Optika Italy IM-5 Series User manual

v 1.0 2017
Model
IM-5MET
IM-5 Series
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Page 2
Summary
1. Warning
2. Symbols and conventions
3. Safety Information
4. Intended use
5. Overview
6. Unpacking
7. Assembling
8. Using the microscope
9. Observation mode
10. Maintenance
11. Troubleshooting
Equipment disposal

Page 3
1. Warning
This microscope is a scientic precision instrument designed to last for many years with a minimum of mainte-
nance. 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 acces-
sible 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
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 responsibil-
ity 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
For research and teaching use only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.

Page 4
5. Overview
TRINOCULAR
VIEWING
TUBE
(FIXED)
DIOPTRIC
ADJUSTMENT
RING EYEPIECE
LIGHT PATH
SELECTOR
LEVEL
COARSE
FOCUS KNOB
FINE FOCUS KNOB
BF/DF MIRROR
SELECTION LEVER
TENSION
ADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
OBJECTIVE
LAMP HOUSE
MICROSCOPE
BODY
STAGE PLATE
ECO
BUTTON

Page 5
BRIGHTNESS ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
MAIN SWITCH
X/Y AXIS KNOBS
APERTURE DIAPHRAGM
KNOB
FIELD DIAPHRAGM
KNOB
DIC SLIDER (OPTIONAL)
REVOLVING NOSEPIECE

Page 6
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.
7. Assembling
Once you open the box, these are the microscope’s components:
① Microscope body
② Eyepieces
③ Objectives
④ Metal insert for stage
⑤ Lamp housing
⑥ Daylight lter (LBD)
⑦ Analyzer lter
⑧ Polarizer lter
⑨ Filter holder
⑩ Dummy slider
⑪ Power supply
⑫ Power cord
⑬ Revolving Nosepiece
⑭ Nosepiece adapter rings
⑮ Dust cover
⑯ Stage clips
⑰ Allen wrench
⑪
⑩③
④
⑤
⑫
⑬
⑭⑮
⑯⑰
⑥
⑦ ⑧ ⑨
①
②

Page 7
③
Fig.2
Fig.3
Fig.4
Fig.5
Fig.6
Fig.1
1. Turning the coarse focusing knob ① until
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ca-
tion 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.
The revolving nosepiece can allocate objectives
for brighteld/darkeld observation.
However, it is possible to install objectives for
brighteld using the adapter rings.
1. Screw the adapter ring into the empty hole
of the nosepiece (Figg. 4 & 5).
2. Screw the objective into the adapter ring
(Fig. 6).
3. Perform the observation as usual.
► The brighteld objective cannot be used
for darkeld, therefore switching the mirror
cube selector to “DF” could bring to a
completely dark image.
①
②
Installing the objectives
Use of nosepiece adapter rings

Page 8
1. When using the metal stage, make sure
that the insert is horizontal.
2. Install the stage insert in the stage open-
ing. (Fig.7)
Installing the stage insert
Installing the eyepieces
Installing the lamp house
Insert both eyepieces into the tubes of the
optical head. (Fig.8)
Insert the lamp house and tighten the provi-
ded allen screws (Fig.9)
Slide the lter holder into the tube in front of
the lamp. (Fig.10).
Using the provided allen wrench, release the
lamp housing cover (Fig.11).
Fig.7
Fig.8
Fig.11
Fig.9
Fig.10

Page 9
1. Turn the main switch ① to “O”(OFF) be-
fore connecting the power cord. (Fig.14)
2. Insert the power supply cable into the
power socket of the microscope. (Fig.15)
3. Plug the power cord into the power supply
socket (Fig. 16). Check for a safe connec-
tion.
► 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.
Connecting the power cord
Insert the halogen lamp into its holder. Do
NOT touch the lamp bulb with the bare hands,
this could reduce the lamp efciency and
lifetime. (Fig. 12).
Once installed the bulb, put the lamp housing
cover into its original position and lock the
screw.
Connect the lamp housing connector to the
socket placed in the back of the microscope
(Fig. 13). Check for a safe connection.
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig.15
Fig.16
①
Fig.12

