Optika Italy IM Series User manual

Version: 4
Issued: 05, 05, 2019
Model
IM-3
IM Series
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Page 2
Table of Contents
Warning
Symbols and conventions
Safety Information
Intended use
List of accessories and spare parts
Overview
Unpacking
Assembling
Using the microscope
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Equipment disposal

Page 3
Warning
This microscope is a scientic precision instrument designed to last for many years with a minimum of
maintenance. It is built to high optical and mechanical standards and to withstand daily use. We remind you
that this manual contains important information on safety and maintenance, and that it must therefore be made
accessible to the instrument users. We decline any responsibility deriving from incorrect instrument use uses
that does not comply with this manual.
Symbols and conventions
The following chart is an illustrated glossary of the symbols that are used in this manual.
CAUTION
This symbol indicates a potential risk and alerts you to proceed with caution.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
This symbol indicates a risk of electrical shock.
Safety Information
Avoiding Electrical Shock
Before plugging in the power supply, make sure that the supplying voltage of your region matches with the
operation voltage of the equipment and that the lamp switch is in off position. Users should observe all safety
regulations of the region. The equipment has acquired the CE safety label. However, users have full responsibility
to use this equipment safely. Please follow the guidelines below, and read this manual in its entirety to ensure
safe operation of the unit.
Intended use
Standard models
For research and teaching use only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.
IVD Models
Also for diagnostic use, aimed at obtaining information on the physiological or pathological situation of the
subject.

Page 4
List of accessories and spare parts
CAT. NO. DESCRIPTION
M-780 Eyepiece EWF10x/22mm.
M-781 Eyepiece micrometer EWF10x/22mm.
M-005 26x76 mm micrometric slide. Range 1 mm, div. 0,01 mm.
M-782 Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic 4x/0.10 (w.d. 22mm).
M-782.1 Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic for phase contrast 4x/0.13 (w.d. 16.9mm).
M-783N Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic for phase contrast 10x/0,25 (w.d. 7.94mm).
M-784N Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic for phase contrast 20x/0,40 (w.d. 7.66mm).
M-785 Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic for phase contrast 40x/0,60 (w.d.3.71mm).
M-786 Objective IOS LWD PLAN Achromatic 60x/0,70 (w.d. 2.50mm).
M-787 Cut-off lter (infrared).
M-788 Photo adapter for REFLEX camera with FULL FRAME sensor.
M-789 Focusable C-Mount adapter for 1/3” sensor.
M-789.1 Focusable C-Mount adapter for 1/2” sensor.
M-789.2 Focusable C-Mount adapter for 2/3” sensor.
M-699 Universal adapter for M-114, M-115, M-116, M-173 and eyepiece cameras.
DC-004 TNT dust cover, large - 700(l)x550(h)
M-792 Mechanical stage for IM-3 series.
M-793.1 Holder for Petri diameter 38mm (M-793.2 needed).
M-793.2 Holder for Terasaki and Petri diameter 65mm.
M-793.3 Holder for slide and Petri diameter 54mm.
M-793.4 Holder for 2+2 slides.
M-793.6 Holder for Utermöhl-Chamber (M-793.3 needed).
M-793.7 Load-bearing side extension for IM-3 series.
M-173 Photo adapter for APS-C and Full Frame Reflex cameras.
M-114 C-Mount adapter for 1/2” sensor.
M-115 C-Mount adapter for 1/”3 sensor.
M-116 C-Mount adapter for 2/3” sensor.
VP-IM IQ/OQ/PQ Validation Protocols.

Page 5
Overview
FILTER HOLDER
PHASE
CONTRAST SLIDER
TRINOCULAR
VIEWING
TUBE
(FIXED)
DIOPTRIC
ADJUSTMENT
RING
EYEPIECE
LED
HOUSING
CONDENSER
COARSE
FOCUS KNOB
FINE FOCUS KNOB
TENSION
ADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
OBJECTIVE
STAGE
MICROSCOPE
BODY
LIGHT PATH
SELECTOR
LEVER
GLASS STAGE
INSERT

Page 6
Unpacking
The microscope is housed in a moulded Styrofoam container. Remove the tape from the edge of the container
and lift the top half of the container. Take some care to avoid that the optical items (objectives and eyepieces)
fall out and get damaged. Using both hands (one around the arm and one around the base), lift the microscope
from the container and put it on a stable desk.
Assembling
Once you open the box, these are the microscope’s components:
① Microscope body
② Condenser
③ Filter holder
④ LED illuminator
⑤ Phase contrast slide
⑥ Eyepieces
⑦ Centering telescope
⑧ Metal insert for stage
⑨ Glass insert for stage
⑩ Objectives
⑪ Power cable
⑫ Brighteld lter IF550
⑪
⑫⑩
③④
⑤
⑥
⑦⑧ ⑨
①②

