User Manual for Euromex bScope

euromex microscopen bv
The Netherlands
www.euromex.com

Page 1
INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Euromex bScope.

The bScope series has been designed with all kind of Life Sciences applications and great durability in mind.
This resulted in a modern, robust and high-level microscope for advanced use, equipped with the best
optical and mechanical components. Specific attention to production methods resulted also in an excellent
price/performance ratio.

Please read this manual carefully before using this product to ensure correct and safe usage.

• The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice

• The appearance of the actual product can differ from the models described in this manual
• Not all equipment mentioned in this manual has to be part of the set you have purchased
• All optics are anti-fungus treated and anti-reflection coated for maximum light throughput

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Index
Notes on handling and Safety .................................................................................................... 5

Models ...................................................................................................................................... 7

Components of the microscope ................................................................................................. 8

Preparing the bScope microscope for use................................................................................... 9

Assembling Steps ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Operation: ................................................................................................................................11
Place the specimen slide .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Focusing and slide protection................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Adjusting the focusing tension ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

1. The interpupillary distance ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13

2. The correct eye point .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

3. Adjusting the diopter ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Abbe condenser ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

The field (Köhler) diaphragm .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Adjusting the Aperture Diaphragm .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Use of the S100x oil-immersion objective ................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Illumination EUROMEX bScope series ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Phase contrast ..........................................................................................................................16

Using the Zernike phase contrast set ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Aligning the phase rings ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Using the Phase Contrast Slider condenser (optional) ............................................................................................................................................. 18

Maintenance and cleaning ........................................................................................................19

Cleaning the optics ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Caution ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Maintenance of the stand ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Replacing the fuse .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Replacing/ placing the rechargeable batteries (optional)......................................................................................................................................... 20

Using the Kensington Security Slot ........................................................................................................................................................................... 21

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................................................................................................................................................21

Digital cameras .........................................................................................................................22

Accessories and spare parts ......................................................................................................23

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Notes on handling and Safety
Handle with care
 This product is a high quality optical instrument. Delicate handling is required
 Avoid subjecting it to sudden shocks and impacts
 Impacts, even small ones, can affect the precision of the objective

Handling the LED

Note: Always disconnect the power cord from your microscope before handling the LED bulb and
power unit and allow the system approximately 35 minutes to cool down to avoid burns.
 Never touch the LED with your bare hands
 Dirt or fingerprints will reduce the life time and can result in uneven illumination lowering the
optical performance
 Use only Euromex original replacement LEDs
 Use of other products will cause malfunctions and void warranty
 During use of the microscope, the power unit will get hot, never touch it while in operation
and allow the system approximately 35 minutes to cool down to avoid burns.

Dirt on the lenses

 Dirt on or inside the optical components such as eyepieces, lenses, etc., affect the image
quality of your system negatively
 Always try to prevent your microscope from getting dirty by using the dust cover, prevent
leaving fingerprints on the lenses and clean the outer surface of the lens regularly
 Cleaning optical components is a delicate matter. Please read the cleaning instructions in
this manual on www.euromex.com carefully

Environment , storage and use

 This product is a precision instrument and it should be used in a proper environment for
optimal use
 Install your product indoors on a stable, vibration free and level surface
 Do not place the product in direct sunlight
 The ambient temperature should be between 5 to +40°C and humidity is maximum 80% at
31 degrees decreasing linearly to 50% at 40 degrees. Although the system is anti-mold
treated, installing this product in a hot, humid location may still result in the formation of
mold or condensation on lenses, impairing performance or causing malfunctions
 Never turn the right and left focus knobs in opposite directions at the same time or turn the
coarse focus knob past its farthest point, this will damage this product.
 Never use undue force when turning the knobs

Environment , storage and use

 Make sure that the microscope system can dissipate its heat
 Keep the microscope approximately 15cm free from walls and obstructions
 Never turn the microscope on when the dust cover is in place or when items are placed on
the microscope
 Keep flammable fluids, fabric etc. well out of the way

