Primo Vert

Operating Manual
Carl Zeiss Copyright Primo Vert

Knowledge of this manual is required for the operation of the instrument. Would you therefore please
make yourself familiar with the contents of this manual and pay special attention to instructions
concerning the safe handling of the instrument.
Subject to alterations in the interest of technical progress. The manual is not covered by an update
service.
© Unless expressly authorized, forwarding and duplication of this document, as well as utilization and
communication of its contents are not permitted. Violations will entail an obligation to pay
compensation.
All rights reserved in the event of granting of patents or registration of a utility model.

Issued by:: Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH

Postfach 4041, D - 37030 Göttingen

Telefon: +49 551 5060 660
Telefax: +49 551 5060 464
E-mail: [email protected]

www.zeiss.de

Manual number: M60-2-0051 e

Date of issue: Version 6, 12/17/2009

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Primo Vert Contents Carl Zeiss

CONTENTS
Page
1 Notes on Instrument Safety.............................................................................................. 4
1.1 General Safety Notes ............................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Instrument Safety and EMC .................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Unpacking, Transportation, Storage...................................................................................... 5
1.4 Disposal................................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Operation............................................................................................................................. 6
1.6 Warranty Notes .................................................................................................................... 8
1.7 Warning and Information Labels........................................................................................... 9
2 Description ....................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 System Overview ................................................................................................................ 10
2.2 Intended Use ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Instrument Description and Main Features .......................................................................... 12
2.4 Objectives........................................................................................................................... 13
3 Start-Up and Operation .................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Starting up the Microscope................................................................................................. 14
3.1.1 Setting up the Microscope.................................................................................................. 14
3.1.2 Screwing in the Objectives.................................................................................................. 14
3.1.3 Inserting the Condenser ..................................................................................................... 15
3.1.4 Inserting the Filter Slider ..................................................................................................... 15
3.1.5 Inserting the Phase Contrast Slider...................................................................................... 16
3.1.6 Inserting the Stage Inserts and Attaching the Stage Enlargement Plates .............................. 16
3.1.7 Mounting the Specimen Guide and Inserting the Mounting Frame ..................................... 17
3.1.8 Inserting the Transmitted-Light Illuminator with LED ........................................................... 17
3.1.9 Connecting the Plug-in Power Unit..................................................................................... 17
3.2 Operating the Microscope .................................................................................................. 18
3.2.1 Operational and Functional Elements of the Primo Vert Microscope .................................... 18
3.2.2 Switching the Microscope On / Off ..................................................................................... 20
3.2.3 Adjusting Interpupillary Distance and Viewing Height ......................................................... 22
3.2.4 Compensating Defective Vision at the Eyepieces and Inserting the Eyepiece Pointer or
Eyepiece Micrometer .......................................................................................................... 22
3.2.5 Adjusting Transmitted-Light Brightfield on the Microscope ................................................. 23
3.2.6 Adjusting Transmitted-Light Phase Contrast or Transmitted-Light Darkfield......................... 24
3.3 Retrofitting the Microscope ................................................................................................ 25
3.3.1 Replacing the Halogen Bulb 6 V / 30 W of the Transmitted-Light Illuminator or the
Transmitted-Light Illuminator with LED ............................................................................... 25
3.3.2 Attaching a Camera ........................................................................................................... 26
4 Care and Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 27
4.1 Instrument Care ................................................................................................................. 27
4.2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 28
5 Annex ............................................................................................................................... 29
5.1 Technical Data.................................................................................................................... 29

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Carl Zeiss Notes on Instrument Safety Primo Vert

1 NOTES ON INSTRUMENT SAFETY

1.1 General Safety Notes

Please read this operating manual carefully before starting up the microscope.
If you need supplementary information, contact the Carl Zeiss Service or an authorized agency.

To ensure safe operation and troublefree function of the microscope, strictly observe the precautions and
warnings given in this manual.
They are set off herein as follows:

CAUTION
Hazard to the user of the instrument if safety notes are not observed.

ATTENTION
Hot surface!

ATTENTION
LED risk group 2 according to IEC 62471, LED radiation is emitted.
Do not look into the LED beam. It can be dangerous to the eyes.

ATTENTION
Disconnect the plug-in power unit from line power before opening the microscope!

ATTENTION
This symbol indicates a possible hazard to the instrument or system.

NOTE
Working instructions to be observed when using the microscope.

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1.2 Instrument Safety and EMC

The Primo Vert microscopes have been designed, produced and tested in compliance with the standards
DIN EN 61010-1 (IEC 61010-1) and IEC 61010-2-101 "Safety Requirements for Electrical Measuring,
Control and Laboratory Equipment".
The Primo Vert microscopes meet the requirements of the EC Directive 98/79/EC Annex 1 and carry the
mark.
The instruments have to be disposed of in compliance with the WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC.

