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HOW LONG HAS SWIFT INSTRUMENTS, INC. BEEN IN BUSINESS?
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Swift's Headquarters and Consumer Division, which is in Boston, was founded in 1926, but Swift's West Coast Branch, which is our Scientific Instrument Division, in San Jose, was opened in the early 1950's.
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WHAT MAKES SWIFT A BETTER BRAND AS COMPARED WITH COMPETITORS?
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- Limited Lifetime Warranty, backed by parts support for every product Swift has ever made
- Consistent quality of our products
- Patented designs
- Regional Sales force supports Swift products, dealers and customers in the field
- Swift does not sell directly, and therefore, does not compete with their dealers
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NAMES OF OTHER SWIFT USERS?
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The list is too long to include in this context, however, names of Swift users in any regional area in the U.S. can be provided upon request.
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WHAT DO I GET FOR THE EXTRA COST?
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A lifetime of use. The price for a Swift Microscope may seem like more up-front, but it is truly an investment that can be amortized over the lifetime of the instrument. Swift microscopes are durable and "student-proof," which minimizes repair & parts replacement costs incurred with the lesser quality instruments. Should parts be needed, Swift stocks parts from every microscope they've made in almost 50 years, guaranteeing our customers a "working" microscope for as long as they need to use it.
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WHAT WOULD MY PRICE BE/WHAT QUANTITY WOULD I RECEIVE FOR "X" DOLLARS?
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Swift sells through dealers like Optics-City www.optics-city.com Please contact them for pricing.
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WHERE ARE YOUR MICROSCOPES MANUFACTURED?
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SWIFT INSTRUMENTS, INC. - COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN:
| GH |
- CHINA |
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M7000D Series |
- CHINA |
| M550C | - CHINA | | M28HFZ- (BODY) | - CHINA |
| M2250 Series | - CHINA | | M28HFZ- (STAND) | - THAILAND |
| M26 Series | - CHINA | | SM90HF | - THAILAND |
| M3500DF Series | - CHINA | | M2000DF Series | - CHINA |
| FM-31LWD | - JAPAN | | SWIFTCAM II | - US |
| M3300D Series | - JAPAN | | SWIFTCAM USB | - US |
| M4000D Series | - JAPAN | | | |
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WHAT DOES SWIFT'S "LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY" COVER?
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Subject to normal use, all Swift Microscopes and Scientific Products are warranted for their lifetime against defects in materials and workmanship.
Damage resulting from repair by unauthorized parties or damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse is not covered.
Warranty Repair Service is provided by the Scientific Instruments Division of Swift Instruments, Inc. located in San Jose. Defective Swift
Instruments covered by the warranty will be repaired free of charge when they are returned postpaid, to:
Swift Instruments, Inc.
1190 North Fourth Street
San Jose, CA 95112
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
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SERVICING RECOMMENDATIONS
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In order to avoid possible damage to the instrument, voiding the generous Swift warranty, do not tamper with or attempt to disassemble the mechanisms of
your microscope. Servicing should only be done by Authorized Swift Repair Dealers. Call the Swift "800" or your regional
Swift representative for a recommendation of a Swift Authorized Repair Dealer in your area. Please note that all Warranty work
must be done at the Swift San Jose facility, with the exception of a select list of Authorized Warranty Repair Dealers.
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HOW DO I KNOW IF MY REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER THE SWIFT "LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY "?
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You may call Swift at 800-523-4544 and describe the problem that you are having with your microscope to one of our repair technicians. They can
often determine whether it sounds like a Warranty Repair or not over the telephone. If they determine that it is a warranty
repair, the next step is to send your repair to Swift Instruments, Inc. at 1190 North Fourth St., San Jose, CA.
95112. You can either use U.S. Mail or UPS, whichever you prefer. When the technician inspects it, he will determine
whether it is a warranty repair, or, in fact, if there is a charge for labor and/or parts. You will be notified, so that
you can approve the estimate. If we get an approval from you, the technician will go ahead with the repair. Warranty repairs
will be shipped back to you by regular UPS at Swift Instruments' expense. If there is a charge for repair, it will be shipped
back at the customer's expense. All warranty repairs must be done in our San Jose Facility.
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WHAT DOESN'T SWIFT'S "LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY" COVER?
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The word "limited" is included in all Swift copy because the Lifetime Warranty does not cover user fault or regular maintenance. Every
Microscope should be cleaned once annually, and re-lubricated every three years.
