Olympus CX23 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
CX23
This instruction manual is for the Olympus biological microscopes model CX23. To ensure the
safety, obtain optimum performance and to familiarize yourself fully with the use of this microscope,
we recommend that you study this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope. Retain this
instruction manual in an easily accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
Biological microscope
A X 8 4 9 0

In accordance with European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment, this symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste, but should be collected separately.
Refer to your local Olympus distributor in EU for return and/or collection systems available in
your country.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
FCC WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliancecould void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For Korea only
B급 기기 (가정용 방송통신기자재)
이 기기는 가정용(B급) 전자파적합기기로서 주로 가정에서 사용하는 것을
목적으로 하며, 모든 지역에서 사용할 수 있습니다.

Contents
Safety precautions ..........................................................................................................................1
CAUTION - Prevention of infection - .....................................................................................................1
CAUTION - Installation of the device - ...............................................................................................1
CAUTION - Electrical safety - ......................................................................................................................2
CAUTION - LED (light emitting diode) - .............................................................................................2
CAUTION -Safety symbols- ..........................................................................................................................2
Intended use ..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Handling precautions ....................................................................................................................................................3
Maintenance and storage .........................................................................................................................................4
1 Standard combination................................................................................................................5
2 Nomenclature of operating portions .............................................................................6
3 Summary of brightfield observation procedure ...................................................7
4 Detailed observation procedure ........................................................................................8
1 Turning the LED Illumination ON ...............................................................................................................................................8
2 Placing specimen on the stage.................................................................................................................................................8
3 Adjusting the focus ...............................................................................................................................................................................9
4 Adjusting the interpupillary distance .....................................................................................................................................10
5 Adjusting the condenser position and aperture iris diaphragm ..................................................................10

6 Adjusting the diopter ...........................................................................................................................................................................11
7 Switching the objectives ..................................................................................................................................................................12
8 Using the 100X oil immersion objective ............................................................................................................................13
5 Useful Information ..........................................................................................................................14
6 Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................................16
7 Specifications .....................................................................................................................................18
8 Optical characteristics ...............................................................................................................19
9 Assembly ................................................................................................................................................20
10 Optional accessories ...............................................................................................................21
10-1 System diagram of optional accessories .........................................................................................21
10-2 Installation and operation of optional accessories ...................................................................21
1 Filter holder CH2-FH and darkfield ring CH2-DS ........................................................................................................21
2 Eyepieces WHSZ15X-H .....................................................................................................................................................................22
3 Mounting the eyepiece micrometer (optional) .............................................................................................................22
4 Reflection mirror CH20-MM ...........................................................................................................................................................23
5 Storing in wooden case (optional) ..........................................................................................................................................23
Proper selection of the power supply cord ..............................................................................................................................24

1
CX23
If the product is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the safety of the user may be imperiled. In addition, the
product may also be damaged. Always use the product as outlined in this instruction manual.
The following symbols are used in this instruction manual.
CAUTION : Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
CAUTION : Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
damage to the equipment or other property.
} : Indicates commentary (for ease of operation and maintenance).
Safety precautions
CAUTION - Prevention of infection -
Wear protective equipment such as gloves, etc.
When you observe the specimens which have potentiality of infection, wear protective equipment such as gloves, etc.
to prevent the specimens from touching your skin directly.
When you maintain the device which may have contacted the specimens which have potentiality of infection, wear
protective equipment such as gloves, etc., or clean the device before operation.
After observation, clean the portions where specimens contacted directly.
Remove the specimen when moving the device.
When moving this device, be sure to remove the specimen first, since it is in danger of dropping and spattering.
In case the specimen is damaged, promptly take the infection prevention measures.
When disposing of the device, follow the regulations and rules of your local government.
When disposing of the device which contacted the specimens which have potentiality of infection, follow the
regulations and rules of your local government,
CAUTION - Installation of the device -
Install the microscope on a sturdy, level table or bench.
For safety in particular, do not place a mat, etc. under the device.

