Swift M15 Series User manual

Swift M15 Series
Compound Microscope
Use and Care Manual
SWIFT OPTICAL Enduring Quality and Technical Excellence

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SWIFT M15
Your Swift M15 microscope is an instrument of precision, both optically
and mechanically and will last a lifetime with a minimum amount of
maintenance. It is built to the highest and most rigid optical and
mechanical standards and has many built-in features to insure durability
and high performance in the hands of both student and professional
users.
Illuminator
Objective
Slide Holder
Head
Eyepiece
On/Off Switch
Illuminator Rheostat
Iris Diaphragm
Mechanical
Stage Control
Coarse Focus
Control
Diopter
Adjustment
Fine Focus
Control
Arm
Base
Nosepiece

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COMPONENTS OF THE MICROSCOPE
ARM – the vertical column (attached to the base) which supports the
stage, and contains the coarse and fine adjusting knobs and mechanism.
BASE – the housing and platform of the instrument to which the arm is
attached. The base stands on rubber feet and contains the illuminator
assembly.
COARSE FOCUS – the larger, outside knob of the focus control which
facilitates rapid and heavy movement of the focusing mechanism. In order
to prevent gear damage, the focus control is equipped with an upper limit
stopper that protects the high magnification objectives and slides.
COAXIAL CONTROLS – the focusing mechanism moves the stage up
and down to bring the specimen into focus. The coaxial focusing system
combines both the coarse and fine focus into one knob located on both
sides of the microscope. The control is designed for a continuous
operation over the range of the stage movement. The system is also
furnished with a tension control to prevent “stage drift”.
CONDENSER – the function of the condenser is to provide full
illumination to the specimen plane and to enhance the resolution and
contrast of the object being viewed. The standard condenser of the M10
Series has a numerical aperture of 1.25 with filter carrier and iris
diaphragm. It is mounted in a sub–stage focusing assembly that can be
raised or lowered for precise light control.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT – located on the left eyepiece of the binocular
head and is designed to help compensate the difference between the
user’s eyes.
EYEPIECES – the upper optical element that further magnifies the
primary image of the specimen and brings the light rays in focus at the
eye-point.
FINE FOCUS – the smaller inner knobs of the focus control which allows
for slow and subtle focusing movement to bring the specimen into sharp
focus.
HEAD – the upper portion of the microscope which contains the refracting
prisms and the eyepiece tubes which hold the eyepieces.
ILLUMINATION – the built-in light source which provides the optical
system with light. The M10 Series uses a variable intensity 6V 20W
Halogen.

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IRIS DIAPHRAGM – a multi-leaf round shaped device which is controlled
by a lever. It is similar to a camera shutter, and is installed under the
condenser. By moving the lever back and forth, the iris diaphragm opens
and closes, increasing and decreasing the contrast of the specimen. If the
image is “washed out” the iris diaphragm is opened too wide. If the image
is too dark the iris is not open wide enough.
NOSEPIECE – the revolving turret that holds the objective lenses,
permitting changes in magnification by rotating different powered
objective lenses into the optical path. The nosepiece must “click” into
place for the objectives to be in proper alignment.
OBJECTIVES – the infinity plan optical system which magnifies the
primary image of the instrument. Magnifications are typically 4X, 10X,
40X and 100X.
SIEDENTOPF – a binocular head design where the interpupillary
adjustment (increasing or decreasing the distance between the
eyepieces) is achieved by twisting the eyepiece tubes in an up and down
arc motion similar to binoculars.
STAGE – the table of the microscope where the slide is placed for
viewing. This component moves upward and downward when the
focusing knobs are turned. The stage of the M10 has a built-in mechanical
stage with a below-stage ergonomic “X” and “Y” axis controls. A finger
clip holds the slide securely and is designed to be a slow return holder to
provide protection to the specimen.
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY
“COATED” LENS – in attempting to transmit light through glass, much of
the light is lost through reflection. Coating a lens increases the light
transmission by reducing or eliminating reflection, thus allowing more light
to pass through.
COMPOUND MICROSCOPE – a microscope having a primary magnifier
(the objective) and a second (the eyepiece) to both conduct light, amplify
magnification and convert the image into a field of view easily seen by the
human eye.
COVER GLASS – thin glass cut in circles, rectangles, or squares, for
covering the specimen (usually a thickness of 0.15 to 0.17mm). The
majority of specimens should be protected by a cover glass, and must be
covered when using 40XRD or 100XRD objectives.