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WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR GETTING MY "NON-WARRANTY REPAIR" DONE?
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Swift does have a repair facility in San Jose, CA. We charge $65.00 per hour for labor, plus parts & return shipping costs. Swift also has a vast network of repair dealers around the country that offer local on-site service or will take your scope to their shop and return to you within a reasonable length of time. Price quotes for such repairs are at the discretion of each individual repair dealer.
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WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR RETURNING A SWIFT MICROSCOPE?
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- Include the following information with your return paperwork:
1. Reason for return (what, if anything is wrong with equipment)
2. Dealer from whom you purchased equipment (Dealer PO#, Swift Invoice #, etc)
3. Your name, address & a telephone number where we can contact you, if necessary.
- Package the item well to prevent damage using one of the following methods:
1. Whenever possible, package scope in original Styrofoam
2. If not possible, pack in bubble wrap or suspend in Styrofoam Peanuts.
3. Never ship a binocular with head or stage attached. These components must be wrapped separately to prevent optical damage.
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CAN I GET A "SWIFT LOANER MICROSCOPE" WHILE MY SCOPE IS BEING REPAIRED?
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This is a service that Swift Instruments offers to our medical/veterinary customers. When a customer has
to send his/her microscope in for repair, we will send a loaner, on request, for their convenience until their own microscope is
repaired and returned. Because our loaner inventory is limited, it is available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The
proper procedure is to contact Lori Carnessecca at 800.523.4544 X11 to inquire as to availability before sending your scope in
for repair. If a loaner microscope is available, you will be asked to sign and return a "loaner agreement form", at which
time, we will send the loaner to you and you can send your repair back in the same Styrofoam.
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DOES SWIFT HAVE MICROSCOPES AVAILABLE FOR EVALUATION?
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Should you require a microscope for a demonstration or bid evaluation, Swift will be happy to provide you with a microscope for this purpose on a 30-day
evaluation basis. If considering a Swift microscope for evaluation, please keep the following information in mind.
1. Each Swift Regional Representative has "demo models" of all of our microscopes available for this purpose. Due to this fact, it
would be a good idea to attempt to contact him/her first.
2. Should your Representative be unable to spare their "demo-model", you will need to request one from our San Jose Facility. Once an
evaluation agreement is signed & received, it is, then, your responsibility to see that the instrument is either returned
to us within thirty days, or, if the customer decides to buy, that a purchase order is issued. Otherwise, your company will be billed for the merchandise.
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IS THE QUALITY OF OPTICS AS GOOD IN OLDER MODELS?
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The quality of Swift optics has remained consistent throughout our years of operation regardless of changes in manufacturing sources or countries of origin.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACHROMAT, MICROPLAN & PLAN ACHROMAT OBJECTIVES?
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Swift objectives are corrected for field curvature and color aberration. The difference between Swift Achromats, Micro Plans
and Plan Achromats is the degree of the flatness of the image field. When the image is in focus from the center towards its
edges; the field is said to be "flat". Whereas Swift standard Achromats have a 60-70% flat field, Micro Plans
have an 80-85% flat field and Plan Achromats have a 100% flat field. In general, the flatter the field of
an objective, the more lenses it contains and the more expensive the objective is.
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WHAT DOES "DIN" STANDARD MEAN?
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"DIN" is an abbreviation of "Deutsche Industrial Normen." This is an international optical standard used in most quality
microscopes. The focal tube length of a DIN objective is 160mm. The former standard was RMS ("Royal Microscope Society"), which had a longer tube
length (170mm). Most DIN optics are interchangeable, however, DIN & RMS Objectives are not interchangeable.
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WHAT DO THOSE NUMBERS ON THE SIDES OF SWIFT OBJECTIVES STAND FOR?
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Swift Objectives typically carry such information as:
- Degree of optical correction or the flatness of field capability - MP, Plan
- Magnification - 4x, 10x, 40x, 100X
- Numerical Aperture or N. A.- An angular measure of the light gathering ability and ultimately the resolving Power of the optic (0.65 or 1.25)
- Immersion Medium - OIL * If applicable, if not, no marking appears
- Focal Length - (160mm - common to all DIN objectives)
- Cover Slip Thickness - (0.17)
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DEFINITION KEY FOR SWIFT OBJECTIVE DIAGRAM (FRONT VIEW)
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j Degree of Optical Correction
k Magnification
l Numerical Aperture (N.A.)
m Immersion Medium * If applicable, if not, no marking appears
n Cover Slip Thickness
o Focal Length
Swift Objective "front view" diagram
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DEFINITION KEY FOR SWIFT OBJECTIVE DIAGRAM (REAR VIEW)
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j Year of Manufacture
"rear view" diagram
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WHAT DOES "FN" STAND FOR?