2
The following symbols are found on the microscope. Study the meaning of the symbols and always use the equipment
in the safest possible manner.
Symbol Explanation
Indicates a non-specific general hazard. Follow the description given after this
symbol or in the instruction manual.
Indicates that the main switch is ON.
Indicates that the main switch is OFF.
CAUTION -Safety symbols-
CAUTION - Electrical safety -
Always use the AC adapter and power cord provided by Olympus.
If the proper AC adapter and power cord are not used, the electric safety and EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility )
performance of the device can not be assured. If no power cord is provided, please select the proper power cord by
referring to the section “Proper selection of the power supply cord” at the end of this instruction manual.
Ground the device.
Connect the ground terminal of the power cord and that of the power outlet. If the device is not grounded, our intended
electric safety and EMC performance of the device can not be assured.
Do not use the device in close proximity to the sources of strong electromagnetic radiation.
Proper operation may be interfered. The electromagnetic environment should be evaluated prior to operation of the
device.
Remove the power cord in case of emergency.
Install the product at a location where you can reach the power cord connector or the power outlet at hand to remove
the power cord quickly.
This device complies with the emission and immunity requirements described in IEC61326 series.
CAUTION - LED (light emitting diode) -
Do not directly look at the light from the LED unit for a long time.
If you feel that the light from LED units is too bright during observation, adjust the intensity using the brightness
adjustment knob and continue observation. The LED built in this product is basically eye-safe. However, direct viewing
the light from the LED unit for extended time in the state you feel dazzling may cause damage to the eyes.

3
CX23
1. Handle the microscope with care when you carry it, and avoid
subjecting it to severe impact or dirt.
2. Do not use the microscope where it is subjected to direct sunlight,
high temperature and humidity, dust or vibrations. (For the conditions of
operating environments, see “7 Specifications” (p.18))
3. Make sure to adjust the rotation tension of the coarse adjustment
knob with the tension adjustment ring. Please refer to page 9 for the
adjustment method.
4. When installing the microscope, be sure to leave enough space
around the AC adapter if the AC adapter is not stored in the
microscope.
5. When carrying this microscope, remove the AC adapter or store the
AC adapter and the power cords into the microscope. Then, hold
both sides of the arm hole as shown in the picture on the left and
carry the microscope carefully. It is easier to hold the arm hole by
putting the ball of your fingers at the finger contact area c shown in
the picture on the left. For procedures to store the AC adapter and the
power cords, refer to “9 Assembly” (p.20).
·Do not hold the stage a or observation tube b , since they
may be damaged. Also, when you carry the microscope,
remove specimens or filters in advance. Otherwise, they
may be dropped.
·When carrying the microscope, be careful not to hit the
output connector of he AC adapter. The AC adapter or the
microscope may be damaged.
·When carrying the microscope, be careful not to touch the
objective.
CAUTION
a
b
c
This product has been designed to be used to observe magnified images of specimens in various routine work and
research applications.
This includes the observation of living cells or of specimen taken from tissues to gain physiological or morphological
information at hospitals or laboratories. Typical field of applications are genetics, human blood and tissue examination,
neurology, pharmacology and cellular biology.
Do not use this instrument for any purpose other than its intended use.
This product complies with the requirements of directive 98/79/EC concerning in vitro diagnos-
tic medical devices. CE marking means the conformity to the directive.
Intended use
Handling precautions
·This microscope is a precision instrument. Handle it with
care and avoid subjecting it to a sudden or severe impact.
·Never disassemble any part of the product. Otherwise,
failure could be caused.
CAUTION

4
1. Do not leave stains or fingerprints on the lenses and filters. If they get dirty, blow away dust with a commercially
available blower and gently wipe the lens or filter with a piece of cleaning paper (or clean gauze). For cleaning
fingerprints and oil stains, slightly moisten a piece of cleaning paper with commercially available absolute alcohol
and wipe them off with it.
Since the absolute alcohol is highly flammable, it must be handled carefully. Be sure to keep it away
from open flames or potential sources of electrical sparks. For example, electrical equipment that is
being switched on or off could cause ignition of a fire. Also remember to always use absolute alcohol
only in a well-ventilated room.
2. Use a diluted neutral detergent to clean the parts other than the glass components. Moisten a soft cloth with diluted
neutral detergent and wipe the surfaces of the parts. Do not use organic solvents to clean the parts other than the
glass components, since it deteriorates painted surfaces or plastic parts.
3. When not using the product, store it in a dry place or cover it with a dust cover. Please purchase the dedicated dust
cover (made by Olympus) at the sales office.
Do not use a cover with a high sealing performance, e.g. plastic bags, etc. as a dust cover. The
humidity inside the microscope may rise and may be damaged.
CAUTION
CAUTION
4. When cleaning the condenser, move the lever a to the left end,
lower the condenser with the condenser up/down knob b, and
remove the condenser. Then, clean the upper lens area. When
attaching the condenser, engage the condenser to the condenser
attaching part and push the engaged part upward until it touches the
top.
This condenser is not compatible with other microscopes.
Do not use this condenser with other microscopes.
5. When disposing of this product, be sure to follow the regulations and
rules of your local government. For any question, contact the sales
office you have purchased this product.
CAUTION
a
b
Maintenance and storage

