Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘BEST Pathology Microscope? Olympus BX41!’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about one of my favorite microscopes, the Olympus BX41.

This particular microscope is set up for pathology use, and the BX41 is one of the refurbished microscopes that goes out our door more than just about any other model we sell.

We’re going to take a closer look at the microscope, go over some of its features, and discuss some of the different options available.

Tilting Binocular Head

This BX41 is equipped with a tilting binocular head, which is probably the most common head we sell with this microscope.

It’s very ergonomic and can be tilted up or down to provide a more comfortable viewing position.

The microscope has Olympus WHN 10X/22 eyepieces, providing a 22 mm field of view.

If you’re a pathologist and need to make measurements, a reticle can be installed in the eyepiece. The eyepiece has a reticle shelf inside specifically for this purpose.

Reticles are often installed in a focusable eyepiece, allowing you to adjust the focus of the reticle independently and get a nice, sharp image.

Trinocular Head Option

Another option for the BX41 is a trinocular head, such as the Olympus U-TR30-2.

It installs in the same location as the tilting binocular head and can be secured using the microscope’s built-in 3 mm Allen wrench.

Whenever installing or removing a microscope head, always keep one hand on the head until you’re certain that it is securely tightened.

The trinocular head includes a pull rod that controls how the light is directed between the eyepieces and the camera port. Depending on the position of the rod, you can direct the light to the eyepieces, split the light between the eyepieces and camera, or direct the light to the camera.

This makes the trinocular configuration a good choice if you plan to add a microscope camera.

Nosepiece and Objectives

Moving down the microscope, this particular BX41 has a six-position nosepiece.

This version does not have a slot for an analyzer, although nosepieces with an analyzer slot are available. The BX41 will also commonly be found with a five-position nosepiece.

For this pathology configuration, we have:

• 2X objective
• 4X objective
• 10X objective
• 20X objective
• 40X objective

That’s a very common objective configuration for pathology.

There are also a wide variety of objective options available, including Plan, Plan Fluorite, and Plan Apo objectives, depending on your application and image-quality requirements.

Stage Options

This microscope has a mechanical stage with a slide holder.

If you prefer to move the slide manually with your fingers, the slide holder can be removed.

You can also configure the microscope with a stage that doesn’t have the coaxial stage controls. This keeps the controls out of the way for pathologists who prefer to manipulate their slides by hand.

Flip-Out Condenser

Underneath the stage, we have a flip-out condenser.

The reason we use this condenser on pathology microscopes is to properly fill the field when using low-magnification objectives such as the 2X or 1.25X.

Without the appropriate low-magnification condenser configuration, you may see vignetting or a shadow around the outside edge of the field when using the 2X objective.

Daylight Blue Filter

This BX41 uses a halogen illumination system, so you’ll also find a daylight blue filter in the illumination path.

If we remove that filter, you’ll notice that the halogen illumination has a warmer, more yellow appearance.

The daylight blue filter helps correct that warmer color temperature and produces a cooler, whiter appearance through the microscope.

Field Diaphragm and Light Control

The BX41 also has a field diaphragm and an adjustable light-intensity control.

There’s also a preset illumination feature. When the preset button is engaged, you’ll see the indicator illuminate.

Once you’ve determined the illumination level you prefer, the preset can be adjusted with a small flathead screwdriver. With the preset engaged, the illumination remains at that predetermined level.

This can be particularly useful in a laboratory with multiple microscope users because it allows you to establish a consistent illumination setting.

BX41 Lamp Housing

Another component worth discussing is the lamp housing.

The BX41 uses a 6V, 30W halogen bulb, and we have other videos demonstrating how to replace the bulb.

If you’ve recently installed a new bulb but the microscope still doesn’t illuminate—even though the microscope’s power indicator comes on—there’s a possibility that the lamp housing itself has failed and needs to be replaced.

These lamp housings are relatively inexpensive to replace and can help keep an older BX41 working for many more years.

Condenser Centering and Köhler Illumination

When reassembling the microscope, make sure the condenser is properly seated in the substage assembly.

You’ll also see two condenser-centering controls. These are used when setting Köhler illumination.

We have another video specifically demonstrating how to set Köhler illumination, and we’ll include a link to that video in the description.

Proper setup and alignment help ensure that the microscope performs as intended and that the objectives remain parfocal as you move from one magnification to another.

Handling the Nosepiece and Objectives

One important tip when removing or installing the nosepiece is to lower the stage first.

The nosepiece and objectives can be heavier than you might expect, so support the assembly securely. It’s always a good idea to use two hands whenever possible.

I’ve done this a lot, but I still make sure everything is supported until I know it’s securely locked in place.

Why We Like the Olympus BX41

That’s basically the Olympus BX41.

I really like this microscope. It has a strong, heavy-duty aluminum frame, and these microscopes have stood the test of time. Many of them are now 15 to 20 years old and are still excellent instruments.

You can also upgrade a BX41 to LED illumination, which can give an older microscope a much more modern illumination system.

For a pathology configuration like this one, you’re looking at a refurbished microscope in the neighborhood of $5,000, depending on the exact configuration and options.

It’s a great choice for a new lab, dermatopathology, home pathology applications, clinical laboratory work, hospital use, or anyone looking to upgrade their existing microscope.

Contact Munday Scientific

If you have any questions about the Olympus BX41 or need help choosing a microscope configuration, give us a call.

Munday Scientific
Phone: 919-775-1517

Contact information

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to Videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post BEST Pathology Microscope? Olympus BX41! appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Parfocal a Unitron Z645 Stereo Microscope’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to show you how to parfocal the zoom on a stereo microscope.

For this example, we’re using a Unitron Z645 stereo microscope, along with one of our Unitron cameras and a tablet display so you can easily see what we’re doing.

Start at the Lowest Magnification

We’ve intentionally started with the microscope out of focus.

