Can't see with eyepieces installed?

[embenson]

I am not able to view the image/slide when my eyepieces are installed. I can see the slide image without the eyepieces, but once installed the image becomes blurry to the point of almost disappearing. I'm using an Amscope T490B and neither 10x or 20x eyepieces are producing a visible image. (Covers are off and light and other functions are working.) Microscope has been sitting idle for a few months, but was working properly last time used. Any suggestions?

[zzffnn]

Welcome to the forum!

What objective lens did you try? Please start with the lowest power 4x.
Did you turn the fine/coarse focus wheel to focus?

[embenson]

I tried 4x and higher, as well as fine and coarse focus, but same result.

[exmarine]

Try moving the condenser up and down as this might help to focus items.

[75RR]

If you are using a prepared slide make sure it is not upside down, if it is, you will be trying to view through about 1mm of glass which normal objectives are not designed to do.

[embenson]

Thank you for the replies! I tried moving the condenser, but still the same view. Slide is right side up, and have tried multiple slides with same result. Also tried different light levels.

[einman]

Check the eyepiece focus. One or both should be focusable via the knurled knob on the ocular tube or the eyepiece itself.

Make sure the eyepieces are clean. Make sure they are not delaminating. I had some Amscope eyepieces that delaminated quickly.

[rnabholz]

Here are a few things to try.

Use 10 eyepieces

Use a slide with something substantial on it, stained even better

Close the diaphragm on the condenser all the way, and then open it 1/4

Raise the condenser to within a millimeter or two from the bottom of slide

Use the focus knob to lower the objective to its lowest point without crashing it on to the slide.

Now, using the fine focus knob, VERY slowly raise the objective. What you are hoping to see will appear and disappear very quickly, so it is very important to turn the focus very slowly.

An image should appear at some point.

Good luck

[JimT]

Use the focus knob to lower the objective to its lowest point without crashing it on to the slide.

Actually what you are doing is raising and lowering the stage so make sure the little screw that limits how high you can raise the stage is not preventing you from achieving focus.

[rnabholz]

Use the focus knob to lower the objective to its lowest point without crashing it on to the slide.

Actually what you are doing is raising and lowering the stage so make sure the little screw that limits how high you can raise the stage is not preventing you from achieving focus.

Jim - you are absolutely correct - I have become accustomed to my AO stands which move the objectives - Thanks for the translation ;^)

[embenson]

Thank you Rod, that worked! My fine focus was wildly out of adjustment.

[rnabholz]

Thank you Rod, that worked! My fine focus was wildly out of adjustment.

Good. Glad you are back in business.

Rod