Olympus SZH10 Brightfield & Darkfield Setup
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus SZH10 Brightfield & Darkfield Setup’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific, and today we’re going to show you an Olympus SC10 stereo microscope.
This scope features brightfield, darkfield, and polarization capabilities. The customer was a little unsure about how polarization works, so we’re going to give an example of how that functions on a stereoscope. We’ll also go through some of the microscope’s key features.
Michael’s going to come in, and together we’ll talk through the components, demonstrate disassembly, and show how to reassemble it to help the client understand the process.
Binocular Head and Eyepieces
This microscope has a binocular head with two focusable eyepieces.
- Set the line on each eyepiece to zero as your starting point—this represents 20/20 vision for both eyes.
- The eyepieces have been relubricated, so they move smoothly and easily.
To remove the head, spread the eyepieces apart—this adjustment is called the interpupillary distance.
Then, loosen the thumb screw, and the head will come off on a flange.
Analyzer and Polarizer
Once the flange is removed, let’s look at the front lens.
This scope uses an Apochromatic Plan (Apo Plan) front lens.
The analyzer fits over the front lens and can rotate. You’ll need to spin the analyzer in correspondence with the polarizer, which is located under the dust glass beneath a thin protective layer.
The polarizer sits above the light and fits securely into place.
For shipping, the analyzer and polarizer are removed to prevent damage. When reassembling, reinstall both components, turn on the light, and you’re ready to view.
When the light is on and the analyzer is rotated, the field of view darkens in certain positions depending on alignment. This is called extinction and allows you to see features—like crystals—that aren’t visible under standard brightfield illumination.
Brightfield and Darkfield Operation
This microscope also supports darkfield illumination.
You’ll see the settings labeled “B” (for Brightfield) and “D” (for Darkfield).
Switching between the two modes changes how light interacts with the sample:
- In brightfield, light passes directly through the specimen.
- In darkfield, light is redirected around a central stop, producing high contrast that highlights fine details—ideal for the client’s needs.
Zoom Range and Focus Controls
The microscope has a zoom range from 0.7x up to 7x. This particular model is the SC10.
You’ll hear click stops as you zoom, which I personally prefer over a smooth progressive zoom. If you’d like to disable the click stops, simply loosen the adjustment—this allows continuous zooming.
The click stops correspond to magnification levels, such as 3x or 4x, which you can feel as the mechanism clicks into place.
Another excellent feature is the coarse and fine focus system, which provides precision control—especially useful for detailed work at higher magnifications.
Disassembly and Reassembly
When you receive the microscope, the post and pod will be detached.
To remove the pod:
- Loosen the black ring—it slides right off the top.
- Turn the assembly upside down.
- To remove the collar, insert a 3 mm Allen wrench (sometimes confused for a 4 mm).
- Loosen the screws and remove the collar.
- When reassembling, slide it back in and tighten everything securely.
Power and Lighting Controls
The on/off switch is located here—it also controls the rheostat, which adjusts the light intensity.
This port is the auxiliary output, used for connecting an external power source.
Slide the cover back on, lock it down, and make sure all connections are secure.
When reinstalling the head, ensure it’s properly seated under the flange. Never take your hand off the microscope or any part you’re tightening until you know it’s secure.
Replacing the Bulb
Let’s quickly go over how to change the bulb.
- Unplug the microscope.
- Remove the glass plate.
- The bulb is located underneath—it’s a 12V, 50W lamp.
- Loosen the retaining screw to access the bulb.
- Use a Kimwipe to handle the bulb, remove the old one, and slide the new one into the socket.
That’s all there is to it. Screw the cover back on, set everything up again, and you’re ready to go.
Final Notes and Contact Information
This microscope is easy to disassemble and reassemble, making it a very user-friendly instrument.
It’s an “oldie but goodie”—a reliable, high-quality scope, especially when it’s been fully serviced by Danny Duncan or Scott Monday. When it carries their seal of approval, you know it’s going to perform excellently.
This is the Olympus SC10 with polarization, analyzer, brightfield, and darkfield features.
If you have any questions about this or any other microscope, you can reach us at:
📞 919-775-5596
📧
To purchase this scope, microscope parts, or related products, visit us at:
🌐 microscopemarketplace.com
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