Begin by setting the stereo microscope to its lowest magnification. With the microscope at the low end of its zoom range, use the main focus control to bring your specimen into focus.

Zoom to the Highest Magnification

Once the specimen is focused at the lowest magnification, zoom the microscope all the way in to its highest magnification.

At the highest magnification, bring the specimen back into sharp focus.

We’re using the tablet and camera for this demonstration so you can clearly see the focusing process.

Return to the Lowest Magnification

Once you have achieved sharp focus at the highest magnification, zoom the microscope back out to the lowest magnification.

At this point, if you’re working directly through the eyepieces rather than using a camera, you’ll use the diopter adjustments on the eyepieces to fine-tune the focus.

Adjust the Eyepiece Diopters

Look through the microscope and adjust each eyepiece’s diopter individually until the specimen is in sharp focus.

Perform this adjustment for both eyepieces.

The important point is that once you’ve established focus using the microscope’s main focus control at the high end of the zoom range, use the eyepiece diopters to make the necessary correction at the low end.

Check the Parfocality

Once both eyepieces have been properly adjusted, test the microscope by slowly zooming from the lowest magnification to the highest magnification and then back again.

The specimen should remain in focus throughout the entire zoom range without requiring significant adjustment of the microscope’s main focus control.

Looking through this particular Unitron Z645, we can see that the specimen holds focus throughout the entire zoom range.

The microscope is now properly parfocal.

About the Unitron Z645

The Unitron Z645 is an excellent stereo microscope that can be used for a wide variety of inspection applications, including:

• Coin inspection
• Jewelry inspection
• Entomology
• Industrial inspection
• General laboratory and inspection work

Its zoom range makes it particularly useful for applications where you need to move between lower and higher magnifications while maintaining a clear view of the specimen.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about parfocaling your stereo microscope or about the Unitron Z645, contact Munday Scientific.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com
Phone: 919-775-5596

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to Videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post Parfocal a Unitron Z645 Stereo Microscope appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Nikon E600 Polarizing Microscope Assembly’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we have a Nikon E600 polarizing microscope that has just been sold.

We’re going to show you how to take the microscope apart, put it back together, and go over a few of its important features. This should make things much easier for the customer when the microscope arrives, and it may also be helpful if you already own a Nikon E600 polarizing microscope.

Built-In 2 mm Allen Wrench

The first thing to notice is the Allen wrench stored at the rear of the microscope.

This is a 2 mm Allen wrench, and we’ll use it for several of the disassembly procedures. If the original wrench is missing from your microscope, you can simply replace it with a standard 2 mm Allen wrench.

Removing the Trinocular Head

This microscope is equipped with a trinocular head.

To remove it, use the 2 mm Allen wrench to loosen the retaining screw. Keep one hand securely on the head while loosening the screw, then carefully lift the head from the microscope.

The head is equipped with CFI 10x eyepieces with a 22 mm field of view.

Because this microscope is configured for polarizing applications, one of the eyepieces also contains a crosshair reticle.

Trinocular Light Path

The trinocular head allows you to control how the microscope’s light is directed between the eyepieces and camera.

In the binocular position, the light is directed to the eyepieces.

The intermediate position provides a binocular/photo setting, which splits the light between the eyepieces and camera.

When the control is pulled completely out, 100% of the light is directed to the camera.

Removing the Intermediate Polarizing Attachment

Next, we’ll remove the intermediate attachment located underneath the trinocular head.

Loosen the retaining screw, support the attachment, and carefully lift it from the microscope.

This assembly contains several important components used for polarized-light microscopy.

Quarter-Wave Plate, Analyzer, and Bertrand Lens

The intermediate attachment includes a quarter-wave plate and a 360-degree rotating analyzer.

The analyzer can be rotated to the desired position. If its retaining screw is tightened, the analyzer will be locked in place and will not rotate.

The assembly also includes a Bertrand lens, which moves smoothly in and out of the optical path.

This microscope has been fully serviced, and all of these controls are operating smoothly.

Removing the Nosepiece

Next, we’ll remove the nosepiece, which is equipped with the microscope’s polarizing objectives.

Before removing the nosepiece, lower the stage to create additional clearance and help protect the objectives.

Locate the nosepiece retaining screw and use the same 2 mm Allen wrench to loosen it.

These nosepieces can be heavier than you might expect, so make sure you have a secure grip on the assembly before loosening it.

To remove the nosepiece, pull it straight forward and then lower it downward.

It does not simply slide straight out. The nosepiece needs to drop slightly to clear the mounting section before it can be completely removed.

Once it’s free, carefully set it aside.

Rotating Polarizing Stage

This Nikon E600 is equipped with a rotating stage designed for polarized-light microscopy.

The stage rotates very smoothly and includes a click-stop mechanism.

When the click stop is engaged, you’ll feel the stage click into its indexed position, helping you identify the stage’s rotational position during observation.

Removing the Stage Bracket

The stage bracket is another component that will be removed when we prepare the microscope for shipping.

For this step, you’ll need a 3 mm Allen wrench.

Locate the retaining screw on the stage bracket and loosen it with the 3 mm wrench.

Once the screw is loosened, the stage bracket can be lifted directly off the microscope stand.

Condenser and Polarizer

This microscope is equipped with a swing-out condenser that also incorporates a polarizer.

The polarizer can be rotated to adjust its orientation relative to the analyzer.

For transmitted polarized-light microscopy, you can rotate the polarizer and analyzer relative to one another to cross the polarizers as required for your application.

Reassembling the Nikon E600

When you receive this microscope, several of these components will be removed for shipping.

We disassemble our microscopes because we’ve found that doing so significantly reduces the chance of damage during transportation.

Reassembly is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process.

Start by reinstalling the stage bracket and securing it with the 3 mm Allen wrench.

