Image Quality & Setup
Washed-Out Image? Use the Right Knob.
A quick reference for an image that is bright but flat, with no contrast.
The image is bright, but cells look flat and pale with no contrast. The natural reaction is to turn down the light, but that only makes it darker. Contrast is set at the condenser, not the dimmer.
Do this
- Close the aperture diaphragm. The lever on the condenser. Close it to about two thirds open.
- Raise the condenser. Bring it up near the top. A low condenser washes out the image.
- Reset for each objective. Higher power needs the diaphragm opened a bit more.
- Then set up Köhler. For the best image, follow the Köhler guide. It takes seven steps.
Avoid this
- Dimming the light to fix it. Less light makes the image darker, not sharper.
- Closing the aperture all the way. Too far closed adds dark rings and hides fine detail. Find the middle.
- Leaving the condenser cranked down. A low condenser gives a dim, flat, uneven image.
- Still flat and milky. The optics may be hazed inside. That is a service call.
The habit, every time
STEP 1
Aperture about 2/3 open
STEP 2
Condenser near the top
STEP 3
Reset per objective
For the best image every time, see Even Light, Sharp Image. Set Up Köhler.
Still hazy after setting contrast? See Hazy Image? Check This First.
Watch it in a minute
Still flat and milky after Köhler setup? The optics may be hazed inside. That is a service call.
Need hands-on help? See our microscope repair and maintenance service in Houston.
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