Operating Environment / Maintenance / Storage

About the operating environment

As a precision machine, a microscope must be used properly under the specified conditions. Please note the following points regarding the operating environment:

- Clean environment

Select an environment with less dust and dirt for storage of and observation with a microscope. Dirt and other foreign substances may cause moving parts of microscopes to malfunction or mold to grow.

- No exposure to direct sunlight

Microscopes may malfunction if stored or used in a location exposed to direct sunlight. Also, direct sunlight may harm the observer's eye if it enters a microscope through the reflector.

- No vibration or tilt

Select a flat desk or something similar on which a microscope can be installed stably. In particular, vibration must be avoided because it causes microscopes to malfunction and makes it difficult to capture sharp images. Also note that a tilted bench or floor may hinder proper observation or image recording.

- Stable temperature and humidity

Attention must be paid to temperature and humidity to prevent rust or mold on microscopes.
Because lenses can easily get moldy, never store a microscope where condensation is likely to occur. Be sure to store microscopes together with a desiccant.

Precautions during use

- Installation

When taking a microscope and a lens set out of the case, hold the arm of the microscope, with the bottom supported.
For a microscope equipped with a reflector, install it where the reflector does not catch direct sunlight.

- Lens mounting

When setting ocular (eyepiece) and objective lenses, be careful to only touch the body of the lens. Also, mount the ocular lens first to prevent dirt and other foreign substances from falling on the objective lens. (Microscopes may be stored with the ocular lens mounted.)

- Specimen mounting

When setting a slide with a specimen on it, be careful it does not come in contact with the objective lens.

- Reflector adjustment

When tilting the reflector for adjustment, pay particular attention so as not to take in direct sunlight.

- Focus adjustment

Bring the objective lens close to the slide beforehand, and then, during observation, turn the focusing handle to focus while the objective lens is moving away from the slide.

Precautions during storage

Be sure to wipe any stains off of the microscope that have adhered during operation. After use, the microscope must be put in a case or covered to protect from dirt.
Pay particular attention to the lenses because they stain easily. Remove any attached dirt with a blower (e.g. compressed air) or other tool. If there are any fingerprints on the lenses, gently wipe them off using a dedicated cleaner.
For long-term storage, place the microscope in a desiccator or put a desiccant or mildew-proofing agent in the lens case to prevent mold on the lenses.