Reinstalling the Nosepiece

Before reinstalling the nosepiece, make sure the stage is lowered to provide adequate clearance.

Carefully position the nosepiece in the mounting area, raise it into position, and slide it back into place.

Secure the retaining screw with the 2 mm Allen wrench.

Whenever you’re installing a component on a microscope, keep one hand on the component until you’re certain that it’s securely tightened and cannot fall.

This is especially important with heavier components such as the nosepiece.

Reinstalling the Intermediate Attachment

Next, reinstall the polarizing intermediate attachment.

Position the assembly correctly on the microscope’s mounting flange or dovetail and tighten the retaining screw.

Make sure the attachment is completely seated and secure before releasing it.

Reinstalling the Trinocular Head

Finally, reinstall the trinocular head.

Seat the head properly on the mounting flange, keep one hand on it for support, and tighten the retaining screw.

Once it’s secure, gently check the head to make sure it cannot move or come loose.

12V, 100W Lamp Housing

This Nikon E600 uses a 12V, 100W lamp housing for transmitted illumination.

If you need to replace the bulb, we have another video demonstrating that procedure.

Neutral Density Filters

The microscope also includes neutral density filters that can be moved in and out of the illumination path.

Push a filter in until it clicks into position to reduce the amount of light reaching the specimen.

Push it again to release it from the light path.

These filters provide a convenient way to reduce illumination without making other changes to the microscope’s optical configuration.

Final Thoughts

That’s a basic overview of this Nikon E600 polarizing microscope, along with the procedures for disassembling and reassembling its major components.

This configuration includes several features specifically designed for polarized-light microscopy, including:

• CFI 10x/22 mm eyepieces
• Crosshair reticle
• Trinocular camera capability
• Quarter-wave plate
• 360-degree rotating analyzer
• Bertrand lens
• Polarizing objectives
• Rotating stage with click stop
• Swing-out condenser
• Rotating polarizer
• 12V, 100W transmitted illumination
• Neutral density filters

When assembling or disassembling the microscope, always support each component until you’re certain it has been properly secured.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Nikon E600 polarizing microscope or other microscope equipment, contact Munday Scientific.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com
Phone: 919-775-1517

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to Videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post Nikon E600 Polarizing Microscope Assembly appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Nikon E400 Upgrade: LED Replacement’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re working on a Nikon E400 microscope that came into the shop with failed illumination electronics.

The original halogen illumination system is no longer working, so rather than repairing the internal electronics, we’re going to install one of our LED conversion kits.

This is a standalone LED system that bypasses the microscope’s original illumination electronics and provides its own light intensity control.

LED Conversion Kit

The LED kit consists of an LED illuminator, an external power supply, and a separate control potentiometer.

The potentiometer becomes the microscope’s new light intensity control, allowing you to increase or decrease the LED illumination without relying on the Nikon E400’s original electronics.

At the time of this video, this particular LED conversion kit costs approximately $300 to $330.

Preparing the Nikon E400

We’ve already removed the original halogen bulb and lamp housing from the rear of the microscope.

Before working on the illumination system, make sure the microscope is turned off and disconnected from its original power source.

The LED conversion is designed to mount directly where the original illumination system was located.

Installing the LED Illuminator

Looking at the LED assembly, you’ll notice a notch in the mounting plate.

This notch fits around the microscope’s original lamp socket.

Position the LED assembly over the rear illumination opening, aligning the notch with the existing socket.

The LED assembly is magnetically mounted, so once it’s properly positioned, it simply snaps into place.

It’s a very quick and easy installation.

Connecting the LED

Once the LED illuminator is attached to the microscope, connect the LED to the external controller.

Next, connect the power supply to the controller and plug the power supply into a standard electrical outlet.

The new LED illumination system is now operational.

The external potentiometer controls the brightness, completely bypassing the microscope’s failed internal illumination electronics.

Removing the Blue Filter

One other thing to consider when converting a halogen microscope to LED illumination is the blue filter.

Halogen bulbs naturally produce a warmer-colored light, so microscopes may use a daylight blue filter to create a cooler, more neutral-looking illumination.

LED illumination already produces a crisp white light, so that blue filter may no longer be necessary.

We’ve removed the filter from this microscope for the demonstration. If you leave the blue filter in place after converting to LED, you may find that the resulting illumination looks excessively blue.

If that’s the case, simply remove the filter from the light path.

An Alternative to Repairing the Original Electronics

With the LED conversion installed, this Nikon E400 is back in operation.

Instead of repairing or replacing the microscope’s failed internal illumination electronics, we’ve bypassed them with a standalone LED system.

This provides a less expensive repair option with limited downtime for the customer.

This microscope was brought into our shop so we could confirm that the original electronics had failed. With the LED conversion installed and tested, the microscope is ready to go back to the customer.

Final Thoughts

Converting a Nikon E400 from halogen to LED illumination can be a practical solution when the microscope’s original lighting electronics fail.

The conversion is straightforward:

1. Remove the original halogen bulb and lamp housing.
2. Position the magnetic LED assembly over the original lamp opening.
3. Connect the LED to the external controller.
4. Connect the external power supply.
5. Adjust the illumination using the new potentiometer.
6. Remove the original blue filter if the LED illumination appears too blue.

The result is a functional microscope with bright LED illumination without the expense and downtime associated with repairing the original illumination electronics.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this LED conversion kit or need help with a Nikon E400 microscope, contact Munday Scientific.

We’ll include a link to the LED conversion kit in the video description.

Phone: 919-775-5596

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to Videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post Nikon E400 Upgrade: LED Replacement appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Mastering the Basics: Nikon Ci-L’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the Nikon Ci-L microscope.

The Nikon Ci-L is a great option for clinical laboratory applications. This particular microscope is equipped with a tilting and telescoping head, which allows the viewing angle and eyepiece position to be adjusted for better ergonomics.

