Leica DM100 User Manual

Leica DM100
User Manual

Congratulations!

Congratulations on purchasing the Leica DM100
Compound Microscope. This model’s exclusive
design features and full range of accessories
make it a truly versatile, high quality-instru­ment for educational applications.

Though the reliability and robustness of Leica
microscopes is already practically proverbial,
they still require a certain degree of care and
attention. Therefore, we recommend that you
read this User Manual. It contains all the infor­mation you need regarding operation, safety
and maintenance. Simply observing a few
guidelines will ensure that even after years of
intensive use, your microscope will continue to
work as smoothly and reliably as on the very
first day.

We wish you the best of success in your work!

Leica DM100 User Manual 2

Table of Contents

Important Notes

Symbols Used in this User Manual 5
Important Safety Notes 6
Instructions for Use 8
Health risks and dangers of use 10
Information for the Person Responsible for the Instrument 11
Accessories, maintenance and repair 12
Electrical data and ambient conditions 13

Assembling the Leica DM100

Unpacking 15
Identifying your Tube 16
Fitting the tube 17
Removing and Inserting Objectives 18
Installing the Mirror (optional) 20
Installing the Polarizer Kit (optional) 21

Using the Leica DM100

Switching on the Microscope 23
Selecting an Objective 24
Preparing for Viewing 25
Focusing 26
Adjusting the Binocular Tubes 27
Adjusting the Eyecups 29
Oil Immersion Technique (only 100× objective) 30

Care of the Microscope

Maintenance instructions 33
General maintenance 34

Dimensions

Dimensions 37

Leica DM100 User Manual 3

Important Notes

Leica DM100 User Manual 4

Symbols Used in this User Manual

Warning! Safety hazard!

This symbol indicates especially impor-



tant information that must be read and

complied with.

Failure to comply can cause the following:

Ϙ Hazards to personnel.

Ϙ Instrument malfunctions and damage.

Warning of hazardous electrical Voltage

This symbol indicates information that



must be read and observed.

Failure to comply can cause the following:

Ϙ Hazards to personnel.

Ϙ Instrument malfunctions and damage.

Important Information

This symbol indicates additional infor-



mation or explanations that intend to

provide clarity.

Leica DM100 User Manual 5

Important Safety Notes

Before installing, operating or using the



instrument, it is mandatory to read this
User Manual. In particular, please observe all
safety instructions.

The instruments and accessories descri-



bed in this User Manual have been tested

for safety and potential hazards.

Original condition

To maintain the unit in its original condition
and to ensure safe operation, the user must
follow the instructions and warnings contained
in this User Manual.

Non-intended use

Using the instrument in any way other



than that described in this User Manual
may result in personal injury or damage to
property. Doing so can impair the functions of
the protective measures provided.

The responsible Leica affiliate must be



consulted whenever the instrument is
altered, modified or used in conjunction with
non-Leica components that are outside of the
scope of this User Manual! Unauthorized alte­rations to the instrument or noncompliant use
shall void all rights to any warranty claims.

"Safety Concept" Brochure

The "Safety Concept" brochure contains additi­onal safety information regarding service work,
requirements and the handling of the micro­scope, the electrical and other accessories as
well as general safety instructions.

Leica DM100 User Manual 6

Important Safety Notes (continued)

Legal Regulations

Adhere to general and local regulations rela­ting to accident prevention and environmental
protection.

EC Declaration of Conformity

Electrically operated accessories are construc­ted based on the state of the art of technology
and are provided with an EC Declaration of
Conformity.

Disconnecting from the Power Supply

Always position the Leica DM100 so



that you can disconnect it from the
power supply at any time. The power cable
must remain accessible at all times, because the
power cable is intended as a power disconnect
device.

Plug

Never install any other plug (NEMA



5-15P) or unscrew any mechanical
components unless expressly instructed to do
so in the instructions.

Leica DM100 User Manual 7

Instructions for Use

This User Manual describes the Leica DM100
and includes important instructions related to
operating safety, maintenance and accessories.

