Gates F55 Setup, Use And Care Manual

F55 Underwater Housing

Setup, Use, and Care Guide

Cautions Page 2

Copyright 2013, Gates Underwater Products, Inc.

Last document revision: 7-1-2013

Photos by Lee Peterson / Marine Camera Distributors and

John Ellerbrock / Gates Underwater Products

This manual and current revision is available in 8.5 x 11 size and full color at

http://www.gateshousings.com/documentation.html

Gates Underwater Products, Inc.

13685 Stowe Drive
Poway, California 92064 USA

Phone: [phone] toll-free in the U.S.

858.391.0052 outside the U.S.
Fax: [phone]
Web: GatesHousings.com

Cautions Page 3

Table of Contents

Setup, Use, and Care Guide .............................................. 1

Introducing the F55 Underwater Housing .......................... 4

Features ............................................................................. 4

Warranty Disclaimer .......................................................... 4

Unpacking F55 ................................................................... 5

1: Cautions ............................................................................. 6

2: F55 Setup .......................................................................... 7

F55 Housing Configuration / R5 Recorder ......................... 7

F55 Housing Preparation ................................................... 8

Sony F5 & F55 Camera Preparation ............................... 12

Camera Installation .......................................................... 13

Lens Mount Adapters ....................................................... 16

Lens Gear Drives (LGD’s) ............................................... 18

Water Alarm (Optional) .................................................... 21

Check Operation .............................................................. 22

Front Shell, Port and Port Ring ........................................ 23

Monitor Mount / Video Connections ................................. 26

Housing Closure .............................................................. 29

Adjustable Handle Grips .................................................. 31

Seal Check ...................................................................... 32

Final Checks .................................................................... 32

3: F55 Operation .................................................................. 33

Right Side Controls .......................................................... 33

Left Side Controls ............................................................ 34

Buoyancy Adjustment ...................................................... 35

Accessories ..................................................................... 37

Port Options ..................................................................... 42

Bracket Mount Locations ................................................. 44

Lighting Systems ............................................................. 45

Controlling Reflections ..................................................... 45

Travel / Transport ............................................................ 46

4: F55 Maintenance ............................................................. 47

Housing Care and Maintenance ...................................... 47

O-Ring Care and Maintenance ........................................ 48

5: Customer Support ............................................................ 49

Cautions Page 4

Introducing the F55 Underwater Housing

Congratulations on owning a new Gates product: the F55 housing. You’ve selected an
underwater imaging tool that will provide years of value and reliable service. We
designed the F55 specifically for the Sony F5 and F55 digital cinema cameras.

Please read through this entire guide to learn about the F55 so you can get the most out
of this imaging tool. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the features of the F55 so you
can get started.

Features

F55 has several key features:

 Lens flexibility. The F55 can accommodate a variety of different PL mount and

Nikon DSLR lenses with no change to control locations. Focus, Iris, Zoom remain

in the same location regardless of optics used.

 Full camera control. All practical controls are accessed directly with the F55

housing, as is the full menu system of the camera.

 Cinema-grade design. Lens choice and control access are just two of the many

features designed into the F55. A/R coated glass optics, optional HD-SDI surface
feed, and Seal Check are a few of the items any professional will appreciate.

Warranty Disclaimer

The F55 underwater housing is a tool that, like any tool, requires knowledge and
understanding to be effective.

Your responsibility is to learn the proper setup, use and care of the F55. Because we
can only provide you with the information necessary to do so, Gates does not warrant
the contents of your housing (e.g. your camera and lenses) under any circumstance.

We warrant the F55 as an image acquisition tool for a period of 2 years. The Seal
Check unit is warranted for 1 year. Optics (Dome and Flat ports) are warranted for a
period of 1 year or 100 hours salt water contact, whichever comes first.

Gates does not warrant optical performance or image quality.

If you have any questions about the setup, use and care of the F55, contact Gates
directly. Details are in section 5.

Cautions Page 5

Unpacking F55

After you remove the F55 from its shipping container, carefully inspect it for missing
parts or damage that may have occurred during shipment. If you discover any
discrepancies, contact Gates or your dealer immediately for assistance.

Standard Parts

 F55 Housing.
 Camera Bridgeplate and Mount.
 Lens Gear Drives (1x Clockwise

and 2x Counter Clockwise).

 Guide Bars and drive shafts for

your lens of choice.

 Hard Sided Rolling Case(s).
 Seal Check system.
 Tool Kit with case.
 Various assembly and spare

parts for the F55 including
bolts, set screws and o-rings.

Optional Parts

 Microphone or Hydrophone.
 Water alarm.

