Microscope Maintenance

Customers often ask what they can do whenfocus control.  This control may be the simple
they have problems with lubrication and focusingtype that you can adjust by just using your hand,
problems with their microscopes.  Here are aor it may take a special tool.  On Olympus or
few questions along with our suggestions:Nikon microscopes the adjustment is usually on
Question: What product should I use to lubricatethe right side of the scope as the stage faces the
the bearings on the stage of the microscope?user.  It is a thin control knob or disc that is
Answer: Each manufacture has their own line ofplaced between the microscope stand and the
lubricants they recommend.  If you boughtcoarse focus control.  All you have to do is turn
everyone for each product it would be extremelythis device one way or the other and it will
expensive.  We use a product called Super Lubeincrease or decrease the tension on the coarse
made by Permatex.  It should be available fromfocus control knob.  This in turn will keep the
many stores in your area.  We use this productstage from slipping down.  Make sure you are
on all brands of microscopes that we service.not turning the stage lock control, which is
Question: My stage seems to slip down out ofnormally on the opposite side of the tension
focus for no reason. What can I do to preventcontroller.  If your microscope takes a special
this?tool to adjust the tension. and you have lost this
Answer: There are two main reasons for thistool, you will need to contact the microscope
problem.  Either the tension control is too loose,manufacture or the company you purchased your
or the main bearing system in the stagemicroscope from and request the adjustment
mechanics needs some adjustments.tool.
You, as the microscope user, can adjust theIf the main bearing system needs adjustment
tension control.  Many microscopes have focusyou will should contact a qualified microscope
tension controls attached next to the coarserepair technician to do this repair.