Stereo Microscope help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 03:39:08 pm
content: So, I got this microscope. Nikon SMZ-10, with 0.66-4x objective lens and 10x eye piece.The problem is, I spent 3hours look through the lens and still cannot get correct vision. Individual eye can focus nicely but put together I got double vision.Any help how to properly use this puppy?ThanksSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 03:59:14 pm
content: Try to adjust the interocular distance - the oculars can be moved/turned closer together or further apart. That is meant to adjust the scope so that the output pupil gets correctly aligned with your eyes (everyone has a different face and distance between the eyes). Then you will likely get a correct image.If that doesn't help, I suggest you visit a doctor - you could have an undiagnosed vision problem. There are some people who simply cannot fuse stereoscopic images for whatever reason - basically their brain ignores image from one eye under normal conditions and goes nuts when forced to watch them, e.g. when using an instrument like this or a virtual reality helmet ...

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 04:22:21 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on October 05, 2015, 03:59:14 pmMaybe, maybe not. I have perfect stereo vision (having been taking stereo pictures since 1984), and no undiagnosed vision problems. I find it impossible to fuse stereo microscope images.In my experience anout 1 in 6 people simply cannot see in stereo. A giveaway is if they were poor at ballgames when a kid, because they kept missing the ball.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 04:28:36 pm
content: If you look through each eyepiece individually can you see the same image? Put a coin in view, adjust the zoom so it almost fills the view when looking through one lens, then with the same eye look through the other lens. Is the coin in focus? Is it in the same place?Now look through the eyepieces but using your other eye. What do you see?

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 05:36:59 pm
content: Misalignment of optical system. Understand what stereo optical system used in SMZ10:http://www.nikon.com/about/feelnikon/recollections/r20_e/index.htmSMZ10 repair manual: Although special tools are needed I think you can fix it by realignment of the optical components. Good luck.http://micromundos.com.br/manuals/Nikon/Nikon%20SMZ-10%20Repair%20Manual%2008-1978.pdfEdit: Since Japanese optical/photographic equipment usesJIS( Japan industrial standard ) screwsso must use same type screwdrivers especially crosshead ( Philips ) are not suitable because Philips standard screwdrivers will twist out preventing over tightening thus deforming the screwhead. Either get a set of genuine JIS standard screwdrivers or at least a size 0 and size 00 these will cover most sizes of screws used in japanese optical products.

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 07:59:36 pm
content: My bet is that the prism is out of alignment.

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 09:37:25 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on October 05, 2015, 04:28:36 pmFocus is not a problem but images are little bit out (about 1mm on the object)

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 01:57:35 am
content: Quote from: singapol on October 05, 2015, 05:36:59 pmI took out the cover and found the prisms are securely fasten with screw glued properly.Maybe still my viewing problem. Compare to viewing with one eye, shall the stereo image appear near or further away?

author: SteveLy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 03:48:14 am
content: There are a lot of optical elements that need to be in precise alignment for the microscope to function properly. There might be collimation screws (and a proper procedure) for what you need or it just might be old and something permanently got knocked out of alignment. I'd try to get the user/service manual for the thing.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 06:56:30 am
content: Quote from: baoshi on October 05, 2015, 09:37:25 pmNow look through the eyepieces but using your other eye. What do you see?

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 07:01:21 am
content: Quote from: KJDS on October 06, 2015, 06:56:30 amUsing right eye I adjust until the coin fill the full view, then switch to left eye, see the coin almost fill the same view, but off to the right by a little bit.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 09:02:20 am
content: It does sound like your microscope is working ok.Is there an ocular adjustment? Can you change the focus by an adjustment on one or both of the eyepieces? If so you may need to make some adjustments to these to get both sides to work with your eyes. Cover each eyepiece in turn with some cardboard so that you can get the image through each eyepiece in focus for your respective eyes. Now adjust the separation between the eyepieces.You'll also benefit from some rubber eyepiece covers to block light coming in sideways between the top of the eyepieces and your eyes. What eyepieces are fitted? probably something like WF-10X ? a photo would be useful. Do you wear glasses?

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 09:12:52 am
content: yes I wear glasses. but looking through the microscope I took them off and adjust the ocular to make focus right. both eyepieces can be adjusted independently. they are Nikon 10x eyepieces. I took a photo later when I reach homeSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: baoshi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 02:05:33 pm
content: I can successfully see it now.The trick is to look at a piece of paper first, then slowly move a coin into the scene. If I see two coins, take back the coin and move in slowly again. Once my eyes catch to that focus point, I can replace the coin with anything else without losing focus.Maybe I like to see moneyBut damn painful afterwards.

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 04:32:19 pm
content: Quote from: baoshi on October 06, 2015, 02:05:33 pmI believe you are using high magnification ratio. Zoom to the lowest power ie. 0.66 X 10. Adjust the vertical column until you see your target. Focus individual eye piece for sharpness then zoom in to required magnification. Adjust eye piece distance if necessary. BTW the right eye piece is missing the diopter ring.Check if the set screw is still there or not. If everthing is setup correctly zooming in or out will not cause problem of staying in focus because lens is parfocal ( keep constant focus like a true zoom lens ).

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 09:04:21 pm
content: My old Zeiss GSZ stereo microscope was way out of alignment when it first arrived via courier and was unusable as a stereo microscope.I think it must have been dropped in transit and knocked out of alignment. I ended up taking it all apart and I aligned up everything to get the stereo action as perfect as possible.There are lots of subtle places you can adjust the optics. I had to perfectly align the zoom and there were other adjusters inside the microscope. It took a lot of work to get it right.Once I got this all aligned I found I could just look into the microscope and get effortless stereo alignment. You will know if you have it wrong because your vision system will have to fight to compensate for any imperfections and your eyes will tire quickly and also your vision will be a bit wonky for a while after you look away from the microscope.My microscope went from being completely unusable as a stereo microscope to one of the best in terms of how effortless it is to get stereo vision. I can now just look into it and see stereo perfectly without any need for my eyes to do any compensation to align the two images. So I can use it for quite a long time without fatigue