Optika Italy IM Series User manual

Ver. 1.0 2023
Model
IM-300
IM Series
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Page 2
Table of Contents
1. Warning 3
2. Safety Information 3
3. Package content 4
4. Unpacking 5
5. Intended use 5
6. Symbols and conventions 5
7. Instrument description 6
8. Assembling 8
8.1 Installing the objectives 8
8.2 Installing stage extension or mechanical stage 8
8.3 Installing the stage insert 9
8.4 Installing the eyepieces 9
8.5 Installingcolorlters 9
8.6 Installinglterslider 9
8.7 Connecting the power supply 10
9. Brightfield observation 11
10. Use of the microscope in brightfield 12
10.1 Turning on the microscope 12
10.2 Adjusting the light intensity 12
10.3 Adjusting the coarse focus tension 12
10.4 Diopter adjustment 12
10.5 Adjusting interpupillary distance 13
10.6 Use of eyeshields 13
10.7 Selecting the light path 13
10.8 Stage and stage inserts 14
10.8.1 Installing stage inserts 15
10.9 Aperture diaphragm 15
10.10Usingcolorlters 16
11. Use of the microscope in phase contrast 17
11.1 Installing the phase contrast slider 17
11.2 Phase contrast slider 17
11.3 Centering the phase ring 17
12. Use of the microscope in RPC 19
12.1 Installing the RPC slider 19
12.2 RPC slider 19
12.3 RPC observation 20
13. Microphotography 21
13.1 Use of C-mount cameras 21
13.2 UseofReexcameras 21
14. Maintenance 22
15. Troubleshooting 23
Equipment disposal 25

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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 im-
portant 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. 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 o󰀨 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.

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① Microscopebody
② Eyepieces
③ Phasecontrastslider
④ Filterholderslider
⑤ BluelterLBD
⑥ GreenlterIF550
⑦ Metalinsertforstage
⑧ Glassinsertforstage
⑨ Objectives
⑩ Dustcover
⑪ Cleaningtissue
⑫ Centeringtelescope
⑬ Powersupply
⑪
⑫
⑩
③
④ ⑤ ⑥
⑦ ⑧
⑨
①
②
3. Package content
⑬

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4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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FILTER HOLDER
DIOPTER
ADJUSTMENT
RING CONDENSER
COARSE
FOCUS KNOB
FINE FOCUS
KNOB
TENSION
ADJUSTMENT
COLLAR
OBJECTIVE
MICROSCOPE
BODY
7. Instrument description
BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL KNOB

Page 7
PHASE
CONTRAST
SLIDER
PHOTO
PORT
EYEPIECE
COARSE
FOCUS KNOB
STAGE LIGHT PATH
SELECTOR
LEVER
STAGE
PLATE
MAIN SWITCH
Opposite side
LED
HOUSING
APERTURE
DIAPHRAGM

Page 8
8. Assembling
FFig. 1ig. 1
①
②
FFig. 2ig. 2
FFig. 3ig. 3
③
FFig. 4ig. 4
8.1 Installing the objectives
1. Turn the coarse focusing knob ① until the nosepiece reaches
its lowest position.
• For a safe transport, the nosepiece is placed in the low-
est position and the tension adjustment collar ②is ad-
justed to the proper tension when the microscope leaves
the factory. (Fig.1)
2. Screw the lowest magnication objective on the nosepiece
from the right side, then turn the nosepiece clockwise. Mount
the other objectives in the same way, following the sequence
from low to high.
• Note: the objectives can also be installed through the
stage opening. (Fig. 2)
• Clean the objectives regularly. In inverted microscopes, the
objectives are very sensitive to dust.
• To prevent dust and contamination from entering the micro-
scope, cover all the unused holes with dust caps ③. (Fig. 3)
• When operating, use a low power objective to search and
focus the specimen, then switch to higher magnications.
• When switching between objectives, slowly turn the nose-
piece until it clicks. The click means that the objective is in
the right position, in the center of the light path.
8.2 Installing stage extension or mechanical stage
• Stage extension and mechanical stage are optional ac-
cessories for some models.
• 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.
1. Installing the units: screw the bolts in the xing holes of the
stage, then mount the unit from below the stage. (Fig. 4)
• NOTE: The stage has a series of holes in the underside.
To install the mechanical stage it is necessary, starting
counting from the front of the microscope, to use the
thirdandfthholes.Byusingadi󰀨erentsetofholes,the
mechanical stage will not be installed correctly.