1.3 Unpacking, Transportation, Storage

Please observe the following safety notes for unpacking, transportation and storage of the microscope:
− The microscope is supplied packed to commercial standards in a plastic case with outer cardboard
package; use the original packaging for transportation.
− Retain the original packaging for a longer storage of the microscope or its return to the manufacturer.
− When unpacking the equipment, check all components for completeness according to the delivery
note.

− Keep transport and storage temperatures as specified in the Technical Data.

− Set up the microscope on a stable worktable with solid and smooth tabletop.
− Be careful not to leave your fingerprints on optical surfaces.

While using the microscope and up to about 10 minutes after the use there is risk of burns due
to the hot lamp housing.

1.4 Disposal

Please observe the following safety notes for disposing of the microscope:
Defective microscopes should not be disposed of with household waste; dispose of them in
compliance with the provisions of the law.

The manufacturer of the device is under the legal obligation to take back defective devices.

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Carl Zeiss Notes on Instrument Safety Primo Vert

1.5 Operation

The microscope including its original accessories must not be used for microscopic techniques other than
those described in this operating manual.
Please observe the following safety notes when using the microscope:

The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for other applications, including those of
individual modules or single components. This also applies to any service or repair work that is
not carried out by authorized service personnel. In case of non-compliance, all warranty claims
shall be forfeited.

Do not operate the devices and their accessories included in the delivery in potentially explosive
areas nor in the presence of volatile anesthetics or combustible solvents, such as alcohol,
benzine or similar chemicals.

Dirt and dust may impair the performance of the devices. The devices must therefore be
protected from such influences to the greatest possible extent and covered with the dust cover
when not in use. Before covering the devices always check whether they have been switched
off or have switched off themselves automatically in AUTO-OFF mode (then, the blue power-
on LEDs on the right and left side of the stand are off).

The microscope may only be operated by trained personnel who are aware of possible dangers
involved in microscopy and the particular application concerned. The microscope may only be
operated if set up on a stable, solid, smooth and hardly flammable surface.

The microscope is a high-precision instrument that may be impaired in its performance or even
destroyed when handled improperly.

The microscope is equipped with a plug-in power unit allowing line voltages in the range
between 100 and 240 V ±10%, 50 / 60 Hz, without the need for changing the voltage setting
on the instrument.
The plug-in power unit meets the requirements of protection class II (with protective
insulation). If its casing is damaged, put the plug-in power unit out of operation. The
microscope may be operated only with the plug-in power unit supplied.

If any protective measures are no longer effective, the device must be taken out of service and
secured against inadvertent operation. Please contact a Zeiss service agency or the Carl Zeiss
Microscopy Service to have the device repaired.

− Always disconnect the power cable before opening the instrument and changing the bulb
or LED.
− Wait for the bulb to cool down before replacing it and do not leave fingerprints on the new
bulb.
− The instrument may only be opened by instructed specialists or service staff.
− The operation of the instrument in explosion-risk environments is not allowed.

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Never look into the light beam - neither with nor without optical instruments, even not if you
simply want to observe the specimen. Your eyes may be damaged in case of non-observance!

When using immersion oil, read in any case the safety data sheet.

Immersion oil irritates the skin. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
After skin contact, wash the oil off with plenty of water and soap.
After eye contact, immediately rinse the eye with plenty of water for at least five minutes. If
the irritation persists, consult a medical specialist.
Proper disposal of immersion oil: Take care to ensure that immersion oil does not enter surface
water or the sewage system.

The microscope is not equipped with special devices for the protection from corrosive,
potentially infectious, toxic, and radioactive or other substances that may be hazardous to
health. If you handle such substances, be sure to observe all legal requirements, in particular
the relevant national accident prevention regulations.

− Before transporting the instrument, switch it off and let it cool down (hot surface on the
lamp housing).
− The plug-in power unit must not get in contact with moisture.

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Carl Zeiss Notes on Instrument Safety Primo Vert

1.6 Warranty Notes

The Primo Vert microscopes including their original accessories must not be used for microscopic
techniques other than those described in this operating manual. The manufacturer cannot assume any
liability for other applications.

Please consider the following warranty notes for the microscopes:

− The manufacturer guarantees that the device is free from material or manufacturing defects when
delivered.
− Any defects must be notified to us immediately and steps be taken to minimize damage.
− If notified of such a defect, the manufacturer is obligated to rectify it at its discretion, either by
repairing the instrument or by delivering an intact replacement.
− No guarantee is provided for defects caused by natural wear (wearing parts in particular) and improper
use.
− The instrument manufacturer shall not be liable for damage caused by faulty operation, negligence or
any other tampering with the microscope, particularly the removal or replacement of microscope
components, or the use of accessories from other manufacturers.
Unauthorized tampering with the instrument shall lead to a forfeit of all warranty claims.

