Canon D-180 User Manual

INON D-180

Underwater Auto-S trobe

User Manual

This Manual may be printed and used according to conditions below. This Manual may not be used or transmitted, in whole or part, or reproduced in any way for any commercial use.

Contents Page Number

Introduction 5 Warranty Statement Measures to Prevent Accidental Flooding Names of D-180 Parts

Chapter 1 D-180 Features

D-180 Main Functions 12

Flash Function Slave Strobe Function Advanced Cancel Circuitry Clear Photo System Compatible Shutter Linked Auto-Off Focus and Target Light Reference: Ref. No. 1 Automatic Flash Adjustment of External Strobes 13 Ref. No. 2 “TTL” What is it? 15 Ref. No. 3 “Pre-flash” What is it? 15 Ref. No. 4 “External Auto” (External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment) 16 Ref. No. 5 “Master Strobe” and “Slave Strobe” 16 Ref. No. 6 Advanced Cancel Circuit 16 Ref. No. 7 Clear Photo System 17

Connecting D-180 to Camera System 18

Optical D Cable Connection Optical Slave Cable Connection Optical D Slave Cable Connection

Items to confirm before using D-180 19

Confirming how you want to use D-180 Confirming your camera system / master strobe / housing Confirming useable functions Confirming connection method Confirming attachment method

Description of Parts & Controls 26

Chapter 2 Preparation and Set-up

Camera System Preparation 29

Using with digital cameras Digital Camera Setting Example: Olympus C-4040 / 5050 Zoom

Digital Camera Setting Example: Nikon CP800 Digital Camera Setting Example: Olympus C-200 Zoom Digital Camera Setting Example: Canon A-20

Using with another external strobe

Setting up Advanced Cancel Circuit 34 Installing Batteries 34 Connecting to Camera System 35 Attaching to Camera/Housing System 35

Chapter 3 How to use the D-180 Strobe

Main Mode Switch Setting Method 36 Focus Light Switch Setting Method 36 Aperture Value Set Switch Use Method 37 +1/4 EV Compensation Switch Use Method 38 Troubleshooting External Auto Flash 39 Adjusting D-180 Flash Output 41

Reference: Ref. No. 8 Exposure when using strobes 42

Ref. No. 9 Differences between using external strobes with digital cameras 43

and film cameras.

Ref. No. 10 Characteristics of External Auto Exposure Adjustment systems 44

Setting Manual Flash Output 44

Chapter 4 D-180 Care and Maintenance

Preventative Care and Maintenance Guidelines 46 Post Dive Care 49 Overhaul 49

Chapter 5 Reference

Optional Accessories 51 Connector Parts 51 Arm System 53 AD Mount Base System 54 M67 Mount Base System 54 Specifications 55 Technical Support & Service 56

INON D-180

Underwater Auto-Strobe User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Inon D-180 Strobe. The D-180 is a dual use underwater and land external strobe with 18 Guide Number (ISO 100, Air x 1meter) and the following main features.  Allows “External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment” (hereafter, “External Auto”) when used

with various digital camera systems.

 Shutter linked, auto-off Focus and Target Light, supports both Auto Focus and Manual Focus.  “Advanced Cancel Circuit” (Patent Pending) allow use of both real time and “pre-flash” type

digital cameras. For pre-flash type cameras, the circuit allows superior images by reproducing the camera’s pre-flash, but at higher intensity for optimum underwater performance.

 Compatible with Inon “Clear Photo System” (Patent Pending) to reduce or eliminate incidence of

“marine snow” (backscatter) caused by digital camera internal strobes illuminating suspended particles in front of camera lens.

The D-180 is a complex, multi-function device with different features available for different camera / housing systems. Before learning more about how to use the D-180 we recommend you read or review your camera / housing manual(s) so that you thoroughly understand these components of your system first. Then, we strongly advise you thoroughly read this Manual to become familiar with the D-180, especially with regard to your particular camera system and applications. The D-180 is designed to withstand and perform in extreme environments. And, before leaving the factory each strobe is pressure tested and all functions are tested to confirm quality. However,

before using in the water, each user should test the strobe with their camera/housing system to re-confirm proper functioning.