We’re going to go over some of the microscope’s features, then disassemble and reassemble it to show you the major components.

Tilting and Telescoping Head

This microscope is equipped with an ergonomic head that can be tilted up and down and extended forward or backward to provide a comfortable viewing position.

There’s also a camera port on the back of the head. An accessory can be added to split the light and connect a camera to the microscope.

We’ll include information about the appropriate camera accessory in the video description if you’re interested in adding a camera to this configuration.

Condenser and Application Options

This particular Nikon Ci-L is configured for phase contrast, but the microscope can be equipped with different condensers depending on your application.

For example, you can install:

• A phase contrast condenser
• A standard Abbe condenser
• A swing-out condenser for low-magnification applications

For pathology applications, a swing-out condenser allows you to use lower-magnification objectives such as 1x or 2x while properly illuminating the field.

10x Widefield Eyepieces

This microscope has 10x eyepieces with a 22 mm field of view.

Both eyepieces are focusable and lock into the microscope head using small locating notches.

To install an eyepiece, slide it into the head and rotate it until you feel it click into position. Once it clicks into place, you’ll know it’s properly seated.

You can then use the built-in diopter adjustment on each eyepiece to fine-tune the focus for your eyes.

Removing the Microscope Head

To remove the head, locate the knurled retaining screw on the right side of the microscope.

Loosen the screw while supporting the head, then carefully lift the head from the microscope and set it aside.

The Nikon Ci-L can accommodate several different head configurations depending on your application, including:

• A fixed binocular head
• A tilting and telescoping head
• A trinocular head

Removing the Nosepiece

Before removing the nosepiece, lower the stage to provide plenty of clearance between the objectives and stage.

This reduces the chance of accidentally hitting or damaging an objective during removal.

You’ll need a 2 mm Allen wrench.

Locate the access hole for the nosepiece retaining screw and insert the Allen wrench. Loosen the screw, then carefully pull the nosepiece outward and lower it from the microscope.

The Nikon nosepiece uses a locating notch that needs to be properly aligned when reinstalling it.

When putting the nosepiece back on, position it approximately in the center of the mounting notch and make sure it seats correctly before tightening the retaining screw.

Removing the Stage

This microscope is equipped with a right-handed mechanical stage, but the Nikon Ci-L can also be configured with a left-handed stage.

The current stage has a single-slide holder, but other options are available, including:

• A single-slide holder
• A dual-slide holder
• A fixed stage

A fixed stage can be particularly useful for pathologists who prefer to move the slide manually with their fingers.

Once the nosepiece is safely out of the way, the stage can be removed from the microscope.

Removing the Condenser

With the stage removed, we can access the condenser.

Lower the condenser using the substage adjustment.

Locate the condenser retaining screw and use the 2 mm Allen wrench to loosen it.

Once the screw is loose, the condenser slides out of the substage assembly.

This is also how you would remove the existing condenser if you wanted to change the microscope from phase contrast to another configuration.

Light Intensity and Field Diaphragm

The microscope has a light intensity control that allows you to increase or decrease the illumination as needed.

It also has a field diaphragm, which is used when setting Köhler illumination.

These controls allow you to properly configure the illumination for your specimen and objective.

Magnetic Focus Knobs

One feature of the Nikon Ci-L that sometimes causes confusion is the removable focus knobs.

These knobs are magnetically attached.

During shipping or unpacking, one of the knobs may come off. If that happens, don’t assume that something has broken.

The knob has locating features that correspond with the mounting bracket. Simply align the knob correctly and allow the magnet to pull it back into position.

This design is used on both sides of the microscope.

Moving the Extended Focus Knob

The magnetic design also makes it very easy to change which side has the extended focus control.

For example, if you change from a right-handed stage to a left-handed stage and want the extended focus knob on the opposite side, simply remove the magnetic knobs and swap their positions.

Align the locating features and snap each knob back into place.

It’s a very simple and convenient design.

Reinstalling the Condenser

Now we’ll put the microscope back together.

Start by lowering the substage assembly to provide enough working room.

The condenser has a locating pin that corresponds with a notch in the condenser mount.

Slide the condenser into the mount and rotate it until you feel the locating pin properly seat into the notch.

Once it’s fully seated and correctly oriented, tighten the retaining screw.

Reinstalling the Stage

Next, reinstall the mechanical stage.

Position it correctly on the microscope and secure it in place.

Before continuing, make sure the stage operates smoothly and has adequate clearance for the objectives.

Reinstalling the Nosepiece

Next, reinstall the nosepiece.

Align it with the mounting notch and slide it into position. Make sure it is properly centered and fully seated before tightening the retaining screw with the 2 mm Allen wrench.

Once secured, verify that the nosepiece rotates properly and that the objectives have adequate clearance above the stage.

Reinstalling the Microscope Head

Finally, reinstall the tilting and telescoping head.

Seat the head properly on the microscope while supporting it with one hand, then tighten the knurled retaining screw.

Once everything is secure, the microscope is assembled and ready to use.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon Ci-L is a versatile clinical laboratory microscope that can be configured for a wide variety of applications.

Depending on your needs, it can accommodate different viewing heads, camera configurations, right- or left-handed stages, fixed stages, phase contrast, standard brightfield condensers, and low-magnification pathology configurations.

Its tilting and telescoping head and easily repositioned focus controls also provide excellent ergonomic flexibility.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Nikon Ci-L or other microscope equipment, contact Munday Scientific.

Phone: 919-775-5596
Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com

Contact Information

Subscribe to videos: Youtube Channel

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for watching!

The post Mastering the Basics: Nikon Ci-L appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX43 Microscope Basics’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the Olympus BX43 microscope from Olympus/Evident.

