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1. Introduction
The Fantasea BigEye Lens M46 is a patented “wet” accessory wide angle lens
that fits onto the housing 46mm lens port thread and can be installed and
removed during the course of the dive. It is perfect for photographing
seascapes, divers, ship wrecks and schools of fish without moving further
away from the subject, thereby still taking full advantage of water clarity and
artificial light sources. The BigEye Lens - M46 can be mounted directly on top
of 46mm threaded housing lens ports or on top of lens ports featuring a
different thread, by using a compatible adaptor.
2. Technology
The BigEye Lens M46 makes use of a new patented lens technology, which
allows for high quality underwater wide angle images free of distortions. The
new technology uses air instead of glass as an optical element and enables
recovering 100% of the camera lens optical properties that would normally
be lost underwater. The air pocket inside the lens enhances the angle of light
refraction, thereby restoring the original angle of coverage of the camera lens
(see figures below). This patented technology was specially designed for
underwater photography and therefore the lens should only be used when
the system is submerged in water.
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3. Included in Packaging
BigEye Lens - M46
Hard Lens Cover
Lens and hard lens cover secure lines
Warranty
Instruction Manual
4. Specifications
Features a 46mm thread mount
Depth rated to 50 meters / 180 feet
Field of view recovery (magnification): 100% (x 0.75) with a 35mm
compact digital lens
Angle of coverage: 63% with a 35mm compact digital lens
Lens material: Optical glass, hard coated plastic and anodized
aluminum
Weight: 164g
Dimensions: 105x39mm
: 5. Instructions for Use
A. Please use the utmost care and do not use excessive force when
assembling and disassembling the different accessories, in order not to
cause any damage to the product.
B. Attach the two secure lines to the lens and the hard lens cover, as shown
on the figures below.
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C. During the dive, install the BigEye Lens by screwing it on to your housing
Important Notice:
The BigEye Lens should only be screwed till the point of minimal resistance.
Continuing to screw the lens further than this point will make it difficult to remove it
later on. If this happens, in order to remove the lens, please use a slight amount of
pressure against the dome or plastic protector wings by pushing in and turning
counter clockwise at the same time.
lens port, as shown on the figures below.
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D. Please note that the BigEye Lens was designed to work underwater
only. Therefore, the lens should only be installed underwater, while
letting water enter the gap between the macro lens and the housing lens
port. Make sure that there are no air bubbles trapped between the
BigEye Lens and the housing lens port before taking images.
E. During the beginning of your dive, your lens might become foggy as a
result of an increase in the air temperature inside the lens, following
submersion in cooler water. Storing the lens in a cool dry place when not
being used, such as a padded housing bag with a few silica gel packs
inside, and submerging it in cool water for 10 minutes prior to the dive,
will assist in preventing such condensation. However, even if your BigEye
Lens starts fogging up at the beginning of the dive due to temperature
differences, please note that continuing to dive with it for about 10
minutes will eventually dissolve the fog.
F. When taking photos with the BigEye Lens installed, set your camera
focus mode to “Macro”. Failing to do so will result in blurred images.
G. The BigEye Lens can be removed and installed repeatedly throughout the
course of the dive. Whenever removing the lens, set your camera focus to
the desired mode, if it is not “Macro”.
H. When removing the BigEye Lens from the housing, it can be conveniently
stored by attaching it to the EyeGrabber F46, which mounts on Fantasea
Flex Arms, thereby making it easily available for future use. For further
information, please visit our website at www.fantasea.com/FantaseaEyes
I. It is recommended to use an external strobe when the BigEye Lens is
mounted on the housing. The BigEye Lens blocks the camera internal
flash, resulting in underexposed or shaded images.
J. When using an external flash, there are a few techniques that should be
followed in order to avoid a lens flare, which is often encountered when
using dome ports of any kind due to the reflection of the sub or strobe:
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a. Make sure that the wings of the BigEye Lens are positioned at an
angle that blocks the strobe output, as well as the sun. In order to
prevent the wings from unintentionally changing position, some
friction has been added, but rotating them can be easily done by
following a simple technique. In order to rotate the wings, simply
hold them and push them against the housing when the BigEye
Lens is mounted on your housing lens port. At the same time,
rotate them around the lens, till they have reached the desired
position. Images in which the sun is captured can be usually taken
during mornings or afternoons, when the sun is not as strong as
during the middle of the day. In general, the sun will have a much
softer and successful effect during early and late hours of the day
and will also cause less of a flare.
b. Make sure that the strobe is not positioned towards the lens.
When shooting a nearby subject, for instance, it is better to
position the strobe a little bit in front of the camera housing
rather than behind it (so the light doesn't reflect on the BigEye
Lens), or if you choose to position the strobe behind the camera
housing, make sure it's not pointed directly towards the lens, but
a little bit tilted towards the side.
6. Care & Maintenance
A. Please use the utmost care and do not use excessive force when
assembling and disassembling the different accessories, in order not
cause any damage to the product.
B. Keep the BigEye Lens away from extreme high temperatures, as under
direct sunlight, since it might damage the O-ring and interfere with the
watertight seal of the lens.
C. Do not clean the lens with any chemical solvents or other materials,
which might cause damage to the plastic dome.
D. Never look at the sun through the lens.
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E. When storing the lens and during transportation, make sure that it is
properly protected in order to prevent scratches, cracks or any other
damage to the lens.
F. After Dive Care:
I. Detach the BigEye Lens from the housing lens port and rinse all
lens components in fresh water.
II. To ensure that the accumulated salt has completely dissolved, it is
recommended to soak the lens in warm fresh water once in a
while.
III. Wipe the water drops with a soft cloth. Do not leave any droplets
to dry on lens surface, as permanent water spots may remain.
IV. Store the lens in a dry and protected area. Storing the lens in a low
humidity environment will decrease the chances of the lens
fogging up when submerged in water.
V. Do not store the lens in presence of chemicals, solvents or fuels.
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For further information, please contact us at www.fantasea.com/contact
or visit our website www.fantasea.com
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