Optika Italy IM-3 Series User manual

Ver. 3.0 2019
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IM-3 Series
Model
IM-3MET

Page 2
Table of Contents
1. Warning 3
2. Symbols and conventions 3
3. Safety Information 3
4. Intended use 3
5. Overview 4
6. Unpacking 5
7. Assembling 5
7.1 Microscope assembling 6
7.1.1 Installing the objectives 6
7.1.2 Installing the stage insert 6
7.1.3 Installing the eyepieces 7
7.1.4 Installing the lamp housing 7
7.1.5 Installingthelterholder 7
7.1.6 Installing the bulb 8
7.1.7 Connecting the power cord 9
7.1.8 Replacing the fuse 9
7.1.9 Installing mechanical stage or stage extension 9
7.1.10 Installing polarizer and analyzer 10
8. Brighteldobservationprocedures 11
9. Use of the microscope 12
9.1 Microscope switch on 12
9.2 Light intensity adjustment 12
9.3 Centering the bulb 12
9.4 Coarse focus tension adjustment 13
9.5 Diopter adjustment 13
9.6 Adjusting the interpupillary distance 13
9.7 Use of eye shields 13
9.8 Centering the aperture diaphragm 14
9.9 Effectsoftheelddiaphragm 14
9.10 Aperture diaphragm 14
9.11 Light path selection 15
9.12 Useofcolorlters 15
9.13 Use of polarized light 16
10. Microphotography 17
10.1 Use of C-mount cameras 17
10.2 UseofReexcameras 17
11. Maintenance 18
12. Troubleshooting 19
Equipment disposal 20

Page 3
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Safety Information
Avoiding Electrical Shock
Before plugging in the power supply, make sure that the supplying voltage of your region matches with the ope-
ration voltage of the equipment and that the lamp switch is in off position. Users should observe all safety regu-
lations 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.
4. 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
5. Overview
PHOTO / TV
PORT
DIOPTER
ADJUSTMENT
RING
EYEPIECE
LIGHT PATH
SELECTOR
LEVER
COARSE
FOCUS KNOB
LIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
APERTURE
DIAPHRAGM
FIELD
DIAPHRAGM
TENSION
ADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
OBJECTIVE
LAMP HOUSING
MICROSCOPE
BODY
METAL STAGE
INSERT
FINE
FOCUS KNOB

Page 5
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.
Do not touch with bare hands optical surfaces such as lenses, lters or glasses. Traces of grease or
other residuals may deteriorate the nal image quality and corrode the optics surface in a short time.
7. Assembling
Once opened the box, the microscope parts are the following:
① Microscope body
② Eyepieces
③ Objectives
④ Stage metal insert
⑤ Lamp housing
⑥ Color lters (LBD and IF550)
⑦ Analyzer
⑧ Polarizer
⑨ Filter holder
⑩ Lamp housing connection cable
⑪ Power cord
⑪
⑩
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
①
②

Page 6
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
7.1 Microscope assembling
7.1.1 Installing the objectives
1. Rotate the coarse focusing knob ① until the nose-
piece reaches its lowest position. (Fig. 1)
• For a safe transport, the nosepiece is placed
in the lowest position before shipment from
the factory.
2. Screw the lowest magnication objective on to
the turret from the right side, then turn the nose-
piece clockwise. Mount the other objectives in
the same way, following the sequence from low
to high magnication. (Fig. 2)
• Clean the objectives regularly. In inverted mi-
croscopes, the objectives are very sensitive
to dust.
• To prevent dust and dirt from entering the
microscope, cover all the unused holes with
dust caps ②. (Fig.3)
7.1.2 Installing the stage insert
1. Install the stage insert in the stage opening. (Fig.
4)
①
②

Page 7
7.1.3 Installing the eyepieces
1. Insert both eyepieces into the tubes of the optical
head. (Fig. 5)
7.1.4 Installing the lamp housing
1. Insert the lamp house and tighten the xing
screws ①. (Fig. 6)
7.1.5 Installingthelterholder
• The microscope is equipped with a lter holder
located on the back side of the microscope. (Fig.
7).
• The lter holder has three positions: ② lter
holder for color lters, ③frosted lter, ④ lter
holder for color lters.
1. Remove one of the knobs ⑤ from the lter holder.
(Fig. 8)
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
①
①
② ③
⑤
④