Also, to maintain optimum operation and performance of your D-180, and for safety’s sake, please pay close attention to this Manual’s Warning and Caution statements, and preventative maintenance recommendations. Failure to do so may cause flooding or damage to your strobe or camera system, or personal injury to you or others.

INON America Limited Warranty Terms & Conditions

INON America, Inc. warrants INON products for one year from date of purchase by original consumer purchaser, except for strobe focusing lights, which are warranted for six months. INON America will repair or replace the product, free of charge, during the warranty period, for

manufacturing defects or repair matters where the product has been subject to normal use; and, when operation, handling and maintenance have been conducted in accordance with this User Manual. Repair or replacement will not be free of charge in the following cases:

1) When product is stolen or lost.

2) When product is damaged due to fire or natural disaster.

3) When product is damaged due to owner negligence and abuse, such as damage due to repeated continuous firing and discharge of strobe without recommended cooling interval.

4) When product has been modified or repaired or disassembled by anyone or at a facility not approved by INON America.

5) When product defects or malfunction are attributed to or resulting from normal wear and tear.

6) When product was not purchased from INON America or an INON America Authorized Dealer.

7) For consumable items such as O-rings, or lost items such as screws, caps etc.

No other warranty, expressed or implied, applies to the product. Furthermore, INON America assumes no responsibility, if as a result of using the product there are any damages or losses, including but not limited to fees, costs or other expenses incurred or related to taking photographic images, or any lost or unattained profit from not being able to take photographic images.

Instructions to activate and receive warranty service

1) Complete and mail the Warranty Activation Card, enclosed with your product, within 10 days of purchase. INON America must receive to validate Warranty. Keep the other half of the card, the Warranty Terms and Conditions part, for your records.

2) If you think your product requires warranty service, first contact INON America or your dealer to determine if the product needs to be returned.

3) If the product needs to be returned, pack the complete product in a sturdy box with adequate padding and send together with your half of the product warranty card. We may ask you to enclose a dated proof of purchase or sales receipt to confirm warranty period is still in effect. Inside the box, please include your name, address, phone number and email address; and, a description of the malfunction of the unit and what kind of service you require.

4) Ship the product, prepaid and insured to: INON America, Inc. 6445 Ithaca Lane North Maple Grove, MN 55311 TEL: 763-559-1212

FAX: 763-559-5236 INON will return the product, shipping prepaid to you in the United States.

5) Upon receipt, carefully inspect the product.

Note: For non-warranty service, INON will evaluate product and advise cost of any necessary repair or service. Note: We highly recommend you obtain insurance to cover any non-warranty issue, and to protect against risk of loss or damage to your other equipment. Note: The company names, product names and trademarks used in this Manual are the property of their respective owners.

Measures to prevent accidental flooding

Before explaining how to use the many features of the D-180 we recommend first understanding some essential practices that will greatly reduce the main causes of accidentally flooding the D-180. The D-180 is waterproof due to a rubber O-ring that seals the internal circuitry from the elements. There is only one user serviceable O-ring: the Battery Box O-ring. This O-ring requires frequent inspection and care to ensure its watertight integrity. Since most flooding occurs due an O-ring related problem we strongly recommend you to inspect the O-ring (and clean, grease or replace as necessary) each time before using the strobe. Equally important are O-ring contact surfaces. Check the contact surfaces for contaminants or scratches. We cannot stress enough the importance of making O-ring related inspection and maintenance a habit and essential part of your pre-dive equipment preparation routine.

