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Olympus 8C103 Microscope Light Bulb

8C103 Microscope Light Bulb

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SKU:
8C103
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Product Description
Olympus-specified incandescent microscope bulb with a special pre-focused base for repeatable alignment and consistent illumination.
SOSCleanroom
Overview

The 8C103 is an incandescent microscope replacement bulb specifically manufactured for Olympus microscopes. It uses a special plastic pre-focused base designed to seat consistently in compatible sockets—helping maintain filament position and stable light placement within the microscope’s optical path. SKU: 8C103.

Key Highlights
  • Electrical: 15W, 6V, 2.75A
  • Output: 180 lumens (lm)
  • Base: Special prefocus base (alignment-focused seating)
  • Shape: T8 shape
  • Length: 2.99 in (75.95 mm)
  • Type: Incandescent
  • Average Life: 200 hours (application dependent)
Typical Applications
  • Olympus microscope illumination systems
  • Scientific, medical, and dental microscopy
Other Known Codes
Olympus 8-C103, BHC Olympus, 0588, 0589, VMLSG / VM-LSG, STM/8C103 Olympus, Ushio SM8C103, 8000300, 15-0184 / 6V / 15W, 15-0184, 15-0280, 7189, 7527B, Gerate, Effner, 99-75S15.
Handling Tip 
Allow the microscope to cool before service—instrument bulbs can run extremely hot. Avoid touching the glass with bare hands; use clean nitrile gloves and/or a lint-free wipe. In controlled environments, a cleanroom-grade wipe (including Texwipe options) helps reduce residue and particulates.
Service Note
SOSCleanroom (Specialty Optical Systems, Inc.) has supported specialty lighting customers as a distribution partner for 40+ years. For microscope bulbs, correct performance is driven by voltage/wattage, base seating, and filament position—not just a part number match.
Need help selecting the right product?
If you need additional information please try our SOSCleanroom specific AI ChatBot which draws from our extensive cleanroom specific libraries.
Always confirm compatibility with your microscope model, required voltage (6V), wattage (15W), and the special prefocus base type prior to installation.
The Technical Vault
By SOSCleanroom
Microscope Lamp Engineering
Incandescent Science Prefocus Alignment Service & Safety Replacement Checklist
Quick Specs
Product / SKU 8C103 Microscope Light Bulb  |  SKU: 8C103
Lamp Type / Technology Incandescent (tungsten filament instrument lamp)
Electrical Rating 15W  |  6V  |  2.75A
Light Output 180 lumens (lm)
Base / Seating Special prefocus base (plastic; repeatable alignment)
Envelope / Geometry T8 shape  |  2.99 in (75.95 mm)
Average Life 200 hours (application dependent)
Primary Use Olympus microscopes (scientific, medical, and dental)
The Science: How an Incandescent Microscope Bulb Produces Light
Incandescent instrument bulbs generate light by heating a tungsten filament. When current flows through the filament, electrical resistance converts power into heat. At operating temperature, the filament becomes white-hot and emits continuous-spectrum light (visible plus infrared) as thermal radiation.
In microscopy, usable illumination is not only brightness—it is where the filament sits relative to the collector and condenser optics. That is why bulbs like 8C103 use controlled geometry and a prefocus seating approach: stable filament placement supports consistent field illumination and repeatable imaging conditions.
Prefocus Base Engineering: Why It Matters
  • Optical alignment is designed-in: microscope illumination pathways are built around the filament’s position.
  • Repeatable seating: a prefocus design helps the bulb “land” in the same location after replacement, reducing re-alignment time.
  • Avoids false troubleshooting: incorrect seating can mimic optical issues (uneven field, poor focus, reduced brightness) when the real problem is lamp position.
Service & Safety Notes (Microscope Lamp Housing)
  • Cool-down time: allow the microscope to cool before removal—instrument bulbs can cause severe burns if serviced hot.
  • Socket care: many microscope sockets are ceramic or fragile; remove/insert carefully to avoid cracking or misalignment.
  • Clean handling: oils and residue can degrade performance. Use clean nitrile gloves plus a lint-free wipe (Texwipe options are commonly used in controlled environments).
Replacement Checklist (Reduce Risk of Mis-Match)
  • Electrical: confirm 6V operation and 15W rating (and expected current draw).
  • Base: verify the special prefocus base style—this is an optical alignment requirement, not a generic connector.
  • Geometry: confirm T8 envelope and overall length (2.99 in) for lamp house clearance and correct seating depth.
  • Performance check: after replacement, verify field uniformity and brightness and confirm the illumination controls behave normally.
Cross-Reference Guidance (Common Codes You May See)
Facilities may list the same lamp under different supplier codes. Common references associated with 8C103-style replacements include:
Olympus 8-C103, BHC Olympus, 0588, 0589, VMLSG / VM-LSG, STM/8C103 Olympus, Ushio SM8C103, 8000300, 15-0184 / 6V / 15W, 15-0184, 15-0280, 7189, 7527B, Gerate, Effner, 99-75S15.

Best practice: use cross-references as a starting point, then qualify by 6V / 15W, the special prefocus base, and physical fitment.
Cleanroom Considerations

Treat bulb changes like a controlled maintenance event: minimize packaging debris, protect reflectors/lenses from particulates, and keep the bulb and lamp house free of oils and residues.

Stage clean nitrile gloves plus cleanroom-grade lint-free wipes/swabs (Texwipe options are commonly used) to help reduce contamination in the illumination path.

Need deeper specs or cross-references?
If you need additional information please try our SOSCleanroom specific AI ChatBot which draws from our extensive cleanroom specific libraries.
For microscopes, confirm OEM requirements (voltage, wattage, base seating, and illumination geometry). If your manual lists multiple equivalent codes, always qualify by the electrical rating and the prefocus base style.