Page 7
③
Fig.2
Fig.3
Fig.4
Fig.5
Fig.1
1. Turning the coarse focusing knob ① till the
nosepiece reaches its lowest position.
► For a safe transport, the nosepiece is
placed in the lowest position and the
tension adjustment collar ②is adjust-
ed to the appropriate tension when the
microscope leaves the factory. (Fig.1)
2. Screw the lowest magnication objective
on to the turret from the right side, then
turn the turret clockwise. Mount the other
objectives in the same way, following the
sequence from low to high.
► Note: the objectives can also be in-
stalled through the stage opening.
(Fig.2)
► Clean the objectives regularly. In inverted
microscopes, the objectives are very sen-
sitive to dust.
► To prevent dust and contamination from
entering the microscope, cover all the un-
used holes with dust caps ③. (Fig.3)
► When operating, use the low magnication
objective (10X) to search and focus the
specimen, then switch to higher magnica-
tions.
► When switching between objectives, slowly
turn the nosepiece until it clicks. The click
means that the objective is in the right posi-
tion, in the center of the light path.
①
②
Installing the objectives
The stage extension can be installed on either
side of the stage to enlarge the working sur-
face. The mechanical stage must be installed
on the side opposite the extension.
For right-handed operators, the mechanical
stage is normally installed on the right side.
1. Installing the stage extension: Screw the
bolts on to the extension, then mount the
extension from below the stage. (Fig.4)
2. Installing the mechanical stage: As for the
extension, the mechanical stage is xed
with two bolts under the stage. (Fig.5)
Installing the stage extension and
the mechanical stage (OPTIONAL)

Page 8
1. When using the glass stage, make sure
that the insert is horizontal.
2. Install the stage insert in the stage open-
ing. (Fig.6)
Installing the stage insert
Installing the eyepieces
Insert both eyepieces into the tubes of the
optical head. (Fig.7)
Fig.6
Fig.7
Fig.8
Fig.9
Fig.10
1. Insert the condenser illumination unit into
the bracket. (Fig.8)
2. Turn the condenser illumination unit
clockwise about 90°, with the “AS” mark
of lter holder facing forwards. Align the
screw of the condenser illumination unit
and the hole of the holder, then screw
the bolt in the hole with the supplied allen
wrench. (Fig.9)
3. Insert the connector plug into the connec-
tor jack.
4. Push the LED housing gently into the ho-
les of the illumination unit. (Fig.10)
Installing the condenser
illumination unit and the LED
housing

Page 9
► Remove the lter holder, then install the
color lters you need. (Fig.11, Fig.12)
Mount the color lter at as shown in ①,
verifying that they are not tilted.
► If the color lter is tilted or otherwise
out of place ②, it may fall.
The color lters can be stacked in the
holder. This allows to install as many lters
as needed, as long as the whole thickness
is less than 11 mm.
1. Turn the main switch ① to “O”(off) before
connecting the power cord. (Fig.13)
2. Insert the cable into the power socket of
the microscope. (Fig.14)
3. Plug the power cord into the mains sock-
et. Check for a safe connection.
► Please use the supplied power cord.
If lost or damaged, please refer to
qualied service.
► Connect the power cord to a grounded
(earthed) power supply only.
Before replacing the fuse, turn the main switch
to “O” (off) and unplug the power cord.
Rotate the fuse support out of the holder using
a straight screwdriver. Insert a new fuse in the
support, then rotate the support back into the
holder. (Fig.15)
► Fuse rating:
see back of the microscope.
Installing the color lters
Connecting the power cord
Replacing the fuse
Fig.11
Fig.12
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig.15
①
①
②

