Fantasea F580EX Using Manual

Fantasea F580EX Flash Housing

for Canon 580EX Speedlite

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FANTASEA F580EX FLASH HOUSING FOR CANON 580EX SPEEDLITE .......................................1

TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................................................2

GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................................................................................3

F

ANTASEA F580EX FLASH HOUSING ..............................................................................................................3

GENERAL FLASH HOUSING DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................3

ENERAL FLASH DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................ 3

G
G

ENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF HOUSING ..........................................................................................................4

FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDED WITH THE HOUSING....................................................................... 4

Features......................................................................................................................................................4

Acessories Included....................................................................................................................................4

FUNCTION CONTROLS......................................................................................................................................5

MAINTENANCE OF THE MAIN GASKET SEAL ....................................................................................6

Maintaining the gasket Seal........................................................................................................................6

Guidelines For Inspection, Cleaning And Re-Installation Of The GASKET SEAL ...................................6

EXCLUSIVE PRESSURE RELEASE PLUG ............................................................................................... 8

MOUNTING THE SPEEDLIGHT IN THE HOUSING............................................................................10

LOSE HOUSING ............................................................................................................................................11

C

ATTACHING THE SYNC CORD................................................................................................................12

ATTACHING FLASH HOUSING TO ARM..............................................................................................13

BATTERY LIFE............................................................................................................................................. 13

CLEANING & STORAGE............................................................................................................................14

CARE AND MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................. 14

For long-term storage please remove the main body to lid gasket. ......................................................... 14

TRAVELING.................................................................................................................................................... 14

A

CCIDENTS.................................................................................................................................................... 14

SERVICE......................................................................................................................................................... 15

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GENERAL INFORMATION

FANTASEA F580EX FLASH HOUSING

Fantasea F580EX is a housing designed specifically for the Canon 580EX Speedlight.
The F580EX provides full controls for all flash functions including eTTL when used with Fantasea Canon
DSLR Camera Housings. Kit includes the Fantasea 6 pin sync cable.

GENERAL FLASH HOUSING DESCRIPTION

The Fantasea F580EX is rated to a maximum working depth of 60m/200 ft. It is an injection molded plastic
housing, constructed to take the rigorous environments that underwater photographers and outdoor
photographers experience, and will protect the Canon 580EX Speedlight in these demanding activities. The
housing offers push button controls which provide access to the all controls and features of the flash.
When accommodating the Canon 580EX Mark II Speedlite in this housing, the housing provides access to all
important controls except the power switch. Therefore, the flash should be turned on prior to installing it into
the housing. When the flash enters the standby mode during the dive, it can activated again by simply
pushing the camera housing's shutter release control.

GENERAL FLASH DESCRIPTION

New features for full control:
An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes a new select dial for fast and direct control over settings such
as flash exposure compensation. A bounce lock release button provides immediate control over the bounce
head angle and 14 custom functions can be pre-set for fast access to commonly used settings. Despite high
power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight. A new left-right 180˚ bounce allows either
left or right vertical camera orientation. A retractable catch light reflector is built-in for portrait photography.
The Speedlite 580EX is a key component of the integrated flash system for both analogue and digital SLR
cameras, and is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras

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GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF HOUSING

• Test Pressure Fantasea housings are individually tested to 300 feet

• Closure Design Air-lock watertight system

• Body Material Polycarbonate

• Overall Size 180 x 110 x 210 mm (DxWxH)

• Total Weight Approximately 1 kg (housing only)

• Buoyancy

(with flash) Approximately neutral in salt water

FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDED WITH THE HOUSING

FEATURES

• Visible main gasket seal for final pre-dive check

• Double O-ring design on all controls

• Bulkhead and hot-shoe plug for external eTTL strobe

ACESSORIES INCLUDED

• Spare main gasket seal

• Universal tool

• Silicone O-ring grease

• Cleaning Kit

• 6 pin sync cable

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FUNCTION CONTROLS

1. Power-

turns flash off and
on

2. Zoom-

to adjust firing
angle

3. LCD Panel-

panel indicators
include: zoom
value, light
intensity, distance
and setting and
more