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DEPTH OF FOCUS – the ability of a lens to furnish a distinct image
above and below the focal plane. Depth of focus decreases with the
increase of numerical aperture or with the increase of magnification.
EYE POINT or EYE RELIEF – the distance from the eye lens of the
eyepiece to your eye where a full field of view is seen.
FIELD OF VIEW – the area of the object that is seen when the image is
observed. It may range in diameter from several millimeters to less than
0.1mm.
FOCAL LENGTH – parallel rays of light after refraction through a lens will
be brought to a focus at the focal point. The distance from the optical
center of the lens to the focal point is the focal length.
NUMERICAL APERTURE (NA) – a measure of an objective’s light
gathering capabilities. The concept may be compared to the F-valve in
photographic lenses. Generally speaking, N.A. values of less than 1.00
are "Dry" objectives. Values of 1.00 or greater require oil as a medium.
Please note that condensers are part of the optical system and are also
assigned an N.A. value. That value must be at least as high as that of the
highest objective used.
PARFOCAL – a term applied to objectives and eyepieces when
practically no change in focus is needed when changing objectives. The
objectives on your microscope are parfocaled at the factory so that only
a slight adjustment of the fine focus knob is needed to maintain focus
when switching magnification.
RESOLUTION or RESOLVING POWER – the ability of a lens to define
the details of the specimen at a maximum magnification. This is governed
by the NA (Numerical Aperture) of the lens. For example, a 40X objective
with NA 0.65 has a maximum resolving power of 650X, equal to 1000
times the NA. This rule of NA x 1000 is true of all achromatic objectives.
WORKING DISTANCE – the distance from the lens of the objective to the
cover slip on the slide, when the specimen is in focus.

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ASSEMBLY

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USING THE SWIFT M15 MICROSCOPE
Once you have learned the terminology and purpose of each component
of the microscope, use of the microscope is simple. By following these
steps, you will be able to begin studying the specimen quickly and easily.
1. Open the slide holder of the mechanical stage and carefully place the
slide against the fixed side and back edge of the mechanical stage.
Now slowly release the slide holder lever to hold the slide in place.
2. Align the specimen under the objective lens by using the adjustment
knobs under the mechanical stage. The bottom knob moves the slide
from right/left while the top knob adjusts the slide from front/back.
These knobs allow for precise movement and scanning of the slide.
3. Rotate the nosepiece to place the lowest power objective (4XD) over
the specimen. Be sure the objective “clicks” into position.
4. Adjust the interpupillary distance of the Siedentopf binocular head for
a comfortable view. Align the eyepiece tubes of the binocular head to
create one perfect circle, by moving the eyepiece tubes in an arc
motion.
5. While viewing through the eyepiece, rotate the coarse focus knob to
bring the specimen into focus. This should be done slowly and
carefully.
6. To adjust the contrast of the specimen, open the iris diaphragm to its
largest aperture. If additional contrast is required to permit accurate
viewing of the specimen, the diaphragm should be slowly closed until
the details of the specimen are sharply defined. Be careful not to
close the aperture too much. Although you may be achieving a higher
contrast, the fine structure of the image maybe destroyed. Reducing
the aperture increases the contrast and depth of focus, but it also
reduces resolution and introduces diffraction. The aperture must be
adjusted for each objective.
NA 0.25 for 10XD
NA 0.65 for 40XRD
NA 1.25 for 100XRD
The iris diaphragm is not intended to control the brightness of the
illumination, but induce contrast of the specimen by diffracting light
rays.
7. Use the fine focus control to complete the focus and produce the
sharpest image.

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8. For additional clarity, use the left eye diopter adjustment to correct the
differences between the user’s eyes. Set the adjustable left eye
diopter at zero. Then focus with the coaxial focusing knob, using your
right eye only (close your left eye). Now using your left eye only,
adjust the diopter ring until a clear image is seen (close your right
eye). The diopter adjustment is now set to the users eyes and will not
need to be adjusted again until a different user uses the microscope.
9. Now you can rotate the nosepiece to higher magnification objectives.
The objectives are parfocaled so that once the lowest objective (4XD)
is focused, only a slight turn of the fine focusing knob is required
when changing to 10XD, 40XRD and 100XRD objectives.
OIL IMMERSION
It is desirable to use immersion oil with the 100XRD objective. Oil
generates a fine resolution and brightness of the image viewed through
the microscope. Drop a tiny amount of oil (1 drop) onto the slide prior to
focusing with the 100XRD objective (between the slide and the objective
tip). It is essential to thoroughly clean the objective tip after use. Please
contact Swift Optical or your authorized Swift dealer for the appropriate
immersion oil to use.
IMPORTANT: The focal distance of the 100XRD and 40XRD objective to
the slide surface is very close and only the 100XRD objective is sealed to
prevent immersion oil contamination, it is a good practice to avoid
dragging the 40XRD objective through an oiled slide.
COMMON PROBLEMS IN MICROSCOPY
If you have a problem, you may be able to correct it yourself. Here are a
few common problems and easy solutions you may want to try before
calling for service.
CAUTION – Never disassemble electrical, mechanical or optical
components. This servicing should only be done by an authorized Swift
technician. The Limited Lifetime Warranty will be null and void if
disassembled by a non-Swift dealer.
Immersion Oil
100XRD Objective
Slide

