LEICA Z6 APO A, Z16 APO A User Manual

Leica Z6 APO A
Leica Z16 APO A
User Manual

General Instructions

Safety Concept

Before using your macroscope for the first time,
please read the "Safety Concept" brochure
included with your instrument. It contains addi­tional information about handling and care.

Use in clean rooms

The Leica Z series can be used in clean rooms
without any problems.

Cleaning

★ Do not use any unsuitable cleaning agents,

chemicals or techniques for cleaning.

★ 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.

★ In most cases, we can provide special solu-

tions on request. Some products can be
modified, and we can offer other accesso­ries for use in clean rooms.

Servicing

★ Repairs may only be carried out by Leica

Microsystems-trained service technicians.
Only original Leica Microsystems spare
parts may be used.

Responsibilities of person in charge of
instrument

★ Ensure that the Leica macroscope is opera-

ted, maintained and repaired by authorized
and trained personnel only.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 2

Important Safety Notes

User Manual

The individual modules of the Leica Z series
include an interactive CD-ROM with all relevant
user manuals in other languages. Keep it in a
safe place, and readily accessible to the user.
User manuals and updates are also available for
you to download and print from our web site
www.leica-microsystems.com.

This User Manual describes the special func­tions of the individual modules of the LeicaZ
series and contains important instructions for
their operational safety, maintenance, and
accessories.

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

You can combine individual system articles
with articles from external suppliers (e.g. cold
light sources, etc.). Please read the user manual
and the safety requirements of the supplier.
Before installing, operating or using the instru­ments, it is mandatory to read the user manuals
listed above. In particular, please observe all
safety instructions.

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

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 3

Symbols Used

Warning of a danger

This symbol indicates especially impor­tant information that must be read and



complied with.

Failure to comply can cause the following:

★ Hazards to personnel

★ Functional disturbances or damaged inst-

ruments

Warning of hazardous electrical voltage

This symbol indicates especially impor­tant information that is mandatory to



read and observe.

Failure to comply can cause the following:

★ Hazards to personnel

★ Functional disturbances or damaged inst-

ruments

Danger due to hot surface

This symbol warns against touching
accessible hot surfaces, e.g. those of



light bulbs.

Important information

This symbol indicates additional infor­mation or explanations that intend to



provide clarity.

Explanatory notes

★ This symbol within the text stands for addi-

tional information and explanations.

Figures

(1) Numbers in parentheses within the

descriptions relate to the figures and the
items within those figures.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 4

Safety Instructions

Description

★ The individual modules fulfill the highest

requirements for observation and docu­mentation with the Leica Z series.

Intended use

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Non-intended use

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Never use Z series macroscopes or their compo­nents for surgical procedures (for example, on
the eye) unless they are specifically intended
for that purpose.

The instruments and accessories described in
this operating manual have been tested for
safety and potential hazards. 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 manual.

Unauthorized alterations to the instrument or
noncompliant use shall void all rights to any
warranty claims.

Place of use

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

★ Electrical components must be placed 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.

Responsibilities of person in charge of
instrument

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Ensure that:

★ The Z series macroscopes and accessories

are operated, maintained and repaired by
authorized and trained personnel only.

★ All operators have read, understood and

observe this User Manual, and particularly
the safety regulations.

Repairs, service work

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

★ Only original Leica Microsystems spare

parts may be used.

★ Before opening the instruments, switch off

the power and unplug the power cable.

★ Touching the live circuit can cause injury.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 5

Safety Instructions (cont'd.)

Transport

★ Use the original packaging for shipping or

transporting the individual modules and
the accessory components.

★ In order to prevent damage from vibra-

tions, all moving parts that (according to
the user manual) can be assembled and
disassembled by the customer should be
disassembled and packed separately.

Integration in third-party products

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Disposal

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Legal requirements

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

EC Declaration of Conformity

★ Refer to "Safety Concept" booklet.

Health risks

Workplaces equipped with macroscopes faci­litate and improve the viewing task, but they
also impose high demands on the eyes and
holding muscles of the user. Depending on the
duration of uninterrupted work, asthenopia
and musculoskeletal problems may occur. For
this reason, appropriate measures for reduction
of the workload must be taken:Optimal arran­gement of workplace, work assignments and
work flow (changing tasks frequently).

★ Thorough training of the personnel, giving

consideration to ergonomic and organizati­onal aspects.

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

Direct contact with eyepieces can be a poten­tial transmission path for bacterial and viral
infections of the eye. The risk can be kept to a
minimum by using personal eyepieces for each
individual or detachable eyecups.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 6

Safety Instructions (cont'd.)

Light sources: Safety Instructions

Protective measures of the manufacturer:

★ UV protection screen in front of the speci-

men plane prevents the user from looking
directly into the UV rays.