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1.7 Warning and Information Labels

Fig. 1 Warning and information labels on Primo Vert

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Carl Zeiss Description Primo Vert

2 DESCRIPTION

2.1 System Overview

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Carl Zeiss Description Primo Vert

2.2 Intended Use

The Primo Vert microscopes are universally applicable light microscopes of inverted design (inverted
microscopes). They are primarily used to examine cell and tissue cultures as well as sediments in culture
flasks, Petri dishes and microtiter plates.
Typical applications:
Examination of blood and tissue samples from the human body, observation of intracellular
processes on living cell cultures, cell-cell interactions, motility, growth.
When handling hazardous substances, observe the instructions on intended operation, correct use and
statutory safety precautions.

2.3 Instrument Description and Main Features

The Primo Vert microscopes are inverted transmitted-light microscopes of compact design with a small
footprint.
For the microscopy techniques of transmitted-light brightfield and phase contrast, either a stand with
binocular tube or a stand with trinocular tube (camera port) for photo and video documentation is
available to the user.
Important features of the microscope are:
− Stand equipped with a binocular tube or a trinocular phototube (50 % vis, 50 % doc) with an
ergonomically favorable tube angle of 45°; the swiveling eyepiece part can be adapted to the user's
interpupillary distance and viewing height.
− Illumination either by a 6 V / 30 W halogen lamp insert or an LED insert.
− Continuously adjustable illumination intensity.
− Automatic stand-by for illumination, timed switching on and off of illumination via two buttons on the
specimen stage.
− Blue light-intensity indicators installed on both sides, which are still well visible from a distance.
− External plug-in power unit with cable (incl. cable with multiple plug and country-specific plug inserts).
− Plastic-coated carrying handle integrated in the stand for setting up, demounting and transporting the
device.
− Convenient coaxial coarse and fine focusing drive; adjustable torque of coarse focusing drive.
− Fixed specimen stage suitable for inserting metal or glass plates and attaching the stage enlargement
plates and the specimen guide.
− Quadruple objective nosepiece with W 0.8 lens thread running on ball bearing.
− Infinity-corrected "Plan-ACHROMAT" objectives with magnifications of 4x and 10x for brightfield and
phase contrast, as well as LD "Plan-ACHROMAT" objectives with long working distance and
magnifications of 10x, 20x and 40x for brightfield and phase contrast.
− Preadjusted phase contrast: Use of only one phase stop for objectives with magnifications of 10x, 20x
and 40x for phase contrast.
− Adjustable eyepieces 10x for field-of-view numbers 20, suitable for spectacle wearers.

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2.4 Objectives

The objectives are the optical heart of the microscope. The objectives may be labeled as follows:

LD Plan-ACHROMAT 40x/0.5 Ph 1 ∞/1.0

Where:
LD Long working distance
10x Objective magnification,
with a defined color ring on the
objective being assigned to each
magnification step (Carl Zeiss color code)
0.5 Numerical aperture
∞ Infinite mechanical tube length
0.17 Usable with cover glass thickness
D = 0.17 mm
or
0 Usable without cover glass
− Usable with cover glass thickness D = 0 or
Fig. 2 Objective (mounting position)
0.17 mm
Other labels:
Ph Phase contrast objective with green
inscription

Objective magnification multiplied by eyepiece magnification results in overall visual magnification,

e.g. 10 x 10 = 100x.
Numerical aperture multiplied by 1000, e.g. 0.25 x 1000 = 250x, presents the maximum useful
magnification; there is no resolution for further details above that limit.

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3 START-UP AND OPERATION

3.1 Starting up the Microscope

3.1.1 Setting up the Microscope

Before installing and starting up the microscope, be sure to carefully read and observe the
notes on instrument safety (see Section 1).

Do not touch optical surfaces when unpacking the microscope to avoid fingerprints!

The microscope is supplied completely assembled and, inclusive of its accessories, packed to commercial
standards.
The accessories and individual microscope components (such as sliders, filters or phase stops, specimen
holders, specimen guides or the stage enlargement plates) are delivered in separate packages and must
still be mounted to the microscope.

• Take the microscope out of the transport case and put it on the worktable, using the handle on the
back of the stand. Do not hold the microscope on the front side by the eyepiece part, but by the neck
of the stand between the eyepiece part and the stand base.
Retain the original packaging for a longer storage of the microscope or its return to the
manufacturer.

3.1.2 Screwing in the Objectives

• Remove the dust caps from the location holes

of the objective nosepiece (Fig. 3/2).
• Screw the objectives (Fig. 3/1) in ascending
order into the location holes until the stop is
reached.
• Affix the supplied stickers (Fig. 3/3) indicating
the objective magnification, to the
corresponding positions of the objective
nosepiece.
Recommendation:
Affix the stickers so that you can read
from the left side (Fig. 3/3) the
magnification of the objective just
positioned in the light path.