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A. PROBLEM - Image appears “washed out” or weak
CORRECTION -
1. Slowly close the iris diaphragm.
2. Objective lens is dirty. See “Care and Cleaning” Section
3. Eyepiece is dirty. See “Care and Cleaning” Section
B. PROBLEM - Hairs or dust seem to be moving in the image
CORRECTION - The iris diaphragm is not open wide enough. Slowly
open the iris diaphragm to increase the size of the opening allowing
for additional illumination.
C. PROBLEM - Unable to bring specimen into focus with any objective
CORRECTION - Eye lens of the eyepiece is partially unscrewed.
Remove the eyepiece and screw the two sections together.
D. PROBLEM - Image of the specimen goes out of the focus all by itself.
CORRECTION – Increase the focus tension by turning the tension
knob found next to the left coarse focus knob.
E. PROBLEM – Focusing knobs turn with difficulty even with tension
knob loosened.
CORRECTION - Microscope should be disassembled by qualified,
authorized repairman, cleaned and re-lubricated.
CARE AND CLEANING
Swift microscopes are designed to function with minimal maintenance, but
certain components should be cleaned frequently to ensure ease of
viewing. The power switch should be turned off or the microscope should
be unplugged when not in use.
CLEANING – The front lens of the objectives (particularly the 40XRD and
100XRD) should be cleaned after use. The lens surface may be gently
cleaned with a soft camel hair brush, or blown off with clean, oil-free air to
remove dust particles. Then wipe gently with a soft lens tissue, moistened
with optical cleaner (eyeglass or camera lens) or clean water. Immediately
dry with a clean lens paper.
CAUTION - Objectives should never be disassembled by the user. If
repairs or internal cleaning should be necessary, this should only be done
by qualified, authorized microscope technician. The eyepiece(s) may be
cleaned in the same manner as the objectives, except in most cases
optical cleaner will not be required. In most instances breathing on the

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eyepiece to moisten the lens and wiping dry with a clean lens tissue is
sufficient to clean the surface. Lenses should never be wiped while dry as
this will scratch or otherwise mar the surface of the glass.
The finish of the microscope is hard epoxy and is resistant to acids and
reagents. Clean this surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Periodically, the microscope should be disassembled, cleaned and
lubricated. This should only be done by a qualified, authorized microscope
technician.
DUST COVER AND STORAGE – All microscopes should be protected
from dust by a dust cover when in storage or not in use. A dust cover is
the most cost-effective microscope insurance you can buy. Ensure that
the storage space is tall enough to allow the microscope to be placed into
the cabinet or onto a shelf without making undue contact with the
eyepieces. Never store microscopes in cabinets containing chemicals
which may corrode your microscope. Also, be sure that the objectives are
placed in the lowest possible position and the rotating head is turned
inward and not protruding from the base. Microscopes with mechanical
stages should be adjusted toward the center of the stage to prevent the
moveable arms of the mechanical stage from being damaged during
storage in the cabinet.
HALOGEN REPLACEMENT
The Swift M15 is equipped with a 6V 20W halogen illumination system.
The life of the halogen bulb may vary depending on use and intensity. To
prolong the life of the halogen, you should always turn off the unit when
not in use.
WARNING: FOR YOUR SAFETY, TURN SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE
PLUG FROM POWER SOURCE OUTLET BEFORE MAINTAINING
YOUR MICROSCOPE.
a. Carefully lay instrument on its side, taking care to avoid damage to
the specimen slide holder located on top of mechanical stage.
b. Loosen large chrome locking screw located on hinged door of
illuminator base.
c. Swing door open to expose the halogen lamp.

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d. Using a tissue or cloth to gently grasp the halogen bulb, pull straight
out of lamp socket.
e. Your microscope requires a 6 volt, 20 watt halogen bulb, available
from the dealer from which you purchased your microscope. This is
a common microscope bulb, Osram “Xenophot HLX #64250 ESB”
f. Make certain that new bulb is clean, as fingerprints on bulb can affect
light transmission. Grasping bulb gently with a tissue or cloth, insert
pins straight into lamp socket.
g. Carefully clean lamp to assure that it is clean and free of all
fingerprints.
h. Close hinged door and tighten locking screw.

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SWIFT OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC. LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
The Swift Optical Instruments, Inc. Limited Lifetime Warranty assures
that the microscope is guaranteed against defects in material and
workmanship for the life of the product. Electrical components are
covered for three years; video components are covered for one year
after purchase. Normal wear, routine maintenance, light bulbs, power
supplies, rechargers, batteries, fuses, cords, add-on accessories,
damage resulting from repair by unauthorized parties, accident,
alteration, shipping, misuse or abuse is not covered. Warranty service is
provided by Swift Optical Instruments, Inc.’s authorized technicians.
Determination of warranty is at the technician’s discretion.
Other than set forth above, Swift hereby disclaims all warranties,
expressed or implied, of fitness for a particular purpose.
Defective products covered by the warranty will be repaired free of
charge when they are returned, postpaid, to:
Swift Optical Instruments, Inc.
Attn: Warranty Repair
11113 Landmark 35 Drive
San Antonio, TX 78233
For all warranty repairs or service requests, please call the Swift repair
department at [phone] before anything is shipped. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
*For customers living outside the United States, Swift Optical
Instruments, Inc. will provide standard warranty service. However,
inbound & outbound shipping cost is the responsibility of the consumer.
Swift Optical Instruments, Inc.● [phone]
www.swiftoptical.com