Fantasea FS 1 User Manual

General Information:

The FS 1 housing:

Fantasea now introduces specifically designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix S1 and
S3 digital cameras. The housings, dedicated to these two cameras insure a compact
design for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical
placement of push-button controls.
These two Coolpix cameras manage to pack a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor
ED lens (35mm equivalent) while retaining a surprisingly slim depth of just 19.7mm.
The lens also makes use of Nikon’s “right-angled” optics system, which enables the
lens to function throughout its focal range without ever protruding from the camera
body.
Other similarities include the same control layout, a 2.5-inch LCD, SD memory slot
with 12MB internal memory.
The S1 is unique in that it does not have an eyepiece to look out of, only through the
LCD screen is the image viewed.

The FS 1 housing provides a built in Flash Diffuser and an anti-glare hood over the
LCD screen. Additional Features:

This housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers who prefer to use the
camera s automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and
creatively.

FS 1 Uses:

The FS 1 housing is designed as an underwater/outdoor camera housing. It has a
working depth of 130 feet/40 meters. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel
and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers
also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and
paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and
camping, and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The FS
1will protect those Coolpix cameras from water, sand, dust, and other damaging
elements.

Fantasea FS 1 Housing

For Nikon Coolpix S-1 and S-3 Digital Cameras

On/Off Power Switch
Shutter Release
Zoom/Wide Angle
Flash on/off
Macro / Confirm Control
Review

The Coolpix S1 and S3 are five to six mega pixels respectively. With this resolution
and the outstanding quality of other Nikon features, such as optical performance, you
will be able to produce high quality images of the thrilling outdoor activities in which
you participate. These cameras were selected as the basis for the housing design due
to the combination of image quality and consumer value. There is no lens port with
the S1 or built in diffuser: Fantasea provides this diffuser on the housing.
The FS-1 does not have ability to attach conversion lenses
For specific features of each camera you should reference your camera s instruction
manual or obtain product technical information from Nikon or their dealers.

FS 1 Camera Housing

For Nikon Coolpix S1 and S3 Digital Cameras

Maximum operating depth to 40meters/130 ft.

General Camera Description:

Operating

Notes:

Explanation of Button Features:
To change the Flash set-up while underwater: press Flash button
and then press the Macro Control button to scroll to the correct
flash setting. Press the white balance/confirm control on the right
part of the multi function control using the bottom right swivel
control to confirm the flash mode change.
T o change Macro to Normal [or vice versa]—simply reverse above
order: click Macro button, then Flash button to scroll to

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Review

On/Off Power Switch

Shutter Release

Zoom/Wide Angle

Flash on/off

Macro / Confirm Control

Operating

Notes:

your selection. Press the white balance/confirm control on the right
part of the multi function control using the bottom right swivel
control to confirm the macro mode change.
Review Control: one click brings last shot to screen. Two clicks
sets normal function—ready for shooting. Camera will "go to
sleep" if not used. You can turn it back on by pressing and holding
the Review /Restore button for about 5 seconds. This is the Restore
function.

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Using the FS 1Housing:

Hold the housing in one hand and with the other hand slide the small tab on the buckle
to the side and then lift the rounded edge with your finger and pull it up. The latch
is hinged to the front of the housing, once it is pulled up and free of the latch you can
open the housing. Open the housing carefully when there is a camera inside so it does
not fall out accidentally.

Since the FS 1 was specifically designed for the Coolpix S1 and S3 digital cameras,
insertion is a simple matter of placing the camera in the housing. Make sure the camera
lens is properly aligned and that the camera sits perfectly flat. There are no screws
or mounts to worry about or any other alignments once the camera is properly inserted.

Inserting Camera:

Checking the Gasket:

Opening The Housing:

Notes:

It is necessary to make some camera settings prior to inserting
into the housing. Please refer to the Coolpix owner's manual for
menu options and personal preferences to choose from which
are not accessible through the housing push-button controls.
Turn the camera "on" and to Flash Everytime setting before
inserting into housing.

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Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flash mode to the “Everytime”
setting to insure they always have a flash with every exposure. It is also wise to set
the focus in the macro mode for capturing great images of the tiny and exotic subjects
that you can find underwater.

Each time the housing is opened, the gasket seal should be visually inspected. If there
is any debris present, including dirt, sand, dust, grease or other matter, it must be
cleaned to insure a proper watertight seal. Cleaning the gasket is a simple matter of
wiping it with a damp, soft cloth to remove any foreign matter. Be careful the cloth
you use does not leave any of its own material behind as this can also affect the

effectiveness of the gasket. It is not necessary to remove the gasket for cleaning unless
visual inspection determines that there is foreign matter underneath the gasket as well.
If this occurs, be sure the surface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any
debris.