Your Leica DM100 includes an interactive
CD-ROM with all relevant User Manuals in
additional languages. Keep it in a safe place,
and readily accessible to the user. You can also
download User Manuals and updates from our
website at www.leica-microsystems.com.

Intended Use

The Leica DM100 is an optical instrument for
improving the visibility of objects through
magnification and illumination. It is used for
observing.

Place of use

The Leica DM100 microscope may be used only
in closed rooms and must be placed on a solid
surface.

The Leica DM100 can be used at +10 °C to
+40°C. Protect the microscope from oil, chemi­cals and extreme humidity. If it is used outdoors,
the microscope must be protected from dust
and moisture. Never use electrical instruments
outdoors and place them at least 10 cm away
from the wall and from flammable substances.

Avoid large temperature fluctuations, direct
sunlight and vibrations. These conditions
can distort measurements and micrographic
images.

In warm and warm-damp climatic zones,



the individual components require
special care in order to prevent the build-up of
fungus.

Leica DM100 User Manual 8

Instructions on Use (continued)

Accessories from third-party suppliers

You can combine individual system articles with
articles from external suppliers. Please read the
User Manual and the safety requirements of the
supplier.

Integration in third-party products

When installing Leica products into third-party
products, the manufacturer of the complete
system or its dealer is responsible for following
all applicable safety instructions, laws and
guidelines.

Transport

If at all possible, use the original packaging for
shipping or transporting individual modules.

In order to prevent damage from vibrations,
all moving parts that (according to the User
Manual) can be assembled and disassembled
by the customer should be packed separately.

Disposal

Disposal must comply with locally applicable
laws and regulations.

Leica DM100 User Manual 9

Health Risks and Dangers of Use

Health Risks

Workplaces with microscopes facili-



tate and improve the viewing task, but
they also impose high demands on the eyes
and hand muscles of the user. Depending on
the duration of uninterrupted work at such a
workplace, impaired vision and problems with
the musculoskeletal system may occur. For this
reason, appropriate measures for reduction of
the workload must be taken:

Ϙ Optimum workplace layout

Ϙ Frequent changes of activity

Ϙ Thorough training of the personnel, giving

consideration to ergonomic and organiza­tional aspects

The ergonomic optical design and construction
of the Leica microscopes are intended to reduce
the exertion of the user to a minimum.

Danger of Infection

Direct contact with eyepieces can be a



potential transmission path for bacterial

and viral infections of the eye.

The risk can be minimized by the use of



personal eyecups.

Dangers during Use

Ϙ The Leica DM100 may be connected to a

grounded socket only.

Ϙ The Leica DM100 may be used when it is in

proper working condition only.

LED Class 1 /LED 1 Laser Product

The illumination meets laser class 1 require­ments in accordance with IEC 60825-1 "Safety
of Laser devices".

Caution: Hazardous radiation may occur if

controls, adjustment jigs, or procedures other
than those outlined in this User Manual are
used!

Class 1

LED Product

LED Class 1

Leica DM100 User Manual 10

Information for the Person responsible for the Instrument

Information for the Person responsible for
the Instrument

Ϙ Ensure that the Leica DM100 is used only by

persons qualified to do so.

Ϙ Ensure that this User Manual is always

available at the place where the micro­scope is in use.

Ϙ Carry out regular inspections to make

certain that the authorized users are adhe­ring to safety requirements.

Ϙ When instructing new users, do so

thoroughly and explain the meanings of
the warning signs and messages.

Ϙ Allocate responsibilities for commissio-

ning, operation and maintenance. Monitor
compliance with this.

Ϙ Do not use the Leica DM100 unless it is in

perfect condition.

Ϙ Inform your Leica representative or Leica

Microsystems (Schweiz) AG, Industry
Division, 9435 Heerbrugg, Switzerland,
immediately of any product defect that
could potentially cause injury or harm.

