Olympus SZX10 Stereo Microscope Disassembly
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus SZX10 Stereo Microscope Disassembly’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to demonstrate how to disassemble an Olympus SZX10 stereo microscope.
This particular microscope has just been sold, and we’ll be completely disassembling it for safe shipping. We’re going to show the customer how everything comes apart so they’ll also know how to put it back together once it arrives.
You’ll need a few basic Allen wrenches for the procedure, and we’ll include the necessary tools with the microscope when it’s shipped.
Turn Off and Unplug the Microscope
Before beginning any disassembly, make sure the microscope is turned off and unplugged from its power source.
Once that’s done, we can begin removing the individual components.
Removing the Binocular Head
We’ll start with the binocular head.
Using a 3 mm Allen wrench, locate and loosen the retaining screw between the binocular head and microscope body.
Keep a hand on the head while loosening the screw. Once it’s released, carefully lift the head off the microscope and set it aside in a safe location.
Lamp Housing and Bulb
At the rear of the microscope is the lamp housing.
If you ever need to replace the bulb, the lamp assembly can be pulled out from the rear of the stand. This system uses a 6V, 30W bulb.
The microscope base also has a convenient built-in handle, which makes it easier to move the microscope around the laboratory.
Removing the Microscope Assembly From the Stand
This particular Olympus SZX10 is equipped with a dual-objective nosepiece, allowing two objectives to be installed at the same time.
Before we can completely separate the microscope body from the focus mount, we’ll need to remove the microscope assembly and then remove the objectives and dual-objective nosepiece.
First, loosen the retaining control that secures the microscope assembly to the stand.
Support the microscope with your other hand as you loosen it. The entire assembly can then be carefully removed and set aside.
Removing the Analyzer and Objectives
This particular microscope is equipped for polarized light and has an analyzer installed.
The analyzer is held in place by a knurled retaining screw. Loosen the screw and carefully remove the analyzer.
Next, remove each of the two objectives from the dual-objective nosepiece and set them aside somewhere safe.
Removing the Dual-Objective Nosepiece
Once both objectives have been removed, rotate the nosepiece off-center to gain access to its mounting screws.
You’ll need a 2.5 mm Allen wrench for this portion of the disassembly.
There are three mounting screws securing the nosepiece assembly. Loosen and remove the accessible screws.
The third screw may initially be hidden, so rotate the turret until you can access it. Once all three screws have been removed, the entire dual-objective nosepiece assembly can be lifted off.
Removing the Microscope Body From the Focus Mount
Next, we’ll separate the microscope body from the focus mount.
You’ll need a 4 mm Allen wrench for this step.
Locate the retaining screw on the right side of the focus mount. Depending on the microscope, there may be a small white cap covering this screw.
We’ve already removed the cap for this demonstration.
Loosen the retaining screw while supporting the microscope body. Once the screw is loose, the microscope body can slide off the focus mount using its dovetail connection.
At this point, the main microscope assembly has been completely disassembled.
Glass Stage Plate and Polarizer
Returning to the stand, you’ll see the glass stage plate on the microscope base.
On this polarized-light configuration, the polarizer is located underneath the glass plate.
When the microscope is assembled for polarized-light observation, the analyzer can be rotated in relation to the polarizer to cross the polarizers and achieve the desired polarized-light effect.
Removing the Column
If necessary, the microscope’s vertical column can also be removed from the base.
For this procedure, you’ll need a 4 mm Allen wrench.
Loosen the two mounting screws that secure the column to the base. Once they’re loose, the column can be lifted out.
Olympus offers columns in a variety of lengths, allowing the microscope to be configured with additional working distance when required for larger specimens.
Storing the Allen Wrench
Many of these microscope columns also have a convenient storage location at the top for the 3 mm Allen wrench.
We’ll place the wrench there so the customer has easy access to it when the microscope arrives.
Reassembling the Olympus SZX10
To reassemble the microscope, simply perform the disassembly procedure in reverse order.
In general, you’ll:
- Install and secure the column if it was removed.
- Slide the microscope body back onto the focus mount and secure it.
- Reinstall the dual-objective nosepiece.
- Reinstall both objectives.
- Reinstall the analyzer.
- Mount the microscope assembly back onto the stand.
- Reinstall the binocular head.
- Verify that all components are properly seated and securely tightened.
Take your time during reassembly, particularly when handling the objectives and optical components.
Final Thoughts
That’s how you disassemble an Olympus SZX10 stereo microscope for safe transportation or shipping.
The microscope breaks down into several major components, and most of the procedure can be completed with 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm Allen wrenches.
When putting everything back together, simply follow the same procedure in reverse.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about disassembling or reassembling your Olympus SZX10, contact Munday Scientific.
Online Shop: microscopemarketplace.com
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Thanks for watching!