Page 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 12
Fig. 11
⑥
⑦
2. Insert the lter holder into the slot in front of the
lamp housing ⑥. (Fig. 9)
3. When the filter holder is in place, reinstall the filter
holder knob.
7.1.6 Installing the bulb
1. Open the lamp housing cover. (Fig. 10)
2. Insert the halogen bulb into its holder ⑦. (Fig. 11)
• Do NOT touch the bulb with the bare hands,
this could reduce the bulb efciency and
lifetime.
3. Plug the power cable from the lamp housing to
the microscope body. (Fig. 12)

Page 9
7.1.7 Connecting the power cord
1. Put the main switch ① to “O” (OFF) before con-
necting the power cord. (Fig.13)
2. Insert the cable into the power socket of the mi-
croscope. (Fig.14)
3. Plug the power cord into the mains socket. Check
for a safe connection.
• Please use the provided power cord.
• If lost or damaged, please refer to qualied
service.
• Connect the power cord to a grounded power
supply only.
7.1.8 Replacing the fuse
• Before replacing the fuse, turn the main switch to
“O” (OFF) and unplug the power cord.
1. Rotate the fuse support out of the holder using a
straight screwdriver. Insert a new fuse in the sup-
port, then rotate the support back into the holder.
(Fig.15)
• Fuse rating: see back of the microscope.
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 16
Fig. 15
①
7.1.9 Installing mechanical stage or stage extension
• Stage extension and mechanical stage are op-
tional accessories.
• Stage extension can be installed on either side of
the stage to enlarge the working surface.
• Mechanical stage can only be installed on the
right side of the stage.
1. Screw the bolts in the xing holes of the attach-
ments, then mount the unit from below the stage.
(Fig. 16)

Page 10
7.1.10 Installing polarizer and analyzer
1. Insert the polarizer “S-PO” into the slot ① placed
on the left side of the lamp housing support. (Fig.
17)
2. Insert the analyzer “S-ANR” in the slot ② placed
on the right side of the microscope body. (Fig. 18)
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
①
②

Page 11
8. Brighteldobservationprocedures
Main switch
(Used commands) (Chapter)
Stage
Nosepiece
Binocular tube
Diopter adjustment ring
Aperture diaphragm
Field diaphragm
Nosepiece
Coarse and fine focus knobs
Set the main swith to “I” and adjust light intensity.
Place a specimen on the stage.
Insert 10x objective into the light path
Focus the specimen
Begin observation
Adjust aperture and field diaphragms
Insert in the light path the desired objective and focus the
specimen
Adjust interpupillary distance
Adjust diopter
Adjust brightness
(9)
(5)
(5)
(5)
(5)
(9)
(9)
(9)
(9)
Coarse and fine focus knobs (5)
Brightness adjustment knob (5/9)
Brightness adjustment knob (5/9)

Page 12
9. Use of the microscope
9.1 Microscope switch on
Put the main switch ① to “I” (ON) to turn on the
microscope. (Fig. 19)
9.2 Light intensity adjustment
Rotate the light intensity adjustment knob ②to
increase / decrease the illumination voltage. (Fig. 20)
9.3 Centering the bulb
1. Remove one objective from the nosepiece and
put the empty hole in the optical path.
2. Put a piece of paper on the stage, slightly unscrew
the knurled ring of the focus adjustment lever ③
on the lamp housing and rotate it counteclockwise
until the bulb lament is in focus on the paper.
(Fig. 21)
• If the bulb lament is not in the center of the
light path, the resulting image will be not evenly
illuminated. In this case a re-centering is needed.
3. Rotate the centering screws ④ on the right side
of the lamp housing to bring the bulb lament in
the center of the eld of view.
4. At the end fully rotate the focus adjustment lever
③ clockwise and screw the knurled ring to x the
lever into its position.
5. Reinstall the objective.
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 22
Fig. 21
①
②
③
④