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A number usually engraved on an eyepiece, which refers to the diameter of a baffle or raised ring inside the eyepiece. The "FN" determines the viewing field for the eyepiece.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN TYPES OF ILLUMINATION?
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INCANDESCENT Standard filament, usually 120V, 20-30W. Color temperature is "warm" and tends to yellow over time.
HALOGEN Usually low voltage, cooler, more intense illumination. Temperature is ideal for color photography.
FLUORESCENT A "cool" system used in all Swift "DF & BF" models, which produces more light and has longer bulb life than incandescent
bulbs. Fluorescent illumination offers a more desirable color temperature (4100º Kelvin) with a "whiter" field of view and is
more comfortable to the eyes. Swift's Ultra Lite illumination will not heat up, even after being left on for hours, & will, therefore, not "cook" the specimen.
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WHAT MAKES SWIFT'S ULTRA LITE FLUORESCENT LIGHTING BETTER THAN OTHER COMPETITIVE BRANDS?
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The angle of the bulb, which is the patented feature of Swift's "Ultra Lite®" Fluorescent illumination system. Because of the 45º angle, no
filter is needed in the field condenser and the light that reaches the specimen is 3X brighter than from any other fluorescent-illuminated microscope.
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WHAT DOES COAXIAL MEAN?
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Coaxial refers to the movement of coincident axes or gears that have a common axis. On the coaxial controls of a graduated mechanical stage,
one knob controls the "X axis" movement and the other controls the "Y axis" movement. On a coaxial focusing system, which is
usually found on research level microscopes, the fine focus control is inside the coarse focus control. The two coaxial
controls are always in close proximity to each other for easy fingertip access.
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WHAT IS DARKFIELD MICROSCOPY?
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A method by which the specimen (transparent or semi-transparent) is seen as a bright object against a dark, usually black, background.
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WHAT IS BRIGHTFIELD MICROSCOPY?
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The type of microscopy most commonly found in schools where biology is taught. In Brightfield microscopy, the transparent or translucent specimen is either naturally colored or stained and appears dark against a bright, white background or field.
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WHAT IS PHASE CONTRAST?
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A technique for revealing the structural features of microscopic transparent objects that cannot otherwise be accomplished with Brightfield microscopy. Phase achieves the same effect as staining a specimen (which can kill a live specimen), but the staining is in the optics.
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WHAT IS OIL IMMERSION?
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A very high power objective lens (usually 100X) which requires a medium of oil between the lens & slide. Because the oil has the same light transmitting properties as glass, it eliminates the refraction of light rays. Note: other requirements include 1.25 Abbe Condenser.
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CAN I ADD A MECHANICAL STAGE TO MY SWIFT MICROSCOPE?
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A mechanical stage can be added to all Swift Microscopes with exception to the GH Monoscope, M11TC & Stereo scopes, as stereomicroscopes do not utilize a mechanical stage.
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CAN I ATTACH A VIDEO CAMERA TO MY SWIFT MICROSCOPE?
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Yes, a video camera, as long as it is "C-mount", can be used with any Swift Microscope, but requires a Swift adapter.
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CAN I ADD A 35mm CAMERA TO MY SWIFT MICROSCOPE?
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Yes, with a universal adapter and "T-Mount" matched to your camera brand/model.
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CAN I ATTACH A DIGITAL CAMERA TO MY SWIFT MICROSCOPE?
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Swift currently carries the Fuji digital cameras and their adapters. We do not carry adapters for any other digital cameras at this time. We recommend contacting
Scopetronix for any other digital camera adapters.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEIDENTOPH & REGULAR (JENSCH) HEAD?
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These are two different compound binocular or trinocular body designs. On a Seidentopf head, the interpupillary adjustment motion is up & down like a binocular.
On the Jensch head, the interpupillary movement is side to side. The Swift M7000D, M3300D and M4000D models have the Jensch-style body. The interpupillary distance is easier to set
on the Jensch head because it has double diopters and numerical settings on each eyetube, which can be preset for 20/20 vision. Typically Seidentorph has only a right-eye diopter and no
pre-set markings on either eyetube. Both the Seidentopf and Jensch trinocular bodies have focusable video tubes that can be parfocaled
to match the focus of the camera to the focus of the microscope.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUODLIBET & QUODMASTER PHASE CONTRAST SYSTEMS?
