My microscope has a filter wheel. How is it used?

Filters are used to increase contrast and color correction for visual observations of specimens or slides. They may be used with live specimens as a non-lethal substitute for staining.

Blue is commonly used to correct yellowish or reddish color from incandescent bulbs in illuminators. Other filter colors (green, yellow, magenta, frosted) should be tried with specimens to see if they improve contrast and visibility. Simply turn the wheel to put the filter you need into the path of light from your condenser-illuminator.

Updated 12/18/13