★ Dummy filter carriers in the free positions

of the rapid filter changer prevent direct UV
radiation from reaching the eyes.

★ UV filters are installed in the observation

beam paths to protect the eyes.

★ The stray-light protection on the lamp

housing prevents irradiation of the hands.

Warning

UV radiation could damage the eyes. Therefore:

★ Never look into the light spot on the speci-

men plane without a UV protection screen.

★ Never look into the eyepieces if no excita-

tion filter is in the beam path.

★ Fill empty filter positions with dummy filter

carriers.

★ Do not select a white, strongly reflective

background for the specimen.

Supply unit

Always unplug the supply unit from the power
supply:

★ When installing and disassembling the

lamp housing

★ Before opening the lamp housing

★ When replacing the high-pressure mercury

lamp and other parts, such as the heat­absorbing filter or the collector

★ During maintenance work on the supply

unit

Lamp housing

★ Never open the lamp housing while the

lamp is switched on. Risk of explosion, UV
exposure, blinding!

★ Before opening the lamp housing, allow it

to cool off for at least 15 minutes. Danger
of explosion!

★ Never cover the air duct on the lamp

housing. Danger of fire!

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 7

Safety Instructions (cont‘d.)

Mercury lamp

★ Follow the user manual and safety instruc-

tions provided by the lamp manufactu­rer, and, in particular, the section on how
to proceed if a lamp breaks and releases
mercury.

★ For transport, remove the mercury lamp,

transport it in its original packaging and
protect moving parts in the lamp housing
using the transport anchors.

★ When it has reached the end of its rated life

(follow the manufacturer's specifications
and the minute meter on the supply unit).

★ To minimize the risk of explosion, replace a

discolored mercury lamp promptly

★ Leica Microsystems assumes no liability

for damage caused by exploding, incor­rectly installed or improperly used mercury
lamps.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 8

Table of Contents

General Instructions 2
Important Safety Notes 3
Symbols Used 4
Safety Instructions 5

The Leica Z Series

Congratulations! 13
The Modular Design: Everything is Relative 14
The Automatic Control System 15
On We Go 16

Assembly

Incident-light Bases and Manual Focusing Column 18
Transmitted-light Bases and Manual Focusing Column 19
Microscope Carrier 20
Video/Phototube A 21
Video/Phototube AS ("Slim") 22
Video/Phototube Y 23
Coaxial Illuminator (Optional) 24
Optics Carrier 25
Objective 26
Ergo binocular tube 27
Eyepieces 28
Transmitted-light Base TL ST 29

Transmitted-light Base TL BFDF: Before First Use 30
Transmitted-light Base TL BFDF 31
TL RC™ / TL RCI™ 32
IsoPro™ Manual Mechanical Stage: Assembly 33
Leica IsoPro™ Motorized Mechanical Stage: Assembly 36
Cables: Connections 40
Cables: Cable Duct 41
Motorized Focus: Adjusting the Travel Path 42
Cables: Diagram 43
Leica LED3000 NVI™ (Near Vertical Illumination) 46

Quick Start Guide

Overview of an automated Leica Z Series Macroscope (Leica Z16 APO A)
48

Eyepieces

Magnification Factors of the Eyepieces 50
Using the Eyepieces 51
The Correct Interpupillary Distance 52
Dioptric Correction 53
Graticules 54
Health Notes 55

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 9

Photography & Video

Photography & Video 57
Photo Tubes and C-mounts 58
Trinocular Video/Phototube 50% 59
Trinocular Video/Phototube 100% 60

Objectives and
Optical Accessories

The Different Types of Objectives 62

Bases

Leica TL ST Transmitted-light Base: Controls 64
Leica TL ST Transmitted-light Base: Operation 65
Leica TL ST Transmitted-light Base: Changing Bulbs 66
Leica TL BFDF Transmitted-light Base: Controls 67
Leica TL BFDF Transmitted-light Base: Operation 68
Leica TL RC™ / TL RCI™: Controls 69
Leica TL RCI™: The Deflection Mirror 70
Leica TL RCI™: Color Intensity and Temperature 71
Leica TL RC™ / TL RCI™: Operation 72
Leica TL RCI™: Methods in Transmitted Light 73
Leica TL RCI™: Relief Images 74
Using Filters 76
Leica IsoPro™ (Non-motorized): Controls 77
Leica IsoPro™ (Motorized): Controls 78

System Illumination

Leica LED3000 NVI™ (Near Vertical Illumination) 80

Accessories

Leica PSC Controller 82
Leica SmartTouch 83
Manual Control 84
Footswitch 85

Dimensional Drawings

Leica Z6 APO A 87
Leica Z16 APO A 88
Objectives 89
Video/phototube AS 90
Y tube 91
Video/Phototube A 92
Microscope carrier 93
Focusing arm for probers 94
Focusing arms 95
Adapters 96
Coaxial incident-light housing 97

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 10

Specications

Leica Z6 APO A & Z16 APO A 99
Optical Accessories for Leica Z6 APO A & Z16 APO A 100
Ambient Conditions and Weights 101
Optical Data – Visual with Y Tube 1.25× 102
Leica TL ST Transmitted-light Base 105
Leica TL BFDF Transmitted-light Base 106
Leica TL RC™ / TL RCI™ 107
Leica IsoPro™ Motorized XY Stage 108

Appendix

Calculating the Total Magnification and Field of View Diameter 110
Care, Maintenance, Contact Persons 111

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 11

The Leica Z Series

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 12

Congratulations!

