Olympus BX45 Disassembly and Assembly
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX45 Disassembly and Assembly’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace. Today, we’re going to answer one of the questions we get most often:
How do you add a camera to an Olympus BX microscope?
In this video, we’ll show you how to install a U-TRU S camera port, explain how the components fit together, and demonstrate how to parfocal the camera so that the image on your monitor matches what you see through the eyepieces.
Components Needed
To add a camera to your Olympus BX microscope, you’ll need:
- A beam splitter
- A camera adapter
- A camera
- A U-TRU S camera port with riser (for this configuration)
A standard microscope will typically look just like this before the camera components are installed.
Removing the Microscope Head
The first step is to remove the microscope’s tilting head.
Once the head has been removed, you can also remove the beam splitter if one is already installed.
This prepares the microscope for installation of the camera system.
Installing the U-TRU S Camera Port
For this microscope, we’re using an Olympus U-TRU S camera port.
One of the advantages of the U-TRU S is that it provides a very clean installation, allowing the camera to extend straight out the back of the microscope.
This straight-back configuration is only possible when using the included riser.
Without the riser, you’ll typically need to use one of these configurations:
- A standard U-TRU adapter that exits at a 90-degree angle
- A beam splitter rotated to the side
While those configurations work well, the U-TRU S provides a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.
Installing the Camera Adapter
When we ship this system, the beam splitter and camera adapter are packaged separately.
Assembly is simple:
- Thread the camera onto the camera adapter.
- Install the camera adapter onto the beam splitter.
- Reinstall the microscope head.
Some camera adapters also include:
- A locking screw
- A focus adjustment knob
These controls are used during the parfocal adjustment.
Parfocaling the Camera
Parfocaling ensures that the image displayed on your computer monitor matches the image you see through the microscope eyepieces.
To do this:
- Connect the camera to your computer.
- Install and open the camera software.
- Focus your specimen through the eyepieces.
- Use the focus adjustment wheel on the camera adapter to bring the camera image into focus.
Adjust the camera until the monitor displays the same sharp image you see through the eyepieces.
For a more detailed walkthrough of this procedure, we also have a separate video dedicated to parfocaling a camera adapter.
Testing the Camera
Once everything is installed:
- Push the beam splitter rod in, and all of the light is directed to the eyepieces.
- Pull the rod out, and the camera receives the image.
The live image may take a second to refresh on your monitor, but once it does, you should see a clear image from the microscope.
Final Thoughts
Adding a camera to an Olympus BX microscope is a quick and straightforward upgrade.
With the proper beam splitter, camera adapter, and U-TRU S camera port, installation only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve downloaded the camera software and completed the parfocal adjustment, your microscope is ready for imaging and documentation.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about adding a camera to your Olympus BX microscope or purchasing any of the components shown in this video, we’re happy to help.
Microscope Marketplace: microscopemarketplace.com
Phone: 919-775-5596
Closing
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