Ϙ If you use accessories from other manu-

facturers with the microscope, make sure
that these manufacturers confirm that the
combination is safe to use. Follow the inst­ructions in the User Manual for those acces­sories.

Ϙ Modifications to or service on the micro-

scope may be carried out only by technici­ans who are explicitly authorized by Leica
to do so.

Ϙ Only original Leica replacement parts may

be used in servicing the product.

Ϙ After service work or technical modifica-

tions, the unit must be reconfigured with
observance to our technical requirements.

Ϙ If the unit is modified or serviced by unau-

thorized persons, isimproperly maintained
(as long as maintenance was not carried
out by Leica Microsystems), or is handled
improperly, Leica Microsystems will not
accept any liability.

Ϙ The building’s electrical wiring must

comply with the relevant national stan­dard; in other words, we recommend using
a current-operated ELCB system (RCB).

Leica DM100 User Manual 11

Accessories, Maintenance and Repair

Accessories

Only the following accessories may be used
with the Leica DM100:

Ϙ The Leica Microsystems accessories descri-

bed in this User Manual.

Ϙ Other accessories, provided that these have

been expressly approved for use by Leica
Microsystems with regard to safety tech­nology.

Maintenance

Ϙ The Leica DM100 microscope is basically

maintenance-free. To ensure that it always
operates safely and reliably, we recommend
that you take the precaution of contacting
the responsible service organization.

Ϙ We recommend concluding a service

contract with Leica Microsystems.

Repairs and Service Work

Ϙ Only original Leica Microsystems spare

parts may be used.

Ϙ Before opening the instruments, switch off

the power and unplug the power cable.

Ϙ Avoid contact with powered electrical

circuits, which can lead to injury.

Service Address

In case of problems, please contact us as
follows:

Contact address

Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
Industry Division
Max Schmidheiny Strasse 201
CH-9435 Heerbrugg (Switzerland)

Leica DM100 User Manual 12

Electrical Data and ambient Conditions

Fuse Replacement

Unplug the instrument before changing any fuses. The Leica



DM100 has two fuses, which are located behind the power cord

receptacle.

Only use fuses of the following type: 5×20 mm, 1.0 A/250V, high



breaking capacity (# 13RFAG30003)

Electrical data

Input: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 5 W (3 W LED)

General safety notes
This instrument of safety class 1 has been built and tested in accordance
with the following safety requirements for electrical equipment for measu­rement, control, and laboratory use:

EN 61010-1: 2002-08
EN 61010-2: 2008-06
IEC 61010-1: 2010-06
EN 61326-1: 2006-10
EN 61326-2-6: 2006-10

EN 55011: 2007+A2: 2010-05
EN 60825-1: 2008-05
IEC 60825-1: 2007-03
LED Class 1

In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation,



the user must follow the instructions and warnings contained in

this instruction manual.

Environment

Temperature for use +10 °C … +40 °C

Storage temperature -20 °C … +52 °C

+50 °F to +104 °F

Manipulation shock 25 mm on 50 mm hard wood

Transport shock (unpacked) 100 g / 6 ms

Transport shock (packed) 800 mm free fall

Transport vibrations (unpacked) 5–200 Hz / 1.5 g

Air pressure during use and storage: 500–1060 mBar

Humidity during use and storage: 20–90%

Installation Category II (Overvoltage Category)

Pollution degree 2

Leica DM100 User Manual 13

Assembling the Leica DM100

Leica DM100 User Manual 14

Unpacking

Ϙ Carefully remove the microscope and any

components from the packaging.

Ϙ Check the components against the planned

configuration.

Ϙ Optional items such as contrast accessories,

camera adapters, cameras, and carrying
cases are not shipped as part of the stan­dard equipment. These items are delivered
in separate packages.

Ϙ Please do not discard any of the packing

materials. They should be used for safely
storing and transporting the instrument
should the need arise.

Leica DM100 User Manual 15

Identifying your Tube

Identifying your ube

There are three types of viewing tubes.