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Disconnect power
 Always disconnect your microscope from power before doing any maintenance, cleaning,
assembling or replacing LEDs to prevent electric shocks

Prevent contact with water and other fluids

 Never allow water or other fluids to come in contact your microscope, this can cause short
circuiting your device, causing malfunction and damage on your system

Moving and assembling

 The bScope microscope is a relatively heavy system, consider this when moving and
installing the system
 Always lift the microscope by holding the main body and base of the microscope
 Never lift or move the microscope by its focusing knobs, stage or head
 When needed, move the microscope with two persons instead of one.

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Models
The bScope microscope is available in the following bright field and phase contrast models. Please note: On
www.euromex.com you can find the latest updates about bScope models and accessories.

The total magnification of the microscope can be calculated by multiplying the magnification of
the eyepiece with the magnification of the objective. The magnifications are displayed in the table
below:

Eyepiece Objective Total magnification

magnification magnification

10x 4x 40x

10x 10x 100x

10x 40x 400x

10x 60x 600x

10x 100x 1000x

The S40x, S60x and S100x objectives are equipped with a spring mount, to prevent damage to the
front lens and the slide.

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Components of the microscope
The names of the components are listed below and are indicated in the picture:

A) Microscope head J) Collector lens

B) Eyepieces K) Trinocular tube
C) Diopter adjustment L) Light intensity adjustment knob
D) Nosepiece M) Coaxial coarse adjustment
E) Objectives N) Slide protection handle
F) Stage with X-Y mechanical stage O) Condenser height control
G) X-Y stage controls P) Slide for polarization filter
H) Condenser with iris diaphragm Q) Transport handle
I) Köhler iris diaphragm

B
A

K
C

P
D
Q
E

G
O

M I
J

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Preparing the bScope microscope for use
Carefully remove the items from its packaging and place them on a flat, firm surface. Please do not expose
the microscope to direct sun light, high temperatures, damp, dust or acute shake. Make sure the table or
surface is flat and horizontal.

When moving the microscope, use the left hand to hold the transport handle and with hold the base of the
microscope with the right hand.

Transport handle

Caution! Holding the microscope by its stage or focusing knob will damage the microscope.

Insert the power cord into the back of the microscope and use the cable storage system CSS -
Cable Storage System – to store the cable after use

CSS - Cable Storage System

Caution! If the bacterial solution or water splatters over the stage, objective or head, pull out the
power cord immediately and dry the microscope.

For safety reasons, make sure the power switch is turned off and the plug is removed before
replacing the led unit or fuse.

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Assembling Steps
Euromex Microscopes BV always try to keep the number of assembly steps for their customers as
low as possible but in some cases there are some steps to be taken. The steps mentioned below
are often not necessary but described for your convenience nonetheless.

Mounting the objectives

1. Rotate the coarse focusing knob to lower the stage to its lowest position.
2. Install the objectives into the objective nosepiece from the lowest magnification to the highest
in a clockwise direction from the rear side of the microscope. When using the microscope, start
using the low magnification objective (4X or 10X) to search for specimen and focus, and then
continue with high magnification objective to observe.

The microscope head

The standard bScope series configuration is supplied with the head assembled. However, if your
order contains a fluorescence or metallurgical attachment then this should be mounted first.
There is a supplementary manual supplied with any intermediate attachment with detailed
mounting instructions.

Placing the eyepieces

1. Remove the cover of eyepiece tube.
2. Insert the eyepiece into the eyepiece tube.
3. Lock the eyepieces with a hexagon screw.

The eyeshades (optional)

The eyepieces can be equipped with optional rubber eyeshades. This prevents damage to the lens,
and stray light. The eyeshade can simply be slipped over the eyepiece.

Connecting the power cord

The bScope series microscopes supported a wide range of operating voltages: from 100 to 240V.
Please use a grounded power connection.