Page 10
Turning on the LED
Connect the power, turn on the main switch ①.
(Fig.16)
Adjusting the brightness
Turn the brightness adjustment knob ②to in-
crease and decrease the brightness. (Fig.17)
Adjusting the tension
► The coarse focusing knob ①is pre
adjusted to a tight tension upon leav-
ing the factory.
If the nosepiece drops down by itself, or the
specimen defocuses while adjusting the ne
focus knob ③, the coarse focus knob is too
loose. Turning the tension adjustment collar ②
in clockwise direction tightens the coarse fo-
cus tension ①. Rotate in the opposite direction
to decrease the tension. (Fig.18)
Setting the specimen
► For the best image quality, use asks,
Petri dishes and slides with a 1.2 mm
thickness.
1. Place the proper insert for your specimen
(according to the table on the right) on the
stage, and x it with the stage clip.
2. Turning the X and Y knobs, move the
specimen to the required position. (Move-
ment Range: 120 (width) × 78 (length)
mm).
Moving the specimen
Move the specimen to the desired position by
freehand or by turning the knobs of the me-
chanical stage.
► When switching objectives, take care
not to touch the adaptor plates with
the objectives, as their weight may
damage the front lens.
M-793.1
Holder for Petri diameter 38mm (M-793.2 needed)
M-793.2
Holder for Terasaki and Petri diameter 65mm.
M-793.3
Holder for slide and Petri diameter 54mm.
M-793.4
Holder for 2+2 slides.
M-793.6
Holder for Utermöhl-Chamber (M-793.3 needed).
M-792
Mechanical stage for IM-3 series.
INITIAL SETUP
STAGE (OPTIONAL)
Using the microscope
Fig.16
Fig.17
①
②
①
②
③
Fig.18
M-793.7
Load-bearing side extension for IM-3 series.

Page 11
Dioptric adjustment
1. Look into the right eyepiece with your right
eye only, and focus on the specimen.
2. Look into the left eyepiece with your left
eye only. If the image is not sharp, use
the dioptric adjustment ring ①to compen-
sate. (Fig.19)
► The adjustment range is ±5 diopter.
The number indicated on the adjust-
ment ring graduation should corre-
spond to the operator’s dioptric cor-
rection.
Adjusting the interpupillary distance
Observing with both eyes, hold the two eye-
piece prism assemblies. Rotate them around
their common axis until the elds of view co-
incide.
► The graduation on the interpupillary
distance indicator ②, pointed by the
spot “.” on the eyepiece holder, shows
the distance between the operator’s
eyes. (Fig.20)
The range of the interpupillary distance is 48-
75mm.
Selecting the light path
Pull the light path selector lever ③ sideways
using your thumb, selecting the light path you
need. (Fig.21)
VIEWING TUBE
②
Fig.19
Fig.20
Fig.21
LIGHT PATH SELECTOR
LEVER
BRIGHTNESS APPLICATION
In 20% used for binocular observation, and
80% used for video or photography
Binocular observation, television, and
micrography or video can be operated
simultaneously
Out 100% used for binocular
observation
Binocular
observation
③
①

Page 12
Using color lters
Selecting the appropriate color lters accord-
ing your need. (Fig.22)
You can stack a group of color lters in the l-
ter holder, if you ensure that they are level and
that the whole thickness is less than 11mm.
Using the aperture diaphragm
When in brighteld observation, the aperture
diaphragm controls the numerical aperture of
the illumination system. When the numerical
aperture of the objective and the aperture of
the illumination system match, the highest res-
olution is achieved.
The aperture can be changed by moving the
aperture adjustment lever. ① is the image of
the aperture diaphragm, ② is the edge of the
objective).
Generally, when observing a fully chromatic
specimen, you need to set the size of the con-
denser to 70-80% of the aperture of the objec-
tive. When observing unstained samples (e.g.
bacteria), start from 70% and slowly turn the
aperture diaphragm lever clockwise. (Fig.23)
ILLUMINATION UNIT
Phase contrast slider
Adjustable phase slider.
● The light ring is pre-centered when the
microscope leaves the factory. It should
therefore need no further adjustment. If
a recentering is needed, it can be per-
formed via the two side bolts.
● The 4X/10X light ring ①must be used
with 4X and 10X phase contrast objec-
tives, the 20x/40x light ring ② with the
20x and 40x and the opening ③is used
for bright eld. (Fig.24)
Installing the phase contrast slider
1. Insert the slider into the illumination sys-
tem, printed face up.
2. Pull the slider into the desired position, to
the click stop.
3. When in phase contrast observation, keep
the aperture diaphragm adjustment lever
on the “O” (open) position. (Fig.25)
PHASE CONTRAST
Fig.22
Fig.24
Fig.25
Fig.23
70-
80%
30-
20%
70-80%
30-20%
COLOR
FILTER
USE
Green Single contrast color lter used for phase
contrast microscopy
①
①
②
②
③

