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Overview of optical specifications and features.
Description of the Galilean telescopic lens system and magnification variations.
Details on 10x and 20x oculars, field of view, and image quality.
Information on 1x and 2x objectives, focal length, and working distance.
Description of the main body, including magnification selector drum and components.
Features and mounting of the inclined head for user comfort.
Operation and adjustment of the rack and pinion focusing system.
Details on the stage base, plates, and clips for specimen placement.
Description of the pillar's vertical movement and horizontal swing capability.
Base unit with reflecting mirror for trans-illumination setup.
Details on the 40W lamp and its housing for illumination.
Ergonomic hand-rests to reduce fatigue during observation.
Optional accessory for controlling illumination intensity and angle.
Guidance on using epi-illumination and trans-illumination for optimal viewing.
The Olympus Model X Greenough Binocular Stereoscopic Microscope is a versatile instrument designed for a wide range of applications, including plant classification, entomology, anatomical examination of animals, geology, stamp and coin inspection, gemology, and use in the electronic and precision instrument industries. Its highly adaptable design allows for binocular stereoscopic observation in various fields.
The optical system of the Model X comprises objective lenses, magnification-varying tube lenses (referred to as variables), and eyepieces. Beams from the specimen enter Prism P1 at a 12° visual axis, becoming parallel as they proceed to the variable lens system (VL and VL1), the tube lens system (PL and L1), and P2. Maintaining their parallel position, they then enter porro-prisms at P3, where they again assume a 12° visual axis, forming images at the eyepieces. The variables are paired on parallel optical axes, allowing for five different magnifications: two sets of normal and reverse positions, plus a blank position.
The microscope offers five different magnifications, attainable via a magnification-selector drum. It uses paired objectives and binocular eyepieces. The inclination of the binocular head is 45°, with a visual axis angle of 12°. Inter-pupillary distance adjustment ranges from 50-80mm with G10x eyepieces and 46-80mm with G20x eyepieces. The instrument features interchangeable 1x or 2x objectives, providing a large working distance of 90mm and 47mm respectively. The body has a vertical movement range of 85mm, with fine adjustment via rack and pinion, and a pillar (sliding movement of inner tube) of 38mm. The body can also swing 100mm (80°) when pivoted at the pillar.
Two types of eyepieces are available: 10x and 20x. The G10x is composed of three optical elements, while the G20x has four elements. The field stop for each eyepiece is positioned just below the field lens. Both eyepieces provide an extra-wide field of view, ensuring a crisp image across the entire area. A pair of objectives, designed exclusively for the Model X, is mounted in an interchangeable housing and is available in 1x and 2x types. When using the high magnification 2x objectives, the edge of the field may darken at certain magnification-dial positions. This is because both 2x and 1x objectives are designed to focus at the same point. For these magnifications, it is recommended to use the 1x objectives for a brighter image and desired magnification.
The binocular body is the main component of the microscope, housing the optical system. It consists of the body (B-1), inclined head (B-2), and focusing mechanism (B-3).
The body (B-1) contains a pair of objectives, prisms, and a magnification-selector drum. This drum is a key feature of the Model X. By rotating the drum, which holds two paired variables and a blank position perpendicular to the parallel axes, the desired magnification is achieved. Simply rotate the magnification dial to the desired value; it will click firmly at each number, allowing for observation at a stabilized magnification. The drum can be rotated in either direction, but it is recommended to develop the habit of moving it in a set direction.
The inclined head (B-2) is set at an optimal angle of 45° from horizontal, with a 12° visual axis angle for comfortable, prolonged observation, reducing user fatigue. This 12° angle also helps in the coincidence of the two images into one. The head can be attached in either a normal or reversed position. When mounting, ensure the locating stud is seated in the appropriate locating hole, then tighten the head clamp screw.
The focusing mechanism (B-3) allows for precise focusing. To focus on a specimen, first loosen the pillar clamp screw to slide the body on the spring-tension pillar until a rough focus is achieved. Fine adjustment is then made using the rack and pinion focusing knobs. These knobs provide a maximum vertical movement range of 38mm. The tension of the focusing knobs can be adjusted to user preference by turning both knobs securely and simultaneously clockwise to tighten, or counter-clockwise to loosen. A reasonably firm tension prevents the body from slipping down due to its own weight. The entire binocular body can be freely attached to or detached from the stand by the body support block at the sliding section of the rack. To secure the body to the stand, tighten the body clamp screw.