Page 9
FFig. 5ig. 5
FFig. 6ig. 6
FFig. 7ig. 7
8.3 Installing the stage insert
• Install the glass or metal plate according to individual pref-
erences.
Install the stage insert in the stage opening. (Fig. 5)
FFig. 8ig. 8
8.4 Installing the eyepieces
Insert both eyepieces into the tubes of the optical head. (Fig. 6)
8.5 Installingcolorlters
1. Place the lter slider ① on the table and insert the desired
colored lter into one of the two empty positions ②. (Fig. 7)
• Takecarethatthelterispositionedhorizontallyinthe
slider to prevent it from getting stuck during movement.
8.6 Installinglterslider
1. Insert the lter slider into the upper slot of the condenser ①
with the grooves ② facing the rear of the microscope. (Fig. 8)
• The slider has two positions to accommodate two col-
oredlters. Move theslider tothe positioncontaining
thedesiredlteruntilitclicksintoplace. ①
②

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8.7 Connecting the power supply
1. Insert the plug of the power supply into the socket ①at the
rear of the instrument. (Fig. 9)
2. Plug the power supply into the wall socket.
FFig. 9ig. 9
①

Page 11
(Used commands) (Chapter)
Set the main swith to “I” (ON) and adjust light intensity.
Place a slide on the stage.
Insert 10x objective into the light path
Focus the specimen
Begin observation
Adjust aperture diaphragm
Insert in the light path the desired objective and focus the
specimen
Adjust interpupillary distance
Adjust diopter
Adjust brightness
9. Brightfield observation
Main switch
Observation head
Diopter adjustment ring
Aperture diaphragm
Brightness adjustment knob
Nosepiece
Coarse and fine focusing knobs
10
7
7
10
10
10
10
Nosepiece 7
Coarse and fine focusing knobs 7
Stage 10
Brightness adjustment knob 10

Page 12
10. Use of the microscope in brightfield
10.1 Turning on the microscope
Move the main switch ①, placed on the left side of the micro-
scope, in the “I” (ON) position. (Fig. 10)
FFig. 10ig. 10
FFig. 11ig. 11
FFig. 12ig. 12
FFig. 13ig. 13
③
①
②
⑤
④
⑥
10.2 Adjusting the light intensity
Turn the brightness adjustment knob ②, placed on the right side
of the microscope, to increase and decrease the brightness. (Fig.
11)
10.3 Adjusting the coarse focus tension
• The coarse focusing knob ④is pre adjusted to a tight
tension upon leaving the factory.
• If the nosepiece drops down by itself, or the specimen de-
focuses while adjusting the ne focus knob ⑤, the coarse
focus knob is too loose.
• Turning the tension adjustment collar ④ in clockwise direc-
tion tightens the coarse focus tension ③.
• Rotate in the opposite direction to decrease the tension. (Fig.
12)
10.4 Diopter adjustment
1. Look into the right eyepiece with your right eye only, and fo-
cus on the specimen.
2. Look into the left eyepiece with your left eye only. If the image
is not sharp, use the diopter adjustment ring ⑥to compen-
sate. (Fig. 13)
• The adjustment range is ±5 diopter. The number indicat-
ed on the adjustment ring graduation should correspond
to the operator’s diopter correction.

Page 13
10.5 Adjusting interpupillary distance
Observing with both eyes, hold the two eyepiece prism assem-
blies. Rotate them around their common axis until the elds of
view match.
• The graduation on the interpupillary distance indicator
①, pointed by the spot “.” on the eyepiece holder, shows
the distance between the operator’s eyes. (Fig. 14)
The range of the interpupillary distance is 48-75mm.
FFig. 14ig. 14
FFig. 15ig. 15
FFig. 16ig. 16
FFig. 17ig. 17
①
①
10.6 Use of eyeshields
• Use with eyeglasses
Fold rubber eyeshields with both hands. Folded eyeshields avoid
scratching the lenses of eyeglasses. (Fig. 15)
• Use without eyeglasses
Raise eye shields and observe at the microscope placing eyes
to the shields, avoiding external light to disturb the observation.
(Fig. 16)
10.7 Selecting the light path
• The observation head is equipped with an optical path
selector that allows the light to be distributed to the eyepieces
and to the photo / TV port.
1. Move the selector ① to the left (In) or to the right (Out) to
distribute the light. (Fig. 17)
POSITION LIGHT
Out 100% EYEPIECES
In 50% EYEPIECES - 50% TV

Page 14
M-793.1 Holder for Petri diameter 38 mm (holder for Terasaki needed
M-793.2 Holder for Terasaki and Petri diameter 65 mm
M-793.3 Holder for slide and Petri diameter 54 mm
M-793.4 Holder for 2+2 slides
M-793.6 Holder for Utermöhl-Chamber (holder for Petri diameter 54 mm needed)
M-793.7 Load-bearing side extension
10.8 Stage and stage inserts
• 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 below) on the stage, and x it with the stage clip.
2. Turning the X and Y knobs, move the specimen to the re-
quired position. (Movement Range: 120 (width) × 78 (length)
mm).
Moving the specimen
Move the specimen to the desired position by freehand or by
turning the knobs ①of the mechanical stage. (Fig. 18)
• When switching objectives, take care not to touch the
holder plates with the objectives, as their weight may
damage the front lens.
FFig. 18ig. 18
①

Page 15
10.8.1 Installing stage inserts
1. Install the holder in the mechanical stage. (Fig. 19)
FFig. 21ig. 21
FFig. 22ig. 22
①
APERTURE
DIAPHRAGM
FIELD OF VIEW
30-20%
70-80%
FFig. 20ig. 20
FFig. 19ig. 19
2. Multi well plates can be directly inserted in the mechanical
stage. (Fig. 20)
10.9 Aperture diaphragm
The Numerical Aperture (N.A.) value of the aperture diaphragm
a󰀨ects the image contrast. Increasing or reducing this value one
can vary resolution, contrast and depth of focus of the image.
With low contrast specimens move the Aperture Diaphragm lever
(AS) ① to set the numerical aperture to about 70%-80% of the
objective’s N.A. (Fig. 21)
If necessary, remove one eyepiece and, looking into empty
sleeve, adjust the aperture diaphragm ring in order to obtain an
image like the one in Fig. 22.

