Install a Micrometer Reticle in Your Eyepiece

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Install a Micrometer Reticle in Your Eyepiece’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to show you how to install a reticle in an Olympus microscope eyepiece.

This procedure is very similar for most microscope eyepieces, including Nikon models. We’re using an Olympus eyepiece for this demonstration because Olympus and Nikon are two of the most common microscope brands we work with.

Understanding the Focusable Eyepiece

For this demonstration, we’re using a focusable eyepiece, which is particularly useful when installing a reticle.

You’ll notice that the eyepiece has an adjustable section that rotates in and out. This allows you to adjust the focus of the reticle independently.

Inside the eyepiece is a reticle shelf, which holds the glass reticle in position.

Removing the Reticle Shelf

To access the reticle shelf, turn the eyepiece over and locate the threaded retaining assembly.

Sometimes these can be a little stiff. I usually place my thumb inside the opening and carefully rotate the assembly until it unscrews.

Once removed, you’ll see the shelf where the reticle sits.

If you’re ordering a new reticle, you’ll want to measure the diameter of this opening to determine the correct glass disc size.

Reticles are also commonly called eyepiece micrometers, particularly when they’re used for measuring specimens.

Preparing the Reticle for Installation

Before installing the reticle, it’s important to make sure the glass is completely clean.

These small glass discs attract dust and fingerprints very easily. Even a tiny speck of dust can become extremely noticeable when magnified through the microscope.

For this procedure, we have a few cleaning supplies available:

• Kimwipes
• Optical lens cleaner
• Canned air or an appropriate optical air duster

I typically start with the air duster.

Before spraying the reticle, I briefly test the air duster away from the optics to make sure it isn’t releasing any liquid or residue.

Hold the reticle carefully by its edges to avoid touching the glass surfaces.

Then gently blow away any dust or loose particles from both sides.

Be thorough, because even one small speck of dust can look enormous when viewed through the microscope.

Installing the Reticle

Once the reticle is clean, inspect it to determine its proper orientation.

Some reticles have markings or numbers that need to face a particular direction so they appear correctly when viewed through the eyepiece.

Carefully place the reticle onto the shelf, making sure it sits flat and is properly positioned.

Then reinstall the retaining assembly by threading it back into the eyepiece.

Avoid overtightening the assembly.

Checking the Reticle Orientation

After reinstalling the reticle, look through the eyepiece to make sure the markings are oriented correctly.

Sometimes you may discover that the reticle is upside down.

If that happens, simply remove the retaining assembly, reposition the reticle, and reinstall it.

It’s always worth checking before putting the eyepiece back into the microscope.

Looking through the eyepiece also makes it easier to identify any remaining dust or debris on the reticle.

Installing the Focusable Eyepiece

Now we’re ready to put the eyepiece back into the microscope head.

One important thing to remember is that many binocular microscope heads already have a built-in diopter adjustment on one side.

Since our reticle eyepiece is independently focusable, I prefer to install it on the side without the built-in diopter adjustment.

The focusable eyepiece essentially provides its own diopter adjustment, allowing you to bring the reticle markings into sharp focus.

Once installed, the microscope is ready for measuring specimens after the reticle has been properly calibrated.

We’ll cover the calibration process in another video.

Cleaning a Dirty Reticle

If your reticle is especially dirty, blowing it off with air may not be enough.

In that case, you’ll need to clean the glass more thoroughly.

Step 1: Remove the Reticle

Carefully unscrew the retaining assembly and remove the reticle from its shelf.

Always handle the glass by its edges.

Step 2: Apply Lens Cleaner

Use a small amount of optical lens cleaner suitable for coated glass surfaces.

Rather than saturating the reticle, apply a light amount of cleaner to an appropriate lens-cleaning tissue.

Step 3: Wipe the Glass

Gently wipe the glass to remove fingerprints, smudges, or other contamination.

Rotate the reticle as needed to clean the entire surface.

Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or damage the reticle markings.

Step 4: Dry and Inspect

Allow the reticle to dry, or carefully use an optical air duster to remove any remaining particles.

Inspect both sides before reinstalling it.

Step 5: Reinstall the Reticle

Place the clean reticle back onto its shelf, verify its orientation, and reinstall the retaining assembly.

Look through the eyepiece one final time to make sure the reticle is clean, properly positioned, and clearly visible.

KR-207 Reticle Specifications

For this demonstration, we’re using a KR-207 reticle with a diameter of 24 mm.

This reticle is available through our online store, Microscope Marketplace.

If you’re ordering a reticle for your own microscope, make sure you verify the required diameter for your particular eyepiece before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Installing a reticle in an Olympus or Nikon microscope eyepiece is a relatively simple procedure.

The most important things to remember are to use the correct reticle diameter, keep the glass clean, install it in the proper orientation, and use a focusable eyepiece when appropriate.

Once the reticle is installed, it will need to be calibrated before you can use it for accurate specimen measurements.

We’ll demonstrate that calibration procedure in a separate video.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about installing a reticle, cleaning microscope optics, or other microscope procedures, contact Munday Scientific.

Phone: 919-775-1517

Online Store: MicroscopeMarketplace.com

Be sure to like and follow our page for more microscope tutorials and maintenance tips on our Youtube Channel.

Thanks for watching!