1. Our microscopes
Olympus IX81 (wide-field fluorescence, transmission modes, TIRF)
Olympus BF51 (color images, less demanding fluorescence applications)
Olympus FV1000 (high quality for many common needs; 405, 458, 488, 515, 543, 635 nm)
Olympus FV3000 (fast acquisition, sensitive detectors for weak signals, large amounts of data, unusual fluorophores, image post-processing; 405, 488, 561, 594, 640 nm)

2. Confocal or wide-field?
Use confocal for:
thick samples
precise localization of a fluorophore
strong autofluorescence
Use wide-field for:
initial sample check
small or flat cells
some quantitative applications (ask MM)
through plastic

3. Similar quality for most typical samples
FV1000 or FV3000?
Similar quality for most typical samples

4. Understanding objectives
Oil
High resolution (NA 1.42)
No oil
Intermediate resolution (NA 0.75)

5. Oil on objectives Wipe oil after use (2-3 swipes with lens tissue)
This is what happens after oil has been left on the objective for a few days

6. Coverslips #1.5 (0.17 mm) are the best!
This is especially important for dry objectives
Coverslips must be clean and dry (no mounting medium on the top surface!)

7. Sign-up Only trained students are allowed to use any microscope
Login on confocal microscopes is enabled only for trained users
All except FV3000: Sign up in room A202
FV3000:
make reservation on scheduling.science.kent.edu
limit to 4 hours per user per day
can use more time if available within 24 hours
notify the next user if finished earlier than planned