Page 16
10.10Usingcolorlters
Selecting the appropriate color lter according your need. (Fig.
23)
FILTER USE
Green (IF550) Phase contrast microscopy
Blue (LBD) Conversion to daylight
FFig. 23ig. 23

Page 17
FFig. 25ig. 25
② ③
FFig. 26ig. 26
11. Use of the microscope in phase contrast
11.1 Installing the phase contrast slider
1. Insert the slider into the lower slot of the illumination system,
printed face up. (Fig. 24)
2. Pull the slider into the desired position, until it arrives to the
click stop.
3. When in phase contrast observation, keep the aperture dia-
phragm adjustment lever ① on the “O” (open) position.
FFig. 24ig. 24
①
④
11.2 Phase contrast slider
• The phase ring is pre-centered when the microscope leaves
the factory. It should therefore need no further adjustment.
Should a re-centering is needed, it can be performed via the
two side bolts (see chapter 10.3).
• The 4x/10x position ② must be used with 4x and 10x phase
contrast objectives, the 20x/40x position ③ with the 20x and
40x and the SL position ④ is used for brighteld. (Fig. 25)
SLIDER
POSITION MEANING APPLICATION
SL empty hole brighteld
observation
4x/10x phase ring 4x/10x phase contrast observation with 4x and
10x objectives
20x/40x phase ring 20x/40x phase contrast observation with 20x
and 40x objectives
11.3 Centering the phase ring
• Usually this operation is not needed. If necessary, please
proceed with the following steps:
1. Place a specimen on the stage and focus it.
2. Take out the eyepiece from the eyepiece tube without the di-
opter adjustment, and replace it with the centering telescope
(CT). (Fig. 26)
3. Check that the phase ring and the objective match, and that
both are steadily set on a click stop.

Page 18
4. Use the CT to focus the condenser phase ring (bright) ① and
the objective phase ring (dark) ②image. If the bright phase
ring’s image is not sharp, adjust the CT head until you can
see a clear image of the phase ring. (Fig. 27)
5. Adjust the bolts of the two centering holes in the phase con-
trast slider using the provided Allen wrenches ③ until the
bright ring and the dark ring match. (Fig. 28)
6. The 4x and the 10X phase contrast objectives use the same
ring on the phase contrast slider. The coincidence of the
phase ring center and the phase contrast center must be
veried with both objectives. (Fig. 29)
• If the phase ring is incorrectly centered, 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specimenisnotat.
FFig. 27ig. 27
②
①
FFig. 28ig. 28
FFig. 29ig. 29
③

Page 19
12. Use of the microscope in RPC
Relief phase contrast (RPC) is a modication of conventional phase contrast that leads to visible improvements in image
quality in optical microscopy. Specically, the following parameters can be improved: contrast, focal depth, sharpness,
three-dimensionality, atness, and halo artifacts. These e󰀨ects can be achieved when the phase rings of the condenser are
replaced by slit rings.
Similar to phase contrast observation, RPC observation requires the use of a slider containing slit phase rings and dedicated
RPC objectives.
The use of the slider and objective are identical to those for phase contrast.
12.1 Installing the RPC slider
1. Insert the slider into the lower slot of the illumination system,
printed face up. (Fig. 30)
2. Pull the slider into the desired position, until it arrives to the
click stop.
3. When in RPC observation, keep the aperture diaphragm ad-
justment lever ① on the “O” (open) position.
FFig. 31ig. 31
② ③
FFig. 30ig. 30
①
FFig. 32ig. 32
②④
12.2 RPC slider
• Two sliders are available for the use with di󰀨erent objectives.
• One slider is dedicated to 4X objective (Fig. 31) and another
is for 10X/20X/40X objectives. (Fig. 32)
• Both have an empty hole and a RPC ring.
SLIDER
POSITION MEANING APPLICATION
EMPTY empty hole ②brighteld
observation
4x RPC ring 4x ③RPC observation with
4x objective
10x/20x/40x RPC ring
10x/20x/40x ④
RPC observation with
10x, 20x and 40x
objectives

Page 20
12.3 RPC observation
• RPC rings don’t need a centering.
1. Place a specimen on the stage and focus it.
2. Check that the RPC ring and the objective match, and that
both are steadily set on a click stop.
3. While observing in the eyepiece, modulate the contrast of the
sample by turning the ring nut mounted on the slider. (Fig. 33)
• The image will take on a di󰀨erent three-dimensional e󰀨ect
depending on the position of the slit.
• When using the RPC with the 4x objective, the use of the
di󰀨userlterisrecommended(seesection10.8.8). FFig. 33ig. 33