4. Mode-

to select flash
control mode:
shown on LCD
panel

5. Light-

press to light up
control panel

6. Selection-

dual motion button:
turn to select
function or press
down to confirm
selection

ACK OF HOUSING

B

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MAINTENANCE OF THE MAIN GASKET SEAL

Each housing is individually inspected and hydrostatically tested in the factory. The design of the special
gasket seal is among the most reliable in the industry and the watertight integrity is excellent. This special
gasket design provides a perfect seal even if there is movement between the body and lid due to change of
ambient pressure.

With this in mind, the gasket seal is the only barrier between the water outside and the air space within the
flash. It is an effective barrier only if the seal is properly maintained. The gasket seal should be inspected
before every dive. The following information is provided for your guidance in using and maintaining the
gasket seal.

MAINTAINING THE GASKET SEAL

If the main body to lid gasket is not installed, install the gasket before diving. This is the only user
serviceable gasket. Its care and maintenance is critical to the watertight integrity of the housing. The gasket
should be replaced at the proper service interval (see Section on Service). If the gasket is contaminated, or
not yet installed, inspect and install the gasket according to the following guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION, CLEANING AND RE-INSTALLATION OF THE GASKET SEAL

Materials Needed:

You will require a soft cotton cloth or Q-tip. Make sure these are free of all chemicals or contamination such
as loose fibers. You can moisten the cotton or cloth and wipe the surface of gasket clean—no silicon grease
or lubricant is necessary. It is advised to carry out the following procedure on a firm clean level surface, e.g.
at a table, to prevent skidding. This is especially useful if you are doing this maintenance from your diving
boat as it moves.

Maintenance of the O-Ring Seal:

Remove the gasket periodically for inspection. It is not necessary to remove, clean and re-install the gasket
after every dive provided the gasket did not become contaminated. The flash housing may be required to be

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opened between dives, to recharge the batteries. Before opening, make sure the outside of the housing is
thoroughly toweled dry. After removing the lid and servicing the flash, replace the lid straight away rather
than leaving it lying around. Before replacing the lid, make sure that no contamination such as dust, hair, salt,
etc. has fallen onto the gasket or its recess.

Procedure for Gasket Maintenance:

1. Place the lid on a firm non-slip level surface.

2. The gasket can be extracted using a gasket extractor tool (make sure the tool has no

sharp edges). Alternatively use the flat surface of your thumbs to gently stretch the
gasket on two faces [see figure below] thus making a small loop protruding a few mm.
The loop can then be grasped between finger and thumb, to pull the gasket over the lip.

PROVIDING A LOOP IN THE O-RING

3. Clean the seal recess (the square groove where the gasket sits) with a cotton bud.

4. Inspect the gasket all the way round its surface for damage such as cuts, tears or

contamination. This should be done visually and also by feeling the surface texture
between finger and thumb.

5. IF THE GASKET IS DAMAGED OR SUSPECTED OF BEING DAMAGED,

DISCARD IT IMMEDIATELY. A spare gasket is supplied with your housing, or a
replacement gasket can be obtained from Fantasea. If the gasket is contaminated or
suspected of being contaminated, clean it with a cotton cloth that is free of all
chemicals or contamination. After cleaning inspect the gasket again.

6. Replace the gasket into the groove; run a finger round the gasket to make sure it is

snugly seated in the groove.