Page 13
Fig.26
Fig.27
Fig.28
Centering the ring
► Usually this operation is not needed. If
necessary, please proceed with the fol-
lowing steps:
1. Place a specimen on the stage and focus
it.
2. Take out the eyepiece from the tube with-
out the dioptric adjustment, and replace it
with the centering telescope (CT). (Fig.26)
3. Check that the phase ring and the objective
correspond, and that both are steadily set
on a click stop.
4. Use the CT to focus on the light ring’s im-
age ① and the phase contrast ring’s image
②. If the light ring’s image is not sharp, ad-
just the CT’s eyepiece until you can see a
clear image of the light ring.
5. Adjust the bolts of the two centering holes
in the phase contrast slider using a screw-
driver until the light ring center and the
phase contrast ring center coincide.
6. The 10X and the 20X phase contrast objec-
tives use the same ring on the phase con-
trast slider. The coincidence of the light ring
center and the phase contrast center must
be veried with both objectives.
(Fig.27; Fig.28)
► If the light ring is centered incorrectly,
the contrast will be severely impaired.
► The phase ring may need recentering
during and after observation of very
thick specimens.
► The phase ring may show an apparent
misalignment if the cover glass is not
at.
①
②

Page 14
Installing the photography adapter
1. To activate the video port, pull the light
path selector lever to “In” position. (Fig.29)
2. Loosen the locking bolt ①on the trinocu-
lar viewing tube, and take out the dust cap
②.
3. Install the photography adapter into the
trinocular port according to its instructions,
and screw down the locking bolt ①.
4. Attach the camera ring (if any) to the
adapter.
5. Attach the camera to the ring.
● Warning: for some cameras (mainly re-
ex) the ring is not included with the mi-
croscope, and it should be supplied by the
user.
● For the photography of dark specimens,
obscure the eyepieces and the viewnder
with a dark cloth in order to reduce stray
light.
● The camera magnication can be calcu-
lated as objective magnication × camera
+ lens magnication.
► When shooting with a SLR, the mirror
movement may cause camera move-
ment. Please lift the mirror, use long
exposure times and use an extension
cord. (Fig.30)
MICROPHOTOGRAPHY
Fig.29
Fig.30
①
Camera
Adapter
②

Page 15
Maintenance
Microscopy environment
This microscope is recommended to be used in a clean, dry and shock free environment with a temperature of
5°-40°C and a maximum relative humidity of 75 % (non condensing). Use a dehumidier if needed.
To think about when and after using the microscope
• The microscope should always be kept vertically when moving it and be careful so that no
moving parts, such as the eyepieces, fall out.
• Never mishandle or impose unnecessary force on the microscope.
• Never attempt to service the microscope yourself.
• After use, turn off the light immediately, cover the microscope with the included
dust-cover, and keep it in a dry and clean place.
Electrical safety precautions
• Before plugging in the power supply, make sure that the supplying voltage of your region
matches with the operation voltage of the equipment and that the lamp switch is in off-
position.
• Users should observe all safety regulations of the region. The equipment has acquired
the CE safety label. However, users do have full responsibility to use this equipment safely.
Cleaning the optics
• If the optical parts need to be cleaned try rst to: use compressed air.
• If that is not sufcient: use a soft lint-free piece of cloth with water and a mild detergent.
• And as a nal option: use the piece of cloth moistened with a 3:7 mixture of ethanol and ether.
Note: ethanol and ether are highly ammable liquids. Do not use them near a heat source, near sparks or
near electric equipment. Use these chemicals in a well ventilated room.
• Remember to never wipe the surface of any optical items with your hands. Fingerprints can damage the
optics.
• Do not disassemble objectives or eyepieces in attempt to clean them.
For the best results, use the OPTIKA cleaning kit (see catalogue).
If you need to send the microscope to Optika for maintenance, please use the original packaging.