 Spare O-Ring Kit.
 Carry Handle.
 Trim Weights (quantity

dependent on configuration).

 Port(s) of choice (Dome, either

glass or acrylic, or Flat) and
shade.

 Focus / Iris Marker Rings.
 EM50 External Color Monitor.
 ND Filter Lockout
 HDMI Adapter Cable.

 HD-SDI surface feed bulkhead connector and cable.
 Light System.
 Tripod Adapters / Mounts.
 Port Ring(s) of choice for your lens (as needed).
 Focus / Iris / Zoom Gears for your choice of lens (applicable to DSLR lenses

only. Refer to Gates Lens Compatibility Chart for more information).

Cautions Page 6

1: Cautions

 TRANSPORT. NEVER ship or transport your F55 or F5 camera inside the F55

housing. The housing was not designed for this purpose and severe damage
may result.

 USER RESPONSIBILITY. This Setup, Use and Care guide contains important

detailed procedures for setup and use of the F55. It is the user’s responsibility to
read, understand and employ these procedures. Failure to do so can result in
poor or non-operation of the F55 and may void your warranty.

Contact Gates if you have questions this manual or using the F55.

F55 Setup Page 7

2: F55 Setup

The F55 requires complete and thorough setup prior to use.

F55 Housing Configuration / R5 Recorder

The F55 comes in two configuations: one when used without the R5 recorder, and one
when used with. The difference is only in the depth of the Rear Shell, as shown in the
photos.

Rear Shell for use without

the Sony R5 Recorder.

Extended Rear Shell for use

with the Sony R5 Recorder.

F55 Setup Page 8

F55 Housing Preparation

 Port. Remove the Port by rotating 90 degrees Counter Clock Wise (CCW) direction

while facing the front of the housing. Gently pull the Port away from the Port Ring
or Front Bulkhead.

 TIP: Liberal lubrication of the Port o-ring allows easy rotation during

installation/removal.

Rotate the port 90 degrees
counterclockwise direction, then
gently pull forward to remove.

N=

O=

F55 Setup Page 9

 Port Lock. Release the Port Lock on the lower left side of the housing.
 Port Ring. Remove the Port Ring by rotating 90° CCW and pulling forward.

 NOTE: Some lenses do not require a Port Ring.

Release the Port Lock

O=

N=

Rotate the Port Ring 90 degrees
counterclockwise direction, and then
gently pull forward to remove.

P=

F55 Setup Page 10

 Front Shell. Remove 4 screws, then the Front Shell.

Remove 4 screws and washers, then
the Front Shell.

 Rear Shell removal. Release three (3) latches by depressing the lock and pulling

up on the latch. Once released the rear shell will remove freely.

Slide the rear shell
back until free from
the housing.

F55 Setup Page 11

 Camera Bridgeplate Removal. Release the lever lock on the right and slide the

camera mount to the rear and free of the housing.

N

O=

Release the camera Bridgeplate with
this lever. Slide rearward out of the
housing.

F55 Setup Page 12

Sony F5 & F55 Camera Preparation

 Camera Basics Strip down the F5/F55 cameras to the bare camera body.

Remove the following items:

 Entire LCD Monitor unit
 Top Hand Grip Unit

 Tape measure hooks

 Bottom Shoulder Rest

 Remove any Camera Lens

 ND Filter Knob. The ND Filter Knob on the F55 camera must be removed, and

replaced with a special version by Gates. This is necessary to allow control of ND

filter with the F55 Housing.

 First, rotate the ND filter knob to the CLEAR POSITION. Then remove the

ND filter knob from the camera by gently pulling it away. It will expose a shaft

with a flat on one side.

 Next, install the Gates ND Filter Knob with the set screw on the same side as

the flat on the control shaft. PRESS AND HOLD the Gates ND Filter Knob

onto the camera while tightening the set screw.

Rotate the ND Filter Knob to
the CLEAR position. Then
gently pull the ND Filter knob
from the camera and expose
the shaft with a flat on one

Install the Gates ND Filter Knob. PRESS
AND HOLD the knob against the camera
while tightening the set screw.

F55 Setup Page 13

Camera Installation

 Camera Bridgeplate Installation. The F5/F55 camera is mounted first to a

Bridgeplate Adapter with four screws, then to the Bridgeplate with two
thumbscrews, as shown.

Mate the Camera to the
Bridgeplate adapter as
shown, then secure the
Bridgeplate with two
thumbscrews.

Remove all items from the F5 /
F55 camera except battery, R5
recorder (optional), and
recording media.

