Focus with the 10X objective

Let's try it!

Focusing
When you try to focus, simply turning the focus knob at random will not bring the image into focus. When using a high magnification objective, sometimes the specimen or the objective can be damaged by pressing the objective against the specimen slide. The following is an example of how to focus while avoiding these problems.

1. Switch the 10X (or the 4X) objective into the light path.
2. Rotate the coarse focus knob to raise the stage as far as possible. (*1)
3. While looking through the eyepiece, slowly rotate the coarse focus knob to lower the stage. When the focus position is reached, release the coarse focus knob.
4. Slowly rotate the fine focus knob to adjust the focus. Even when making observations with a high magnification lens, first use a 10X (or 4X) objective to focus on the specimen. Then change to the high magnification objective and use the fine focus knob to focus the image.

Hints:

• When turning the coarse focus knob while looking through the eyepiece, always turn it in the direction that will lower the stage.
• When using the coarse focus knob to raise the stage, never look into the eyepiece, and do the operation while watching the stage and objectives in order not to damage the specimen.
• First use a low magnification objective for focusing, and then change to the high magnification lens.

• *1 With a 10X or 4X objective the working distance is long, so when using a standard thickness slide glass and coverglass the specimen and objective will not come into contact even when the stage is at its highest position.
  (The working distance is the distance from the objective to the top surface of the coverglass. The standard thickness is 1.1mm for slide glass and 0.17mm for coverglass.)