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The Quodlibet and Quodmaster are Swift's unique Phase Contrast Systems. The Quodlibet is the Student Phase System, which consists of a phase annulus in one of the
stops of the disc diaphragm and 3 phase objectives. The Quodmaster System has a special "click-stop" condenser, which
allows the user to switch easily back & forth from Brightfield to Darkfield to phase contrast.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEREO AND COMPOUND MICROSCOPES?
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A stereoscopic microscope is designed to produce an erect, low magnification image. It is always equipped with two objectives and two eyepieces, and is often
referred to as a "binocular" microscope by users. Usually with magnifications between 10X and 40X, the stereo microscope is used to view objects that are
large enough to be seen by the naked eye. The greatest advantage of a stereo is that it provides an excellent, 3-dimentional image as well as considerable width and
depth of field. Stereo microscopes can be either offer fixed magnifications (usually 2 options) or a range of magnifications, which is called a zoom stereo. Stereo
microscopes only have a coarse focus control and offer extra "working distance" between the objective and specimen to accommodate larger specimens.
Stereo illumination can be either built-in or from a stand-alone illumination source. Stereo built-in illumination is either from reflected light (from a source above
the specimen) or from transmitted light (which passes through a specimen and is supplied from a source underneath it) or can be from both simultaneously.
The compound microscope, which can have either a monocular, binocular, trinocular or teaching body magnifies very small objects from about 40X to 1000X, depending
upon the lenses used. The magnification of the ocular lens, which ranges from 10X - 20X, compounds the magnification of the objective lens, either 4X, 10X, 40X and 100X
which are on a revolving nosepiece. The specimens viewed with a compound microscope must be too small for the naked eye to see and thin enough to transmit light from the
light source under the stage through the specimen and through the lenses to the eye.
Compound microscopes always have a coarse and a fine focus control. Student scopes usually have separate fine and coarse focus controls because they are easier to repair, but
research-level microscopes usually have Coaxial focus controls, where the fine focus control is set inside of the coarse focus control.
Most compound microscopes have built-in illumination, however, non-illuminated compound microscopes use a mirror and fork arrangement to reflect light up through the
condenser onto the specimen.
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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BINOCULAR MICROSCOPES?
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1) Binocular Compound 2) Binocular Stereo
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DOES SWIFT HAVE A TRAINING VIDEO?
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Not available at this time. However, we have one in development, which is targeted for completion by next fall.
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WHAT TEACHING MATERIALS DOES SWIFT HAVE AVAILABLE?
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- Swift Salesmen are available to provide in-service training on subjects related to microscopy.
- Wall charts (show internal structure of microscope including parts)
- Bill Leonard Book "A Practical Guide for Microscope Use & Care"
- GH Activity Booklet (with hands on microscope activities)
- Ed Packs (w/ short coarse in microscopy- student terms glossary).
- Line drawings (cutaways)
- Free Booklets: "Simple Problem and Solutions", "Photography through the microscope" and "Measuring with a microscope".
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CAN I CLEAN MY SWIFT MICROSCOPE MYSELF?
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Blurred images are usually the result of a dirty, scratched or broken objective. "Black spots" are dirt particles in the eyepiece or dirt particles on head prism or
mirrors. The following method works on them all!
CLEANING: The front lens of the objectives (particularly the 40XRD) should be cleaned after use by first brushing with a soft camel-hair brush to remove particles of dust, then
by wiping gently with soft lens tissue, moistened with Xylene or clean water and drying with clean lens paper immediately following. The objective should never be taken
apart except by a qualified Swift Repair Person. If dust is seen on the back lens of the objective, an all-rubber ear syringe or enema tube may be utilized to blow the dust out.
The eyepiece may be cleaned in the same manner as the objectives, except in most cases Xylene will not be required. In most instances breathing on the lens to moisten
it, then wiping dry with clean lens tissue will be sufficient to clean the surface.
The finish of the microscope is hard epoxy and is resistant to acids and reagents. Clean this surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Note: Use alcohol for difficult cleaning, as a last resort Xylene or Acetone. Be forewarned that regular use of these chemical cleaners will destroy lens coatings!