F55 Setup Page 14

 Pull out controls on left side of Front Shell. Housing controls on the front shell

must be retracted for camera clearance during insertion. Assign, Menu and Option
controls will retract. Refer to Section 3 Operation for more details on the housing
controls.

 Interior Trim Weights-- Required. Mount two 8oz weights to the interior of the

shell as shown below. These two trim weights are required to balance the housing
left / right.

Refer to the ‘Buoyancy Adjustment’ section below for more details.

 Place camera to housing. Locate the Bridgeplate and the Dovetail receiver.
 Insert Camera into housing. Gently slide the camera on the Tray into the housing

until fully seated. The camera should move into the housing without obstruction.

CAUTION: AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS. The camera should insert freely, without

obstruction. If obstructions or resistance are encountered, stop. Remove the
camera, find the cause of the obstruction, and try again.

 Lock the camera into position with the locking lever.
 Mate and Check Controls. This is a good time to verify operation of all Mid Shell

controls. Push in Assign, Menu and Option controls on the left side, confirming that
the control touches and operates the associated camera function (see Section 3
Controls for more information). Check all pushbuttons, too.

Pull out the Assign, Menu and
Option Controls.

Two 8 oz trim weight are
required, and mounted here to
balance the housing left and
right.

F55 Setup Page 15

O=

The Bridgeplate will slide
onto the dovetail here.
Slide carefully. Stop if you
encounter obstructions.

N

P=

Push in and Check controls.

F55 Setup Page 16

Lens Mount Adapters

If you are using a Sony FZ mount lens then no mount adapter is required. Continue to
the next section.

A mount adapter is required to use PL and Nikon DSLR lenses.

 FZ to PL Mount Adapter. To use PL mount lenses, install the Sony FZ to PL

adapter.

Install the Sony FZ Mount
adapter if you are using PL
mount lenses.

 FZ to Nikon Mount Adapter. Nikon DSLR lenses will require 2 mount adapter

parts:

 MTF Services Adapter (MTF FZ to Nikon Adapter). This Third party adapter

can be acquired directly from MTF Services

 Gates Iris Gear Adapter. This adapter is available from Gates. It provides a

gear interface between the MTF services adapter and the F55 Housing.

Install the MTF FZ to Nikon adapter (blue) to the
F5/F55 camera first. Then install the Gates Iris Gear
Adapter (green) to the MTF mount in the approximate
position shown. A single screw on the bottom of the
Gear Adapter will secure it to the MTF adapter.

F55 Setup Page 17

 Gear Rings When using a DSLR lens, a gear ring is required to slip over the focus

or zoom rings on the lens, which in turn interface with the F55 Housing. Gear Rings
are very specific to a given lens. Contact Gates for details on the appropriate Gear
Rings for a specific DSLR lens.

Install Gear Rings onto your
DSLR lens.

 Mount lens to the camera. At this time, mount your lens of choice to the F5/F55

camera.

Mount lens to the F5/F55
Camera.

F55 Setup Page 18

The F55 includes three LGD’s

Lens Gear Drives (LGD’s)

 General Notes. This section

addresses the installation of three LGD’s –
2 x CCW (Counter Clock Wise) and 1 x
CW (Clock Wise). These designators
are applied because two LGD’s point
in a CCW direction and the other in a
CW direction, The LGD’s are marked

CCW and CW.

You will install guide bars and drive
shafts that match the lens of your choice.
A lens cross reference is included in your
F55 documentation package and is updated on
a regular basis. Visit GatesHousings.com or
contact Gates for a current cross reference.

Secure Guide Bars. Insert the guide bars by threading them into the front

bulkhead. Tighten firmly by hand – no tools are required but wrench flats are

provided on the guide bars should this be necessary.

– 1x CCW and 2x CW.

 Install Drive Shafts. These are ¼” black delrin and have a flat spot milled into one

end. This end inserts into the drive coupler at the face of the front bulkhead.

Secure gently with the set screw on the coupler. Do not overtighten.

Insert the drive shaft into the
coupler. One end of the shaft
will have a small flat spot.
Align this with the set screw,
and tighten gently. Do not
overtighten.

Note: Different Gates housing shown.

Thread the Guide Bar into the
front shell and tighten by
hand.

F55 Setup Page 19

 LGD’s mounting. Install the LGD’s in their proper orientation with pivot gear

screws facing forward. Slide it onto the guide bar and drive shaft, then line up the

LGD with the lens gear you wish it to access.

The sequence of tightening screws on the LGD’s is important.

 Step 1. Tighten the LGD mount screw

securing it to the guide bar. Critical: the

drive shaft/gear hub must be centered with
the opening on the bracket.