Congratulations on obtaining your new Leica Z series macroscope. We are
convinced it will exceed your expectations, as the Z series embodies all
the qualities you associate with the name Leica Microsystems: excellent
objectives, high-quality engineering, and reliability. Furthermore, the
modular design ensures that the Z series adapts perfectly to your needs
—no matter which accessories you require for your tasks.

Thanks to the parallax error free observation, measurements are more
accurate and adaptation tasks are easier. Together with a Leica digital
camera, you obtain the maximum amount of high-quality data, which
also makes later evaluations on the computer much easier.

Though the reliability and robustness of Leica macroscopes is legendary,
like any high-tech product, the Leica Z series requires a certain degree of
care and attention. Therefore, we recommend that you read this 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 Leica macroscope will continue to work
as smoothly and reliably as on the very first day.

We wish you the best of success in your work — after all, you are now
equipped with the best tool!

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 13

The Modular Design: Everything is Relative

The Leica Z series provides maximum flexibility
in choosing equipment, thanks primarily to the
modular configuration and the compatibility
that Leica has painstakingly maintained for
decades. The optics carriers, eyepieces, bases
and more can be combined in any way you
choose, allowing you to create the macroscope
that best suits your needs.

Despite this, you will notice that the controls
and individual components do not differ signi­ficantly. Whichever configuration you choose,
you will quickly feel right at home.

Have a special request? Let us know!

Leica Microsystems enjoys an exceptional repu­tation when it comes to devising customer­specific solutions. If you have a special request
that cannot be met with standard parts, contact
your Leica consultant. He or she has a solution
for every problem.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 14

The Automatic Control System

Reliability for your experiments

For the Leica Z6 APO A and Z16 APO A auto­mated macroscopes, motorized control of the
zoom, iris diaphragm and fine focus is possible.
This guarantees not only convenient work, but
also added reliability for your experiments, as
results can be reproduced exactly. In conjunc­tion with the Leica LED3000 NVI™ system illumi-

The Leica SmartTouch controls all motorized
functions of the Z series and the connected
accessories.

nators, a wide variety of scenarios can be set up,
saved and restored at the touch of a button.

Control à la carte

You alone determine the degree of automation.
The zoom, focus and illumination can be opti­onally controlled using the "Leica Application
Suite" (LAS) software solution or via the Leica
SmartTouch touchscreen panel.

The Leica Application Suite (LAS) controls and
photographs fully automatically as desired.

To automate your workflows even more, also
integrate the Leica IsoPro™ motorized XY stage
– it positions multiple specimens fully automa-

*

tically

or turns a series of individual images

into one large, seamless illustration

**

, to give

only two examples.

Talk to your Leica partner about the wide range
of automation possibilities – he or she will show
you how to get the maximum out of your Leica
macroscope.

* With LAS auxiliary module LAS MultiStep
** With LAS auxiliary module LAS PowerMosaic

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 15

On We Go

If your new Leica macroscope has already been
assembled and commissioned by your Leica
consultant, click here to skip through the instal­lation instructions and go directly to the Quick
Start Guide on page 45.

If, on the other hand, you are assembling the
Leica macroscope yourself, continue with the
"Assembly" chapter, which begins on Page 17.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 16

Assembly

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 17

Incident-light Bases and Manual Focusing Column

The first step is to connect the focusing column
to the corresponding base.

Tools used

★ Allen key provided

Assembling the focusing column

1. Lay the focusing column on the edge of a
table or another stable substrate so that
the three threads at the end of the column
protrude over the edge.

2. Hold the incident-light to the focusing
column and secure it to the base using the
three screws provided.

Tip: The base can be installed more easily
if someone helps you do so.



Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 18

Transmitted-light Bases and Manual Focusing Column

For additional information on the TL
bases, refer to page 29.



The first step is to connect the focusing column
to the corresponding base.

Tools used

★ Allen key provided

Assembling the column adapter

1. Securely install the column adapter on the
column using the four included screws.

Assembling the focusing drive

2. Securely screw the focusing column to the
base using the six included screws.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 19

Microscope Carrier

Tools used

★ Allen key provided

Assembling the Microscope Carrier

1. Press the microscope carrier against the
focusing column.

2. Tighten the screw using the Allen key provi­ded.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 20

Video/Phototube A

The video/phototube A is used if only a
Leica digital camera with the Leica LAS



(Leica Application Suite) software is used to
observe the specimen.