Adjustment of Interpupillary Distance: The adjustment range, when using G10x eyepieces, is 50-80mm. Only one of the prism housing tubes needs to be rotated, as the other will synchronize and adjust automatically. Avoid forcing the adjustment beyond the maximum or minimum distance, or turning each tube in a different direction, as this may cause damage.
Eye-Refraction Difference Adjustment: To adjust for eye-refraction differences, focus correctly on the specimen through the right eyepiece, then turn the diopter ring to focus the left eyepiece. This setting on the diopter scale will remain constant for any specimen for that individual.
The stand maintains the body in a set position and holds the specimen appropriately for observation. It consists of a stage (C-1) and a pillar (C-2).
The stage (C-1) comprises a base and a stage plate. The base supports the binocular body, ensuring stability regardless of whether the head is mounted in the normal or reversed position. Leather pads are located at three contact points on the underside of the base to prevent desk marking. A female thread on the underside allows a screw to secure the stand to a storage cabinet. The stage plate is mounted in the circular receptacle in the base, where specimens can be examined, dissected, disassembled, or assembled. Interchangeable plates of clear glass (for trans-illumination), smoked glass (for epi-illumination), or an optional metal non-transparent plate are available. These plates are secured by the stage clamp screw. Stage clips are provided to hold slides and small specimens. If the specimen size prevents placement on the stage plate, the entire instrument can be set directly on the specimen's surface for examination, focusing on its lower plane.
The pillar (C-2) holds the binocular body. It can be moved vertically within a maximum range of 47mm and rotated within an 80° angle. The supporting section consists of the pillar and the yoke. The pillar is made of outer and inner tubes. A built-in balancing spring helps the inner tube firmly hold the yoke and the binocular body. The inner tube slides up and down within the outer tube and can be stabilized at a desired position by the pillar clamp screw. The inner tube can swing horizontally by as much as 80°, allowing the body to move to its fullest extent over the stage plate for examining large specimens.
This device provides trans-illumination from below the specimen when positioned under the stage. It consists of a sub-stage base (D-1), an illuminating lamp (D-2), and a pair of hand rests (D-3). An iris apparatus is also available as a special accessory.
The sub-stage base (D-1) houses a reflecting mirror and an illuminating lamp sleeve at the back. The mirror knob allows adjustment to reflect natural or artificial light to the desired specimen area. One side of the mirror is silvered for contrasty and intense lighting, while the other side is white for soft lighting. When placing the instrument on the sub-stage base, the locating stud of the base engages in the locating hole under the stage. Grooves on the outer sides of the base allow hand-rests to be inserted and secured by knurled clamp screws.
The illuminating lamp (D-2) is a 100V 40W lamp designed specifically for the Model X, supplied in a housing with an off-on switch. The lamp is attached by inserting it into the sleeve on the base. It is turned on and off by clockwise rotation of the switch; counter-clockwise rotation does not operate the switch.
The hand-rests (D-3) are essential for fatigue-free operation during prolonged observation. To attach them, loosen the hand-rest clamp screws on the base. Insert the metal lip of the hand-rest into the groove, ensuring the locating slot on the metal lip engages the locating stud on the base. Then, push the hand-rest in the direction of the clamp screw and tighten the screw. To detach, follow the reverse procedure. For storage, the hand-rests can be folded in two. They can be attached on either side, but it is normal to position them curving towards the user, as shown in the illustration.
The iris apparatus (D-4) is an optional accessory used to control the trans-illumination beam or provide oblique illumination. It is set underneath the top of the sub-stage base. First, set the slide rail and the iris sleeve in the appropriate position, then insert the iris frame from below, and tighten the iris clamp screws. The iris can be opened or closed by horizontal movement of the aperture lever, producing an aperture adjustable from 2mm to 40mm in diameter. By pulling and pushing (not rotating) the iris positioning lever, desired oblique illumination can be obtained.
For observation, two methods are employed: using reflected light or trans-illumination. The appropriate stage plate must be selected for each case: smoked glass for natural reflected light and clear glass for trans-illumination. For natural reflected light, the sub-stage base is not always necessary.
Following this method, a correct image of the specimen will be obtained. To further improve the image, various illuminating methods may be used.
For optimum observation, illumination conditions must be considered.
General| Observation Method | Brightfield |
|---|---|
| Illumination | LED |
| Focusing | Coaxial coarse and fine focusing |
| Stage | Mechanical stage |
| Condenser | Abbe condenser |
| Magnification Range | 40x to 1000x |
| Eyepiece | 10x |
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