Some dissecting microscopes only have the overhead light while others have both the overhead and

stage light sources.

For microscopes that only have the overhead light source (where illumination is from above), then only a
single light intensity control is present on one side of the stage. Using this control, the user can adjust
intensity of the light and thus increase or decrease brightness or increase contrast, etc.

For microscopes with both the stage and overhead light sources, there are normally two light
adjustment knobs that may be located opposite to each other behind the stand/arm on the base (or on
the same side as the on/off switch).

One of the knobs is the overhead light adjustment knob while the other is the stage light adjustment
knob. Like the light intensity regulator, the two knobs are also used for adjusting light intensity during
viewing.