Center the drive shaft/gear hub to the
bracket. Tighten the screw and secure
the LGD to the guide bar.

 Step 2. Pivot the larger gear onto the lens

gear such that it makes intimate contact.
Carefully observe that the gear is still
properly aligned and the drive shaft/gear hub
is centered with the LGD bracket (see photo).
Tighten the two pivot screws gently to secure

it in position.

With the drive shaft/hub centered, pivot
the larger gear to make intimate contact
with the lens gear. Gently tighten 2 pivot
screws.

 Step 3. Firmly tighten the screw that couples

the drive gear hub to the drive shaft.

Couple to Drive Shaft .

 TIP. The gear hub / drive shaft coupling acts

like a clutch – the drive shaft will ‘slip’ when
reaching the end of travel in either direction.
Tightening the screw more will allow less slip.
Adjust this amount of slip at your discretion.

F55 Setup Page 20

 Set the focus/iris indicators. The left and right side Gear Controls have indicator

rings. These shipped in the parts kit. These are white plastic for marking focus / iris
indications.

Secure the ring with the two set screws in the knob as shown.

 Verify Operation. Once positioned and secured check operation of the Focus and

Iris controls. They should rotate freely – but with slight resistance – in both
directions and through the entire range of travel. If not, repeat steps 1-3.

In a subsequent section “Check Operation” you will power on the camera and verify

the Zoom control is also smooth and operational.

Slip the white ring over the
Gear Control knob.

Secure with set screws
here and opposite on the
knob.

F55 Setup Page 21

Water Alarm (Optional)

If you have the optional water alarm installed there are three alarm conditions to know:

Condition LED Siren

New Battery
(Insertion)

Bright Intense blink
while siren plays

Ascending tones played 4 times

Water Intrusion Bright Intense Blink Grating Warble sound. Alarm will sound

for duration of detection.

Low Battery Low Intensity fast blink Descending tones played 8 times

pausing approx. 20 seconds between.

The alarm can be tested by shorting the detection contacts that lead to the water alarm
transducer. The water detection condition will activate for 6 seconds. If the battery is
drained the low battery condition will sound.

The water alarm requires a single 6V battery like Radio Shack model 23-469 or A544.

Your battery should be removed when stored (e.g. between dive trips). Check the
battery prior to every die to ensure proper operation. Change when indicated.

CAUTION: You must wait a minimum of 30 seconds between battery insertions to allow

the unit to fully discharge.

Water Alarm LED will
illuminate here on the
upper right corner of the
Rear Shell.

F55 Setup Page 22

Check Operation

At this point check operation of the system before closing the shell and installing the
Front Bulkhead, Port Rings and Ports.

Power on the camera and check the following:

 Clear Image on EM50 External Monitor.
 Clean Image with no dust, fog or other impediments to image quality.
 Focus, Iris and Zoom gear controls are smooth and operational.
 Other Controls. Cycle through all controls to confirm operation.
 Power down. With all functions verified power down the camera.

F55 Setup Page 23

Front Shell, Port and Port Ring

 Inspection. Before installing the Front Shell, Port Ring and Port, visually inspect

the o-rings for dirt or other foreign matter that may compromise the seals. Do the
same with the Front Shell face (where the Front Shell mates) and Port bore where

the o-rings seal. See the separate document “Housing Care and Maintenance

Guide” for more details.

 NOTE: Some lenses do not require a Port Ring. Refer to Gates Lens Compatibility

Matrix for details.

 CAUTION: Do Not lubricate the orange Front Bulkhead o-ring. It is silicone

material and lubricant may cause damage. Only the BLACK and YELLOW o-rings
are safe to lubricate.

 Retract the ND Filter Control.
 Install the Front Shell. Position the Port Extender over the entire lens / LGD’s and

secure to the front bulkhead with 4 screws. Tighten the 4 screws firmly. Push in
and test the ND filter control mates smoothly and freely.

O=

Install Front Shell with 4 screws and
washers. Tighten firmly. Test the ND
Filter Control.

Note: shown without Lens Gear Drives for clarity.

N

F55 Setup Page 24

 Lubrication. Lubricate the black Port o-ring with silicone grease. Also liberally

lubricate the Port bore. This will greatly aid installation of the Port.

 TIP: Liberal lubrication of the Port and Port Ring o-ring allows easy rotation during

installation/removal.

 Install the Port Ring (if needed). Place the Port Ring Lock into the lock position,

then carefully mate the Port Ring to the Front Shell. Rotate 90 degrees CW to its

normal position where it will lock.

Place the Port Ring
Lock into the lock
position.

O=

N

Mate the Port Ring then rotate 90° CW until it
mates and locks to the Front Shell.

