Nikon Ci-L Explained: For Mohs & Pathology Labs

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Nikon Ci-L Explained: For Mohs & Pathology Labs’

Hi, this is Chad with Monday Scientific. Today we’re going to talk about another really popular microscope that we sell here at Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace — the Nikon Ci-L. It’s an excellent microscope. We’ll go top to bottom and walk you through its features.

Starting at the top, it has an ergonomic head that tilts up and down and telescopes in and out, allowing you to sit back comfortably in your chair. It’s equipped with 10x eyepieces with a 22 mm field of view. Both eyepieces have diopter adjustment, which is helpful for customizing the view to your eyesight. The eyepieces also have locking grooves—you’ll feel a slight click when they’re properly positioned.

A quick tip: Zero Setting

This reference line on the diopter should line up with the edge of the eyepiece housing to indicate the “zero” setting, which corresponds to normal 20/20 vision. If you wear corrective lenses, start at zero and adjust from there to suit your vision.

There’s a pull rod here to divert light to a camera. This microscope includes a C-TE or “C-Tip” camera adapter, which is an intermediate piece. It allows you to focus your camera independently so that what you see through the eyepieces matches what’s displayed on the screen. This can be confusing for some, as not all models include this component, but it’s essential if you’re using the ergonomic head and plan to add a camera.

Now, because some cameras are too large to screw in with the C-Tip attached, there’s a small hole here that requires a 2 mm Allen wrench. This will be included with the microscope. Insert the wrench and turn it back a quarter to a full turn to remove the intermediate piece. If the piece isn’t installed, you’ll see a dust cap here instead—usually black or gray—to protect the opening.

Let’s put that back in place and tighten it. Now it won’t come out.

Continue with ‘Nikon Ci-L Explained: For Mohs & Pathology Labs’

Next, we’re going to remove the head, which can sometimes be held by a thumb screw or, in this case, a standard screw. We’ll set the head aside and continue.

This particular microscope is configured for pathology use, including dermatology and MOHS procedures. It features an Apo 2x objective, along with Plan Fluorite 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x objectives. This is a fantastic configuration for high-quality clinical work. You can mix and match objectives—such as using a Plan 2x to save money and going with Fluorites or Apos for the rest—as long as you adjust for Koehler illumination. We have other videos that explain how to do that. With the right setup, the microscope will remain parfocal, meaning your focus will stay consistent as you switch objectives.

Pro tip: Nosepiece

When removing the nosepiece, always lower the focus stage to avoid hitting the objectives. The nosepiece on the Nikon is a little tricky. The screw hole is here, but to remove it, you need to tilt it forward and down. That motion is necessary because of the safety notch built into the design. This model comes with a six-position nosepiece, but seven-position versions are also available.

Now let’s move on to the stage. This one has a right-handed coaxial stage that moves very smoothly—it’s been relubricated and is in excellent condition. You can also opt for a left-handed stage or a fixed stage if you prefer to move slides manually.

This model includes a single-slide holder, but double-slide holders are available. To remove the slide holder, loosen these screws. If you want to remove the entire stage, use this thumbscrew on the front.

Now, let’s talk about the condenser. Since this microscope has a 2x objective, it includes a flip-top condenser. You’ll need to flip out the top lens element when using the 2x. There’s also a diaphragm here for adjusting contrast, and knobs for setting Koehler illumination. To remove the condenser, lower it and use the same 2 mm Allen wrench to slide it out.

The microscope features a rheostat to control the light intensity. This is the Ci-L model, so it uses LED illumination. Beneath the dust glass, you’ll find the field diaphragm, which is also used for setting Koehler illumination.

Learn More About the Nikon Ci-L Operation

There’s an on/off switch on the side and the power cord connects at the back.

Now, let’s talk about the fine focus knobs. On this model, the fine focus is on the left side by default. But here’s something really cool—these knobs are magnetized and interchangeable. Some users love this feature, others don’t. If you prefer the fine focus on the right side, simply pull off the knob using the notch here (a small Allen wrench, pocket knife, or paper clip works), then swap it to the other side. The knobs lock into place using a keyhole design.

A big advantage of this design is that if you drop the microscope or the knob takes a hit during shipping, the knob just pops off rather than bending the fine focus mechanism. The downside is that people sometimes lose the knobs—but they’re inexpensive and easy to replace if needed.

Microscope Reassembly

When reinstalling the stage, make sure the mounting screw is backed out all the way before locking it down. Keep the condenser raised and the stage lowered while attaching the objectives to avoid collisions.

Now, remember that safety notch when reinstalling the nosepiece. You need to start in the middle and push it back into place. We actually have another video specifically about how to install the nosepiece because it’s a bit tricky. Never take your hand off the nosepiece until it’s fully seated. I was probably doing this subconsciously, but I always give it a slight wiggle to confirm it’s secured before letting go.

Lastly, we’ll put the head back on—and that’s it!

This is an outstanding microscope. If you’re interested, you can contact us at —that’s mundaymicroscope.com. You can also purchase this microscope or any of its parts at microscope marketplace.com.

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