Leica SP8-X, Abridged Instructions

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The Leica DMI 6000 Microscope
Turning the right hand microscope focus control clockwise (away from you) raises
the objective (up). Turning the focus control anti-clockwise (towards you) lowers
the objective downwards (down).
The SmartMove remote control module on the desktop controls the motorised XY
stage and the motorised z focus. The top rotary knob controls stage travel in X
(across) and the bottom rotary knob controls stage travel in Y (up/down). The
rear rotary knob is the z focus.
Change objectives using the LAS AF software as you can directly select the
objective you want and it will allow you to go from air to oil objectives via a
software ‘yes/no’ prompt.
The microscope uses standard Zeiss 518F immersion oil. If oil drips off the bottle
applicator in use, you have too much oil on it. To avoid oil contamination of air
objectives, never change from an oil to an air objective when focussed on the
specimen under oil (you can start with the low power air objective and then move
up to the hi-power oil objective).
The large HC PL Apo x63 Mott Corr Water CS2 Objective with cable control of the
correction collar is for use with water immersion only – not 518F immersion oil.
Make sure you don’t select it in error when using the 63x oil objective. The water
immersion objective is easy to spot as the large correction collar motor sticks out
of the side of the objective.
For live cell work switch on the 37oC stage incubator at least 2 hours before use,
or ideally the night before. Type the words ‘Live Cell’ in your booking to tell other
prior SP8 users that the 37oC incubator heater is being left on for your later live
cell imaging slot.
We have a small 5% CO2 in air gas cylinder that can be used with the SP8 live cell
incubator. CO2 can be used with 2.5cm Mattek petri dishes, Labtek 3x1” glass
slides and multiwall plates using the appropriate stage insert.