O-Ring inspection locations

Inspect and maintain these three points:

 Battery Box O-ring  Battery Box O-ring groove  Battery Box outer cap O-ring contact surface

O-ring inspection methods

These are the essential factors to ensure proper O-ring function:

 The O-ring itself  O-ring contact surfaces  O-ring grooves  If O-ring is properly seated in groove  Grease

First, inspect the O-ring as it is seated in the groove. If any of the following are evident, there is a high chance that the strobe will flood if placed in water. Be very careful about checking these points: If hair, sand, lint or other debris is attached to the O-ring Remove O-ring and wipe-off the debris. If the O-ring is cut or cracked The O-ring must be removed and replaced with a new O-ring. If the O-ring is twisted

The O-ring must be removed and reinstalled uniformly with no twists

or other irregularities. If there is hair, sand, lint or other debris on the O-ring contact surfaces Wipe of any debris. If there is a scratch, blemish or other imperfection on the O-ring contact surfaces

The strobe must be inspected by an authorized technician, and repaired if possible.

Contact Inon or you local Inon distributor for advice.

O-ring Maintenance Method

 Grease: Inon O-rings are compounded with a special type of oil that

is not compatible with all grease types. Periodically re-grease the O-rings only using the supplied Inon Grease. Do not use any other grease, which may cause the O-rings to swell or deform, causing poor seal and water leakage. Use of non-Inon grease will void warranty.

 Field Maintenance: For periodic maintenance in the field it is not necessary to always

remove the O-ring and inspect the O-ring groove for each dive. If there is not any sand or other debris visible it is ok to lightly grease the O-ring while it is seated in the O-ring groove. For other maintenance follow the instructions below.

 Removing O-ring

If you need to remove the O-ring for replacement, inspection, or to check the O-ring groove etc., lightly squeeze the O-ring from the sides (see figure) so it bulges out from one side. Grasp the extended part and gently pull to remove. Never use sharp or metal objects to

remove O-rings as they may damage the O-ring itself or the O-ring groove contact surface. If squeezing the O-ring from both sides does

not work, try gently using the edge of a credit card or similar object, to pry the O-ring up a little so you can grasp it. Then clean any residual grease or debris from the O-ring groove and contact surface, and check the condition

of both surfaces. Wipe off the O-ring and determine is if is still useable or not.

 Installing O-ring

After checking and confirming that the O-ring groove is clean and not damaged, using your fingertips, apply a thin uniform film of Inon grease on the O-ring. Install the O-ring in the groove, making sure that it is seated uniformly and not twisted. Then add a little extra grease to the O-ring, and liberally grease O-ring contact surface on the battery box. A little extra

grease is necessary due to friction when screwing down the battery box cap. Slowly screw down the battery box cap, making sure you don’t feel any excessive resistance, which could mean the O-ring is binding or bearing too much friction.

When the battery box cap is fully screwed down and seated on the O-ring surface, look at the O-ring through the transparent edge of the cap. You should see a continuous, uniform contact line (the “witness line”) between the cap and O-ring. If the contact line is not uniform, or twisted, contaminated with hair, lint or sand etc. there is a good chance the strobe will flood. Remove cap, re-seat O-ring and/or remove contaminants as necessary.

Names of D-180 Parts

1. Flash Tubes

2. Focus Light

3. Light Adjustment Sensor

4. +1/4 EV Compensation Switch

5. Slave Sensor

6. Main Mode Switch

7. Aperture Value Set Switch

8. Focus Light Switch

9. Advanced Cancel Circuit Switch

10. Strobe Ready Red Lamp

11. “TTL” OK Green Lamp



12. Battery Box

13. Battery Box Inner Cap

14. Battery Box Inner Cap Screw

15. Battery Box Outer Cap

16. 6mm threaded socket for Z-Adapter / YS Adapter

17. Magnet Switch Screw

18. Magnet Switch

19. Magnet Screw Tightener

20. Battery Box Spare O-ring

21. Inon Grease

Chapter 1 D-180 Features

D-180 Main Functions

The D-180 is a high performance, multi-function underwater auto-strobe, designed to be particularly useful with digital camera systems and including features such as advanced cancel circuitry and an integral underwater light. Depending on what camera system and master strobe the D-180 is used with, the useable D-180 functions will be different. Some functions are only useable in conjunction with certain camera and strobe systems. The main functions are:

1) Flash Function

(External Auto Strobe / External Auto Function)

When camera shutter is released the D-180 flashes in time with the camera and automatically adjusts flash output for correct exposure. Using the D-180’s “External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment” (hereafter, “External Auto”) control mode the D-180 itself automatically adjusts for correct flash output amount and “proper” exposure. It is not necessary to rely on the camera’s automatic flash adjustment control. Or use the Manual Mode 4 step flash output adjustment for manual strobe control.

