This is description of this part:
Iris diaphragm module - a component of PZO phase contrast microscope condensers.
An iris diaphragm of this type is fitted in the following phase contrast condensers:
- PZO K3Ph
- PZO K3Ph1
- PZO K4Ph
- PZO KS (this is the "stereo contrast" condenser sold with PZO MB30S microscopes. There are no(!) markings or numbers whatsoever on this condenser)
The diaphragm blades themselves, which are located inside this module, also fit the diaphragms installed in the following condensers:
- PZO K3PhZ (variable phase contrast)
- PZO KPI2 (condenser for Pluta DIC)
Mechanically, this diaphragm is screwed onto the lower part of the phase contrast condenser. The housing of the diaphragm module has a 32 mm male thread. The complete diaphragm with its housing has a diameter of 52 mm.
The iris diaphragm is damaged very often. Replacing it can solve the following problems:
- when the small lever used to open and close the diaphragm blades breaks off. This is a common failure, because this lever is a thin sheet made of a brittle alloy
- when the diaphragm blades get damaged, bent or broken. This is one of the most common faults in microscopes
- when the diaphragm blades jump out of their mounting grooves and you cannot reassemble them
- when the diaphragm stops opening and closing and is completely seized. This happens when the grease has dried out or rust has glued the blades together
The last photos in the gallery show the PZO KS condenser, with an arrow indicating where this diaphragm is located inside the condenser. This allows the component to be identified unambiguously.
PZO phase contrast condensers are often fitted in microscopes from manufacturers other than PZO, so the component presented here is not a repair part for one specific microscope model. This diaphragm will help to repair a phase contrast condenser - regardless of which microscope model and which manufacturer it works in.
What is this part needed for?
- as a service part for repairing a PZO phase contrast condenser. Some of the faults this can remedy are listed in the description
