Microscope Cleaning, Maintenance, and Adjustment (1301), September 24–25, 2025 In-Person
“Everything was explained very well and the visuals were very clear. Very good set up!” — T.V.D.
“This was my first McCrone course, but it won’t be my last. Really enjoyed it!” — Natalie B.
COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS
Course schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days.
Students will be introduced to how the microscope works, various schools of thought on lens cleaning, how to adjust for proper illumination (Köhler Illumination), and tricks of the trade. Students will also learn what items can readily be found in local stores and online to create their own cleaning and maintenance kit. The students will gain a working knowledge of how to clean and adjust the microscope. Lectures will be followed by demonstrations of the cleaning and maintenance techniques.
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Students will be introduced to how the microscope works, various schools of thought on lens cleaning, how to adjust for proper illumination (Köhler Illumination), and tricks of the trade. Students will also learn what items can readily be found in local stores and online to create their own cleaning and maintenance kit. The students will gain a working knowledge of how to clean and adjust the microscope. Lectures will be followed by demonstrations of the cleaning and maintenance techniques.
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Day 1
- Introduction and course overview
- Microscope parts, guts, and bolts
- Cleaning optics
- Microscope setup and Köhler illumination
- Image quality and lens aberrations
- Resolution
Day 2
- Troubleshooting to localize dirt
- Hands-on cleaning and maintenance
- Diaphragms
- Dovetail slides, racks, and pinions
- Bulbs
- Advanced considerations
- Conclusions