Olympus BX51
Olympus · Model BX51
Superb optical performance. Outstanding florescence capability. Contrast and resolution optimized Nomarski DIC. Structural rigidity and compact Y-shape. Research imaging platform. Logical layout and ergonomic design. Great system versatility with a wide range of accessories.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Uneven or dark illumination
MediumSymptoms: Vignetting, dark edges, uneven brightness across the field.
Root cause: Condenser height/aperture wrong, field diaphragm not centred, nosepiece not clicked in, or dirty optics.
Poor image quality / low contrast
MediumSymptoms: Blurry or low-contrast image, especially in DIC/fluorescence.
Root cause: Wrong cover glass, immersion oil on a dry objective, misaligned DIC prisms/polariser, or contaminated optics.
Lamp / illumination fault
MediumSymptoms: No light, dim light, or fluorescence lamp will not strike.
Root cause: Halogen lamp end of life, or the mercury/metal-halide fluorescence source or its power supply.
Focus / stage mechanism wear
LowSymptoms: Focus drifts or binds, stage stiff or slips.
Root cause: Worn focus clutch or dried stage grease.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Halogen lamp
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
Fluorescence lamp / power supply (if fitted)
Track burner hours; do not restrike a hot arc lamp.
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Focus mechanism / clutch kit
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Difficult
Objective lens
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Fairly easy
Mains fuse
Class Major service partRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen lamp | Frequent wear item | $ | Fairly easy |
| Fluorescence lamp / power supply (if fitted) Track burner hours; do not restrike a hot arc lamp. | Frequent wear item | $$ | Moderate |
| Focus mechanism / clutch kit | Major service part | $$ | Difficult |
| Objective lens | Major service part | $$$ | Fairly easy |
| Mains fuse | Major service part | $ | Fairly easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Dark or uneven field
- Click the nosepiece fully into a detent.
- Set the condenser height and aperture and centre the field diaphragm (Kohler).
- Clean the objective, condenser, eyepieces and collector.
- Check the lamp alignment.
- Re-check across objectives.
Symptom: Poor image quality
- Confirm a 0.17 mm cover glass and correct slide orientation.
- Remove immersion oil from dry objectives; use oil only with oil objectives.
- For DIC, check the polariser, analyser and prism settings.
- Clean all optical surfaces.
- Re-evaluate the image.
Documents & Manuals
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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