1. Make sure the power switch is off before connecting.

2. Insert the connector of power cord into the bScope power socket, and make sure it
connects well.
3. Insert the other connector into the mains socket, and make sure it connects well.

Don’t bend or twist the power cord, it will get damaged. Use the power cord that is supplied by
Euromex. If it’s lost or damaged, choose one with the same specifications.

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Operation:
Setting up the illumination :
For optimal contrast and resolution one should follow the below procedure:

 Place a specimen on the object stage and focus using the 4x objective, with a fully opened iris
diaphragm.
 Turn light intensity to lowest position, then look through the eyepiece(s) and turn up to the
comfortable light intensity level
 Turn the condenser in the highest position (for phase contrast models, please set condenser to
bright field position).
 Close the iris diaphragm, until it is just visible on the edge of the field of view.

The microscope is properly set for use with the 4x objective. For each other magnification in bright field use
this procedure should be repeated to ensure the best balance between contrast and resolution. Phase
contrast set up is explained later in this manual.

Place the specimen slide

1. Push the arm of the specimen holder backwards.
2. Release the arm slowly clamping the slide with the cover glass facing up.
3. Rotating the X and Y-axis knob will move the specimen to the center for alignment with the
center of the objective.

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Focusing and slide protection
1. Select the 4x objective and make sure that it is placed correctly in the optical path.
2. Rotate the position screw to top, observe the right eyepiece with your right eye. Rotate the
coarse focusing knob until the image appears.
3. Rotate the fine focusing knob to sharpen the image.
4. When you perform focusing with a S100x objective, you need to lock the slide protection
handle. The slide protection handle protects the slide by limiting the travel range of the
mechanical stage. This way the objectives will not touch or break your slides.

Adjusting the focusing tension

The tension of the focusing knobs can be adjusted. You can set it from light to heavy according
your own preference. Please note that when the specimen leaves the focus plane after focusing or
the stage declines out of its own, then you need to adjust the tension.
To tighten the focusing knob (more heavy), rotate the tension adjustment ring counter-clockwise;
to loosen it, please turn it in the clockwise direction.

Focusing tension slide protection

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Eyepieces
Using a binocular (or trinocular) tube is less tiring for the eyes than a monocular tube. In order to
obtain a smooth “compound” image, we recommend you to go through the below steps.

1. The interpupillary distance

The correct interpupillary distance is reached when one round image is seen in the field of view
(see image below). This distance can be set by either pulling the tubes towards each other or
pulling them away from each other. This distance is different for each observer and thus should be
set individually. When more users are working with the microscope it is recommended to
remember your interpupillary distance for a quick set up during new microscopy sessions. The
bScope’s swiveling eyepiece tube can be rotated 360º. You can select corresponding eye point
height according to your own preference.

Field of view before Field of view after

adjustment adjustment

2. The correct eye point

The eye point is the distance from the eyepiece to the user’s pupil. To obtain the correct eye
point, move the eyes towards the eyepieces until a sharp image is reached at a full field of view.

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 3. Adjusting the diopter

 Set diopter adjustment ring to zero.

 Close the left eye and focus the right tube by adjusting the coarse- and fine adjustment
knobs.
 Close the right eye and focus the left tube with the diopter adjustment ring.

This procedure should be followed by each individual user. When more users are working on the
same microscope it is recommended to remember your own diopter setting for a quick set up
during new microscopy sessions.

Abbe condenser
Beneath the object stage an Abbe condenser N.A. 12.5 is mounted. The condenser can be adjusted
in height by moving the rack and pinion knob beneath the mechanical stage. By adjusting the
condenser you can focus the light on the specimen for a optimized contrast. The condenser is
factory pre-centered. If needed, the following procedure can be followed to center the condenser.