5
CX23
} Refer to the drawing below and make sure that all necessary components are included in the product you
purchased.
1 Standard combination
Objectives
· Optional accessories
· Filter Holder
CH2-FH
· Eyepieces
WHSZ15X-H
· Reflection mirror
CH20-MM
· Darkfield ring
CH2-DS
AC adapter
Microscope frame
Power cord
· 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X
(CX23LEDRFS1)
· 4X, 10X, 40X
(CX23LEDRFS2)
Binocular observation
tube
Eyepieces
(Fixed at 10X)
Revolving nosepiece
Condenser
Stage
· Objective 100X
· Wooden case : CH20-WB2
·
Eyepiece micrometer : diameter 24 mm, pitch 1.5 mm
The objectives have been screwed in tightly to prevent them from being loosened during
transportation.
To remove an objective, turn it counterclockwise while holding it with a rubber sheet, etc., so that your
fingers don’t slip.
CAUTION

6
2 Nomenclature of operating portions
Diopter adjustment ring
(Page 11)
Specimen holder Y-axis
feed knob (Page 8)
Specimen holder X-axis
feed knob (Page 8)
Fine adjustment
knob (Page 9)
Coarse adjustment
knob (Page 9)
Pre-focusing knob (Page 10)
Observation tube clamping
knob
Filter holder
Accommodates a
45-mm diameter filter.
Aperture stop lever
(Page 10)
Specimen holder (Page 8)
Revolving nosepiece
(Page 12)
Brightness adjustment
knob (Page 8)
Main switch (Page 8)
“ ”: Power ON
“ ”: Power OFF
} Attach the AC adapter and power cord as described in chapter 9, “Assembly” on page 20”.
} For detailed explanation of each operation portion, refer to the page indicated inside parentheses.
Cautions when unpacking
} The items 1 to 3 described below have been attached at the factory to prevent quality deterioration during transportation.
Remove these items from the products. However, do not dispose them of and keep them for future transportation. Loosen
the observation tube clamping knob and turn the observation tube so that the eyepieces come to the same direction as
shown in the illustration below.
1. Revolving nosepiece / Observation tube clamping knob.
2. Stage/sample holder protection sheet.
3. Protection pad under the stage.
Tension adjustment ring (Page 9)
Binocular observation tube

7
CX23
3 Summary of brightfield observation procedure
Set the specimen on the stage.
Engage the 10X objective in the light path.
Engage the objective to be used in the light
path and bring the specimen into focus.
Adjust the interpupillary distance.
Adjust the diopter.
Adjust the brightness.
Observation.
(Operation portion) (Page)
a Filters (Diameter: 45 mm) (p.6)
Turn “ I ” (ON) the main switch
and adjust the brightness.
5 Revolving nosepiece (p.12)
6 Coarse/fine focus adjustment knobs (p.9)
2 Brightness adjustment knob (p.8)
9 Aperture stop lever (p.10)
5 Revolving nosepiece (p.12)
6 Coarse/fine adjustment knobs (p.9)
Engage the required filters.
Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm. 9 Aperture stop lever (p.10)
Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm.
1 Main switch (p.8)
2 Brightness adjustment knob (p.8)
3 Specimen holder (p.8)
4 X-axis/Y-axis feed knobs (p.8)
7 Binocular tube (p.10)
8 Diopter adjustment ring (p.11)
a
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
9
8
Bring the specimen into focus
and adjust the brightness. 2 Brightness adjustment knob (p.8)

