Nikon SMZ1500 User manual

Stereoscopic Zoom Microscope
SMZ1500
Instructions
M249 E 08.12.NF.5

1
Warning/Caution Symbols Used in This Manual
Although this product is designed and manufactured to be
completely safe during use, incorrect usage or failure to follow the
safety instructions provided may cause personal injury or property
damage. To ensure correct usage, read this manual carefully before
using the product. Do not discard this manual and keep it handy
for easy reference.
Safety instructions in this manual are marked with the following
symbols to highlight their importance. For your safety, always
follow the instructions marked with these symbols.
Symbol Meaning
Disregarding instructions marked with this
symbol may lead to serious injury or death.
Disregarding instructions marked with this
symbol may lead to injury or property
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
Thank you for purchasing a Nikon product.
This instruction manual is written for users of Nikon
Stereoscopic Zoom Microscope SMZ1500.
To ensure correct usage, read this manual carefully before
operating the product.
•No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form without prior written permission from Nikon.
•The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
•Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of
this manual, errors or inconsistencies may remain. If you note
any points that are unclear or incorrect, please contact your
nearest Nikon representative.
•Some of the equipment described in this manual may not be
included in the set you have purchased.
•If you intend to use any other equipment with this product, read
the manual for that equipment too.
•If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.

2
WARNING
1. Intended use of this product
This product is intended only for microscopy. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
2. Do not disassemble
Disassembly may result in damage to the instrument.
Never disassemble any part except as described in this
operation manual. Contact your Nikon representative if
you notice any malfunction of this instrument.
3. Check the input voltage
When using an illuminator, check that the input voltage
displayed on the power supply of the illuminator
matches the operating voltage. Contact your Nikon
representative if the displayed voltage does not match the
operating voltage. Use of an improperly matched
illuminator may result in damage to equipment.
4. Power cord
Always turn the power switch off and unplug the power
cord when replacing the lamp of an illuminator as failure
to do so may result in electric shock or equipment
damage.
5. Heat from the light source
When using an illuminator, do not place cloth or paper or
highly flammable materials, such as gasoline, benzene,
thinner or alcohol, near the lamp as there is a danger of
fire.
•Always use lamps that are of the specified rating only.
For the lamp rating, please refer to the operation
manual.
•Always turn the power switch off and unplug the
power cord when replacing the lamp of a illuminator
as failure to do so may result in electric shock or
equipment damage.
Be sure to always follow these guidelines.

3
CAUTION
1. Caution when replacing lamps
The lamp and the surrounding area become very hot
during and immediately after using the illuminator. Be
careful not to burn yourself. In addition, when replacing
a lamp be sure the lamp has cooled sufficiently.
2. Check the light source
Always use lamps that are of the specified rating only.
Use of a lamp having a different specification may result
in damage to equipment. For the lamp rating, please
refer to the operation manual.

4
1. Installation location
Note the following points when installing the stereoscopic
microscope.
•Install the microscope in a location with the temperature between
0°C and +40°C, and humidity of less than 80%. If installed in a
hot and humid location, mold may form on the lenses or
condensation may occur inside, resulting in reduced performance
or damage to the microscope.
•Do not install the microscope in a location subject to direct
sunlight.
•Install the microscope in a location that is not subject to vibration.
•Install the microscope in a location that is free from dust and dirt.
2. Handle the microscope carefully
The stereoscopic microscope is a precision optical instrument.
Handle it carefully and do not subject it to impact. Shock from
impact during transportation or operation as well as forcible
operations may cause damage to the instrument.
3. Cleaning the lenses
Do not let dust, fingerprints, etc. to get on the lenses. Dirt on the
lenses will adversely affect the view of the image. If any lenses
become dirty, clean them as described below.
•Use an air blower to blow dust away. If this does not suffice, brush
away the dust with a soft brush or gently wipe it away with a piece
of gauze.
•Only if the lenses become dirty with fingerprints or grease stains,
slightly dampen a piece of soft, clean cotton cloth with absolute
alcohol (ethyl alcohol or methyl alcohol) and gently wipe away the
dirt. Do not use the same part of the cloth more than once.
•Since absolute alcohol is highly flammable, be careful in handling
it so that it does not ignite.
•Observe the manufacturer’s handling instructions when handling
absolute alcohol.

