1. When moving your microscope, always carry it with both hands (Figure 1, at left).

Grasp the arm

with one hand and place the other hand under the base for support.
2. Turn the revolving nosepiece so that the lowest power objective lens is "clicked" into position (This is also the shortest objective lens).
 3. Your microscope slide should be prepared by placing a coverslip or cover glass over the specimen. This will help protect the objective lenses if they touch the
slide. Place the microscope slide on the stage and fasten it with the stage clips. You can push down on the back end of the stage clip to open it.

4. Look at the objective lens and the stage from the side (Figure 2, at right) 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!

5. Now, look through the eyepiece and adjust the illuminator (or mirror) and diaphragm (Figure 3, at left) for the greatest
amount of light.
6. Slowly turn the coarse adjustment so that the objective lens goes up (away from the slide). Continue until the image comes into focus. Use the fine adjustment,
if available, for fine focusing. If you have a microscope with a moving stage, then turn the coarse knob so the stage moves downward or away from the
objective lens.
7. Move the microscope slide around so that the image is in the center of the field of view and readjust the mirror, illuminator or diaphragm for the clearest
image.
8. Now, you should be able to change to the next objective lens with only minimal use of the focusing adjustment. Use the fine adjustment, if available. If you
cannot focus on your specimen, repeat steps 4 through 7 with the higher power objective lens in place. Do not allow the objective lens to touch the slide!
9. The proper way to use a monocular microscope is to look through the eyepiece with one eye and keep the other eye open (this helps avoid eye strain). If you
have to close one eye when looking into the microscope, it's ok. Remember, everything is upside down and backwards. When you move the slide to the right,
the image goes to the left!
10. Do not touch the glass part of the lenses with your fingers. Use only special lens paper to clean the lenses.
11. When finished, raise the tube (or lower the stage), click the low power lens into position and remove the slide.
12. Always keep your microscope covered when not in use. Dust is the number one enemy!
Remember, microscopes are expensive scientific instruments. Handle them properly and carefully and they will last for many years!

10 Tips for Microscope Care

Proper care and maintenance of your microscope can extend its life by many years.
Tip 1: Handle with care
Most microscope problems occur as a result of improper handling. When carrying your microscope, hold it by the base and the metal support arm. Do not pick it up by the
stage, as this can cause misalignment. When transporting it, use a microscope bag.
Tip 2: Keep lenses clear of slides
When using your microscope and adjusting the focus you will need to lower the objective lens down as far as it will go. However, you should never allow the lens to touch
the slide you are looking at. Dirty lenses can be difficult to clean.
Tip3: Clean after using immersion oil
If using immersion oil, always ensure the objectives are cleaned immediately after use. Objective, eyepieces and condenser may be removed for cleaning. Use only lens
paper and lens cleaner. Do not use solvents.
Tip 4: Cover when not in use
All microscopes are sold with dust covers. Always keep your microscope covered when not in use even if the microscope is stored in a cabinet. Eye tubes also need to be
kept free of dust so do not store a microscope without the eyepieces. If the microscope eyepieces must be removed, cover the tubes with caps or a plastic bag with a
rubber band around the eye tube.
Tip 5: Look after the bulb
After using the microscope, turn off the illuminator and wait for it to cool for several minutes before putting it away. By allowing the bulb to cool you will extend its life.
When turning the microscope on and off, use the switch not the power point. Do not switch the microscope on while using full light intensity. Never touch the bulb with
your fingers as the body oils can burn into the bulb and reduce its life. Use a tissue. Keep a store of replacement bulbs and always use the correct bulb.
Tip 6: Store in a clean, dry place
Make sure you do not store your microscope in an area that has corrosive chemical fumes that can destroy lenses or metal parts or beside solutions that may leak. Salt air
and pervasive damp can also cause damage over time. Make sure your cabinet is ventilated.
Tip 7: Only use special lens paper or wipes for cleaning the lenses
Microscope lenses can easily be scratched and should be treated with great care. Use an aspirator to remove dust. Sticky residue can be removed with lens paper
moistened with distilled water or lens cleaning solution and rubbed gently using a circular motion. Never use sharp instruments or anything abrasive on the microscope
lenses.
Tip 8: Keep your User's Manual and wrenches in a safe place
Each microscope should come with a user's manual and specialist wrenches as required. Always consult the User's Manual before making any adjustments to your
microscope and use the wrenches provided. Never over-tighten or use force when performing any maintenance on your microscope, or use inappropriate tools. This can
damage the parts.
Tip 9: Perform an annual maintenance check
On an annual basis moving parts on the microscope should be cleaned and lubricated. Clean grease and dirt from sliding surfaces using a clean cloth. Apply a very thin
layer of lithium-based grease to the sliding surfaces. Do not grease the teeth of the rack and pinion gears. Inspect the power cords and plugs for safety and stock up on a
supply of replacement bulbs.
Tip 10: Have your microscope serviced professionally
A rule of thumb for frequency of servicing is every 200 hours of use or every 3 years, whichever comes first.