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EXCLUSIVE PRESSURE RELEASE PLUG

The body and lid are uniquely designed with a "no clip" closure arrangement. Our testing has shown that this
arrangement allows the water to exert an even pressure on the O-ring, thus increasing the reliability of the
watertight seal. To open the housing, the pressure release plug must be first unscrewed and then pulled all the
way out. This provides a channel for the air to pass though and eliminate the pressure differential between the
inside of the housing and the ambient air pressure.
The plug consists of an internal double O-ring seal on a stainless steel slide shaft. These internal O-rings
form the watertight seal. There is also a large outer O-ring under the knob. This O-ring serves to prevent
contamination [dirt or salt] of the slide shaft, and is not required for watertight integrity. If this O-ring should
become detached, it can simply be pushed back in place.

Important

Before diving, make sure the pressure release plug is pushed
closed, and then screwed home, do not over tighten this plug
(finger tighten only).

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OPENING LEVERS

After unscrewing and pulling out the pressure release plug, the lid can be opened. To overcome the friction
of opening, two levers are used to push against the lid with a cam action. On some models these opening
levers are bolted to the body. On the other models, they are detachable levers.

Important

Be sure they are inserted all the way flat to the housing before turning, to avoid
damaging the protrusions on the lid.

The body has two holes on opposite corner edges of the housing for opening. Gently lever off the lid with the
supplied cams taking care not to twist the lid excessively. The lid should be opened keeping it approximately
parallel to the body at all times. If using a single lever, turn first one side a little, then the other an equal

amount, and repeat again until the lid is opened. Remember to unscrew and pull out the pressure release
plug all the way first, otherwise the air pressure will resist attempts at opening. Lay the lid on a flat stable
surface after opening.

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MOUNTING THE SPEEDLIGHT IN THE HOUSING

Since the Fantasea F580EX Flash Housing was specifically designed for the Canon 580EX Speedlight,
insertion is a simple matter of placing the flash into the housing. Make sure the flash is properly aligned and
that it sits perfectly flat. There are no screws or mounts to worry about or any other alignments once the flash
is properly inserted.
Set the flashlight in an upright position. Slide the flashlight all the way into the hot-shoe of the housing until
it stops.

1. It is recommended first to attach the flash to the camera's

Notes:

hot shoe to determine if it is functioning properly.

2. Once this is determined, insert both into their respective

housings.

LIDE THE FLASHLIGHT INTO THE GUIDE

S

Turn the lock ring follow the direction “LOCK”. Take care not to excessively tighten the screw. Note: If you
find that control levers do not locate properly with the buttons, please check again that the flashlight is
properly seated to the limit of the guide rail.

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LOCK THE FLASHLIGHT

REPLACE THE LID

When accommodating the Canon 580EX Mark II Speedlite in this housing,
the housing provides access to all important controls except the power
switch. Therefore, the flash should be turned on prior to installing it into the

Important

housing. When the flash enters the standby mode during the dive, it can be
activated again by simply pushing the camera housing's shutter release
control.

CLOSE HOUSING

1. Place housing back over front and align the complete mating surface of the housing and the

gasket, forming a proper seal.

2. Ensure that the pressure release plug is pulled all the way out while closing, otherwise the air

cannot escape.

3. Squeeze the lid closed all the way, you will hear the hiss of air being expelled.

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4. Screw home the pressure release plug; you need not excessively tighten this plug. The seal is

made by the internal O-rings. The O-ring on the underside of the plug is just to keep out dirt and
other debris. The plug is shown in the figure above.

5. Inspect the gasket seal for proper closure. A complete seal can be visually confirmed by looking

for the black line made by the gasket around the complete circumference of the housing.

If the gasket is in good contact, a thin black line, about 0.5-1mm in width
should be visible where the gasket is in contact with the lid. Follow this line

Note!

all the way round the edge of the seal as a final check that the seal is good.
The housing is now ready for the dive.

INSPECTION OF O-RING

ATTACHING THE SYNC CORD

The sync cord is a 6 pin Nikonos type sync cord. The sync cord connects the flash to the camera housing.
Both ends of the cord are identical so either side can be inserted into the flash and camera housings.
When you insert the cord into the port you must exercise caution—the pins inside the cord are delicate and
must not be damaged.

