Nikon SMZ1500 Microscope Tutorial
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Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today we’re going to talk about the Nikon SMZ1500.
This particular microscope has a specialized base designed for embryology, which is the most common application for this model. The scope is heading to Australia, so we’ll be disassembling it more than usual to ensure safe shipping and to show how it can be reassembled properly.
The Essential Tool
Like Olympus microscopes, most Nikons include a hidden tool. Many people don’t realize it’s there because it doesn’t look obvious. If you pull it out, you’ll find a 2 mm Allen wrench, which can handle most adjustments on this scope.
Ergonomic Head
This microscope has an ergonomic tilting head (P-B type).
- The eyepieces swivel and tilt for comfort, making it great for ergonomics.
- To remove or attach the head, use the 2 mm Allen wrench.
- The eyepieces provide a 10 mm field of view, and both are focusable—important for stereoscopes, since there’s no diopter tube.
Zoom and Contrast
The SMZ1500 is an excellent stereoscope.
- It includes a diaphragm for adjusting contrast.
- The zoom range is from 0.75x to 11.25x.
- The zoom is progressive and smooth, but you can activate the “click stop” feature by tightening the screw. This makes it stop and click at each zoom setting.
Some people prefer the smooth zoom, while others prefer the click stop. Both options are available.
Service Tip
Since this is an older scope, here’s a useful tip:
- If the zoom becomes hard to turn after sitting unused for a long time, the worm gear inside may have oxidized grease. The grease can turn green and cause the mechanism to lock.
- Do not force it. Forcing it can strip the gear and cause serious damage.
- Instead, contact a Nikon authorized service professional—or send it to us, since we’re Nikon authorized service providers.
Focus and Objective Lens
The microscope includes both coarse and fine focus controls.
- Installed is an HR Plan Apo 1x objective lens, which screws on and off with a long thread.
- Be careful not to overtighten the screw holding the glass plate, as the plate can chip. Just snug it lightly.
- If the glass plate ever needs replacement, we sell them at Microscope Marketplace. You can remove it easily with a thin screwdriver or even your fingernails.
Fine Focus Knob on the Base
This Nikon base has a unique feature: a second super-fine focus knob.
- It’s located on the base, so if your hands are resting on the table, you can use it to make tiny focus adjustments without moving your hands.
- This is a clever design that many users appreciate.
Illumination System
The microscope has a mirrored base with a rheostat and an on/off switch.
- The bulb socket is removed for shipping because it’s a fragile part. The holder is cast iron and prone to cracking. Replacements are hard to find.
- The socket uses a 6V, 30W bulb. To replace it, slide the bulb into the grooves until the prongs make contact.
Disassembly and Shipping
To disassemble:
- Loosen the black knob on the focus mount to lift the zoom body off the post.
- If needed, the pod can also be removed from the focus mount by loosening the screw hidden behind a cap.
- To remove the post itself, use the 2 mm Allen wrench on the set screw at the back. The post then unscrews completely.
When shipping, we remove the post and wrap everything securely in a double box to ensure safe delivery.
Reassembly
To reassemble:
- Insert and tighten the post using the Allen wrench.
- Attach the focus mount and stereoscope body, tightening the black knob.
- Always use two hands when attaching heavy parts like the objective lens or illuminator.
- Make sure the flange aligns with the notches before tightening.
- Double-check that everything is snug before letting go.
Finally, plug in the line cord, adjust the mirror, and the microscope is ready to use.
Closing Notes
The Nikon SMZ1500 is an outstanding stereoscope, especially with this specialized embryology base. We hope you enjoy it.
If you have questions:
To purchase this microscope, parts, or accessories, visit microscopemarketplace.com.
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