Identify which viewing tube you have:

Assembly

Installation of the tube is described



on page 17 using the monocular
"EZTube". Other tubes, however, are installed
exactly the same way.

Orientation

All tubes are connected via a dovetail



and can be installed in any orientation.

Type 1: Monocular "EZTube"

Type 3: Open binocular tube

Type 2: Binocular "EZTube"

Leica DM100 User Manual 16

Fitting the tube

Tools used

Ϙ Allen key

The monocular "EZTube" is included in



the standard delivery package of the
Leica DM100. Other tubes are optionally availa­ble (refer also to page 16). Your Leica repre­sentative will gladly provide you with more
help.

The eyepieces are already integrated in



the Leica "EZTube" and preset; for this
reason, the eyepieces do not require adjust­ment or assembly.

Assembly

1. Loosen the setscrews (on top of the stand)
using the Allen key provided.

2. Insert the dovetail of the monocular tube
into the mount.

3. Turn the tube in the direction you desire.

4. Tighten the set screws on the left and right,
without applying too much force.

Leica DM100 User Manual 17

Removing and Inserting Objectives

The objectives are already installed



on the Leica DM100 at delivery. The
following description shows how to (un)install
the objectives if they have to be removed for
cleaning or replaced by other objectives.

Your Leica DM100 is normally supplied



with objectives of magnification levels
4×, 10×, and 40×. The 100× objective, which is
also used for oil immersion, can be retrofitted
at any time.

Always turn the objective nosepiece by



its knurled ring. Never turn the objective

nosepiece by using an objective as a handle.

Removing Objectives

1. Unscrew the objectives to remove them.

The Proper Sequence

When inserting the objectives, you can



begin with any available space on the
microscope. Continuation of the sequence,
however, has to be selected such that the
magnification always increases when turning
clockwise:

100×

4×

10×

Continued on next page.

40×

Leica DM100 User Manual 18

Removing and Inserting Objectives (continued)

Inserting Objectives

1. Screw the 4× objective into any available
space on the objective nosepiece.

2. Turn the objective nosepiece clockwise one
unit.

3. Screw in the next-largest objective.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all objectives
have been installed.

Leica DM100 User Manual 19

Installing the Mirror (optional)

The mirror is available as an optional



accessory. By means of this, the ambient
light can be used for illuminating the sample if
no power source is available for the built-in LED
illuminator.

The mirror is equipped with a flat and



a concave surface. Try them out to see
which side works better.

Installing the Mirror

1. Position the microscope at a well-lit loca­tion, for example before a window.

2. Press the mirror onto the mount of the illu­minator.

3. Look through the eyepieces and align the
mirror so that it works best.

Removing the Mirror

1. Simply pull the mirror out of the holder.

Leica DM100 User Manual 20

Installing the Polarizer Kit (optional)

The polarizer kit is not included in the



delivery package, but available as an

optional accessory.

Assembly

1. If you have already installed the tube,
remove it (see page 17).

2. Place the analyzer with the flat side facing
down into the beam path. The two screws
have to rest in the two existing holes.

3. Install the tube.

4. Place the polarizer onto the aperture of the
illuminator. The handle must come to rest
in the aperture with the white arrow poin­ting upwards.

5. Turn the polarizer to align it. The arrows
indicate the current orientation.

Leica DM100 User Manual 21

Using the Leica DM100

Leica DM100 User Manual 22

Switching on the Microscope

For safety reasons, the power cable



is grounded via the microscope base.
Never use an adapter between the power cable
and the power supply; that would render the
grounding ineffective.

Work Surface

Always use the microscope on a hard,



stable surface.

Startup Procedure

1. Attach the power cable to the rear side of
the microscope.

2. Set the illumination to the lowest setting
using the controller on the bottom left of
the stand.

3. Switch on the microscope using the toggle
switch on the rear side of the stand.

Leica DM100 User Manual 23

Selecting an Objective

Using the Condenser

The condenser is furnished with a disc



diaphragm, which has to be adjusted to
match the effective numerical aperture of the
individual objectives.