2) Slave Strobe

(External Auto Slave Strobe Function)

When connected to another (master) strobe, including internal strobes of digital cameras, the D-180 flashes at the same time as the master strobe. Using the D-180’s “External Auto” control mode the D-180 itself automatically adjusts for correct flash output amount and “proper” exposure. It is not necessary to rely on the camera’s automatic flash adjustment control. Or use the Manual Mode 4 step flash output adjustment for manual strobe control.

3) Advanced Cancel Circuitry

For digital cameras which emit a “pre-flash”, compared to conventional strobes with simple pre-flash cancel circuits which cause the camera’s internal strobe to emit a full discharge on the second main flash, the D-180 Advanced Cancel Circuit effectively reduces the main flash output with the following benefits:

- Conserves the internal strobe’s condenser energy so the internal strobe’s recycle time is shortened, allowing quicker follow-up shots.

- Reduces energy consumption so more images can be taken per set of batteries.

4) “Clear Photo System” Compatible

“Clear Photo System” allows the external strobe (D-180) to be more effectively used

as a Slave Strobe, by reducing the amount of backscatter caused by light coming from the camera’s internal strobe illuminating suspended particles in front of the lens, enabling clearer, higher quality images. The system (Patent Pending) was devised from the D-180’s design conception. First, a “Clear Photo Filter” is placed over the camera’s flash. This filter blocks visible light, only allowing non-visible wavelengths to pass though. Accordingly, there is no visible light to illuminate the particles in front of the lens. The non-visible light is picked up by a fiber optic cable and relayed to the strobe, triggering a flash output. Clear Photo Film is included with Inon “Optical D Cable/Cap Sets” available for various camera/housing systems.

5) Shutter Linked Auto-Off Focus and Target Light

The Focus and Target Light has many functions. First it shines light on the subject, increasing contrast so both Manual and Auto Focusing are easier. Also, it helps aim the strobe’s beam axis directly on the subject. Upon activating the Focus Light Switch, the Focus Light will turn on, and upon sensing the camera’s internal strobe flash, will automatically turn off so no light from the Focus Light is recorded in the image. Also the Focus Light can be set to turn off automatically in about eight seconds if the Focus Light Switch is not pressed again.

Reference No. 1 Automatic Flash Adjustment of External Strobes

When using external strobes, in order to automatically adjust the amount of flash output and properly expose the subject, it is necessary to calculate and control the strobe’s flash duration (light output amount / “intensity”) using the following information.

 ISO sensitivity  Aperture Value  Reflectivity of the subject

Of this information, depending on the method of measurement and part of the subject being measured for reflectivity, the methods of automatic flash output adjustment can be classified as follows:

1) During exposure, the camera meters (measures) in real time

 Subject reflectivity measured TTL (Through The camera’s Lens) in real time; strobe quenches

(turns off) at time of “proper” exposure. (Real Time TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment)

 Using a light sensor on the camera, subject reflectivity is measured in real time; strobe

quenches at time of “proper” exposure. (Real Time Auto Exposure Adjustment)

2) Before exposure, camera meters (measures) a “pre-flash”

 Camera’s internal strobe fires a small “pre-flash” to illuminate the subject. During pre-flash,

subject reflectivity measured TTL; based on this information, second (main) flash duration is calculated, and then strobe fires main flash quickly afterwards, only for the specified duration.

(Pre-flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment)

3) During exposure, strobe itself measures in real time

 Using a light sensor in the strobe, subject reflectivity measured in real time, with strobe

quenching at time of “proper” exposure. (External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment)

For each of these automatic flash adjustment methods to work, besides a signal instructing the external strobe to fire, the various combinations of cameras (and master strobes) and external strobes must be compatible with each other’s signal transmission methods.