Assembling the tube

1. Unscrew the locking screw on the optics
carrier.

2. Insert the tube into the microscope carrier.

3. Tighten the locking screw on the micro­scope carrier.

Installing the objective/camera

1. Screw the desired digital camera to the
video objective.

2. Insert the video objective into the video/
phototube A and turn the knurled ring until
tight.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 21

Video/Phototube AS ("Slim")

The video/phototube AS is intended for
OEM applications and is usually not used



on Leica focusing columns.

After installation on the OEM equipment,
the rest of the components are installed



as described on the following pages.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 22

Video/Phototube Y

You can use the Y-tube to attach binocu­lar tubes, ErgoModules®, video/phototu-



bes and the Leica IC A video module of the Leica
M series.

Assembling the tube

1. Unscrew the locking screw on the optics
carrier.

2. Insert the tube into the microscope carrier
so that the locking screw faces the rear.

3. Tighten the locking screw on the micro­scope carrier.

Assembling the tube

1. Insert the desired tube and turn the knurled
ring until tight (refer also to page 27).

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 23

Coaxial Illuminator (Optional)

Tools used

★ Allen key provided

The coaxial illuminator is fitted between
the optics carrier and the tube. It enables



you to connect the light guide, which, in turn,
is connected to a cold light source of the Leica
CLS series.

At low magnifications, using the coaxial
illuminator causes vignetting (shading),



which is more or less pronounced depending
on the configuration. This vignetting is not a
malfunction.

The quarter-wave plate for coaxial illumi­nation must be installed on the planapo-



chromatic objectives.

Installing the coaxial illuminator

1. Guide the coaxial illuminator to the tube
from the left or right.

2. Adjust the coax illuminator so that the port
for the light guide faces the direction that is
the most comfortable for your work.

3. Push the coaxial illuminator upwards and
tighten the screw on the coaxial illumina­tor.

4. Connect the light guide of the Leica cold
light source to the coaxial illuminator.

The User Manual for the Leica cold light
source is provided with the cold light



source.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 24

Optics Carrier

Tools used

★ Allen key provided

The instructions on this page also apply
logically if the optional coaxial illumi-



nator has been installed (see page 24). In this
case, the optics carrier is attached to the coaxial
illuminator instead of the tube.Assembling the
optics carrier

1. Guide the optics carrier over the tube from
the rear.

2. Push the optics carrier upwards and tighten
the fastening screw.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 25

Objective

Tools used

You can attach the quarter-wave plate
for coaxial illumination, the analyzer for



polarization or a ring illuminator to the plana­pochromatic objectives.

HR and DM objectives are high-perfor­mance objectives and always cause



vignetting. This vignetting is not a malfunction.

Attaching the objective

1. Screw the planapochromatic objective to
the diaphragm ring or the optional fine
focus in a counterclockwise direction.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 26

Ergo binocular tube

Tools used

★ No tools required.

Prerequisite for the installation

When using the ergo binocular tube or
another tube, the Y video/phototube



must be used.

Preparations

1. Unscrew the positioning screw and remove
the protective cover.Assembling the tube

Assembling

1. Push the tube into the dovetail ring and
rotate it slightly in both directions until the
positioning screw meshes with the guide
groove.

2. While holding the tube only slightly, care­fully tighten the positioning screw. It is
automatically brought to the correct posi­tion.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 27

Eyepieces

Tools used

★ None

Magnification range

You can extend the overall magnification
range using available 10×, 16×, 25× and



40× wide-field eyepieces for persons wearing
glasses.

Preparation

1. If you want to use an optional graticule,
insert it now (Page 52).

2. Remove the plastic tube guard.

Inserting the eyepieces

3. Push the eyepieces into the tubes as far as
they will go and check to ensure that they
fit tightly and accurately.

4. Securely tighten the clamping screws.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 28

Transmitted-light Base TL ST

Unpacking the base

The base is delivered with the adapter plate
installed. Make sure the instruments are unpa­cked on a flat, sufficiently dimensioned, and
non-slip surface.

Focusing drive and column

1. Unscrew the extension plate from the base
using the Allen key provided.

2. Attach your focusing drive column from
below using the four hexagon-head screws.

3. Re-attach the adapter plate to its origi­nal position using the six hexagon-head
screws.

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 29

Transmitted-light Base TL BFDF: Before First Use

Removing the transport anchors

Before you can use the transmitted-light
base for the first time, it is absolutely



necessary to remove the two transport anchors.

Anchor of mirror

Anchor of switching slide

Leica Z6 APO A / Z16 APO A User Manual 30