Selecting an Objective

1. Rotate the desired objective over the
sample.

2. Rotate the condenser on the right of the
stage so that the color matches the color of
the selected objective.

Leica DM100 User Manual 24

Preparing for Viewing

Preparation

1. Lift the retaining clip on the stage by pres­sing on the back of the tension spring.

2. Push the slide under the retaining clip and
slowly release it.

3. Move the specimen slide such that a part of
the specimen is under the objective used.

Leica DM100 User Manual 25

Focusing

Focusing

1. Use the knurled ring to rotate the objective
nosepiece in such a way that the objec­tive with the lowest magnification level is
turned into the working position.

2. Move the specimen stage upwards as far as
it will go using the coarse adjustment knob.

3. Look into the eyepieces and adjust the illu­mination to a comfortable intensity.

4. Bring the specimen into focus using the
fine adjustment knob.

Leica DM100 User Manual 26

Adjusting the Binocular Tubes

1. Adjust the tubes to your interpupillary
distance. Fold or unfold the eyetubes to
decrease or increase the distance between
the eyepieces until you see one illuminated
circle.

✗

✓

The viewing tubes maintain a constant



tube length for all interpupillary settings.
This means that a change of interpupillary
distance does not affect parfocality, magnifica­tion, or calibrations that depend on magnifica­tion.

Leica EZ tubes

If you are using a Leica EZ viewing tube, which
already has the eyepieces integrated with the
eyetubes, no additional adjustments are neces­sary. Be sure you are wearing your eyeglasses or
contact lenses. Continue with the "Oil immer­sion" section on page 30.

Open Binocular Tube

If you are using an open standard tube, you
need to make some adjustments.

1. Set the focusing eyetube (left side) to "0"

Continued on next page

Leica DM100 User Manual 27

Adjusting the Binocular Tubes (continued)

If you are comfortable wearing your



corrective lenses (contact lenses or
eyeglasses) for microscope viewing, leave them
on and your adjustments will be minimal.

2. Bring the specimen into focus using 10x

magnification and the fine adjustment
knob while looking through only the right
eyepiece. To help focus, cover or close your
left eye.

3. Now look with your left eye through the left

eyepiece (focusing eyepiece). Now focus
using the focus function of the eyetube.

When doing so, do not change the



height of the specimen stage.

4. Rotate the knurled ring on the left eyetube,

until the specimen is sharply focused for
the left eye. This corrects for any vision
differences between your right eye and left
eye.

5. Now, switch to an objective with a higher
magnification level (no oil objective) and
bring the specimen into focus while looking
through the eyepieces with both eyes.

The depth of field is lower for higher



magnification levels. Thus, you will
notice that if you switch to low magnification
after bringing the microscope into focus with
great magnification, a minor adjustment of the
fine focus may be required.

Leica DM100 User Manual 28

Adjusting the Eyecups

If you wear eyeglasses for microscope



viewing, keep the rubber eyecups folded
down. If you do not wear eyeglasses, you may
find it useful to unfold the rubber eyecups in
order to help block out ambient room light.

Potential Sources of Infection

Direct contact with eyepieces is a poten-



tial transmission method for bacterial
and viral infections of the eye. The risk can be
minimized by the use of individual eyecups.
Eyecups can be ordered separately. Please
contact your Leica partner.

Leica DM100 User Manual 29

Oil Immersion Technique (only 100× objective)

Oil Immersion Technique

1. Search for the area on the specimen slide
that you want to study.

2. Move the specimen stage down to the
lowest position using the coarse adjust­ment knob.

3. Add a drop of immersion oil from Leica
to the area of the specimen slide you are
studying.

4. Rotate the 100× objective to the working
position.

5. Slowly move the specimen stage upwards
using the coarse adjustment knob until
the oil drop on the slide comes into direct
contact with the lens of the oil immersion
objective.