Gasket

Info:

Since the gasket in the FS 1 is a face-to-face/compression seal,
and is not subject to friction as it is closed, there is no need to
lubricate it. Grease or any other form of lubrication does not
help seal the housing. It only reduces friction, which is commonly
present if the housing has an O-ring seal. Lubricating the gasket
before use could cause it to slip out of its groove, and not form
a proper seal.
The gasket should also be checked visually for any cracks or
perforations. If any part of the gasket shows signs of wear or
damage, it is imperative that it be changed before going into
the water.
If the gasket is removed from the channel groove it sits in, be
sure to get it completely back into place so it is properly seated.
Starting at one corner, press the gasket with your finger and
feel it seat into its channel groove. Then continue this pr ocedure
continuously in one direction, round its perimeter, until the
entire gasket has been pressed flat into place. Go over it a second
time to be sure it is properly in place. Then you are ready to
clean it, give it a final visual inspection, and close the housing.

Viewing the Subject:

Closing the Housing:

Make sure the camera is flat and that the back door of the housing closes easily without
interference. Take special care not to get the lanyard caught in the closure.
Once the door is closed, latch the buckle behind the ridge on the back half of the
housing. (If the camera is not flat, the door will not lie closed, and the latching buckle
will have a hard time catching the ridge on the back door. In this case, open the back
door and reposition the camera until it is flat and the door closes correctly.) With the
latch behind the ridge on the back door, push the latch buckle forward until it lies flat
against the front half of the housing and the safety release snaps into place. Never

use force when opening or closing the housing. If you feel you need to-- then
something is wrong !!!

Underwater photographers and outdoor photographers will appreciate the large LCD
viewing monitor for composing photographs. The LCD monitor will allow you to see
your subject in sharp focus and framed properly. Hold the camera housing in your
outstretched arm at a position that is both comfortable and also allows you to easily
see the LCD monitor, for best compositional options. The anti glare LCD shade will
assist your viewing in high ambient light.

Once you have composed your scene or subject in the LCD monitor, depress the
shutter release button to take the picture. A half depress will activate the live viewing
ability of the LCD and allow the camera to focus, once in focus and ready to shoot
a green light will appear on the LCD monitor and the camera is ready to take the
picture. Press down the shutter all the way to complete image capture. You may notice
a pre-flash and slight delay in the shutter release. This is to allow the camera to make
its final focus and exposure calculations before taking the picture. W ith a little practice,
you will become used to this and taking pictures of moving subjects will become
easier and natural.

Taking the Picture:

There are several image file options to choose from that offer different resolution and
file sizes. This determination must be made prior to camera insertion from Menu
options. Please refer to the Coolpix instruction manual for details on setting these
preferences.

Choosing Image Files:

Battery Life:

The Lithium-ion battery that comes with the Coolpix is very efficient and lasts for
more than 180 shots--enough for a typical photo dive. However, there are certain
things that users can control to help with battery life. The most important is to set the
camera to turn the LCD off after a short time, during periods of non-use. It can then
be automatically turned back on if you depress the shutter release control half way.
Please refer to the Coolpix instruction manual for details on how to make this
adjustment setting. It is always wise to have backup batteries in case you do run out
of power . The supplied battery can be recharged many times and offer an economical
and environmentally friendly alternative to one-use disposable batteries. Check the
users manual of the camera for confirmation of compatibility with other batteries.

Using The Flash:

The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate nearby underwater subjects.
For subjects that are farther away, an accessory slave strobe is recommended. (See
Below.) Due to the presence of suspended particles in the water, milky/clear diffuser
tape is supplied. It will widen and soften the light, providing more coverage and less
likelihood of backscatter: the unattractive snowstorm affect of the flash reflecting off

Using the Coolpix built-in flash as the master, you can trigger a second slave strobe
to provide more artificial light when needed. To do this, you must use an accessory
strobe that has a digital slave feature built in. The flash from the Coolpix must be
aimed or bounced toward the accessory strobe’s slave sensor, or other fiber optic
sensor. This will trigger the slave to fire in sync with the master flash.

Accessory Slave Strobes:

the suspended particles. Further reduction of backscatter can be achieved by using
an accessory off-camera slave flash. This will be discussed in more detail.
The need for artificial light to maximize color reproduction is necessary in nearly all
pictures. Therefore it is strongly recommended that you set the flash mode to Anytime
flash. This will insure the flash fires on every exposure regardless of the ambient light
conditions. (Please refer to the camera s instruction manual for more details.)
Outdoor photographers do not have this same concern. There is no backscatter to be
concerned with, and due to the ability of the flash to travel farther and more effectively
in air as compared to in water; there is normally not a need for an accessory flash to
provide proper illumination for most subjects.

Note:

Be sure to use a slave strobe that has the ability to ignore the
built-in pre-flash in digital cameras, and synchronizes with the
shutter release.