The BX43 is an excellent and extremely popular microscope. We’re going to go over some of its basic features, show you how several of the components can be removed or changed, and demonstrate how to use the LIM (Light Intensity Manager) feature.

Power Supply and LED Illumination

First, always make sure you’re using the correct 5V power supply included with the microscope.

The on/off switch is located on the microscope stand, and the BX43 uses a 5V LED illumination system located at the rear of the microscope.

Nosepiece Options

The Olympus BX43 can be configured with several different nosepieces.

Depending on your application, you can use a five-, six-, or seven-position nosepiece, with both coded and non-coded versions available.

On a coded configuration, the nosepiece connects electronically to the microscope through a plug at the rear of the nosepiece assembly.

Built-In 3 mm Allen Wrench

Like other microscopes in the Olympus BX Series, the BX43 includes a very useful 3 mm Allen wrench that’s stored directly on the microscope.

This tool can be used for several common procedures, including removing the microscope head and nosepiece.

Removing or Changing the Microscope Head

To remove the microscope head, use the 3 mm Allen wrench to loosen the head’s retaining screw.

Once the screw is loose, carefully lift the head from the microscope.

One advantage of the BX43 is the variety of head configurations available. Depending on your application, you can install options such as:

• A fixed binocular head
• A trinocular head
• A tilting head
• A tilting and lifting ergonomic head

You can also add a U-TRU camera port, allowing you to retain an ergonomic viewing configuration while adding a camera to the microscope.

Removing the Nosepiece

To remove the nosepiece, begin by lowering the stage to provide enough clearance.

Before removing a coded nosepiece, make sure the microscope is turned off and unplugged.

Using the 3 mm Allen wrench, loosen the nosepiece retaining screw. The nosepiece can then slide out of the microscope.

If you have a coded nosepiece, disconnect its electrical plug at the rear.

The objectives and nosepiece can then be removed as an assembly or separated as needed.

Stage Options

The Olympus BX43 can also be configured with several different stage arrangements.

You can use a:

• Right-handed mechanical stage
• Left-handed mechanical stage
• Fixed stage

A fixed stage can be particularly useful for pathologists who prefer to manipulate the slide directly with their fingers.

This particular BX43 is equipped with a right-handed mechanical stage.

The stage can be removed and set aside when access to the condenser and substage assembly is needed.

Condenser and Substage Assembly

Below the stage is the substage bracket and condenser.

This particular microscope has been configured for pathology and uses a swing-out condenser.

The condenser’s top lens can be moved out of the optical path to properly fill the field when using low-power objectives such as 2x or 1.25x.

Removing and Reinstalling the Condenser

Lower the condenser using the substage adjustment.

A retaining screw on the side secures the condenser in place. Loosen this screw, and the condenser can be removed from the microscope.

When reinstalling the condenser, pay attention to the locating pin on the condenser and the corresponding notch in the mount.

Position the pin correctly in the notch and slide the condenser into place. This helps ensure that the condenser is properly oriented before you begin aligning the illumination system.

Setting Köhler Illumination

The BX43 includes the condenser adjustments and field diaphragm necessary for setting Köhler illumination.

Once the condenser is installed correctly, it can be centered and adjusted to properly illuminate the specimen.

We have another video demonstrating how to set Köhler illumination on a microscope, specifically using an Olympus BX Series system, and we’ll include a link in the video description.

Reconnecting a Coded Nosepiece

When reinstalling a coded nosepiece, pay close attention to the electrical connector.

There is a small alignment arrow on the connector. Match this arrow with the corresponding arrow on the nosepiece connection at the rear of the microscope.

Once the connector is properly aligned and attached, reinstall the nosepiece and secure it.

The microscope can then be reconnected to its power supply.

Using the LIM Light Intensity Manager

One of the useful features on the Olympus BX43 is the LIM, or Light Intensity Manager.

We get a lot of questions about this feature. Many people don’t use it, but that’s often simply because they aren’t familiar with how it works.

The LIM allows you to save a preferred illumination intensity for each objective.

Setting the Preferred Light Intensity

Start with the LIM button turned off.

Rotate the desired objective into position and adjust the illumination until you find a brightness level that’s comfortable for your eyes and appropriate for your application.

Once you have the light where you want it, press the SET button.

Next, rotate another objective into position.

Again, adjust the light intensity until it’s comfortable and appropriate for that objective, and press SET.

Continue this process for each objective you want to configure.

Activating the LIM

Once you’ve saved the desired illumination level for each objective, press the LIM button to activate the Light Intensity Manager.

Now, as you rotate through the objectives, the microscope automatically changes the illumination intensity to the level you previously selected for each one.

For example, if you prefer a lower light level with one objective and a higher level with another, the BX43 will automatically recall those settings as you change magnifications.

This can make routine microscope work more comfortable and convenient because you don’t have to manually readjust the illumination every time you change objectives.

Final Thoughts

That’s a basic overview of the Olympus BX43 microscope and some of its most useful features.

The BX43 offers a great deal of flexibility, including multiple head configurations, coded and non-coded nosepieces, several stage options, low-power condenser configurations, LED illumination, camera options, and the convenient LIM Light Intensity Manager.

The LIM feature is especially useful once it’s configured for your individual preferences, allowing the microscope to automatically adjust the illumination as you move from one objective to another.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Olympus BX43 or other microscope equipment, contact Munday Scientific.

Phone: 919-775-5596
Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

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We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for watching!

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Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus SZX10 Stereo Microscope Disassembly’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to demonstrate how to disassemble an Olympus SZX10 stereo microscope.

This particular microscope has just been sold, and we’ll be completely disassembling it for safe shipping. We’re going to show the customer how everything comes apart so they’ll also know how to put it back together once it arrives.

You’ll need a few basic Allen wrenches for the procedure, and we’ll include the necessary tools with the microscope when it’s shipped.

