Note: The top stage movement knob moves in the X
axis (forward and backward) whereas the bottom stage
movement knob moves in the Y axis (side to side). A
vernier scale on both axes allows the exact marking and replication of an
object in the field of view that the user may want to
come back to.
11
Stage Movement
Knobs
Stage Holder
Clamp
Figure 3e
Tip: To position the specimen directly under the objective lens, close the opening on the iris diaphragm (see Figure 3f)
until it is almost completely closed. You should see a small beam of light projected onto the specimen slide. Now simply
use the stage movement knobs to move the specimen directly inside the beam of light.
10. Use the nosepiece (12) to rotate the objective lenses (4) until the 4x objective is directly over the specimen. Always
start with the lowest power objective and work your way up to higher powers.
11. Look through the eyepiece while turning the coarse focus knob (3) until the specimen comes into view. You may
need to adjust the stage knobs (Figure 3e) slightly to center the specimen in the field of view. Warning: When
focusing, be careful not to raise the specimen stage so high that the specimen slide touches the objective lens.
Not only can you break your slide but you may scratch the objective lens.
12. Finally, adjust the fine focus knob (11) until you reach the sharpest focus for your eye. Warning: Never rotate
both of the fine focus knobs at the same time in opposite directions or the focusing mechanism may get
damaged.
Condenser Regulator Knob Iris Diaphragm Lever
Abbe Condenser
Figure 3f