- In case of 1) above: From Camera to External Strobe Instruction to stop flash

- In case of 2) above: From Camera to External Strobe Instruction to stop flash; or, Instruction for flash duration

External Strobe to Camera External strobe information

- In case of 3) above: From Camera to External Strobe ISO Sensitivity information, and

Aperture Value information

As of December 2002, a majority of consumer digital cameras use Pre-Flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment. Unlike conventional 35mm film camera systems with the widely adopted Real Time TTL Auto Flash Adjustment, most current digicams cannot use such automatic exposure adjustment with external strobes. Likewise, except for some dedicated land strobes for certain camera brands, there are no external strobes yet available fully compatible of functioning with the various Pre-Flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment type cameras available. The main reasons are:  Because pre-flash specifications and protocol have not been standardized between the camera

manufacturers.

 The external strobe to camera signal transmission specifications have not been standardized

between camera manufacturers, and the communication method used by most existing external

strobes has not been adopted in most digital cameras. Due to the lack of real time information from camera to strobe, digital cameras cannot automatically adjust exposure with external strobes. Therefore it is necessary for the external strobe itself, to a certain extent, independently execute automatic flash adjustment.

The D-180, as an External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment type of strobe, and using an Advanced Cancel Circuit, is compatible with the vast majority of digital cameras using Pre-Flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment, and of course Real Time Auto Exposure Adjustment type cameras. Regardless of the camera type, automatic light adjustment is possible with the D-180 external

strobe itself. To determine your camera’s automatic light adjustment type please refer to your camera manual, and Page 18, “Items to confirm before using D-180”. Flash Adjustment Type Naming Conventions used in this Manual: Real Time TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment R-TTL Real Time Auto Exposure Adjustment R-S Pre-flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment P-TTL External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment (with pre-flash) P-S External Auto Flash Exposure Adjustment (without pre-flash) R-S Manual Flash Exposure Adjustment (with pre-flash) P-M Manual Flash Exposure Adjustment (without pre-flash) R-M

Reference No. 2 “TTL” – What is it?

TTL stands for Through The Lens; that is, light which passes through the camera lens. In order to obtain proper exposure, of various methods to measure exposure amount, light passing through the lens and directly striking the light sensitive medium/device (silver halide film, image sensor(CCD) etc.) is metered directly; or, metered indirectly if it is reflected off the light sensitive medium/device. An external strobe using these TTL metering methods of automatic light control is called a “TTL Strobe” and an external slave strobe set to synchronize with the master strobe’s flash duration is called a “TTL Slave Strobe”. For the purposes of this Manual, we distinguish between two types of TTL light adjustment, both of which are common in current digital cameras.

- Real Time TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment

- Pre-flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment

Real Time TTL Auto Exposure is when the image is being taken (when the shutter is open), and when TTL metering is occurring and the exposure value is being adjusted in real time. Pre-flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment is when the camera’s internal strobe fires a flash before the shutter opens, and this light reflecting from the subject is metered TTL, and the data resulting from this is used set the main strobe’s actual flash amount, so when the shutter opens and the strobe flashes, the flash output is of a predetermined amount.

Reference No. 3 “Pre-Flash” – What is it?

Camera’s internal strobe fires one or more small flashes before the main flash. Reflected light from the pre-flash(s) is measured by the camera and used to calculate the main flash duration, for correct exposure.

In general, for “Pre-flash TTL Auto Exposure Adjustment” type camera systems, before the shutter opens to actually record the image, the subject reflectivity must be metered in order to calculate the main flash duration (intensity). In order to meter the subject reflectivity, the camera fist fires one or more small flashes (pre-flashes) and measures the light reflected back from the subject. Then the camera calculates what it “thinks” the best main flash duration would be to achieve correct exposure. Finally, the shutter opens and the camera’s internal strobe fires its main flash for the pre-calculated duration.

Reference No. 4 “External Auto”

(External Automatic Flash Exposure Adjustment)

A function where a strobe has a light adjustment sensor mounted in the strobe itself, whereby the light adjustment sensor adjusts flash output based on subject reflectivity, for “correct” exposure. For strobes with this function, by setting the strobe’s Aperture Value to match that of the camera system, at the same time as the camera’s internal strobe fires its main flash, the external strobe’s light adjustment sensor measures subject reflectivity in real time, and automatically adjusts for correct strobe output.