5
Be sure to always follow these guidelines.
4. Cleaning painted or plastic parts
Use of silicon cloth is recommended when cleaning painted parts,
plastic parts and printed parts. If such a part becomes excessively
dirty, wipe it gently with gauze dampened in a mild detergent
solution. Do not use organic solvents (such as alcohol, ether, or paint
thinner) as this may result in deformation of the part or remove of
lettering.
5. Storage
Store the microscope in a location with low humidity where mold is
unlikely to form. Do not store the microscope in a location subject
to direct sunlight or high temperature and humidity. During storage,
place a plastic cover over the equipment to prevent dust
accumulation.
6. Regular inspections
Regular inspections are recommended in order to maintain peak
performance. Please consult your Nikon representative for details
about regular inspections.

6
Contents
Warning/Caution Symbols Used in This Manual ...........................1
Be sure to always follow these guidelines. ....................................2
WARNING ..........................................................................................2
CAUTION ...........................................................................................3
INomenclature ...................................................................................8
II Assembly .........................................................................................10
III Usage................................................................................................ 12
1Preparations for observation .......................................................12
1. Adjust the torque of the focus knob. ...................................... 12
2. Adjust the interpupillary distance. .........................................12
3. Adjust the diopter. .................................................................12
2Focusing ......................................................................................13
1. Check the working distance...................................................13
2. Focus on the sample. .............................................................13
3Zoom ...........................................................................................14
1. Change the zooming magnification. ......................................14
4Diaphragm ...................................................................................14
5If you cannot focus on the sample though the zooming
body is at the highest position. .................................................... 15
IV Using Accessories ........................................................................16
1Reticles ........................................................................................16
2Eyepiece Tube ............................................................................. 16
1. P-BTL low eye-level eyepiece tube .......................................16
2. P-BERG tilted eyepiece tube .................................................17
3P-IER Eyelevel Rizer ..................................................................17
4P-OTR double nosepiece for SMZ1500 ......................................18
5SM-S4L 4 X 4 Stage L ................................................................22
VIlluminator .......................................................................................23
1Halogen Illuminators ................................................................... 23
1. Lamp ......................................................................................24
2. Attaching to the stand ............................................................25
3. Power supplies ....................................................................... 26
4. Lighting area adjustment [G-LS]...........................................28
5. Attaching filters [C-DSLS] .................................................... 28

7
2P-ICI2 Coaxial Episcopic Illuminator .........................................28
VI Photomicrographic and TV-related Accessories ..................31
1. Photomicrographic magnification ......................................... 32
2. Attaching the beam splitter ....................................................32
3. C-FP Photo reticles ................................................................33
4. Photomicrography procedure ................................................ 33
Table 1: Total Magnification and Real Field ............................................ 35
Table 2: Observable Sample Heights [mm] .............................................35

8
INomenclature
The figures on p.8 and 9 shows a SMZ1500 combined with P-BT
binocular eyepiece tube, C-W10X eyepieces, HR Plan Apo 1X objective,
P-FMD focusing mount, and C-PS160 plain stand.
Eyepieces
10X, 15X, 20X and
30X eyepieces are
available.
Diopter ring
Refer to “Adjust the
diopter” on p.12.
Eyepiece tube
clamp screw
Diaphragm control dial
Zooming body
Groove for mounting
accessories
Holds the Fluorescent
ring illuminator, Fiber
optic ring illuminator and
the like. Outside
diameter: ø60
HR Plan Apo 0.5X, HR
Plan Apo 1X and HR Plan
Apo 1.6X objectives are
available. Plan Apo and
ED Plan series objectives
for SMZ1000/ 800 can be
used also, but the
magnification in this case
becomes 0.8 times the
magnification indicated on
the objective itself,
moreover the periphery of
the viewfield will be
slightly darkened when
the zooming magnification
is 1X or lower. Refer to
Table 1 on p.35.
Stage plate clamp
screw
Fixes the stage plate to
the stand base.
Objective
Zooming knob
Changes the
magnification of the
sample image. Refer
to “Zoom” on p.14.
Cover for zooming
body clamp screw
(Screw is inside.)
Zooming knob clicks
ON/OFF screw (inside)
Refer to “ON/OFF of
the Zooming Knob
Clicks” on p.14.
P-BT Binocular
eyepiece tube
Eyepiece sleeve
P-BTL low eye-level
eyepiece tube and P-
BERG tilted eye-piece
tube are also
available.
C-PS160 Stand base
Various stands are
available.
Stage plate
The black or the white
side can be chosen
according to the
sample.
Screw for mounting
accessories
Holds the 1/4 lambda
plate and the like.
The screw on the
inside diameter:
M55 ×0.75
Stand

