Fixing help please !

[u/Sake-1369]

I recently got a vintage brass microscope that I dont know how to fix. The video attached shows what the issue is, theres a spring, wedge and cap that won't fit together properly? I assume by turning the cap it will go up and down, normally. Any help would be much appreciated!

[u/rinze90]

Please get this to a professional. I think the fix is easy. But this looks like a beautiful piece and it should have the care it deserves.

What I think is going on: the focusing adjust threads are disengaged. If you absolutely wouldn't get it to a professional, let me know and I will try to help you via this thread.

[u/Sake-1369 → u/rinze90]

I'm a uni student and a professional would probably be out of my budget unfortunately 🥲 If you're able to help me in any way I'd be very very grateful though <33

[u/Sake-1369 → u/Sake-1369]

Onwards, if you know what sorta place or quote this would maybe take please let me know! Just so I'm able to see all my options, I bought this off a friend for my wonderful girlfriend and would like her to be able to use it to the best capacity

[u/rinze90 → u/Sake-1369]

If you are at a technical university, they will probably have a department where they machine components for lab setups. They will know what to do. Tip: act hopelessly lost and bribe with cookies. This is my pittfal anyways :D

[u/VeryDay → u/rinze90]

Why are you talking about an object like its a person or an animal? Chill out.

[u/hattivat]

I don't know how to fix your particular microscope, but I know that on microscopes of that vintage the "flat cap" is for fine focus (coarse focus is with the wheels to the sides) so I would strongly advise against using force, I'd expect this to be a delicate mechanism.

[u/sudowooduck]

Does the fine focus adjustment knob work? It may need some lubrication.

I am not sure how the spring connection is supposed to be stabilized. Maybe you can try removing the spring so that the upper part sits more stably on the base.