Nikon LV150 Metallurgical Microscope: Full Breakdown
Read the edited video transcript for ‘Nikon LV150 Metallurgical Microscope: Full Breakdown’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace. Today, we’re going to talk to you about a Nikon LV150.
I had to double-check, but yes—this is a Nikon LV150. This is a materials microscope, also known as a metallurgical microscope. It’s a little different from what we typically cover, so we wanted to go over this one and show you some of its features.
Overview of the Nikon LV150
This is a Nikon, and it’s an absolutely fantastic microscope. It features both brightfield and darkfield optics, along with a brightfield/darkfield illuminator. This microscope is designed for reflected-light applications and materials work.
Tools Required
I’ve got my trusty set of WEA Allen wrenches here. These are the ones we all carry in our toolboxes, and they’re fantastic. This set is basically everything we need to work on most microscopes, or at least to take them apart.
The Nikon LV150, like most Nikon scopes, uses a 2 mm Allen wrench. Unlike many Olympus microscopes that use a built-in 3 mm wrench, this scope has a dedicated slot in the back for a 2 mm Allen wrench, which is included when we sell the scope.
Removing the Microscope Head
To remove the head, insert the 2 mm Allen wrench right here. Be sure to hold the head while loosening the screw. Once it’s loosened, the head comes right off.
This is a true 100% split to the eyepieces and 100% to the camera. Installed here is an LVTV camera adapter with a removable insert. This insert can be swapped depending on your camera setup. The installed 0.7x insert is suitable for a 2/3-inch camera chip. Once inserted, lock it into the camera port.
Eyepieces and Diopter Adjustment
The microscope is equipped with two focusable eyepieces—CFI 10x eyepieces with a 22 mm field of view. Each eyepiece has a notched line indicating the zero position. Aligning both eyepieces at this mark is the best starting point.
From there, you can rotate each eyepiece to correct for your vision and achieve a parfocal image. The Nikon eyepieces click into place, allowing for smooth one-handed adjustment.
Reinstalling the Head
When reinstalling the head, make sure the screw is backed out and the flange slides under the two alignment posts. Keep one hand on the head as you tighten the screw to prevent it from falling. Ensure everything is straight and properly aligned before securing it.
Polarizer and Analyzer
Moving down the scope, you’ll find the analyzer slot. The analyzer has two click stops, allowing you to easily insert or remove it. The polarizer functions the same way and is rotatable, which is especially useful for improving contrast.
With just the polarizer and analyzer, you can achieve excellent contrast. If you later add DIC for materials work, you would cross the polarizers and align the DIC accordingly.
Illumination System and Filters
At the back of the microscope is the lamphouse, which houses a 12-volt, 50-watt bulb. Inside the illuminator are neutral density filters and daylight blue filters. As you move the filters, you can see the light intensity and color temperature change.
Many users prefer to keep most neutral density filters out and use the daylight blue filter to achieve a crisp white light, though optimal settings depend on the application.
Stage and Mechanical Movement
The microscope features a smooth 3x, two-stage mechanical stage. This particular unit has just been serviced and lubricated, and the stage movement is exceptionally smooth.
Objectives and Nosepiece Removal
Before removing the objectives, always lower the stage. There is a small hole near the nosepiece where the 2 mm Allen wrench is inserted. Hold the nosepiece while loosening the screw, then slide it out carefully.
This is a brightfield/darkfield nosepiece equipped with TU Plan Fluorite brightfield/darkfield epi-illumination objectives. The set includes 5x, 10x, 20x, and 50x objectives. The “D” marking indicates compatibility with both brightfield and darkfield—essential for proper darkfield operation.
Brightfield and Darkfield Operation
The LV150 uses reflected-light illumination. Light travels from the lamphouse, reflects off an internal mirror, and shines down onto the specimen. Brightfield is engaged when the selector is fully in; darkfield is engaged when it is fully out.
Focus Controls and Torque Adjustment
The microscope includes both coarse and fine focus controls. A torque adjustment knob allows you to increase or decrease resistance. If the focus drifts downward on its own, tightening the torque will resolve the issue.
At higher magnifications—such as 20x or 50x—even slight drift can be problematic, so proper torque adjustment is important. If tightening the torque does not help, the focus mechanism may need professional servicing.
Reinstalling the Nosepiece
Reinstalling the nosepiece requires careful alignment. Start slightly back, align the notches, and you’ll feel it lock into place. Once locked, push it straight back and ensure it’s secure before letting go.
Shipping Configuration and Illuminator Removal
When we ship this microscope, we remove both the head and the illuminator. The illuminator is secured with three screws located at the top of the column. Removing these screws allows the entire illumination assembly to lift off. We won’t remove it in this video, but that’s how the system is designed.
Power Controls
The power switch is located at the back of the microscope. When the scope is powered but off, the indicator light is orange. When switched on, the light turns green and illumination is visible through the optical path.
Bulb Replacement
The LV150 uses a 12-volt, 50-watt bulb. To access it, remove the lamphouse cover using the appropriate Allen wrench. The housing aligns like a puzzle when reinstalling, with a thick notch indicating the correct orientation.
Once open, press the two retaining prongs down and carefully remove the bulb without touching it. Insert the new bulb, release the prongs, and reassemble the lamphouse.
Closing and Contact Information
It’s always a great day at Munday Scientific. We get microscopes in daily—freight trucks coming in, forklifts moving equipment, and work happening constantly.
That wraps up our overview of the Nikon LV150. It’s an easy-to-use and absolutely fantastic materials microscope. If you have questions, want to purchase this scope, or just want to talk about it, give us a call at 919-775-5596.
You can find this scope and many others at microscopemarketplace.com, or email us at .
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