9
I
Torque adjustment
ring (Innermost ring)
Adjusts the torque of
the focus knob. (Refer
to “Adjust the torque of
the focus knob.” on
p.12.)
Clamp tool
Used for the stage
plate clamp screw,
zooming body clamp
screw, etc. Stored in
the top of the pillar.
Fixes the focusing
mount to the pillar.
Pillar (inside)
P-FMD Focusing mount
Pillar clamp screw
(Inside)
Fine focus knob
Screw hole for
mounting accessories
Located on both sides
Coarse focus knob
Refer to “Focusing” on
p.13.
Refer to “Focusing” on
p.13.
Focusing mount
clamp screw

10
II Assembly
1Attach the pillar to the stand.
Insert the pillar straight into the stand with the
groove of the pillar located down as far as the
pillar reaches to the bottom. Clamp the pillar
using the clamp tool.
2Place the stand on the level surface.
3Mount the stage plate.
Fit the stage plate into the stand base. Tighten
the stage plate camp screw using the clamp
tool to fix the stage plate.
4Fix the P-FMD focusing mount to the
pillar.
Insert the focusing mount to the pillar with
the zooming body attaching dovetail facing
front until it reaches to the bottom of the
pillar.
5Mount the zooming body.
Remove the rubber cover for zooming body
clamp screw, and you will find the clamp
screw inside. Slide the zooming body along
the attaching dovetail on the focusing mount
until it reaches to the stopper pin. Tighten the
clamp screw using the minus screw driver.
Reattach the rubber cover.
Pillar
Groove
CLICK
Stopper pin
When using accessories, some parts must be mounted before assembling.
Check their mounting positions in IV “Using Accessories” before
mounting them.

11
II
6Screw the objective into the bottom of
the zooming body.
7Mount the eyepiece tube.
Align the groove on the eyepiece tube with
the positioning pin on the zooming body, push
the eyepiece tube toward the back to attach.
Tighten it to the zooming body using the
clamp tool.
8Insert the eyepieces into the eyepiece sleeves.
Be sure that it is inserted all the way until it touches the end of the sleeve.
Note) When inserting the eyepiece, hold the rubber cover of the eyepiece.
Holding the diopter ring causes a failure. Especially, be careful
with the 10X eyepieces because their rubber covers obstruct the
view of the sleeve end.
9The clamp tool can be stored in the pillar of the stand.
Refer to the figures on p.9.
CLICK
CLICK
Groove
Pin

12
III Usage
1Preparations for observation
1Adjust the torque of the focus knob.
Adjust the torque of the focus knob so as not to fall down the zooming
body on its own weight.
Turn the torque adjustment ring using the
clamp tool. Turning the ring in the direction
of the arrow indicated on the side surface of
the focusing mount will increase the torque.
Note) • Do not twist the left and right focus
knobs.
• Do not turn the knob beyond its
turning limit.
• Do not turn the fine focus knob while
holding the coarse focus knob or vice
versa. Otherwise, the damage to the
instrument will result.
2Adjust the interpupillary distance.
This adjustment should be performed every
time the observer is changed since the
interpupillary distance differs between
individuals. Adjust the interpupillary distance
so that the view field for each eye is merged
into one. Move while holding each sleeve
with both hands.
3Adjust the diopter.
This adjustment should be performed every time the observer is changed
since the eyesight differs between individuals.
1Turn the diopter rings on both eyepieces to set them at the 0 position
(match the 0 line with the index line).
2Turn the zooming knob to the highest magnification. Focus on the
sample using the focus knob. (Refer to “Focusing”.)
TORQUE
Increasing the torque.

13
3Turn the zooming knob to the lowest magnification. Peering
through the left eyepiece with the left eye, focus on the sample using
the diopter ring on the left eyepiece. Then, peer through the right
eyepiece with your right eye and focus on the sample using the
diopter ring on the right eyepiece.
4Repeat steps 2and 3until the image is kept focused even though the
zooming magnification is changed. This adjustment ensures sharp
image throughout the zooming range.
2Focusing
1Check the working distance.
The distance between the focus plane and the bottom of the objective is
called the working distance. Focusing is easier if beforehand the distance
between the specimen and the bottom of the objective is set to the working
distance. The working distance differs depending on the objective being
used. Please refer to Table 1 on p.35.
2Focus on the sample.
Turning the focus knob moves the zooming body up and down and brings
focus on the sample.
Using the fine focus knob will permit the delicate focusing. Especially, it
is effective for the high magnification observation.
III