8
4 Detailed observation procedure
1 Turning the LED Illumination ON
If the specimen holding lever c is returned with a strong
force or the knob a of the specimen holding lever c is
released in the middle, the slide glass may break.
CAUTION
·Do not move the specimen by holding the specimen
holder f directly by hand, since it will damage the rotary
mechanism of the Y-axis and X-axis knobs.
·When movement of the specimen reaches the limits of
Y-axis and X-axis movement range, respective rotation
tensions of Y-axis and X-axis knobs become heavy. Stop
rotating the knobs in that case.
CAUTION
Rotate the coarse adjustment knob b in the direction of the arrow
to fully lower the stage.
Open the specimen holding lever c of the specimen holder in the
direction of the arrow, set the specimen by sliding it on the stage from
the front toward the rear.
After setting the specimen, return the specimen holding lever c gently.
Rotating the upper Y-axis knob d moves the specimen in the Y-axis
direction and rotating lower X-axis knob e moves the specimen in
the X-axis direction.
1
2
3
4
2 Placing specimen on the stage
Set the main switch a to “ I ” (ON).
Rotating the brightness adjustment knob b in the direction of the
arrow increases brightness and rotating it in the opposite direction
decreases brightness. The figures around the knob represent rough
indication of the brightness.
1
2
Cover glass
To allow the objective to bring out its full performance, use the
cover glass with a thickness of 0.17 mm.
Slide glass
It is recommended to use the slide glass with a length of 76 mm,
width of 26 mm and thickness between 0.9 and 1.4 mm.
a
b
Placing specimen
Cover glass
Slide glass
c
ed
f
b
a

9
CX23
Adjust the focus
Face to the microscope from the side and rotate the coarse adjustment
knob a in the direction of the arrow so that the objective c is as
close as possible to the specimen.
While observing the specimen through the eyepieces, slowly rotate the
coarse adjustment knob a in the opposite direction to the arrow to
lower the stage, and adjust to the appropriate brightness.
When the specimen comes into view, rotate the fine adjustment knob
b to obtain the precise focus.
1
2
3
3 Adjusting the focus
Specimen position scale
} By reading and taking a note of the X-axis and Y-axis scales
(coordinates), the original position once observed in the specimen can
be retrieved even after the movement of the specimen.
The X-axis scale should be read at the position a on the specimen
holder.
The Y-axis scale should be read at the position of index line b.
1
2
Working distance (WD)
} The WD means the distance between the objective and the
specimen when precise focus of the specimen is obtained.
Objective
magnification 4X 10X 40X 100X
WD (mm) 27.8 8.0 0.6 0.13
Adjusting the tension of the coarse adjustment knob
The tension of the coarse focus adjustment knob can be adjusted.
Insert the tip of a large flat-blade screwdriver into the groove b on
the tension adjustment ring a and rotate the ring.
Rotating it clockwise (in the direction of the arrow) increases the tension
and counterclockwise decreases the tension.
If the stage descends by its own weight or the focus obtained with the
fine adjustment knob c is lost soon, the tension is set too loose. In
this case, turn the tension adjustment ring a in the direction of the
arrow to increase the tension.
1
2
c
WD
a
c
b
b
a
b
a

10
4 Adjusting the interpupillary distance
Using the pre-focusing knob
} The pre-focusing knob prevents breakage of the specimen by
collision between the specimen and objective.
After bringing the specimen into focus with the objective which has
the shortest WD, rotate the pre-focusing knob a so that bottom of
the pre-focusing knob touches the stage guide.
To provide a certain margin of focusing range, rotate the knob by about
half turn backward from the stopped position.
Basically, it is recommended to always use the pre-
focusing knob a but if it is not necessary, set the pre-
focusing knob at the highest position. If the pre-focusing
knob a is not set at the highest position, the specimen
may not be focused.
1
2
CAUTION
} The interpupillary distance adjustment is to adjust the distance
between two eyepieces according to that between your eyes. This
helps to observe a single microscopic image and to reduce eye
strain during observation.
While keeping the right and left eyepieces horizontally, move the
binocular portion in the a or b direction to coincide the right
view field with the left completely. The value indicated by the
index (protrusion) c of the left eyepiece sleeve represents the
interpupillary distance.
} Note your interpupillary distance so that it can be quickly duplicated.
} You can move the eyepieces upward and downward from the
position where both eyepieces are in a straight line with maximum
interpupillary distance.
a
c
a
b
} The condenser is usually used in the highest position. If the entire
observed field of view is not bright enough, brightness may be
improved by lowering the condenser slightly.
Rotate the condenser height adjustment knob a to move the
condenser to the highest position.
The aperture stop lever b has an indication of objective magnification
(4X, 10X, 40X, 100X). Rotate the aperture stop lever so that the indication
of the magnification is the same as the objective in use faces front.
1
2
5 Adjusting the condenser position and aperture iris diaphragm
a
b