1. Move the condenser to its highest position.

2. Select the 10x objective and place it into the light path and focus the specimen.
3. Rotate the field diaphragm adjustment ring to put the field diaphragm to the smallest
position.
4. Adjust the condenser to the point where the image is the sharpest.
5. Adjusting the center adjustment screw and put the image to the center of the field of view.
6. Open the field diaphragm gradually.
7. The condenser is centered correctly if the image remains in the center when you open the
field diaphragm and inscribed to the field of view.

The field (Köhler) diaphragm

By limiting the diameter of the beam entering the condenser, the field diaphragm can prevent
other light and increase the image contrast. When the image is just on the edge of the field of
view, the objective can show the best performance and obtain the clearest image. The diaphragm
is factory pre-centered.

Adjusting the Aperture Diaphragm

1. The aperture diaphragm is used to select the numerical aperture of the illumination. When
the N.A. of illumination matches with the N.A. of the objective, you get the highest possible
resolution, depth of field and contrast.
2. When contrast is low, rotate the diaphragm adjustment ring to 70%-80% of the N.A. of
objective this will improve the contrast of the image. The diaphragm is factory pre-
centered.

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Use of the S100x oil-immersion objective
The Euromex bScope range microscopes are equipped with an S100x N.A. 1.25 oil immersion
objective. Please follow the below instructions on how to use this objective:

1. Remove the dust protection cap from the revolving nosepiece to mount the S100x
objective.
2. Focus the image with the S40x objective.
3. Lock the slide protection handle.
4. Turn the revolving nosepiece so the S100x objective almost reaches the click-stop.
5. Put a small drop of immersion oil on the center of the slide (always use Euromex
Immersion oil).
6. Now turn the S100x objective so that you feel the click stop.
7. The front lens is in contact with the immersion oil.
8. Look through the eyepiece and focus the image with the fine adjustment knobs.
9. The distance between the lens of the objective and the slide is very small !
10. In case there are small bubbles visible, turn the S100x objective a couple of times from left
to right so that the front of the objective moves in the oil and the bubbles will disappear.
11. After using the S100x objective, loosen the slide protection handle and turn the table with
the course adjustment knobs downwards until the front lens doesn’t touch the oil any
longer. Clean the front lens of the S100x objective.
12. Always clean the front lens of the S100x objective with a piece of lens paper that is
moistened with a drop of isopropanol. We recommend using Euromex lens paper and
isopropanol.
13. Clean the slide after use as well.

Illumination EUROMEX bScope series

The illumination has the following specifications:

 LED : 3W NeoLED for biocular and trinocular models.

 Power supply : Primary AC 100 - 240 Volt-50Hz.

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Phase contrast
Use of phase contrast with the bScope
microscope

The phase contrast method was designed in

1934 by the Dutchman Frits Zernike to
observe very thin or transparent objects.
This technique uses the fact that light
travelling through tissue undergoes a phase
shift due to diffraction.

By recombining the phase shifted light with

the background light, a contrasted image
appears in the eyepiece.

Using the Zernike phase contrast set

Any bScope model with a Zernike phase contrast set comes with the phase contrast condenser
and objectives already mounted and centered on your microscope. If you suspect misalignment or
want to check the alignment please see the next point for ”centering the phase rings”.

The height of condenser can be adjusted by turning the rack and pinion up and down. By doing
this the light beam will be focused more on the specimen for maximum resolution.

The Zernike phase disc has five positions:

“0” for bright field observation, this position also has an iris diaphragm.
“10”
“20”
“40”
“100”

These positions correspond to the respective phase contrast objectives 10x, 20x, 40x and 100x..

When the condenser is in the “0” position, the objectives can be used for bright field observation. For
phase contrast, the condenser position should match the objective used. Meaning that when the condenser
is in position “40” the objective used should also be 40x.

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Aligning the phase rings
To center:
Rotate 10× infinity plan phase contrast objective into the field of view, then set the Zernike phase disc to
position “10” to match the objective.

