Positioning and focusing

Begin with the stage in the lowered position. Rotate the nosepiece of the microscope until the 4X objective is in the locked position.. Place the slide into the holder and use the coarse focus to raise the stage to the highest position. NOTE. do NOT raise the stage using the coarse focus if the 40X or 100X objective is in place. Adjust the rheostat to an intermediate position so that the light is not glaringly bright nor dim. Look through the ocular lenses and lower the stage using the coarse focus until the sample comes into focus. With a sample in place you can now adjust your ocular lenses. See the end of this page for deatail on using the oil immersion lens.