for navigation!The Diaphot manual cautions against disassembly, and frankly, you do have to know what you are doing. There are a couple of tricky parts!
Note that Nikon instruments are made in Japan, and as such require metric tools, primarily a hex-key (Allen Wrench) set. There is one part where a T-handle hex would be very helpful.
Here we see the starting point, with the Diaphot disassembled except the vertical column, which I have not removed.
Next, I replaced the lamp fixture.
In the next step, I replaced the objective focusing mechanism.
Next, I installed the prism and mirror assembly.
Next, I replaced the observation head.
Next, I attached the sample stage.
I then attached the base electronics.
Finally, I then installed the external optics.
for navigation!