Page 10
Turning on the halogen bulb
Connect the power, turn on the main switch ①.
(Fig.17)
Adjusting the brightness
Turn the brightness adjustment knob ②to
increase and decrease the brightness. (Fig.18)
Adjusting the tension (Fig. 19)
► The coarse focusing knob (1) is pre-
adjusted to a tight tension before
leaving 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 focus
tension ①. Rotate in the opposite direction to
decrease the tension.
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.20)
► 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.21)
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.22)
INITIAL SETUP
VIEWING TUBE
8. Using the microscope
Fig.17
Fig.18
①
②
①
②
②
Fig.20
Fig.21
Fig.22
③
③
Fig.19
①

Page 11
LIGHT PATH SELECTOR
LEVER
BRIGHTNESS APPLICATION
In 100% used for binocular observation Binocular observation
Out 100% used for trinocular
observation
Micrography or video documentation
USABLE FILTERS APPLICATIONS
LBD (Color temperature lter conversion) Turns the illumination light into daylight. Used in general
observation and color photography.
Using color lters
Selecting the appropriate color lters according
your need. (Fig.23)
Using the lters
ILLUMINATION UNIT
Fig.23
ECO BUTTON
Fig.24
1. Press the ECO button (Fig. 24) to activate
the “ECO” function. Once activated
the system will automatically shut-off
after 20 minutes from the activation.
2. To deactivate the function, press the
button again.

Page 12
1. Move the mirror selector lever to “BF” (Fig.
25).
2. Engage the 10x objective by rotating the
revolving nosepiece, place the specimen
on the stage and adjust approximate
focusing.
3. Insert the FS selector lever (1) (Fig. 26) to
reduce the eld diaphragm a little.
4. Rotate the two FS centering screws using
the Allen screwdriver to adjust so that the
eld iris image becomes concentric with
the eld of view (Fig. 27 & 28).
5. While pulling out the FS knob, open the
eld diaphragm until the eld iris image
inscribes the eld of view. If the image is
found to be eccentric, adjust the centering
again.
6. Open the eld diaphragm so that its image
is almost the same size as (i.e. subscribes)
the eld of view.
CENTERING THE FIELD
DIAPHRAGM (FS)
FIELD DIAPHRAGM IMAGE
FIELD OF VIEW OF EYEPIECE
Fig.26
Fig.28
Fig.29
Fig.27
Fig.25
● In reected light brighteld observation.
The eld diaphragm adjusts the illuminated
area to obtain an image with high contrast.
According to the objective in use, adjust the
FS knob until the iris image circumscribes
the eld of view to block unnecessary light.
● In reected light darkeld observation
The eld diaphragm must be opened by
pulling out the FS knob.
Using the Field Diaphragm (Fig. 29)
FS AS
①

Page 13
1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 of “Centering eld
diaphragm” procedure. (Fig 30)
2. Remove the eyepiece, look into the
eyepiece sleeve and insert the AS selector
lever (2) so that the aperture is about 70%.
(Fig. 31)
3. If the center of the iris diaphragm is
deviated, center it by rotating the two
AS centering screws using the Allen
screwdriver provided (Figg. 32 & 33).
CENTERING THE APERTURE
DIAPHRAGM (AS)
30%
70%
APERTURE DIAPHRAGM IMAGE
Fig.34
Fig.31
Fig.33Fig.32
Fig.30
● In reected light brighteld
observation, optimum observation
is generally possible by setting the
aperture to between 70% and 80% of the
numerical aperture of the objective.
● In reected light darkeld observation,
the aperture must be fully opened by
pulling out the AS knob.
With some specimens, an image with high
contrast and little are may sometimes
be obtained when the aperture is slightly
closed.
Using the Aperture Diaphragm (Fig. 34)
FS AS
②

