30th Oct '25

How to use a Microscope

When moving your microscope, always carry it with both hands.
Turn the revolving nosepiece so that the lowest power objective lens is "clicked" into position (This is also the shortest objective lens).
Your microscope slide should be prepared with a coverslip or cover glass over the specimen. Place the microscope slide on the stage.
Look at the objective lens and the stage from the side and turn the coarse focus knob so that the objective lens moves downward (or the stage, if it moves, goes upward). Move it as far as it will go without touching the slide!
Now, look through the eyepiece and adjust the illuminator (or mirror) and diaphragm (Figure 3) for the greatest amount of light.
Slowly turn the coarse adjustment so that the stage moves downward. Continue until the image comes into focus. Use the fine adjustment, if available, for fine focusing.
Move the microscope slide around so that the image is in the center of the field of view and readjust the illuminator or diaphragm for the clearest image.