Brightfield Imaging Workflow

1. Insert an objective; in Micro‑Manager, select the matching Objective (update each time you change objectives to keep metadata correct).
2. Set filter layer to Empty (pull slider to the position labeled Empty).
3. Place the slide (coverslip down). Enable Auto Shutter.
4. Choose camera: Kikker (monochrome; default) or Rana (color for histology, etc.).
5. Set mirror slider: left for color (Rana), right for mono (Kikker).
6. Channel → Mid RGB; click Live to open Preview and Histogram windows.
7. Adjust exposure to spread the histogram without clipping (typ. 1–50 ms). If the histogram is left‑skewed (dark), increase exposure; if right‑skewed (overexposed), decrease.
8. Focus with X/Y micrometers and Z focus. Avoid contacting the slide.
9. Confirm dynamic range: in 12‑bit mono, avoid pixels at 4095 (saturation). Adjust exposure or LED intensity accordingly.
10. Save: click Save in the Preview window, or Stop Live → Snap → Save.