Fixing a Drooping Microscope Head Tube on a Leica DM1000

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Fixing a Drooping Microscope Head Tube on a Leica DM100’

Hi, this is Chad with Munday Scientific.

Today, we’re going to talk about a Leica microscope that came in—or actually, one we’re in the process of getting ready. If you take a look, you’ll notice the interpupillary distance adjustment just falls on its own. That means it’s loose.

(Don’t mind Scott—he’s back there making a mess.)

See how it’s drifting on its own? This is actually a pretty easy repair. We’ve got a couple of tools here—a small flathead screwdriver—and Michael’s going to come in and show a super tiny screw right here.

We’re going to loosen this tiny screw, and you’ll want to take it all the way out. If you leave it in, it can catch during the next step. Once that screw is out, remove the eyepieces and set them aside. Now you can take the top cap off.

With the cap off, you’ll see two span holes right here. And again, you can see how the adjustment is falling on its own.

Next, take a 1.5 mm Allen wrench and locate the locking screw at the top. Back that off slightly. Then go to the bottom—Michael will try to show it—there’s another locking screw down there. Loosen that one as well.

Now that both locking screws are released, you can use a spanning tool (or even needle-nose pliers, though our spanning tools work a bit better) to rotate the adjustment ring. See how I’m rotating it? That’s tightening the tension.

Once you’ve got it tight enough so that the interpupillary distance doesn’t drift anymore—and it still moves smoothly—go back and re-tighten the locking screws.

Now that it’s locked back in, you can put the cap back on. Don’t forget the tiny screw—it’s easy to lose and a pain to reinstall.

(Oh—I dropped it! That’s the worst. But you get the idea.)

We’ll find that screw and get it put back in, but as you can see, the repair worked—the interpupillary adjustment now holds on its own.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at .
Did Scott fall asleep back there? I thought he quit moving—
(No, I’m just really into this!)

Anyway, you can find us at microscopemarketplace.com if you’re interested in purchasing any of these scopes.

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