Page 14
9. Observation mode
(1) Mirror selector lever (pag. 12)
(Controls used ) (Pag.)
(2) Main switch (pag. 10)
(3) Light path selector (pag. 10)
(4) Stage plate (pag. 8)
(5) X/Y axis knobs (pag. 5)
(6) Revolving nosepiece (pag. 7)
(6) Brightness adjust. knob (pag. 10)
(7) Binocolular tube (pag. 10)
(8) Diopter adjustment ring (pag. 10)
(11) AS lever (pag. 13)
(12) FS lever (pag. 12)
(6) Revolving nosepiece (pag. 7)
(13) Filter insertion slot (pag. 11)
(6) Brightness adjust. knob (pag. 10)
(7) Coarse/ne focussing knobs (pag. 10)
(7) Coarse/ne focussing knobs (pag. 10)
REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE
The following ow shows the basic operating procedure for reected light brighteld or darkeld observation.
The procedures for polarized light and Nomarski DIC will be described separately.
Select the brightfield (BF) or darkfield (DF) observation.
Set the main switch to “I” (ON).
Select the light path.
Place the specimen on the stage.
Insert 10x objective in the light path.
Bring the specimen in focus.
Start observation
Adjust aperture diaphragm and field diaphragm.
Open both diaphragms in case of DF observation.
Engage the desired objective in the light path and bring in
focus.
Disengage analyzer, polarizer, filters etc from the light path.
Adjust brightness.
Insert the required filters.
Adjust interpupillary distance.
Adjust the diopter.
Adjust brightness

Page 15
Inserting analyzer and polarizer
1. Bring the specimen in approximate focus
using the 10x or 20x objective.
2. Insert the S-PO polarizer so that the
surface with indication comes on the
front, and engage the polarizer in the light
path (Fig. 35).
3. Put the analyser S-ANR in the insertion
slot (Fig. 36).
4. Looking into the eyepieces, rotate the
analyzer rotating dial to nd the position
where the eld of view is darkest.
●An approximate cross-Nicol position
can be obtained by setting the index on
the dial close to the mark on the outer
side. Fine-adjust the dial by rotating it
near this position to nd the position
where the eld of view is darkest.
Fig.35
Fig.36
1. REFLECTED LIGHT SIMPLE POLARIZED LIGHT OBSERVATION
The performance of polarizer may deteriorate when it has been exposed to light for a long period
(about continuous 2000 hours). If this happens, replace the polarizer.
DIC observation
1. Place the specimen on the stage and adjust the focus by moving the stage up or down.
2. Adjust the eld iris diaphragm so that its image circumscribes the eld of view.
3. The contrast may sometimes be enhanced by closing the aperture iris diaphragm slightly.
4. Adjust the background contrast by turning the prism movement knob on the DIC slider ②.
5. When the prism movement knob on the DIC slider is turned, the interference color in the background varies
continuously from the gray sensitive color to magenta sensitive color (from -100 to 600 nm). Set the interference
color which can provide best contrast with respect to the specimen.
● If the background color is dark, the observation is similar to darkeld.
●If the background color is grey, three-dimensional high contrast images can be achieved rich in grey shades.
●If the background color is close to magenta, even small phase variation can be observed as a change in color.
Inserting DIC SLIDER (Fig. 37)
Fig.37
①
③
②
Loosen the clamping knob in the revolving
nosepiece ①, insert the DIC slider, then clamp
it again with the clamping knob.
Pull out the DIC prism lever ③.
●In order to perform DIC observation, polarizer and analyzer must be inserted into the light path
(see section “1. Reected Light Simple Polarized Light Observation”).
2. REFLECTED LIGHT DIC (DIFFERENTIAL INTERFERENCE CONTRAST) OBSERVATION
(OPTIONAL)

Page 16
Installing the photography adapter
1. To activate the video port, pull the light
path selector lever to “In” position. (Fig.38)
2. Loosen the locking bolt ① on the trinocu-
lar viewing tube, and take out the dust cap
②. (Fig.39)
3. Install the photography adapter into the
trinocular port according to its instruc-
tions, and screw down the locking bolt ①.
(Fig.40)
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.
MICROPHOTOGRAPHY
Fig.38
Fig.39
Fig.40
①
①
Video
Camera
CCD
Camera head
Adapter
Adapter
②
②

Page 17
10. 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 18
11. Troubleshooting
Review the information in the table below to troubleshoot operating problems.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
I. Optical Section:
Bulb does not light. Bulb is burned out. Replace bulb.
The illumination is ON, but the eld of
view is dark.
The plug of the halogen bulb
holder is not connected to the
illumination 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
Dust and stains can be seen in the
eld of view.
There are dust or dirt on the
specimen
Clean the specimen
There are dust or dirt 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 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 (objective, eyepiec-
es) are dirty
Thoroughly clean all the optical system
Image glares Aperture iris diaphragm is
closed too much.
Open it sufficiently.

Page 19
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.
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 halogen bulb 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 eyepiece, 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 eyepiece
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 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 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.