Shooting Techniques:

Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)

There are several exposure modes for photographers to choose from, depending on
the situation. Underwater it is recommended that you shoot in the Auto mode on the
camera in which ambient light and artificial light will be automatically controlled by
the camera according to the lighting conditions. You can also select different light
meters to use, based on the situation and your personal preferences. Additionally, you
can choose the Auto White Balance setting for color temperature control, or experiment
with some of the other modes to see which will work best underwater. These settings
must be made ahead of any dive, as they cannot be accessed through the housing
controls. Please reference the Coolpix instruction manual for details on how to set
these camera options, and under what conditions the different choices would be used.

Zoom Control:

Zoom in for telephoto photos and larger subject size. Zoom out for wide-angle scenes.

Macro Focus:

For capturing the tiny and exotic subjects that require close focus. Macro focus is
possible when the lens is in the wide-angle position.

Immediate review of most recent image is available that will confirm that you captured
the shot you want. However, if you want to scroll through your images, or delete
images from the memory card, this must be done when you are topside and the camera
is out of the housing.

Quick Review:

You can access the camera's menu to choose how long a period of inactivity before
the camera goes into standby mode. Options are 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes,
and 30 minutes. This feature allows you to conserve battery power by placing the
LCD monitor on standby. When you want to resume shooting, pressing any button
will re-activate the camera. However, if after the camera goes into standby, a further
period of three minutes goes by without any activity, the camera will turn off. You
can turn it back on by pressing and holding the Review for about five seconds. The
Welcome to Nikon Coolpix screen will appear. One additional press of the Quick
Review button will then return the camera to active shooting mode.

Camera Standby Mode:

Care & Maintenance:

The FS 1 housing requires only a minimum amount of care for reliable performance.
The following are tips that will enable you to get the best results.

1. Always soak your housing in fresh water for about 20 minutes after every dive
to dissolve the salt water crystals from around the controls and openings of the
housing. Manipulate each of the movable controls to assist the removal of salt
particles from these tight areas. If possible a firm spray or stream of fresh water
on the housing prior to soaking is preferable.

Allow the housing to dry thoroughly before packing away for the day or for the
trip home. You may use a soft towel or cloth to dry the housing. Be sure there is
no grease or other debris on the towel.
Visually check the condition of the gasket before every dive. If it is dirty, clean
it with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth as described above. If it is damaged
in any way, such as cut or perforated, replace it immediately.
Do not use grease or any other type of lubricant on the gasket when closing the
housing. It does not increase the ability of the gasket to make a proper seal.
Be careful not to get greasy fingerprints or dirt on the lens port. This will affect
the image quality. Wipe any dirt or grease off with fresh water and a soft cloth.
Do not drop the housing on hard surfaces. It is not a shock absorber, and could
crack, affecting its watertight integrity. It could also cause damage to the camera
inside.
Travel with the housing protected in a padded case. It is best to remove the camera
from inside the housing when traveling and provide it with its own protective case,
or compartment.

Never dive with the FS 1 housing to a depth greater than 130 ft/40 meters.
It is recommended to have annual maintenance of all Fantasea housings. This
includes visual inspection and possible changing of all seals / gaskets / o-rings.

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Flood Insurance:

Every Fantasea housing includes a one-year flood insurance policy. Supplied by the
Divers Equipment Protection Program (DEPP), this insurance policy acts as additional
protection to the warranty and is good for one year. If your Fantasea housing
experiences water leakage in this period of time you will be compensated for the loss
of the camera. Only a small shipping charge will apply. All insurance policies are
automatically activated at the time of purchase. All owners must complete the on-line
product registration form, by going to www.fantasea.com and go to the Customer
Support area on the left side and click the banner titled Warranty and Flood insurance,
click on the link at the top of the page labeled “Housing Product Registration, you
will be taken to this page http://www.fantasea.com/registration.asp where you can
complete the form and register your housing purchase. Failure to register the product
within 30 days of purchase will result in a shorter period of insurance coverage for
your housing and may in the end cancel the flood insurance coverage all together.
Also, you must keep the original sales receipt of your purchase, which must be
submitted in the event of a claim: include it in the box and send it along with a photo
copy of the bill of sale to Fantasea Products. To make a claim go to the same page
and click the banner link: For DEPP anti flood insurance claims please

click here :http://www.fantasea.com/Claims.asp

It is recommended to use an authorized Fantasea Service Center for this purpose.
Please contact Fantasea Line by email: [email protected] or visit the Fantasea
Customer Service section on the web site www.fantasea.com.
It is recommended that you select the shortest time option on the menu, for placing
the camera into standby during periods of inactivity. This will conserve
battery power and reduce the heat given off by the LCD screen, which can contribute
to condensation inside the housing and fogging .

10.

Fantasea Line Contact Information:

Fantasea Holdings Ltd.
[email protected] or [email protected]
www.fantasea.com POBox 234, Hofit, Israel Fax [phone]

U.S.A. Europe:
Underwater Photo Tech U/W Foto Service
16 Manning St. Eichendorffring 16 ,
Derry, NH 03038. 56414 Salz
U.S.A. Germany
Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] [email protected]
[email protected]

Fantasea Authorized Service & Repairs: