Step by Step – How to Use a Compound Microscope

1. Turn the Objective Lenses so that the longest lens (the lowest power one) is in viewing position. Be sure that
there is room for it to move into place. Lower the Mechanical stage to make more room if needed.
2. Place the slide on the Mechanical stage and fasten it with the stage clips.
3. Look at the side of the microscope and turn the Adjustment knob until the lens is very close to, but not touching,
the slide.
4. Look through the eyepiece and move the Adjustment knob so that the lens lifts away from the slide. The image
should come into focus. Be careful not to drop the lens into the face of the slide, as this may cause damage to
the lens.
5. The condenser can be adjusted to increase or decrease light intensity. You will usually want the most light
possible for clearer viewing, but with low power objective lenses you may need to decrease the light.
6. The slide can be moved around to center the desired image in the field of view.
7. Once you have a clear image with the low-power objective, you may want to switch to a higher power one by
switching the objective lens. Because they are shorter, you don’t need to worry about turning them into the face
of the slide and causing damage. This is one of the reasons we start with the lower ones.
8. You may need to slightly adjust the focus and centering of the object you are viewing. If you try this, and it
doesn’t seem to come into focus, then drop the lens to very near, but not touching, the slide (look from beside
the microscope to do this, not through the eye piece) and then look through the eyepiece while you slowly raise
the lens away from the slide. At some point, it will come into focus for you.
9. When you have finished viewing the slide, lower the Mechanical stage using the Adjustment knob, click the low
power lens into viewing position (in preparation for next time), and remove the slide (by pressing on the ends of
the clips to release it).