Fig. 3 Screwing in the objectives

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3.1.3 Inserting the Condenser

• Remove the condenser cap.

• Insert the condenser (Fig. 4/4) from the front
into the guide (Fig. 4/3) and push it in to stop.
• Fix the condenser by tightening the knurled
screw (Fig. 4/1).
Recommendation:
If the knurled screw used to fix the
condenser is in the way when working
with the microscope, or if the
condenser never needs to be changed,
it can be fixed as well with the Allen
screw (Fig. 4/2) included in the
delivery, instead of using the knurled Fig. 4 Inserting the condenser
screw.

3.1.4 Inserting the Filter Slider

• Put the color filter (Fig. 5/1) or the green

interference filter (diameter d=45 mm) into the
opening of the filter slider.
As the filters are clamped in the filter
slider only slightly, not twist-proof, the
filter slider should not be turned or
tilted in order to avoid that the filters
fall out and get damaged.
• Push the 2-position filter slider (Fig. 5/2) from
the left or the right side into the slot (Fig. 5/3)
of the upper part of the stand until it engages
in the desired position.

Fig. 5 Inserting the filter slider

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.1.5 Inserting the Phase Contrast Slider

The 2-position Ph slider (Fig. 6/1) and the

3-position Ph slider (Fig. 6/2) are delivered
completely, with phase contrast stops mounted.
• Push the Ph slider (Fig. 6/1 or 2) from the right
or the left side, with the inscription facing
upwards, into the condenser slot (Fig. 6/3) until
it engages in the desired position.

If necessary, the neutral filter can be

inserted into the free position of the
corresponding phase contrast slider.
This prevents the user from being
dazzled when the slider position is
changed.

Fig. 6 Inserting the phase contrast slider

3.1.6 Inserting the Stage Inserts and

Attaching the Stage Enlargement
Plates

• Insert either the metal insert (Fig. 7/5) or the

glass insert (Fig. 7/6) into the specimen stage.
The metal insert with a bean-like opening is to be
used to prevent an objective with short working
distance (e.g. 40x) from colliding with the sample
container when being rotated into the light path.
As an alternative, LD objectives (LD = long
distance) can be used because of their longer
working distance. The stage insert with bean-like
opening is provided with an orientation pin to fix
its position.
• If the size of the stage surface does not suffice,
stage enlargement plates (Fig. 7/1 and 3) can be
attached to both the left and the right side. The
stage enlargement plates have to be attached
Fig. 7 Inserting the stage inserts and to the stage (Fig. 7/4) from below and fixed
attaching the stage enlargement using the two knurled screws (Fig. 7/2) included
plates in the delivery.

If the specimen guide is used, it is not possible to use the stage enlargement plate on the
right side of the stage.

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3.1.7 Mounting the Specimen Guide and

Inserting the Mounting Frame

• If attached, remove the stage enlargement plate

from the right side of the stage.
• Attach the specimen guide (Fig. 8/2) from
below to the right side of the stage (Fig. 8/1)
and fasten it with the two knurled screws
(Fig. 8/3) of the specimen guide.
• Insert the universal mounting frame M or the
mounting frame for 96-position microtiter
plates (Fig. 8/5) into the specimen guide,
depending on the sample vessel used. Make
sure that the mounting frame stops properly in
the two fixing clips (Fig. 8/4).
• For Petri dishes with 65 mm or 54 mm
diameter, insert the corresponding mounting Fig. 8 Mounting the specimen guide and
frame into the mounting frame for microtiter inserting the mounting frame
plates.

If required, the mounting frame for Petri dishes d=35 mm can be inserted additionally into
the mounting frame for Petri dishes d=65 mm.

3.1.8 Inserting the Transmitted-Light Illuminator with LED

The microscope is delivered with the transmitted-light illuminator with halogen bulb 6 V 30 W already
mounted.
If the transmitted-light illuminator with LED has been ordered and shall be used, it must be inserted into
the stand instead of the transmitted-light illuminator with halogen bulb (see Section 3.3.1).

3.1.9 Connecting the Plug-in Power Unit

• If necessary, replace the power supply adapter

attached to the plug-in power unit (Fig. 9/1) by
one of the country-specific adapters supplied
(Fig. 9/2), pulling off the existing adapter and
inserting the desired one.
• Insert the plug (Fig. 9/3) of the plug-in power
unit into the connection socket located on the
rear of the stand (Fig. 9/4).
• Connect the plug-in power unit (Fig. 9/1) with a
power outlet.