If the problem requires more than a simple cleaning, your Swift Representative can refer you to an experienced microscope service dealer in your area. Another
option is to send it back to Swift in San Jose, CA for servicing.
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SWIFT REPAIR SCHOOL:
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Swift conducts a repair school annually at our San Jose Facility to provide you with training on microscope repair and servicing at no cost to you. * Contact Pamela
Musladin at 800.523.4544 X13 to sign up.
*Attendees are limited to a maximum of 15 per year. Participants are responsible for their own travel, food and lodging expenses while attending school.
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MICROSCOPIC |
VS |
MACROSCOPIC |
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STANDARD 16mm LENS |
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OPTIONAL 8.5mm LENS |
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GREATER MAGNIFICATION |
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GREATER FIELD OF VIEW |
LESS FIELD OF VIEW |
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LESS MAGNIFICATION |
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| MICROSCOPIC: (ON THE MICROSCOPE) |
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MACROSCOPIC: (OFF THE MICROSCOPE) |
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| IDEAL FOR VIEWING SPECIMENS THAT ARE NOT VISIBLE WITH THE EYE: |
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IDEAL FOR VIEWING SPECIMENS THAT ARE VISIBLE WITH THE EYE: |
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| SLIDES: |
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| FIXED MOUNT |
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DISSECTION: STARFISH, FROGS, ETC |
| WET MOUNT |
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AUDIO/VISUAL PRESENTATION |
| LIVE MOUNT |
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ROCKS, LEAFS, INSECTS, ETC. |
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THE SWIFT ADVANTAGE - YOUR SWIFT PURCHASE GUARANTEES:
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- A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT
Subject to normal use, Swift instruments are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for the life of the instrument.
- UNPARALLELED VALUE & OPTICAL QUALITY Swift Microscopes pay for themselves in longevity with minimal downtime for servicing.
- PARTS AVAILABILITY Swift instruments are made to last, but if parts are ever needed, Swift guarantees that they will be available. Swift maintains an extensive inventory of parts from every microscope model since the mid-1950’s. Our fully stocked facility is located in San Jose, CA.
- "800" CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER (800) 523-4544: Helpful, friendly customer service representatives to handle problems and provide information.
- QUALITY CONTROL Swift microscopes are made according to our specifications and are subjected to a two-step quality control process; first, at the manufacturing site and again, in San Jose, before orders are shipped
- SERVICE Large, fully-staffed Service Department. Specially trained, highly-skilled Technicians/Microscope Specialists who are always available to make any needed repairs or adjustments.
- NATIONAL NETWORK OF SWIFT REPRESENTATIVES: Our knowledgeable, Swift Microscope Field Representatives are there to support your sales and marketing efforts; they are available for in-service meetings, end-user demonstrations and set-up assistance to insure user satisfaction.
- REFERRAL NETWORK OF AUTHORIZED SWIFT SERVICE & MAINTENANCE DEALERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Swift Authorized Repair Dealers are located in every major trade area to service our products.
- LONGEVITY, CREDIBILITY, PEACE OF MIND Swift Instruments, Inc. has been family-owned and operated for more than 75 years.
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SWIFT EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
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- UL/CUL APPROVED MODELS M27B, SM90HF, M28HFZ, M2000D, M3500DF AND M7000D
- PATENTED ULTRA LITE® ILLUMINATION SYSTEM: Standard feature on all "HF" & "DF" models
- "STUDENT-PROOF" DESIGNS: Protective iris Diaphragm Shields; Locked-on Eyepieces; One-piece Eyetube & Illuminator Housing; Special "C-wrench" Stage-Drift
Control Tool; Patented "Slip-clutch System" (which protects gears from over-focusing)
- BUILT-IN CORD-HANGERS: Standard feature on all M2250B, M2000DF, M3500DF, M3300D, M4000D, M7000D and SM9HF Models
- ALL-METAL INTERNAL PARTS: Withstand constant wear and tear
- PATENTED GRADUATED "POINTMASTER®" EYEPIECE SCALE: Standard feature on M3500DF & M3300D models
- PATENTED "QUODLIBET®"/"QUODMASTER®" PHASE CONTRAST SYSTEM: (M3500DF, M7000D, M3300D, & M4000D Series)
- USER MANUAL & PARTS SCHEMATIC: For every microscope model
- STANDARDIZED DESIGN: Of all Swift models assures compatibility with older models
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Used with permission from Swift Instruments, Inc. Copyrighted All rights reserved.