14
3Zoom
1Change the zooming magnification.
Turning the zooming knobs on the left and right side of the zooming body
will change the magnification of the sample image.
■Total Magnification
The zooming knob has the indication of the zooming magnification.
The total magnification can be found by multiplying the magnification
of the objective times that of the eyepieces.
Note) When the Plan Apo and ED Plan series objective for SMZ1000/
800 is used, the total magnification will be obtained by further
multiplying by 0.8.
■ON/OFF of the Zooming Knob Clicks
The clicks on the zooming knob can be eliminated.
1Insert the clamp tool into the screw
hole on the right side of the zooming
body.
2Turning the inside screw in the
direction opposite to the arrow
eliminates the clicks (OFF). Turning
the same screw in the direction of the
arrow puts on back the clicks (ON).
4Diaphragm
Turning the diaphragm control dial changes the brightness and depth of
focus.
Open ⇔Close
Brightness Bright Dark
Depth of focus Shallow Deep
CLICK
Clik ON

15
III
Usage
Stopping down the diaphragm to the minimum size will make the depth of
focus three times as deep as that when the diaphragm is fully opened, but
the resolving power will be lowered.
5If you cannot focus on the sample though the
zooming body is at the highest position.
When you use the 0.5X objective or observe a tall sample, you may not be
able to focus on the sample though turning the focus knob to raise the
zooming body to its highest position.
Exchange the pillar for the C-EP extension pillar available on order.
Attach the C-EP extension pillar to the stand in the same manner as for the
standard pillar. (Hold the side having the groove downward. Refer to
item 1on p.10.) Put the stopper ring on the pillar and then the focusing
mount. Tighten the focusing mount clamp screw.
Note) Contact the bottom surface of the focusing mount with the stopper
ring and securely tighten each clamp screw.
☞• Refer to the Table 2 on p.35 for the sample heights which may be
viewed.
Extension pillar
Correct Wrong
Stopper ring

16
IV Using Accessories
1Reticles
Your reticles may be attached to the eyepiece.
Once remove the field ring (or lens room of
the 20X and 30X) from the eyepiece. Attach
the reticle with its pattern surface facing down
to the eyepiece and reattach the field ring (or
lens room).
☞• Refer to the Table 1 on p.35 for the size
of the reticle which may be attached.
Note) The 20X and 30X eyepieces adopt the
internal focusing system, and the
primary image has the magnification.
Use the reticle with 1.3X pattern for
20X eyepiece, and with 1.4X pattern
for 30X eyepiece.
A reticle with cross hairs, scaled cross
hairs, or photographic mask is
available on order for 10X eyepiece.
2Eyepiece Tube
1P-BTL low eye-level eyepiece tube
When using a beam splitter or coaxial
episcopic illuminator, it is possible to lower
the eye level (eye level during observation) by
using this eyepiece tube in place of the
binocular eyepiece tube.
The installation procedure for this eyepiece
tube is the same as for the P-BT binocular
eyepiece tube.
Separately
sold reticle
Reticle
Pattern
surface
Field ring
P-BTL

17
2P-BERG tilted eyepiece tube
This eyepiece tube allows the angle of the
eyepiece sleeve to be continuously adjusted as
desired by the observer.
It is also possible to change the eye level by
rotating the interpupillary distance adjuster
(shown in gray in the illustration) 180°.
The installation procedure for this eyepiece
tube is the same as for the P-BT binocular
eyepiece tube.
CAUTION Be careful not to put your
fingers between the
interpupillary distance
adjuster and the lower part
of the eyepiece tube when
adjusting the angle of the
sleeve.
3P-IER Eyelevel Rizer
When the eye level is too low, it is possible to
raise the eye level by 25 mm by attaching a
P-IER Eyelevel rizer between the zooming
body and the eyepiece tube. It is possible to
use up to two Eyelevel rizers at once.
Avoid using the three or more Eyelevel rizers
at once or using the other intermediate tube
together such as a beam splitter or coaxial
episcopic illuminator. It may cause the
vignetting around the image periphery.
P-BERG
IV
CLICK
Eyelevel
rizer

18
4P-OTR double nosepiece for SMZ1500
With the P-OTR double nosepiece, two types
of objective can be attached to the microscope
at the same time. Two objectives are switched
by rotating the objective mounting plate of the
P-OTR double nosepiece. The objective
mounting plate has two click positions for
each objective, to allow switching of the
following two observation positions of the
objective to be used.
(1) Normal observation position:
Normal binocular observation using the right and
left parallel optical systems
(2) Vertical observation position:
Vertical observation with the objective set in the
right (viewed from the observer) optical system
Setting the objective at the vertical observation position will improve the
quality of camera images. Mount the P-OTR double nosepiece to the
zooming body by following the procedure below.
Note) To perform fluorescence observation, attach the light shielding
plate for SMZ1500 to the zooming body before mounting the P-OTR
double nosepiece.
Objective
mounting plate
Zooming body
connection
P-OTR double nosepiece
for SMZ1500