11
CX23
6 Adjusting the diopter
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
} The diopter adjustment is to compensate for the difference of
eyesights between left and right eyes of the observer.
When the eyepiece is not equipped with the eyepiece micrometer
Rotate the diopter adjustment ring a at the upper area of the eyepiece
to adjust the reticle to [-1] (both sides).
Adjust the interpupillary distance of the eyepiece so that the observation
can be performed with both eyes.
Place the specimen.
Engage the 10x objective lens into the light path and rotate the coarse/
fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 40x objective lens, and rotate the coarse/
fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 10x objective lens. While looking into the
right eyepiece with your right eye, rotate the diopter adjustment ring
to bring the specimen into focus. In the same manner, while looking
into the left eyepiece with your left eye, rotate the diopter adjustment
ring to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 40x objective lens again, and rotate the
coarse/fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 10x objective lens, and confirm that the
right and left eyepieces are focused on the specimen.
If the specimen is not focused, bring the specimen into focus according
to the procedure in No.6 and repeat No.7 to 9.
When the eyepiece is equipped with the eyepiece micrometer
While looking into the eyepiece which is equipped with the eyepiece
micrometer, rotate the diopter adjustment ring a at the upper area
of the eyepiece to adjust so that the scales and lines of the eyepiece
micrometer in the view field can be viewed clearly.
Place the specimen.
Engage the 10x objective lens into the light path and rotate the coarse/
fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 40x objective lens, and rotate the coarse/
fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 10x objective lens. Rotate the diopter
adjustment ring of the eyepiece which is not equipped with the
eyepiece micrometer to bring the specimen into focus. (Leave the
eyepiece equipped with the eyepiece micrometer as is.)
Change the objective lens to 40x objective lens again, and rotate the
coarse/fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
Change the objective lens to 10x objective lens, and confirm that the
right and left eyepieces are focused on the specimen.
If the specimen is not focused, bring the specimen into focus according
to the procedure in No.5 and repeat No.6 to 8.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
a

12
Hold and rotate the revolving nosepiece a so that the objective to be
used comes exactly above the specimen (specimen slide).
Do not rotate the revolving nosepiece by holding the
objective lens.
CAUTION
7 Switching the objectives
Using the eye shades
When wearing eyeglasses
Use the eye shades in the normal, folded-down position.
When not wearing eyeglasses
Extend the folded eye shades in the direction of the arrow. Observation
becomes comfortable, since it prevents extraneous light from entering
between the eyepieces and eyes.
a

13
CX23
} The designated immersion oil should be applied to the top lens of
the 100X oil immersion objective. Otherwise, the observed image
will be unable to be focused on.
Always use the immersion oil supplied by Olympus. If you
use immersion oil other than supplied by Olympus, the
proper optical performance cannot be demonstrated.
Bring the specimen into focus using objectives in the order from lower
magnification to higher magnification.
Before engaging the oil immersion objective in the light path, apply a
drop of the immersion oil onto the specimen at the area to be observed.
Rotate the revolving nosepiece to engage the oil immersion objective
in the light path and bring the specimen into focus with the fine
adjustment knob.
·If the oil contains air bubbles, the image will be degraded.
Make sure that the oil is free of air bubbles.
·To remove bubbles, rotate the revolving nosepiece slightly
to move the oil immersion objective by one reciprocation
or two.
} The condenser of this microscope provides the full performance
when oil is placed between the slide glass and the front lens of the
condenser. If oil is not applied there, the observation image may
become slightly dark.
After use, lower the stage and rotate the revolving nosepiece for 90
degrees to remove the objective to which the oil is applied. Then,
thoroughly wipe off the immersion oil from the front lenses of the
objective and the condenser with cleaning paper or gauze slightly
moistened with absolute alcohol. Wipe off the immersion oil from the
specimen top in the same procedure.
If the objective is left for some time attached with the
immersion oil, the oil is hardened to impede the proper
observation.
·If immersion oil enters your eyes or contacts your skin,
immediately take the following treatment.
Eyes: Rinse with fresh water (for 15 minutes or more).
Skin : Rinse with water and soap.
·If the appearance of the eyes or skin is altered or the pain
persists, immediately see your doctor.
CAUTION
1
2
3
CAUTION
4
CAUTION
CAUTION
8 Using the 100X oil immersion objective