Fig. 9 Connecting the plug-in power unit

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.2 Operating the Microscope

3.2.1 Operational and Functional Elements of the Primo Vert Microscope

Fig. 10 Operational elements of Primo Vert

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Legend to Fig. 10:

1 Transmitted-light illuminator (built-in)
2 Filter slider
3 Slider with phase stops
4 Handle (rear)
5 Control knob for Y travel of specimen guide (travel readable on alphabetic scale reflected in the mirror)
6 Control knob for X travel of specimen guide (travel readable on numeric scale)
7 Specimen guide
8 Specimen stage
9 Fine focusing drive (right side)
10 Course focusing drive (right side)
11 Rotary knob for adjusting the illumination intensity
12 On/off switch for illumination; active with rotary knob in AUTO position
13 Tube
14 Binocular part of the tube
15 Eyepieces
16 Camera port (only stand with trinocular tube)
17 Lever for adjusting the aperture diaphragm of the condenser
18 Objective
19 Rotary knob for switching the microscope on and off, with ON, OFF and AUTO positions
20 Ring for adjusting the torque of the course focusing drive
21 Course focusing drive (left side)
22 Fine focusing drive (left side)
23 Objective nosepiece
24 Illumination intensity indicators (on both sides of the stand)
25 Plug-in power unit

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.2.2 Switching the Microscope On / Off

• Switch on the microscope using the rotary knob (Fig. 11/2) (ON or AUTO position).
− ON position:
The two ON/OFF switches (Fig. 11/1) on the specimen stage for quickly switching the transmitted-
light illuminator on and off are inactive. The illuminator remains continuously switched on.
− AUTO position:
The ON/OFF switches (Fig. 11/1) for quickly switching the transmitted-light illuminator on and off
are active. So, the illuminator can be switched off and on again quickly. After an operation time of
15 minutes, the illuminator switches off automatically and goes to standby mode. Upon actuating
one of the ON/OFF switches, the illuminator switches on again. When actuating the switch once
more during operation, the 15-minute period will start again from the beginning.
Recommendation:
If you want to use the microscope only for a short time, you should use the AUTO function.
This saves energy and extends the lifetime of the transmitted-light illuminator.

Fig. 11 Switching the microscope on or off

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• Adjust the desired illumination intensity using the rotary knob (Fig. 10/11).
The selected intensity is indicated in five steps by the blue light-emitting diodes (Fig. 10/24) arranged on
both sides of the stand.
• The torque of the coarse focusing drive is factory-adjusted and can be readjusted if required. For this
purpose, insert a screwdriver into one of the four radially arranged holes of the ring (Fig. 10/20), hold
the course focusing knob (Fig. 10/21) in position and turn the ring with the screwdriver to the right or
left in order to adjust the torque of the coarse drive as desired.

• After finishing work, switch off the microscope with the rotary knob (Fig. 11/2) (OFF position).
• Cover the microscope with the dust cover.

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.2.3 Adjusting Interpupillary Distance

and Viewing Height

• Rotate the eyepiece tubes symmetrically toward

or away from one another to adjust the
distance between the tubes to your individual
interpupillary distance (Fig. 12).
With the correct interpupillary distance you see
only one round image while looking through both
eyepieces!
• Swivel the eyepiece tubes upward (Fig. 13/A) or
Fig. 12 Adjusting the interpupillary
distance downward (Fig. 13/B) to adjust the viewing
height to your individual requirements.

3.2.4 Compensating Defective Vision at

the Eyepieces and Inserting the
Eyepiece Pointer or Eyepiece
Micrometer

The eyepieces (Fig. 14/3) can be equipped with

fold-over rubber eyecups (Fig. 14/1: pulled out;
Fig. 14/2: folded over). Die eyecups are supplied
together with the eyepieces, but are not yet
mounted.
Both eyepieces are suitable for spectacle wearers.
They contain additionally a focusing ring for the
compensation of defective vision. The provided
Fig. 13 Adjusting the viewing height diopter scale serves to facilitate finding the correct
setting.
If required, an eyepiece pointer or an eyepiece
micrometer with a diameter of 23 mm can be
inserted in one eyepiece.
To this end, follow this procedure:
• Unscrew the stop (Fig. 14/5) by hand from the
eyepiece.
• Insert the eyepiece pointer (Fig. 14/4a) or the
eyepiece micrometer (Fig. 14/4b) into the
eyepiece (with the coated side facing your eyes).
• Screw in the stop again.

Fig. 14 Inserting the eyepiece pointer or

eyepiece micrometer

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• Insert the eyepiece into the tube.

