Leica DMi8A, Quick Manual

4

Operating the Microscope 

Navigation 

1)

Adjust the specimen to where you want to be using the X and Y controls 

a.

Rotary Knobs: Top = X; Bottom = Y 

b.

Can be done on computer w/ Mic2 

c.

Can be done w/ manual stage adjustment 

2)

Adjust the Zoom Levels on the microscope 

a.

Available magnifications: 5x, 10x, 25x, 50x, 100x  

Adjusting the Filtering Parameters 

Depending on the properties of your sample and its environment, 
different combinations of camera controls and scanning fields may 
be more viable than others when looking for the highest photo 
resolution. In order to make your sample more visible and colored to 
the proper extent, take a look at the following variables:  

Scanning Fields 

The different scanning fields reflect numerous forms of illumination techniques used within 
advanced microscopes. Incorrect illumination of the sample can lead for sophisticated 
microscopes to take blurry pictures even though they are more than well-equipped. Use the 
following table to determine which scanning field is best for your particular sample: 

Scanning Fields 

Advantages 

Disadvantages 

Bright Field 

Shows the specimen dark on 
a light background 

ꞏ

Allows for viewing 

specimens that are unstained, 
transparent, and have a high 
reflection index 

ꞏ Has a low contrast index 
and typically needs to be 
stained for proper viewing 

Figure: The X‐Y‐Z Controller for the 

microscope. The larger two knobs 

control the X‐Y axis (respectively), and 

the smaller knob controls the Z‐axis.  

Figure: The available magnifications for the DMi8A. The 

selected magnification is highlighted orange.