14
5 Useful Information
The size of the specimen image for observation is obtained by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the objective
magnification. This value is referred to as total magnification.
Example: Eyepiece (10X) x Objective (40X) = 400X
} The image observed through the microscope moves in directions
opposite to the actual up-down and left-right movements of the
specimen.
Resolution represents how finely a lens is able to distinguish the details of a specimen.
Resolution is mainly determined by the ability of the objective and scarcely related to that of the eyepieces. The function
of the eyepieces is to just magnify an image already resolved by the objective.
In case total magnifications are the same, better resolution is obtained with the combinations which have higher
magnification of objective.
The field number is the diameter of the image observed through an eyepiece, indicated in millimeters.
Eyepiece 10X : 20 mm WHSZ15X-H:16 mm
The actual field of view is the size of the specimen actually
observed in the microscope. This makes it possible to find out
approximate size of the specimen.
Actual field of view = Field number/Objective magnification
When the eyepiece field number 20 and the objective
magnification 10X are used, the actual field of view is equal to:
Actual field of view = 20/10 = 2.0 mm
How to track a microscopic image
Total magnification
Actual field of view
Field number (FN)
Resolution
Direction of moving the image
To track an image
moving leftwards
(or to move the
specimen image
rightwards):
Move the slide
glass to the
left.
Move the slide
glass down.
To move the
specimen image
upward:
Approx. 1.0 mm,
about half of actual
field of view.
Actual field of
view: 2.0 mm

15
CX23
Objectives
Magnifi-
cation
Numerical
aperture
N.A.
Numerical aperture of condenser suitable for
observation of microscope specimens
(when setting to 70% of numerical aperture of objective lens)
Plan objective lens
(FN 20)
CX22PL100XO (option)
4X
10X
40X
100XO
0.10
0.25
0.65
1.25
0.1 X 0.7 = 0.07
0.25 X 0.7 = 0.175
0.65 X 0.7 = 0.455
1.25 X 0.7 = 0.875
Aperture stop
The aperture stop of the condenser is a mechanism to adjust the numerical aperture of the condenser to make the incidence
angle of the illumination light to the value suitable for observation.
The observation is available with optimum contrast and resolution by adjusting the numerical aperture of the condenser
appropriately for the numerical aperture of each objective lens.
In general, since the contrast of the microscope specimen is low, it is appropriate to set the numerical aperture of the
condenser to approximately 70 to 80% of the numerical aperture of the objective lens.
The condenser of this product is designed so that the numerical aperture of the condenser is approximately 70% of the
numerical aperture of the objective lens by coinciding the aperture stop lever position with the magnification display position
corresponding to the magnification of the objective lens to be used.
Numerical aperture of objective lens and numerical aperture of condenser suitable for observation

16
6 Troubleshooting
Under certain conditions, performance of the microscope may not be given properly. If problems occur, please review the
following list and take remedial action as needed.
If you cannot solve the problem after checking the entire list, please contact Olympus for assistance.
Problem Cause Remedy
Refer-
ence
page
1. The brightness of observed field of
view is uneven.
The objective is not engaged in the
light path.
Engage the objective in the light path
by rotating the revolving nosepiece
until its clicks.
12
The condenser is too much lowered. Raise it to the upper limit. 10
The objective, eyepiece, condenser
and/ or window lens are dirty.
Clean them thoroughly. 4
2. Dust or stains are visible in
observed field of view.
The eyepiece, condenser, window
lens and/or specimen slide are dirty.
Clean them thoroughly. 4
3. Observation image glares. The condenser is too much lowered. Raise it. 10
The aperture iris diaphragm lever is
stopped down excessively.
Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm
lever according to the objective
magnification to use.
10
4. Observation image is whitish,
blurred or unclear.
The objective is not engaged in the
light path.
Engage the objective in the light path
by rotating the revolving nosepiece
until its clicks.
12
The eyepiece, condenser, window
lens and/or specimen slide are dirty.
Clean them thoroughly. 4
Immersion oil is not used with an oil
immersion objective.
Use immersion oil. 13
Air bubbles are contained in the
immersion oil.
Remove the air bubbles. 13
The designated immersion oil is not
used.
Use immersion oil provided by
Olympus. 13
5. Part of the image is defocused or
the image looks like it’s flowing.
The objective is not engaged in the
light path.
Engage the objective in the light path
by rotating the revolving nosepiece
until its clicks.
12
The specimen slide is not set
properly on the stage.
Set the specimen slide correctly on
the stage and secure it using the
specimen holder
8
6. High magnification objective hits
the specimen slide just before the
specimen comes into focus.
The specimen slide is set upside
down.
Set the specimen slide correctly with
the cover glass up. 8
7. Rotation of the coarse adjustment
knob is too tight.
The tension adjustment ring is set
too tight.
Loosen the tension adjustment ring to
get proper tension. 9
8. It is impossible to bring the
specimen into focus (because the
stage can not be raised).
The pre-focusing knob is positioned
too low.
Raise its position.
10