• Attach the eyecups.
• Turn the focusing ring of the eyepiece (Fig. 14/3) to focus on the wedge-shaped figure of the eyepiece
pointer.
• Put the specimen onto the specimen stage. Look at the specimen through the eyepiece with the
eyepiece pointer and bring the microscopic image into focus using the focusing drive.
• When in the above-mentioned eyepiece both the microscopic image and the eyepiece pointer appear
sharply defined, focus the image for the second eye by turning the focusing ring of the second
eyepiece.
Having done so, both microscopic images inclusive of the eyepiece pointer are focused.
From now on, you should focus onto the specimen using the focusing drive only.

3.2.5 Adjusting Transmitted-Light Brightfield on the Microscope

The Primo Vert microscope is supplied factory-adjusted. Operation for brightfield applications is restricted
to few manipulations.
• Put the specimen on the specimen stage or into the mounting frame of the specimen guide.
• Remove the filter slider or position it for free passage of light.
• Remove the slider for phase contrast or position it for free passage of light.
• Adjust the desired magnification by rotating the corresponding objective into the light path. If
appropriate, use first a less magnifying objective.
• Focus onto the specimen using the focusing drive.
• To optimize contrast, set the aperture diaphragm of the condenser with the lever to about 2/3 of the
maximum value.
• Turn the rotary knob on the microscope stand to adjust the illumination intensity to a level pleasant
for observation.

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.2.6 Adjusting Transmitted-Light Phase

Contrast or Transmitted-Light
Darkfield

• First, adjust the microscope as you do for

brightfield.
• Turn the nosepiece to position the phase-
contrast objective (for Ph 0, Ph 1 or Ph 2) into
the light path.
• Open the aperture diaphragm completely by
means of the lever (Fig. 15/3) on the condenser.
• Introduce the slider (Fig. 15/1) into the
condenser so that the phase stop position
suitable for the objective used (Ph 0, Ph 1 or
Ph 2) is in the light path. Pay attention to the
correct detent position.
• Adjust the illumination intensity as needed.
• Check the centering of the phase stop
Fig. 15 Inserting the slider
according to the drawing in Fig. 16. To this end,
remove one eyepiece and replace it by the
diopter.
• Center the phase stop, if necessary (Fig. 16/A),
by turning the two adjusting screws (Fig. 15/2)
of the corresponding slider position by means
of the two Allen keys SW 1.5 (Fig. 15/4) until
the image corresponds to that shown in
Fig. 16/B.
• Afterwards, replace the diopter by the eyepiece
again.

Fig. 16 Centering the phase stop

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3.3 Retrofitting the Microscope

Unplug the plug-in power unit from

line power before retrofitting the
microscope.

3.3.1 Replacing the Halogen Bulb

6 V / 30 W of the Transmitted-Light
Illuminator or the Transmitted-
Light Illuminator with LED

Switch off the microscope before

replacing the transmitted-light
illuminator with LED or the halogen
bulb 6 V / 30 W, allow for a sufficient
cool-down time and remove the plug-
in power unit from the socket.
• Press down the clamping lug of the cover
Fig. 17 Replacing the halogen bulb
(Fig. 17/1) and remove the cover from the
6 V / 30 W or the transmitted-light
stand. illuminator with LED
• Loosen both fastening screws (Fig. 17/2) of the
transmitted-light illuminator (e.g. transmitted-
light illuminator with halogen bulb, Fig. 17/3).
In doing so, slightly press the screws against the
spring and turn them by 90°: Turn left and right
screw clockwise.
• Pull the transmitted-light illuminator (Fig. 17/3) out of the stand.
• Pull the halogen bulb (Fig. 17/4) out of the lamp carrier and insert the new halogen bulb. Do not
touch the new lamp with bare fingers as this will decrease the life of the bulb.

A spare bulb (Fig. 17/5) can be placed in the transmitted-light illuminator with halogen bulb
and remain there during the operation.

The transmitted-light illuminator with LED has to be replaced completely. The LED alone
cannot be replaced.

• Push the transmitted-light illuminator (e.g. transmitted-light illuminator with LED, Fig. 17/6) into the
stand and fasten it with the two screws (Fig. 17/7). In doing so, slightly press the screws against the
spring and turn them by 90°: Turn right and left screw counterclockwise.
• Attach the cover (Fig. 17/1) again to the stand and let it snap into place.

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Carl Zeiss Start-Up and Operation Primo Vert

3.3.2 Attaching a Camera

You can attach a digital camera, a video camera or

a compact digital camera of your choice to the
microscope with trinocular tube using the three
available camera adapters (see Section 2.1).
• Loosen the clamping screw (Fig. 18/7) and
remove the dust cap from the camera port
(Fig. 18/8) of the trinocular tube.