6. Hold the knurled ring on the objective
nosepiece and swing the objective back
and forth to eliminate air bubbles. Then
bring the oil objective into the final posi­tion, so that the oil drop is between the
front lens of the objective and the speci­men slide.

Leica DM100 User Manual 30

Oil Immersion Technique (cont.)

7. Look through the microscope and slowly
rotate the fine adjustment knob, so that the
specimen stage moves upwards until the
specimen is in focus.

8. If you are finished working with the oil
immersion objective, clean the front side
of the objective, the specimen slide, and all
other surfaces that have come into contact
with the oil, following the instructions in
the "Care of the Microscope" section on
page 34.

Leica DM100 User Manual 31

Care of the Microscope

Leica DM100 User Manual 32

Maintenance instructions

General Notes

Ϙ Protect the microscope from moisture,

fumes and acids and from alkaline, caustic
and corrosive materials. Do not store
chemicals in the vicinity.

Ϙ Protect the microscope from oil and grease.

Never grease or oil mechanical parts or
sliding surfaces.

Ϙ Follow the instructions of the disinfectant

manufacturer.

Ϙ We recommend concluding a service

contract with Leica Service.

Cleaning coated Parts and Plastic Parts

Ϙ Dust and dirt particles should be removed

with a soft brush or lint-free cotton cloth.

Ϙ Remove coarse debris with a moistened

disposable cloth.

Ϙ Acetone, xylene or nitro-containing thin-

ners must NOT be used.

Ϙ Never use chemicals to clean colored

surfaces or accessories with rubberized
parts. This could damage the surfaces, and
specimens could be contaminated by abra­ded particles.

Leica DM100 User Manual 33

General Maintenance

General

Always use both hands to carry the



microscope.

Ϙ Keep all optical components clean. Clean-

liness is important for maintaining good
optical performance.

Ϙ When the microscope is not in use, it

should always be put away with protection
against dust.

Ϙ If any optical surface becomes coated with

dust or dirt, clean the surface by blowing it
off with a syringe or brushing it off with a
camel hair brush before attempting to wipe
the surface clean.

Ϙ Optical surfaces should be cleaned using a

lint-free cloth with a commercially available
glass cleaner.

Ϙ Use solvent only very sparingly, so that it

does not flow out over the lens. No part
of the microscope is quite so vulnerable to
collecting dirt, dust, and oil as the front lens
of the objective. Whenever you encounter
lack of contrast, cloudiness or poor defini­tion, carefully check the condition of the
front lens with a magnifier.

Leica DM100 User Manual 34

General Maintenance (cont.)

Ϙ The lower magnification objectives have

fairly large front lenses and can be cleaned
with a cloth or lens tissue wrapped around
a finger and moistened with window clea­ner.

Ϙ Cleaning 40× and 100× objectives requi-

res more care. To attain the typical flatness
for objectives with higher magnification,
the objective has a small concave front
lens with a very small radius and slight
curvature. The surface of this front lens can
be readily cleaned with a toothpick covered
with a cotton tip, or with a small cotton
swab. Wipe the front lens lightly without
applying undue force or scrubbing action.
Make sure that the cotton tip contacts the
concave lens surface. Check the objective
with a magnifier after cleaning.

Illumination

Ϙ The Leica DM100 uses an LED illuminator.

Therefore, no lamp changing is required for
the entire life of the microscope.

Leica DM100 User Manual 35

Dimensions

Leica DM100 User Manual 36

Dimensions (all Dimensions in mm, DM100 and DM300 identical)

Ϙ side view with binocular tube Ϙ front view with binocular tube

Ϙ side view with binocular tube 180° rotated

for storage

Leica DM100 User Manual 37

Dimensions (all Dimensions in mm, DM100 and DM300 identical)

Ϙ side view with monocular tube Ϙ front view with monocular tube

Ϙ side view with monocular tube 180°

rotated for storage

Leica DM100 User Manual 38