Take the eyepiece out of the tube and insert centering telescope in its place. When looking through the
centering telescope, the dark and bright ring images should coincide with each other as shown in the
figures below. If the ring images can’t be observed clearly, focus the centering telescope first and if this
does not solve the issue then try to adjust the condenser by turning it up and down.

If the bright ring and dark ring images are not coincided as shown below, adjust the position of the ring by
moving the ring at the bottom side of the condenser with your fingers. Move it until bright and dark ring
images superimposed. Repeat for all objectives/Zernike disc positions.

Not centered Centered properly

Phase condenser

Phase objective

Centering telescope

Green filter

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Using the Phase Contrast Slider condenser (optional)

1. Keep the phase contrast slider face up (text up); insert it from left to right into the
condenser slider socket as the direction of the arrow pointed.
2. Each slider has 3 positions, 2 phase contrast positions and in the center of the slide the
bright field position for normal use without phase contrast. Each phase contrast objective
used, has to match with the phase contrast ring on the slider. For example: when the 10x
phase contrast objective is used, the slider should be positioned to match the 10 phase
diaphragm.

Note: the phase diaphragms in the sliders are pre-centered. It is not needed to adjust it before
using.

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Maintenance and cleaning
Always place the dust cover over your bScope microscope after use. Always keep the eyepiece and
objectives mounted on the microscope to avoid dust entering the instrument.

Cleaning the optics

When the eyepiece lens or front lens of the 10x or S40x objective are dirty, they can be cleaned by
wiping a piece of lens paper over the surface (circular movements). When this does not help put a
drop of alcohol on the lens paper and wipe it. Never put xylol or alcohol directly on the lens!
Please note that Euromex offers a special microscope cleaning kit: PB.5275

It is not necessary – and not recommended – to clean the lens surfaces at the inner side of the
objectives. Sometimes dust can be removed with high pressured air. There will never be dust in
the objectives if the objectives are not removed from the revolving nosepiece.

Caution
Cleaning cloths containing plastic fibers can damage the coating of the lenses!

Maintenance of the stand

Dust can be removed with a brush. In case the stand or table is really dirty then you can clean the
surface with a non-aggressive cleaning product.
All moving parts like the height adjustment or the coaxial course and fine adjustment contain ball
bearings that are not dust sensitive. With a drop of sewing-machine oil you can lubricate the
bearing.

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Replacing the fuse

To change the fuse, please follow these procedures:

1. Remove the power cord from the back of the microscope.

2. Locate the fuse compartment, which has a Fuse image. It is typically located
beneath the power connector.

3. Remove the fuse compartment. To do so, insert a flat head screw driver
between the metal power tines and gently pry the fuse compartment loose
with a slight down and out motion.

4. Insert the new fuse into the compartment, and replace the fuse
compartment back to where it was originally.

5. Power up the microscope and test

Note: Fuse may blow.. In most cases, replacing the fuse with the correct voltage will resolve the issue.
However, should you encounter a blown fuse frequently, please contact your distributor for further
assistance.

Fuse specification: 250V, 150 mA

Replacing/ placing the rechargeable batteries (optional)

1. Remove the power cord from the back of the microscope.

2. Place the microscope on its back

3. Remove the six screws of the base of the microscope

Location of screws are indicated on drawing aside.

4. The battery compartment in located on the baseplate.

5. Open battery compartment, by removing the small screw

on top, slide compartment open.

6. Place batteries and close the compartment..

Note: Always use high quality rechargeable batteries, preferable supplied by Euromex. Minimum 1800mA
capacity type. Charge batteries full for 8 hours. Use microscope till batteries are fully depleted then
recharge again. Average use with full batteries 8-32 hours depending on light intensity and battery capacity
and quality.