Attaching a Compact Digital Camera

• Sliding mount (Fig. 18/4), thread adapter ring
M37/52 (Fig. 18/3) and lens mount (Fig. 18/6)
are supplied pre-assembled as Digital Camera
Adapter P95 M37/52x0.75. The opposite
drawing shows this unit dismantled.
Furthermore, you may unscrew the thread
adapter ring M37/52 (Fig. 18/3) from the sliding
mount (Fig. 18/4) (not shown) so that you can
also attach cameras with M37 thread.
• Mount the adapter ring (Fig. 18/2) (supplied
with the camera) to the camera (Fig. 18/1) (see
the operating instructions of the camera).
Fig. 18 Attaching the camera • Screw the unit consisting of sliding mount
(Fig. 18/4), thread adapter ring M37/52
(Fig. 18/3) and lens mount (Fig. 18/6) into the
adapter ring (Fig. 18/2).
• Insert the camera with adapter into the phototube as far as it will go. Align it and fasten it with the
clamping screw (Fig. 18/7).
• Depending on the microscope equipment or the camera used, it may be necessary to optimize the
distance between camera lens and lens mount (Fig. 18/6) (see double-headed arrow). This will be
necessary in particular if it is impossible to obtain an unvignetted image in any of the zoom positions
of the camera lens. To this end, adjust the camera as follows:
− Switch off autofocus.
− Set the object distance to ∞.
− Set aperture-priority auto exposure mode.
− Choose an aperture as large as possible (i.e. small aperture number!).
Not all cameras provide these options. Please consult the operating manual of the camera used.
• Loosen the set screw (Fig. 18/5).
• Vary the camera lens/lens mount distance gradually, i.e. displace the sliding mount with camera on the
lens mount in defined steps.
• Zoom the camera lens through from wide angle (W) to tele position (T).

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• Carry out this test until the image is format-filling without masking or vignetting.
• Retighten the set screw (Fig. 18/5).

With camera/adapter combinations that have not been recommended expressly by Zeiss, it
may be quite impossible to obtain an unvignetted image.

Attaching a Digital Camera or Video Camera with C-Mount Thread

Cameras with C-mount thread are to be connected to the phototube of the microscope by means of the
camera adapter P95-C 2/3" 0.65x or P95-C 1/2" 0.5x (Fig. 18/9).
• Put the camera (Fig. 18/10) together with the corresponding camera adapter (Fig. 18/9) into the
phototube as far as it will go, align it and fasten it with the clamping screw (Fig. 18/7).

4 CARE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

4.1 Instrument Care

Care of the microscope is restricted to the following operations:

• Cover the instrument with the dust cover after every use.
• Do not install the microscope in a humid room; maximum humidity < 75%.
• Cover open tubes with the dust caps.
• Remove dust and loose dirt from visible optical surfaces with a brush, blower brush, cotton swab,
optics cleaning tissue, or a cotton cloth.
• Remove water-soluble dirt (coffee, cola, etc.) by blowing on it and then wiping it off with a dust-free
cotton cloth or a cloth moistened with water to which you may also add a mild detergent.
• Wipe off stubborn oily or fatty dirt (immersion oil, fingerprints) with a cotton swab or a dust-free
cotton cloth moistened with the optics cleaning solution L.
The cleaning solution consists of 90 vol% gasoline and 10 vol% isopropanol (IPA). Its individual
constituents are also known as:
Gasoline: Surgical spirit, petroleum ether
Isopropanol: 2-propanol,
dimethyl carbinol,
2-hydroxypropane
Clean optical surfaces by polishing them in circles from the middle and to the edges using slight pressure
only.
Before cleaning the plug-in power unit, disconnect it from line power. Avoid in any case the penetration
of moisture into the plug-in power unit.
For using the microscope in warm and humid climatic zones, it comes with all optical components already
protected against fungus attack.

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Carl Zeiss Care and Troubleshooting Primo Vert

