hastily raise the stage blindly.