Page 13
Fig. 25
③
9.4 Coarse focus tension adjustment
The coarse knob tension is pre-setted in the factory.
1. To modify the tension according to personal’s
needs, rotate the ring ① . (Fig. 23)
• Clockwise rotation increases the tension.
• If the tension is too loose, the stage could go
lower by itself or the focus easily lost after ne
adjustment. In this case, rotate the knob in order
to increase the tension .
9.5 Diopter 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 ② to compensate. (Fig. 24)
• Theadjustmentrangeis±5diopter.Thenumber
shown on the diopter ring should correspond
to the operator’s dioptric correction.
9.6 Adjusting the interpupillary distance
Observing with both eyes, hold the two eyepiece
prism assemblies. Rotate them around their common
axis until the elds of view coincide.
• The graduation on the interpupillary distance
indicator ③, pointed by the spot “.” on the
eyepiece holder, shows the distance between
the operator’s eyes. (Fig. 25)
The range of the interpupillary distance is 48-75mm.
9.7 Use of eye shields
• Use with eyeglasses
Fold rubber eyeshields with both hands. Folded
eyeshields avoid scratching the lenses of eyeglasses.
(Fig. 26)
Fig. 26
Fig. 24
②
Fig. 23
①

Page 14
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30
③
• Use without eyeglasses
Raise eye shields and observe at the microscope
placing eyes to the shields, avoiding external light to
disturb the observation. (Fig. 28)
9.8 Centering the aperture diaphragm
1. Place the specimen on the stage, insert 10x
objective into the light path and focus.
2. Pull the eld diaphragm lever ① to fully close the
eld diaphragm. (Fig. 28)
3. Rotate the two centering screws ②to bring the
bright spot in the center of the eld of view.(Fig.
28)
4. Gradually open the diaphragm by inserting the
lever ①. The diaphragm is centered when the
diaphragm image is symmetrical to the eld of
view.(Fig. 29)
5. In normal use, open the diaphragm until it
circoscribes the eld of view.
9.9 Effectsoftheelddiaphragm
Field diaphragm adjusts the illuminated area to obtain
a high contrast image.
Set the diaphragm according to the objective in
use until it circoscribes the eld of view, in order to
eliminate unnecessary light to eyepieces.
9.10 Aperture diaphragm
• The Numerical Aperture (N.A.) value of the
aperture diaphragm affects the image contrast.
Increasing or reducing this value one can vary
resolution, contrast and depth of focus of the
image.
• With low contrast specimens pull the lever ③
(Fig. 30) to slightly close the aperture diaphragm.
If necessary, remove on eyepiece and, looking
into empty sleeve, adjust the diaphragm’s lever
in order to obtain an image like the one in Fig. 31.
①
②
Fig. 27

Page 15
Fig. 31
APERTURE
DIAPHRAGM
FIELD OF VIEW
30-20%
70-80%
9.11 Light path selection
Pull the light path selector lever ① to the left or to the
right using your thumb, selecting the light path you
need. (Fig. 32)
9.12 Useofcolorlters
1. Insert the lter in one of the lter holder. (Fig. 33).
Fig. 32
①
LIGHT PATH SELECTOR
LEVER LIGHT SPLIT APPLICATION
In 20% binocular and 80% for PHOTO/TV port Binocular and camera observation can
be operated simultaneously
Out 100% used for binocular observation Binocular observation
Fig. 33

Page 16
2. Move the slider to the left or to the right in order to
insert the desired one. (Fig. 34)
FILTER USE
Blue Converts the color temperature of the
bulb into daylight
Green Increases the contrast in black and
white photography
Frosted Reduces lighting irregularities by creat-
ing a homogeneous illumination
9.13 Use of polarized light
1. Remove the specimen from the stage.
2. Put a mirror on the stage and get into approxima-
te focus on the mirror surface.
3. Insert polarizer and analyzer into the light path.
4. Rotate the knurled ring of the analyzer ①and,
looking into the eyepiece, reach the darkest posi-
tion available. (Fig. 35)
5. Once the dark is achieved (“extinction” or “Cros-
sed Nicol” position) it is possible to begin the
observation.
6. Remove the mirror from the stage, put a speci-
men and focus.
Fig. 35
①
Fig. 34