Turn Off and Unplug the Microscope

Before beginning any disassembly, make sure the microscope is turned off and unplugged from its power source.

Once that’s done, we can begin removing the individual components.

Removing the Binocular Head

We’ll start with the binocular head.

Using a 3 mm Allen wrench, locate and loosen the retaining screw between the binocular head and microscope body.

Keep a hand on the head while loosening the screw. Once it’s released, carefully lift the head off the microscope and set it aside in a safe location.

Lamp Housing and Bulb

At the rear of the microscope is the lamp housing.

If you ever need to replace the bulb, the lamp assembly can be pulled out from the rear of the stand. This system uses a 6V, 30W bulb.

The microscope base also has a convenient built-in handle, which makes it easier to move the microscope around the laboratory.

Removing the Microscope Assembly From the Stand

This particular Olympus SZX10 is equipped with a dual-objective nosepiece, allowing two objectives to be installed at the same time.

Before we can completely separate the microscope body from the focus mount, we’ll need to remove the microscope assembly and then remove the objectives and dual-objective nosepiece.

First, loosen the retaining control that secures the microscope assembly to the stand.

Support the microscope with your other hand as you loosen it. The entire assembly can then be carefully removed and set aside.

Removing the Analyzer and Objectives

This particular microscope is equipped for polarized light and has an analyzer installed.

The analyzer is held in place by a knurled retaining screw. Loosen the screw and carefully remove the analyzer.

Next, remove each of the two objectives from the dual-objective nosepiece and set them aside somewhere safe.

Removing the Dual-Objective Nosepiece

Once both objectives have been removed, rotate the nosepiece off-center to gain access to its mounting screws.

You’ll need a 2.5 mm Allen wrench for this portion of the disassembly.

There are three mounting screws securing the nosepiece assembly. Loosen and remove the accessible screws.

The third screw may initially be hidden, so rotate the turret until you can access it. Once all three screws have been removed, the entire dual-objective nosepiece assembly can be lifted off.

Removing the Microscope Body From the Focus Mount

Next, we’ll separate the microscope body from the focus mount.

You’ll need a 4 mm Allen wrench for this step.

Locate the retaining screw on the right side of the focus mount. Depending on the microscope, there may be a small white cap covering this screw.

We’ve already removed the cap for this demonstration.

Loosen the retaining screw while supporting the microscope body. Once the screw is loose, the microscope body can slide off the focus mount using its dovetail connection.

At this point, the main microscope assembly has been completely disassembled.

Glass Stage Plate and Polarizer

Returning to the stand, you’ll see the glass stage plate on the microscope base.

On this polarized-light configuration, the polarizer is located underneath the glass plate.

When the microscope is assembled for polarized-light observation, the analyzer can be rotated in relation to the polarizer to cross the polarizers and achieve the desired polarized-light effect.

Removing the Column

If necessary, the microscope’s vertical column can also be removed from the base.

For this procedure, you’ll need a 4 mm Allen wrench.

Loosen the two mounting screws that secure the column to the base. Once they’re loose, the column can be lifted out.

Olympus offers columns in a variety of lengths, allowing the microscope to be configured with additional working distance when required for larger specimens.

Storing the Allen Wrench

Many of these microscope columns also have a convenient storage location at the top for the 3 mm Allen wrench.

We’ll place the wrench there so the customer has easy access to it when the microscope arrives.

Reassembling the Olympus SZX10

To reassemble the microscope, simply perform the disassembly procedure in reverse order.

In general, you’ll:

1. Install and secure the column if it was removed.
2. Slide the microscope body back onto the focus mount and secure it.
3. Reinstall the dual-objective nosepiece.
4. Reinstall both objectives.
5. Reinstall the analyzer.
6. Mount the microscope assembly back onto the stand.
7. Reinstall the binocular head.
8. Verify that all components are properly seated and securely tightened.

Take your time during reassembly, particularly when handling the objectives and optical components.

Final Thoughts

That’s how you disassemble an Olympus SZX10 stereo microscope for safe transportation or shipping.

The microscope breaks down into several major components, and most of the procedure can be completed with 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm Allen wrenches.

When putting everything back together, simply follow the same procedure in reverse.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about disassembling or reassembling your Olympus SZX10, contact Munday Scientific.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com
Phone: 919-775-1517

Contact Us

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

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Thanks for watching!

The post Olympus SZX10 Stereo Microscope Disassembly appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Where does the blue filter go on a microscope?’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the didymium blue filter, what it does, and where it should be installed on a microscope with halogen illumination.

For this demonstration, we’re using an Olympus BX41 microscope.

What Does the Blue Filter Do?

When you receive a microscope from us, you may find a blue filter included in a packet with the microscope. If you already have your microscope, look for a small piece of glass that may have a slightly mirrored appearance.

Halogen bulbs naturally produce light with a warmer color temperature, which can give the field of view a yellow or orange appearance.

The blue filter helps compensate for this warmer illumination, producing a cooler, whiter light through the microscope.

Installing the Filter on an Olympus BX41

On the Olympus BX41, the blue filter is positioned directly above the dust glass beneath the condenser.

When the filter is placed in the light path, you’ll immediately notice the difference in color temperature. The warmer halogen illumination changes to a cooler, whiter appearance.

Filter Location on Other Microscopes

The exact location of the blue filter will vary depending on the microscope model.

In most cases, the filter will be located somewhere underneath the condenser. Depending on the microscope, it may:

• Rest directly on top of the dust glass
• Fit into a filter holder beneath the condenser
• Insert into the bottom of the condenser assembly

Regardless of the exact mounting method, the purpose is the same: placing the blue filter in the illumination path helps correct the warmer color produced by the halogen bulb.

Questions About Your Microscope?

If you’re unsure where the didymium or blue filter belongs on your particular microscope model, contact Munday Scientific and we’ll be happy to help.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com
Phone: 919-775-5596

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to Videos: Youtube Channel

Contact Us

Thanks for watching!

