Olympus IX Microscope Disassembly

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus IX Microscope Disassembly’

Hi, I’m Walker Kelly with Munday Scientific Instrument Service. Today, we’re going to show you how to properly disassemble an Olympus IX-series microscope for service, shipping, or storage.

In this tutorial, we’ll cover the removal of:

  • The microscope head
  • Rear lamp house
  • Condenser
  • Upper elevator arm assembly
  • Mechanical stage

We’ll also review the tools required for the job.


Tools Needed

Before getting started, you’ll need the following tools:

  • The built-in 3 mm Allen wrench included with your Olympus microscope
  • A 4 mm Allen wrench (a T-handle wrench makes the job easier)

Head Removal

We’ll begin by removing the microscope head.

  1. Remove the built-in 3 mm Allen wrench from its storage location.
  2. Locate the access slot on the side of the microscope head.
  3. Insert the Allen wrench into the slot and loosen the retaining screw a few turns.

Important: Support the head while loosening the screw so it does not fall.

Once the screw is loose:

  1. Carefully slide the head off the microscope.
  2. Set it aside in a safe location.
  3. Return the Allen wrench to its holder so it doesn’t get misplaced.

Lamp House Removal

Next, we’ll remove the rear lamp house.

  1. Remove the 3 mm Allen wrench again.
  2. Locate the two retaining screws on the side of the lamp house assembly.
  3. While supporting the lamp house, loosen both screws a few turns.

As the second screw loosens, you’ll feel the lamp house become free.

Carefully slide the lamp house straight out and set it aside.

Once finished, return the Allen wrench to its holder.


Condenser Removal

Now we’ll remove the condenser.

  1. Support the condenser from underneath.
  2. Locate the smaller retaining screw beneath the condenser assembly.

Note: Do not loosen the two condenser adjustment screws. Use only the smaller retaining screw.

  1. Loosen the retaining screw a few turns.
  2. Slide the condenser forward and out of the microscope.

Set the condenser aside safely.

If desired, you can flip the condenser bracket upward to keep it out of the way.


Upper Elevator Arm Removal

Next, we’ll remove the upper elevator arm assembly.

This assembly is secured by:

  • Four mounting screws
  • One electrical connector

Disconnect the Electrical Connector

  1. Locate the connector collar.
  2. Twist the collar gently.
  3. Wiggle the connector free and move it aside.

Remove the Mounting Screws

  1. Using your 4 mm Allen wrench, loosen the four mounting screws.
  2. Remove the screws and place them somewhere safe.

Important: When removing the final screw, support the elevator arm with your other hand to prevent it from falling.

Once all screws have been removed:

  1. Lift the elevator assembly straight up and off.
  2. Notice the alignment pins that locate the assembly correctly.

For safekeeping, thread the screws back into their original holes so they do not get lost during shipping.


Stage Removal

The final component we’ll remove is the mechanical stage.

Remove the Stage Plate

  1. Lift off the stage plate.
  2. Set it aside.

Remove the Stage

  1. Using the 4 mm Allen wrench, loosen and remove the stage mounting screws.
  2. Carefully lift the stage off the microscope.

Place the stage face-down on a workbench or padded surface.

Important: Be careful not to damage the coaxial controls during handling.


Disassembly Complete

At this point, the Olympus IX-series microscope has been fully disassembled and is ready for packing, shipping, or service.


Reassembly

If you need to reassemble the microscope, simply follow these same steps in reverse order.


Additional Resources

If you need guidance on packing and shipping an Olympus IX-series microscope, we also have instructional videos available covering proper packaging procedures.


Closing

Thank you for watching. If you have any questions about your Olympus IX-series microscope, please feel free to contact Munday Scientific Instrument Service.

Have a great day!

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