National DC4-211 Instructions Manual page 9

For objectives that work with immersion oil it is essential to clean them after each observation session. To
clean use a cleaning cloth for lenses slightly dampened with a low graduation of alcohol. Proceed by cleaning the
frontal objective lens (normally 100X-Oil or 50X-Oil). It is important for those objectives that work at a very close
distance to the sample.
Users of inverted biological microscopes have to take special care with the objectives because they can get dirty
with dust or liquid that spills from the sample/s.
For optical components such as eyepieces, condensers, filters, etc. we recommend using the same cleaning
method. First cleaning it with pressurized dry air, then cleaning it with a cotton swab or a cleaning cloth for lenses
(slightly moistened with a low graduation of alcohol) and finally drying it with pressurized dry air.
Once the cleaning process is finalized if the image is still not clear, you can either contact us or you can contact
your Swift Optical supplier.
For users that have a digital camera mounted on the microscope and whom observe dirt on the digital image,
it is important that the first step is to proceed with objectives maintenance, as explained above. If the dirt persist, it
must be determined if it is within the microscope or the camera. To check this simply loosen the adapter and
rotate the camera. If the dirt rotates while turning it, then it means that it is in the microscope. If it does not rotate,
then it is either in the adapter or in the protection filter of the sensor. If the dirt is on the surface lens of the adapter
then you can use the same cleaning method that we have explained above, but if the dirt is in the protection filter
of the sensor then use pressurized dry air only. If the dirt persist you can either contact us or you can contact your
Swift Optical supplier.
Mechanics
The mechanical components of the microscope require less maintenance than the optical components. Our first
maintenance advice is to use the dust cover provided with the microscope, to avoid the accumulation of dust on
the microscope.
To clean the stand or the specimen holder, Use a cleaning cloth moistened with soap diluted in distilled water.
After this proceed drying the entire surface of the microscope. Take special care with the electrical components of
the microscope such as the ON / OFF switch, the dimmer, the lamp holder...
If there are grease stains, use the same cloth moistened with a low graduation of alcohol.
If you face any problems related to the maintenance of your microscope, please contact us. Our technicians will
gladly help you solve your maintenance issue/s.
CLEANING – The front lens of the objectives (particularly the 40XRD and 100XRD) should be cleaned after use.
The lens surface may be gently cleaned with a soft camel hair brush, or blown off with clean, oil-free air to remove
dust particles. Then wipe gently with a soft lens tissue, moistened with optical cleaner (eyeglass or camera lens) or
clean water. Immediately dry with a clean lens paper.
CAUTION - Objectives should never be disassembled by the user. If repairs or internal cleaning should be
necessary, this should only be done by qualified, authorized microscope technician. The eyepiece(s) may be
cleaned in the same manner as the objectives, except in most cases optical cleaner will not be required. In most
instances breathing on the eyepiece to moisten the lens and wiping dry with a clean lens tissue is sufficient to
clean the surface. Lenses should never be wiped while dry as this will scratch or otherwise mar the surface of the
glass.
The finish of the microscope is hard epoxy and is resistant to acids and reagents. Clean this surface with a damp
cloth and mild detergent.
Periodically, the microscope should be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated. This should only be done by a
qualified, authorized microscope technician.
DUST COVER AND STORAGE – All microscopes should be protected from dust by a dust cover when in storage
or not in use. A dust cover is the most cost-effective microscope insurance you can buy. Ensure that the storage
space is tall enough to allow the microscope to be placed into the cabinet or onto a shelf without making undue
contact with the eyepieces. Never store microscopes in cabinets containing chemicals which may corrode your
microscope. Also, be sure that the objectives are placed in the lowest possible position and the rotating head is
turned inward and not protruding from the base. Microscopes with mechanical stages should be adjusted toward
the center of the stage to prevent the moveable arms of the mechanical stage from being damaged during storage
in the cabinet.
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