The post Where does the blue filter go on a microscope? appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX51 Fluorescence DIC Breakdown’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to take a look at this Olympus BX51 fluorescence and DIC microscope.

DIC stands for Differential Interference Contrast, also commonly referred to as Nomarski microscopy. This particular microscope has also been configured for fluorescence to meet the customer’s specific application requirements.

Let’s go through the system and take a closer look at how everything works.

Trinocular Head and Camera Light Path

The customer requested a trinocular head so they can capture fluorescence images with a camera.

The trinocular head has a pull rod on the side that controls how the microscope’s light is distributed between the eyepieces and camera.

There are three positions:

• All the way in: 100% of the light goes to the eyepieces.
• Middle position: 50% of the light goes to the eyepieces and 50% goes to the camera.
• All the way out: 100% of the light goes to the camera.

A diagram on the microscope head indicates the three positions.

Accessing the Fluorescence Filter Cubes

Next, let’s look at the fluorescence filter cubes.

To access the cubes, remove the microscope’s 3 mm Allen wrench and locate the retaining screw on the side of the fluorescence illuminator.

Loosen the screw and slide the filter cube assembly out.

This particular microscope is equipped with two fluorescence filter cubes.

Removing and Installing Filter Cubes

Each fluorescence cube is mounted on a dovetail.

To remove a cube, loosen its retaining screw and slide the cube out of the dovetail mount.

To reinstall it, slide the cube back into the dovetail and secure the retaining screw.

When using the microscope for brightfield, make sure the fluorescence filter cubes are moved out of the optical path. Otherwise, you’ll be viewing the brightfield image through the fluorescence filter.

Activating Fluorescence

To use fluorescence, the appropriate filter cube must be positioned in the light path and the fluorescence shutter must be open.

The shutter control allows you to quickly open or block the fluorescence illumination.

If you’re going to step away from the microscope while leaving the fluorescence system powered on, you can close the shutter to block the illumination until you’re ready to continue working.

LED Fluorescence Illumination

This system is also equipped with a single-channel LED fluorescence illuminator.

With the LED system, you can turn the fluorescence excitation illumination on and off directly with the illuminator control.

Turning the LED off effectively serves the same purpose as closing the fluorescence shutter when you don’t need excitation light reaching the specimen.

Understanding the DIC System

This microscope is also configured for Differential Interference Contrast (DIC).

For DIC to operate correctly, the appropriate optical components must be aligned in the light path.

The system uses an analyzer along with the corresponding DIC prism. The DIC adjustment can then be rotated to change the contrast of the image.

Objective Configuration

This BX51 is equipped with the following objectives:

• 10x
• 20x
• 40x
• 60x
• 100x

The nosepiece can be removed using the same 3 mm Allen wrench.

Locate the retaining screw beside the nosepiece and loosen it approximately a quarter turn. Once loosened, the nosepiece can slide out of the microscope.

Matching the Objective and DIC Prism

Each DIC objective must correspond with the appropriate DIC prism in the condenser.

For example, when using the 10x objective, the system needs to have:

1. The 10x objective positioned in the optical path.
2. The DIC analyzer inserted.
3. The corresponding 10x DIC prism positioned in the condenser.

All three components must be properly aligned for the DIC system to work as intended.

The same principle applies when using the 20x, 40x, and 100x DIC objectives.

Accessing the DIC Prisms

This microscope has a right-handed mechanical stage.

The stage can be removed by loosening its thumbscrew, although we’re going to leave it installed for this demonstration.

To access the condenser, lower it using the substage adjustment. Depending on the position of the stage, you may need to raise the stage slightly to provide enough clearance to remove the condenser.

Loosen the condenser retaining thumbscrew, then use the 3 mm Allen wrench as needed to access the prism assembly.

Inside, you’ll see the individual DIC prisms corresponding to the microscope’s objectives.

For example:

• 10x objective → 10x DIC prism
• 20x objective → 20x DIC prism
• 40x objective → 40x DIC prism
• 100x objective → 100x DIC prism

Using the 60x Objective With This Configuration

This particular customer requested a 60x objective, but did not request a dedicated 60x DIC prism.

However, we found that the 60x objective produces a good image when used with the 100x DIC prism in this particular setup.

This gives the customer an additional option if they want to obtain a DIC-style image while using the 60x objective.

Brightfield Illumination Controls

The Olympus BX51 also provides several controls for conventional brightfield microscopy.

The light intensity knob controls the brightness of the transmitted illumination.

The microscope is also equipped with neutral density and light-balancing filters that can be moved in and out of the light path as needed.

LBD Daylight Blue Filter

One of the most commonly used filters is the LBD daylight blue filter.

With halogen illumination, the light naturally has a warmer color temperature. The LBD filter helps compensate for this and provides a cooler, more neutral-looking illumination through the microscope.

If the brightfield image suddenly looks unusually warm or yellowish, check the LBD filter. It may be missing or simply not pushed into the optical path.

On the BX51, these filters can be easily clicked in and out as needed.

Final Thoughts

That’s the basic overview of this Olympus BX51 fluorescence and DIC microscope.

This configuration combines several imaging capabilities in a single microscope, including:

• Brightfield microscopy
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
• Trinocular imaging for camera use
• Multiple objective magnifications from 10x through 100x

The key with DIC is making sure the objective, analyzer, and corresponding DIC prism are properly aligned. For fluorescence, make sure the appropriate filter cube is in the light path and the fluorescence illumination is activated.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about an Olympus BX51, fluorescence microscopy, DIC configurations, or other microscope equipment, feel free to contact Munday Scientific.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Contact Info

Subscribe to videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post Olympus BX51 Fluorescence DIC Breakdown appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX45 Basics Demonstration’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the Olympus BX45 microscope.