Reference No. 5 “Master Strobe” and “Slave Strobe”

“Master” and “Slave” are terms corresponding to “which strobe is the controlling device” and “which strobe is being controlled”. When using two strobes (including the case of the camera’s internal strobe and the D-180), where both the camera’s strobe and D-180 are directly connected to the camera/housing, and are controlled by the same signal, since there is no difference in function, there is no distinction between Master and Slave. However, it is possible to connect only one of the strobes directly to the camera/housing, with the other strobe connected to the first strobe. The strobe connected to the camera/housing (Master) receives control signals directly from the camera and flashes. At that time, the other (Slave) strobe sees the master strobe’s flash, and at that signal, reproduces the same flash duration as the master strobe. “Master” and “Slave” terms are used when the two strobes have such definite master/slave relationship. For the purpose of compatibility with the D-180, as of December 2002, most digital camera’s internal strobe is the master strobe, with the external strobe being a slave connection.

Reference No. 6 “Advanced Cancel Circuit”

By proactively utilizing the fundamental light control theory of digital cameras using “Pre-flash TTL Auto Flash Adjustment”, compared to conventional strobes with simple pre-flash cancel circuits which cause the camera’s internal strobe to emit a full discharge on the second main flash,

the D-180 Advanced Cancel Circuit (patent pending) effectively reduces the internal strobe’s main flash output with the following benefits:

 Conserves the internal strobe’s condenser energy so the internal strobe’s recycle time

is shortened, allowing quicker follow-up shots.

 Reduces energy consumption so more images can be taken per set of batteries. The Advanced Cancel Circuit reduces the internal strobe’s second main flash by first telling the D-180 to reproduce (in real time) the camera’s pre-flash, but at a multiple of the actual camera pre-flash output. (e.g., In the case of the C-3030/3040 pre-flash, the D-180 emits its own pre-flash but at 22 times higher intensity.) The actual D-180 pre-flash strength corresponds to the particular camera model’s internal strobe pre-flash intensity. The purpose and design of the camera’s pre-flash is to illuminate the subject in air, in order to calculate the main flash duration. The camera’s pre-flash intensity and main flash exposure calculation method were not designed to be used in water, where much of the pre-flash’s light is absorbed in the water between the camera and subject. The camera, receiving little reflected light back from the subject, thinks “Oh my, it is really dark out there.” and tells the internal strobe to emit a full discharge, hoping to sufficiently illuminate the subject. So the internal strobe fires a full “dump” of light and releases all the built-up energy stored in its capacitor. It then takes a few seconds for the energy to build up again before another image can be taken. In contrast, in addition to the internal strobe’s pre-flash intensity, the D-180 calculates its pre-flash based on the fact that the pre-flash must pass through water (not air) on its way to the subject and back again to the camera. When the camera receives more light from the D-180 pre-flash, it does not “think” it is so dark and fires its main flash at reduced output, conserving stored energy in the internal strobe’s capacitor, enabling the strobe to recycle faster, shortening the interval between shots and allowing more shots per set of batteries.

Reference No. 7 “Clear Photo System” The Inon “Clear Photo System” helps produce clearer better images, shortens the camera’s internal strobe re-cycle time for quicker follow-up shots, and prolongs the camera’s battery life. No Backscatter: The most important function is to minimize incidence of “marine snow” (backscatter). Backscatter is when particles suspended in the water in front of the lens are illuminated by the camera’s internal flash, resulting in a “blizzard” effect of white specs in the image. Or, if the particles are very small, the resulting image may look hazy or out of focus. Clear Photo System works by first placing a visible light cut filter (“Clear Photo Filter”) over the camera’s internal strobe. This filter only lets the non-visible wavelengths pass through. Accordingly, there is no visible light coming from the camera to illuminate the particles and cause backscatter. The D-180 does not need a visible light signal from the master strobe to function.

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