Page 16
Troubleshooting
Review the information in the table below to troubleshoot operating problems.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
I. Optical Section:
The illumination is open, but the eld
of view is dark.
The plug of the LED holder is
not connected to the illumina-
tion set
Connect them
The brightness is too low Adjust to a proper setting
Too many colour lters have
been stacked
Minimize the number of the lters
The edge of the eld of view is
vignetted or the brightness is asym-
metric.
The nosepiece is not in the cor-
rect position
Turn the nosepiece to a click stop
The color lter is partially
inserted
Insert the lter to full depth
The phase contrast slider is not
in the proper position
Move the slider to a click stop
Dust and stains can be seen in the
eld of view.
There are stains and dust on
the specimen
Clean the specimen
There are stains and dust on
the eyepiece
Clean the eyepiece
There is an apparent double image. The size of the aperture dia-
phragm is too small
Open the aperture diaphragm
Poor image quality:
The image is not sharp
The contrast is not high
The details are not clear
The phase contrast is low.
The nosepiece is not in the
center of the light path
Turn the nosepiece to a click stop
The aperture diaphragm in
the view of eld is opened too
much or too little
Adjust the aperture diaphragm
The lenses (condenser, objec-
tive, eyepieces are culture
dish) is dirty
Thoroughly clean all the optical system
In phase contrast observation,
the bottom thickness of the
sample is more than 1.2mm
Use a sample holder whose bottom thick-
ness is less than 1.2mm
A bright eld objective is used
for phase contrast observation
Switch to a phase contrast objective
The condenser ring is not
aligned with the objective
phase ring
Adjust the condenser ring to match the
objective phase ring
The light ring and/or the phase
contrast ring is not centered
Adjust the bolts to center them
The objective used is not com-
patible with the phase ring
Please use a compatible objective
The phase contrast depends on
the sample position
The sample holder is not at. Move the
sample around until a compatible area is
found.

Page 17
One side of the image is out of focus. The nosepiece is not in the
center of the light path
Turn the nosepiece to a click stop
The specimen is out of place
(tilted)
Place the specimen at on the stage.
The optical performance of the
sample cover glass is poor
Use a cover glass of better quality
II. Mechanical Section:
The coarse focus knob is hard to
turn.
The tension adjustment collar is
too tight
Loosen the tension adjustment collar
The focus is unstable. The tension adjustment collar is
too loose
Tighten the tension adjustment collar
III. Electric section
The LED doesn’t turn on. No power supply Check the power cord connection
The brightness is not enough The brightness adjustment is
low
Adjust the brightness
The light blinks The power cord is poorly con-
nected
Check the power cord
IV. Viewing tube assembly
The eld of view of the two eyes is
different
The interpupillar distance is not
correct
Adjust the interpupillar distance
The dioptric correction is not
right
Adjust the dioptric correction
The viewing technique is not
correct, and the operator is
straining the eyesight
When look into the objective, do not stare
at the specimen but look at the whole eld
of view. Periodically, move the eyes away
to look at a distant object, then back into
the objective
V. Microphotography and video
The image is unfocused Incorrect focussing Adjusting the focus system as in the pres-
ent manual
The edge of the image is unfocussed To some degree, it is inherent
to the nature of achromatic
objectives
The problem can be minimized by a correct
setting of the aperture diaphragm
Bright patches appear on the image Stray light is entering the
microscope through the eye-
pieces and through the camera
viewnder
Cover the eyepieces and the viewnder
with a dark cloth

Page 18
Equipment disposal
Art.13 Dlsg 25 july 2005 N°151. “According to directives 2002/95/EC, 2002/96/EC and 2003/108/EC relating
to the reduction in the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and waste disposal.”
The basket symbol on equipment or on its box indicates that the product at the end of its useful life should be
collected separately from other waste.
The separate collection of this equipment at the end of its lifetime is organized and managed by the producer.
The user will have to contact the manufacturer and follow the rules that he adopted for end-of-life equipment
collection.
The collection of the equipment for recycling, treatment and environmentally compatible disposal, helps to prevent
possible adverse effects on the environment and health and promotes reuse and/or recycling of materials of the
equipment.
Improper disposal of the product involves the application of administrative penalties as provided by the laws in force.

Equipment disposal
Art.13 Dlsg 25 july 2005 N°151. “According to directives 2002/95/EC, 2002/96/EC and 2003/108/EC relating
to the reduction in the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and waste disposal.”
The basket symbol on equipment or on its box indicates that the product at the end of its useful life should be
collected separately from other waste.
The separate collection of this equipment at the end of its lifetime is organized and managed by the producer.
The user will have to contact the manufacturer and follow the rules that he adopted for end-of-life equipment
collection.
The collection of the equipment for recycling, treatment and environmentally compatible disposal, helps to prevent
possible adverse effects on the environment and health and promotes reuse and/or recycling of materials of the
equipment.
Improper disposal of the product involves the application of administrative penalties as provided by the laws in force.
Versione: 4
Emesso il: 02, 05, 2019
Modello
IM-3
Serie IM
MANUALE D’ISTRUZIONI

Pagina 20
Indice Contenuti
Avvertenza
Simboli
Informazioni sulla sicurezza
Utilizzo previsto
Elenco accessori e parti di ricambio
Descrizione dello strumento
Disimballagio
Assemblaggio
Istruzioni per l’uso
Manutenzione
Risoluzione problemi
Smaltimento