4.2 Troubleshooting

Problem Cause Remedy

Field of view not completely Nosepiece with objective not switched Switch nosepiece with objective into
visible. into click-stop position. click-stop position.
Condenser not correctly snapped into Arrest condenser correctly.
place.
Filter slider not correctly snapped into Push filter slider to click-stop position.
place.
Slider for phase contrast not correctly Push slider for phase contrast to click-
snapped into place. stop position.
Low resolving power, poor Aperture diaphragm not opened to Open the aperture diaphragm to 2/3 for
image contrast. correct size. brightfield, or completely for phase
contrast.
Use of wrong cover glass thickness for Use measured 1 mm or 0.17 mm cover
transmitted-light objectives corrected glass.
for 1 mm or 0.17mm cover glass.
Dirt or dust on the optical surfaces of Clean the respective optical
objectives, eyepieces, condensers, or components.
filters.
Major focus differences after Adjustable eyepieces not correctly Adjust the adjustable eyepieces acc. to
changing the objective. adjusted. the corresponding defective vision.
Objectives not correctly screwed Screw down objectives correctly.
down.
The 6 V 30 W halogen bulb or Power plug not inserted into power Insert power plug into power outlet,
the LED source does not light outlet, plug-in power unit not connect plug-in power unit with stand.
up although the microscope connected with stand.
has been switched on.
6 V 30 W halogen bulb or LED source Replace the defective 6 V 30 W halogen
defective. bulb or the LED module.
Pins of the 6 V 30 W halogen bulb not Insert the pins of the 6 V 30 W halogen
inserted properly into lamp holder. bulb properly into the lamp holder.
Transmitted-light illuminator not Tighten fastening screws of the
properly screwed down. transmitted-light illuminator.
The 6 V 30 W halogen bulb is End of average life of 6 V 30 W Replace the 6 V 30 W halogen bulb.
flickering, its light intensity halogen bulb.
unstable, the illumination
inhomogeneous. Power cable incorrectly installed or Connect the power cable correctly or
broken. replace it.
Pins of 6 V 30 W halogen bulb not Insert the pins of the 6 V 30 W halogen
inserted correctly into lamp holder. bulb correctly into the lamp holder.
Pins of 6 V 30 W halogen bulb not Insert the pins of the 6 V 30 W halogen
inserted symmetrically into lamp bulb symmetrically into the lamp holder.
holder.
Image focus is unstable. Adjusted torque of coarse focusing Adjust stronger torque of the coarse
drive too low. focusing drive.

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Primo Vert Annex Carl Zeiss

5 ANNEX

5.1 Technical Data

Dimensions (width x depth x height)

Primo Vert approx. 261 x 550 x 494 mm
Weight
Primo Vert (without accessories and approx. 11 kg
packaging)
Ambient Conditions
Transportation (in packaging):
Admissible ambient temperature -40 to +70 °C
Storage:
Admissible ambient temperature +10 to +40 °C
Admissible air humidity max. 75 % at 35 °C (no condensation)
Operation:
Admissible ambient temperature +10 to +40 °C
Admissible air humidity max. 75 % at 35 °C (no condensation)
Atmospheric pressure 800 hPa to 1060 hPa
Operating Data
Protection class II
Protection type IP20
Electrical safety in compliance with DIN EN 61010-1 (IEC 61010-1)
including CSA and UL directives
Pollution degree 2
Overvoltage category II
Radio interference suppression in compliance with EN 61326
Line voltage 100 to 240 V (±10 %) wide-range input power supply, i.e.
voltage setting of the instrument need not be changed!
Line frequency 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption 70 VA; secondary voltage of external power supply 12V
Plug-in power unit output 12 V DC; max. 2.5 A
Microscope 12 V / 6 V DC adjustable from 1.5 V to 6 V
LED class of complete device Risk group 2 in compliance with IEC 62471
Light Sources
Halogen lamp HAL 6 V, 30 W
Adjustability of light source continuous, from 1.5 to 6 V DC
Color temperature at 6 V 2800 K
Luminous flux 765 lm
Average life 100 h
Luminous area 1.5 x 1.5 mm
LED illumination White light LED, peak wavelength 450 nm,
LED risk group 2 according to IEC 62471
Constant, brightness-independent
color temperature 7480 K
Homogeneous field illumination 20 mm diameter
Suitable for objectives with
magnifications of 4x to 100x
Analogous brightness adjustment from approx. 15 to 100 %

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Carl Zeiss Annex Primo Vert

Optical/Mechanical Data
Stand with stage focusing drives
With coarse focusing drive 45 mm/rev.
With fine focusing drive 0.5 mm/rev.
Total stage lift 15 mm
Objective change manual via quadruple objective nosepiece
Objectives infinity-corrected objective range with W 0.8 mounting thread
Eyepieces 30 mm tube diameter
with field-of-view number 20 WF 10x/20 Br. foc.
Specimen stage fixed
Dimensions (width x depth) 200 x 239 mm
Specimen guide right side
Verniers with numerical and alphabetic X direction: numerical scale, readable from right to left
scale Y direction: alphabetic scale, readable in the mirror
Coaxial drive right side
LD condenser 0.3 for Vobj 4x to 40x, a = 72 mm
LD condenser 0.4 for Vobj 4x to 40x, a = 55 mm
Binocular tube 45°/20
Maximum field-of-view number 20
Interpupillary distance adjustable from 48 to 75 mm
Tube angle 45°
Viewing height 360 to 397 mm
Viewing port tube factor 1x
Trinocular (photo)tube 45°/20
Maximum field-of-view number 20
Interpupillary distance adjustable from 48 to 75 mm
Tube angle 45°
Viewing height 360 to 397 mm
Viewing port tube factor 1x
Photo/video port tube factor 1x, 60 mm mount
Fixed beam splitting 50 % vis / 50 % doc

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