1. Unscrew the port cover cap and store in a safe place. Gently and accurately attach the sync

cord to the port of the flash housing.

2. While securing the position of the sync connector, screw it into the housing using the locking

screw of the sync cord.

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Caution

LINE UP THE CORD TO THE HOUSING IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

There is a white dot on the terminal end of the sync cord which must line up
with the marking the sync port.
You must insert the cord into the port carefully to assure proper alignment.
Hold firmly in place while fastening locking screw.

ATTACHING FLASH HOUSING TO ARM

You can either use the Fantasea Flex or Ball and Joint Arms to attach the flash housing to the camera
housing.
Other arm systems can be used and Fantasea offers adapters to make this possible. Please check with
Fantasea or your dealer regarding compatibility issues.
Insert the flat rounded end of the arm into the housing clamp and align so the threaded stainless steel pin can
be inserted.
The pin goes through the non-threaded section of the clamp first and exits through the threaded section and is
secured. There is no need for the use of force.

BATTERY LIFE

The Ni Cad and Alkaline batteries used with the flash are very efficient and usually last for more than one
typical photo dive.
It is always wise to have backup batteries in case you do run out of power. The Ni Cad batteries can be
recharged many times and offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to one-use
disposable batteries. Check the user's manual of the Canon 580EX Speedlight for confirmation of
compatibility with other batteries.

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CLEANING & STORAGE

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The body and lid of the housing are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was selected for its outstanding
tensile strength, hardness, toughness and its crystal clear transparency/ high gloss surface. It has good
resistance to weathering, although long-term exposure to sunlight should be avoided. The normal operating
temperature range is from 3°C to 36°C [37-97°F]--Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C) [14-122°F].

It is good practice to rinse off your housing with fresh water after every dive. Avoid exposure to fine sand.
After a series of 10 or more dives, e.g. after a dive holiday, it is recommended to immerse the housing for 2-3
hours in warm water to dissolve any salt deposits that may have built up. No chemical cleaners should be
used. Mild detergents e.g. shampoo and soap based cleaners are permitted.

Polycarbonate may be harmed by some household
chemicals--the housing should never be exposed to the

Important!

following classes of chemicals:

benzene, toluene, xylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons,
methanol, any other solvents, strong acids and bases

FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE PLEASE REMOVE THE MAIN BODY TO LID GASKET.

TRAVELING

When transporting by air, please ensure the housing is not sealed to allow the air pressure to equalize;
removing the gasket is recommended.
Please protect the housing during transportation by wrapping it in foam or other protective wrapping.

ACCIDENTS

The impact resistance of the housing is excellent. However after an accident the alignment of the housing
may have been damaged. Therefore in the event of your housing suffering an impact force, e.g. being
dropped, it is essential you do not use the housing for diving. Please return the housing immediately for

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service. Please put a note inside to indicate the nature of the accident, so that we can assess the course of
action to take to renovate the housing.

Always take the first dive without your flash in the housing just to make sure there is
no leakage from damage to the housing. During the dive—especially at the beginning

Note!

of descent—take special care to look at the housing to make sure no bubbles are
escaping from it and that no water is entering. Generally, if there is a problem with the
seal, you will discover it in the first seconds of the dive.

SERVICE

It is recommended to have annual maintenance of all Fantasea housings. It is likewise recommended to use
an authorized Fantasea Service Center for this purpose. Please contact Fantasea Line by email:

[e-mail] or visit the Fantasea Customer Service section on the web site www.fantasea.com. To

ensure the continued performance of your housing, it should be serviced every year, or after every 200 dives.
Please note the terms for servicing the housing posted on our website. A full service will include:

 Inspection of all components for wears or damage (report if repair necessary)
 Cleaning of all sealing surfaces, and replacement of all O-ring seals.
 Hydrostatic pressure test

Note: the replacement of damaged components (except replacement O-rings) may require additional cost.

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