The BX45 is a very popular microscope, and we’ve had quite a few of them going out the door recently. We’re going to walk through the configuration of this particular system and show you a few quick tips that may help you get the most out of your microscope.

Built-In 3 mm Allen Wrench

One convenient feature of the Olympus BX Series microscopes is the built-in 3 mm Allen wrench.

The wrench is stored on the microscope stand and can be used for most of the adjustments and procedures we’ll demonstrate. If the original wrench is missing from your microscope, any standard 3 mm Allen wrench should work.

Microscope Head Options

This particular BX45 is currently equipped with a trinocular head, but there are several head configurations available for this microscope.

Depending on your application, you could use:

• A standard fixed binocular head
• A trinocular head
• A black tilting head
• A tilting and telescoping ergonomic head

The customer receiving this particular microscope selected the tilting and telescoping head, so we’ll install that configuration.

The head locks onto the microscope using the retaining screw. Once installed, the telescoping design allows you to move the eyepieces forward or backward to create a more comfortable viewing position.

This can be particularly useful when you want to sit farther back from your desk or workstation.

Fixed Nosepiece Design

On the Olympus BX45, the nosepiece is fixed and travels vertically as you adjust the microscope’s focus.

The nosepiece also includes a dust plug that can be removed if you need to install an analyzer.

The BX45 can be configured with either a five-position or six-position nosepiece. If you need to convert to a six-position nosepiece, we recommend having an authorized microscope service technician perform the change.

Removing the Stage

Before removing the stage, raise the nosepiece completely and make sure the objectives are safely out of the way.

This is important because you don’t want to accidentally hit or damage an objective while lifting the stage off the microscope.

Once you have enough clearance, carefully remove the stage and set it aside.

Condenser Top Lens

With the stage removed, we can get a better look at the condenser system.

The condenser has a top lens that swings in and out of the optical path.

When using a 2x or 1.25x objective, swing the top lens out to properly fill the field of view.

When you move to the 10x objective or higher, swing the top lens back into position.

Setting Köhler Illumination

The 10x objective is typically used when setting Köhler illumination.

The condenser has two centering controls that allow you to properly center the illumination system.

The centering keys are removable and can be threaded into the corresponding adjustment holes when needed.

We have a separate video showing the complete procedure for setting Köhler illumination on this microscope, and we’ll include a link in the video description.

Adding Phase Contrast or a Blue Filter

The condenser assembly can also be configured for additional applications.

Using the retaining screw, you can remove the condenser cassette and access the internal positions for accessories.

Depending on your application, you can install:

• Phase rings
• A daylight blue filter

Adding the appropriate phase rings allows the BX45 to be configured for phase contrast microscopy.

The daylight blue filter can be used with a halogen illumination system to reduce the naturally warm appearance of the halogen light and provide a cooler-looking field.

Adding a Polarizer and Analyzer

The BX45 can also be equipped with a polarizer and analyzer.

The polarizer installs beneath the condenser, while the analyzer is inserted into the analyzer slot near the nosepiece.

With both components installed, you can cross the polarizers for applications requiring polarized illumination.

Repositioning the Fine Focus Control

Here’s another useful adjustment that can improve the ergonomics of the microscope.

On this BX45, the extended fine focus knob is positioned on the right side. Depending on your stage configuration, this knob can interfere with the stage control.

Fortunately, the extended fine focus control can be moved to the opposite side.

First, remove the rubber cover from the focus knob. You’ll find a retaining screw underneath.

Using the same 3 mm Allen wrench, loosen the screw and remove the extended fine focus knob.

On the opposite side, there may be a small cover or sticker over the mounting hole. Carefully remove it using your fingernail, a small flathead screwdriver, or another suitable tool.

Move the extended fine focus control to that side and secure it in place. The cover can then be transferred to the unused hole on the opposite side.

Once the stage is reinstalled, you’ll notice that the stage control is much easier to operate because the extended fine focus knob is no longer interfering with it.

Light and Field Diaphragm Controls

The microscope’s illumination intensity control allows you to adjust the brightness of the light.

The field diaphragm is also located on the microscope base and is used when setting Köhler illumination.

Together with the condenser controls, these adjustments allow you to properly configure the microscope’s illumination for your specimen.

Changing the Halogen Bulb

We have another video that goes into more detail about changing the bulb, but the procedure is straightforward.

Before replacing the bulb, always turn the microscope off and disconnect it from power.

The BX45 shown here uses a 6V, 30W halogen bulb located in the lamp housing at the rear of the microscope.

Remove the lamp housing, replace the bulb, and reinstall the assembly.

Many BX Series microscopes are now being upgraded to LED illumination, but the original halogen system is still a good option. Replacement bulbs and lamp components are readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Why the Olympus BX45 Is Popular

The Olympus BX45 is an excellent microscope, particularly for pathology and cytology applications.

One of its biggest advantages is ergonomics. The low-positioned controls allow the user to rest their hands comfortably on the work surface while operating the stage and focus controls.

Combined with an ergonomic tilting and telescoping head, this makes the BX45 particularly comfortable for professionals who spend extended periods working at the microscope.

Final Thoughts

The Olympus BX45 is a versatile microscope with a wide range of configuration options.

Depending on your application, it can be equipped with different viewing heads, five- or six-position nosepieces, low-power objectives, phase contrast components, polarized illumination, and either halogen or LED lighting.

Its ergonomic design and flexible configuration make it particularly well suited for pathology, cytology, and other laboratory applications.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Olympus BX45 or are interested in purchasing a refurbished Olympus BX Series microscope, contact Munday Scientific.

Email: info@mundaymicroscope.com

Contact Us

Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com

Subscribe to videos: Youtube Channel

Thanks for watching!

The post Olympus BX45 Basics Demonstration appeared first on Munday Scientific Instruments.