Green battery indicator: batteries are charged

Red battery indicator: batteries are being charged

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Using the Kensington Security Slot
At the back of the microscope a Kensington Security Slot is placed, which can be used to secure the
instrument from theft using a Kensington lock (not supplied)

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Digital cameras
Digital cameras are designed to be used on the photo port of the microscope head. It is also
possible to use the digital camera in combination with a binocular head. To use the camera on a
binocular bScope, you can simple remove the eyepiece[1] and then place the camera with
mounted c-mount adapter into the eyepiece tube[2]. Focus the digital image with the coarse and
fine controls of the microscope.

For trinocular models, slide the camera with mounted c-mount adapter into the 23,2mm tube of
the photo port. Take an easy-to-view specimen and focus the image through the microscope’s
eyepieces. For focussing the camera, slowly move tube (A) up and down while watching at the
screen till the camera view is in focus..

Follow the manual that comes with the camera for camera operation.

Trinocular bScope head with camera in photo port Binocular bScope infinity type head with camera replacing the original eyepiece

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Accessories and spare parts
86.575 Wide field eyepiece WF 10x/20 mm
86.573 Wide field eyepiece WF 15x/12 mm
80.882 Wide field eyepiece WF 20x/10 mm
86.574 Micrometer eyepiece HWF10x/18, 10mm/100, with adjustable eye lens
80.839 Eye cup, Ø 28 mm, one piece
BS.8204 E-plan EPLi 4x/0.10 IOS objective. Working distance 18.9 mm
BS.8210 E-plan EPLi 10x/0.25 IOS objective. Working distance 5.95 mm
BS.8220 E-plan EPLi 20x/0.40 IOS objective. Working distance 2.61 mm
BS.8240 E-plan EPLi S40x/0.65 IOS objective. Working distance 0.78 mm
BS.8200 E-plan EPLi S100x/1.25 IOS objective Working distance 0.36 mm
BS.8404 Plan PLi 4x/0.10 IOS objective. Working distance 21.0 mm
BS.8410 Plan PLi 10x/0.25 IOS objective. Working distance 5.0 mm
BS.8420 Plan PLi 20x/0.40 IOS objective. Working distance 8.8 mm
BS.8440 Plan PLi S40x/0.65 IOS objective. Working distance 0.66 mm
BS.8400 Plan PLi S100x/1.25 IOS objective. Working distance 0.36 mm

BS.9105 Swing-out Abbe condenser 0,9/1,25 NA

BS.9170 darkfield stop for standard Abbe condenser
BS.9660 Polarisation kit: analyzer under head and polarizer on lamphouse
BS.9870 Mirror for bScope
BS.9880 Köhler attachment
BS.9900 Aluminium transport case for bScope
BS.9993 NeoLED™ replacement unit

AE.1370 Set rechargeable batteries, 3 pieces

AE.5130 Universal Ø 23.2 mm tube adapter with built-in2x lens for SLR photo camera with APS-C sensor.
Needs T2 adapter
AE.5025 T2 ring for Nikon D SLR digital camera
AE.5040 T2 ring for Canon EOS SLR digital camera

PB.5155 Microscope slides 76 x 26 mm, ground edges, 50 pieces

PB.5165 Cover glasses 18 x 18 mm, thickness 0.13-0.17 mm,100 pieces
PB.5168 Cover glasses 22 x 22 mm, thickness 0.13-0.17 mm, 100 pieces
PB.5245 Lens cleaning paper, 100 sheets per pack
PB.5255 Immersion oil (25 ml). n = 1.482
PB.5274 Isopropyl alcohol 99% (200 ml)
PB.5275 Cleaning kit: lens cleaning fluid, lint free lens tissue/paper, brush, air blower, cotton swabs

More products can be found on our website.

NOTE: subject to change without notice. Accessories list is for reference only, always confirm latest models
and specifications on www.euromex.com

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'LVWULEXWHGE\
100 Lauman Lane, Suite A, Hicksville, NY 11801
Tel: (877) 877-7274 | Fax: (516) 801-2046
Email: [email protected]
www.microscopeinternational.com

BS EN V3

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