Page 17
10. Microphotography
①
②
①
②
Fig. 36
Fig. 37
Fig. 38
③
④
①
②
③
④
10.1 Use of C-mount cameras
1. Loosen the clamping screw ① on the trinocular
port and remove the dust cap ②. (Fig. 36)
2. Screw the C-mount adapter ③to the camera ④
and insert the round dovetail of the C-mount into
the empty hole of the trinocular port, then tighten
the clamping screw ①. (Fig. 37)
10.2 UseofReexcameras
1. Insert the Reex adapter ① into the relay tube to
the microscope ②.
2. Screw the “T2” ring ③ (not provided) to the reex
adapter.
3. Connect the Reex camera ④ to the “T2” just
installed (Fig. 38).
4. Mount the other end of the relay tube ② into the
empty hole of the trinocular port, then tighten the
clamping screw. (Fig. 36)
• “T2” ring is not provided with the microscope, but
is commercialy available.
• While shooting dark specimens, darken eyepieces
and viewnder with a dark cloth to miminize the
diffused light.
• To calculate the magnication of the camera:
objective magnication * camera magnication *
lens magnication.
• If using an SLR camera, mirror movement
may cause the camera to vibrate.
• We suggest lifting the mirror, using long
exposure times and a remote cord.

Page 18
11. 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 85 % (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 provided 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 19
12. Troubleshooting
Review the information in the table below to troubleshoot operating problems.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
I. Optical Section:
Bulb operates, but eld of view re-
mains dark. Power supply is unplugged. Connect
Brightness is too low Set brightness to a proper level
Field of view is obscured or not evenly
illuminated Revolving nosepiece is not correctly engaged. Make sure that the revolving nosepiece clicks properly into place.
Filter holder, polarizer or analyzer are
partially inserted Insert or remove the lter slider
Dirt or dust is visible in the field of view. Dirt/dust on the specimen Clean the specimen
Dirt/dust on the eyepieces Clean the eyepieces
Image looks double Aperture iris diaphragm is stopped
down too far. Open aperture iris diaphragm.
The field diaphragm is not well cen-
tered Set the diaphragm according to Koe- hler settings.
Visibility is poor.
• Image is not poor.
• Contrast is poor.
• Details are indistinct.
Revolving nosepiece is in an incorrect
position Move the nosepiece to a click stop
Aperture iris diaphragm is too closed
or too open. Adjust aperture iris diaphragm.
Dust or dirt on lenses (objectives, eye-
pieces) Clean thoroughly.
Focus is not even Specimen holder is not at. Move the
specimen to a at position.
One side of the image is unfocused Revolving nosepiece is in an incorrect
position Move the nosepiece to a click stop
Specimen is not in a at position Place the specimen in a at position
on the stage
II. Mechanical Section:
Coarse focus knob is hard to turn Tension adjustment ring is too tight Loosen tension adjustment ring
Focus is unstable Tension adjustment ring is too loose Tighten tension adjustment ring
III. Electrical Section:
Bulb doesn’t turn on. Power supply not connected Check for proper connection
Brightness is not enough Brightness setting is too low Adjust brightness
Light blinks Power supply not well connected Check for proper connection
IV. Observation tube:
Field of view of one eye does not match
that of the other. Interpupillary distance is incorrect. Adjust interpupillary distance.
Incorrect diopter adjustment. Adjust diopter.
Your view is not accustomed to micro-
scope observation. Upon looking into eyepieces, try look- ing at overall field before concentrating
on specimen range. You may also find
helpful to look up and into distance for
a moment before looking back into mi-
croscope.
V. Microphotography:
Image edge is unfocused To a certain extent it is due to achro-
matic objectives features To minimize the problem, set the aper- ture diaphragm in a proper position
Bright spots appear on the image Stray light entering in the microscope
through eyepieces or camera viewn-
der
Cover eyepieces and viewnder with a
dark cloth

Page 20
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 or-
ganized 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.