Microscope Troubleshooting

There are a number of areas where microscopes can be adjusted at home, without consulting a technician, in order to view crisp and clear microscopy images. Click on the links below to view detailed pages on each microscope troubleshooting topic.

Troubleshooting microscope dust and dirt specks on objective lenses.

In order to view crisp and clear microscopy images, your eyepieces and objective lenses must be free of dust and dirt. Learn how to determine which part of your microscope needs to be cleaned and then clean the lenses without damaging them here.

The image at left shows a microscopy image as seen through a dirty lens. You can see the specs of dust and dirt scattered throughout the entire field of view, distracting from the diatom microscopy sample.

Troubleshooting Microscope Focusing

Microscopes are fairly useless when they can not be focused properly. There are a number of tricks and tips that can be followed in order to ensure that the microscope focuses clearly. Click here to view several troubleshooting tips for microscope focusing issues.

Troubleshooting Microscope Condensers

Microscope condensers affect the light and how it is controlled to produce a high quality microscopy image once it reaches the eyepieces. A microscope condenser that is not installed or positioned properly will result in poor lighting or contrast in microscopy images. In addition to installing the condenser properly, knowing how to use the iris diaphragm on a microscope can greatly increase image quality. Condensers and light sources are sometimes used in conjunction with microscope filters. Click here to view tips on proper installation and adjustment of the microscope condenser, iris diaphragm and microscope filters.

Troubleshooting Microscope Lighting and Light Bulb Issues

The ability to turn on the microscope light bulb, or even adjust the rheostat control on the light is an important part of viewing a high quality microscopy image. Click here for tips on microscope lighting troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Microscope Gears and Tension

Over time the focusing mechanism on a microscope can become loose and need tightening. If the focusing mechanism becomes loose the stage will drift or the head will fall slowly, causing the microscope to lose focus. There are times when gears inside a microscope might become stripped and in that case a microscope technician needs to repair the microscope. Click here to view troubleshooting tips on adjusting the tension for the focus mechanism on the microscope and determining whether the microscope simply requires a slight adjustment or requires a microscope technician repair.

Troubleshooting Microscope Digital Cameras

Digital microscopy, when working properly, provides an invaluable tool for microscopists. When microscope digital cameras are not working properly or showing a live image on the computer monitor frustration abounds. Click here to view some troubleshooting tips for digital microscopy.