Nikon E600 Polarizing Microscope Assembly
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.
Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com
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Thanks for watching!