Note: shown without Lens Gear Drives for clarity.

F55 Setup Page 25

 Install the Port. Similarly, the Port will mate with the Port Ring and then rotate 90

degrees clockwise to its normal position where it will stop. Carefully mate the Port

to the Port Ring (or Front Shell if no Port Ring is Used), and assure alignment.

 Verify seals. Inspect the Front Bulkhead, Port Extender and Port are fully seated

with no gaps.

O=

N

Mate the Port then rotate
90° CW until it stops.

F55 Setup Page 26

Monitor Mount / Video Connections

 Mount the EM50 monitor . Secure the monitor to the top of the main shell, as

shown and tighten the thumbscrews to secure.

 Insert the Monitor Cable to the F55 Housing. Refer to the illustration. The

EM50 monitor cable is a 'pass through' type that inserts into bulkhead opening on
the upper right side of the housing. Insert the HDMI connector and route the cable

to the rear of the housing to the position shown in the next illustration.

 Tighten the brass collar until snug.
 Connect to the camera. An HDMI adapter cable is supplied with your F55 kit to

make the final connection to the camera from the EM50 monitor cable.

Slide the EM50 onto the
housing here, and
tighten with
thumbscrews to secure.

F55 Setup Page 27

Insert the EM50 Monitor Cable into the
F55 housing as shown. Tighten the brass
collar until snug.

F55 Setup Page 28

 HD-SDI Connection. An HDMI adapter cable is supplied with your F55 kit to make

the final connection to the camera from the EM50 monitor cable.

(Photo TBD showing connection to camera)

HDMI Connection (for
EM50 or other HDMI video
feed)

HD-SDI Connection (for
surface feed video)

Plug in the EM50 HDMI
adapter cable here.

Plug in the BNC Connector
for optional HD-SDI Surface
Feed.

F55 Setup Page 29

Housing Closure

 General. The Rear Shell slides from the rear onto the foot rails, over the camera

and mates with the Mid Shell. If there is obstruction at any time during this process

– stop! – remove the shell and locate the obstruction.

 Install Trim Weights. Trim weight on the bottom of the mid shell can only be

installed prior to closing the back shell. See Buoyancy Control
more details.

 Retract controls. The power on/off control will retract slightly.
 Mate the shell. Position the shell at the rear and gently move forward over the

camera to mate with the Front Shell.

 CAUTION: AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS. The Rear Shell should insert freely,

without obstruction. If obstructions or resistance are encountered, stop.
Remove the camera, find the cause of the obstruction, and try again.

section below for

Mate the Rear Shell to the Mid Shell.
The Foot Rails will guide them together.

F55 Setup Page 30

 Latches. Once properly mated, secure the 3 latches. Visually inspect there are no

gaps around the perimeter.

 CAUTION. Faulty Latches can lead to a wet camera! Replacements for

faulty latches are available at no charge from Gates.

 Mate Controls. At this time the Rear Shell Power Control can be pushed in and

mated with the camera.

Mate the Rear Shell to the Mid Shell.
The Foot Rails will guide them together.
Close and lock three (3) latches and
look for any gaps around the perimeter.

F55 Setup Page 31

Adjustable Handle Grips

The F55 housing has adjustable handle grips. These are assembled to the housing from

Slide the Handle Grips onto the top
dovetails from the rear. Position and
secure with the thumbscrew on top.

the rear and set with the thumbscrew. If necessary, tighten with the supplied 3/16 hex
tool.

ND Filter Lockout

Included with the F55 housing is an ND
Filter Control lockout accessory,
designed to prevent accidental
activation.

As shown in the image, simply pull out
the ND Filter Control slightly and insert
the lockout over the control shaft. The
lockout has a small hole on one end for
tethering it to the F55 housing.

F55 Setup Page 32

Seal Check

 Seal Check Manual. Follow the procedures in the Seal Check manual for verifying

integrity of the housing.

 CAUTION. ENSURE THE FITTING PLUG IS INSTALLED PRIOR TO

SUBMERSION! FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A

Final Checks

 Visual Inspection. Look closely at all seal mates – Port, Port Ring, Front Bulkhead

and main Housing seal – for gaps. Look over the housing one final time.

 Verify operation. As a final check, power on the camera and verify all controls are

functioning normally. If you have the optional HD-SDI surface feed cable, ensure

an image is present at the surface end.

F55 Operation Page 33

3: F55 Operation

Right Side Controls

HD-SDI Bulkhead
Connector (Optional)

Comm Input
(Optional)

Assign 1/2

F55 Operation Page 34

(Op

Camera

Left Side Controls

File

AU/TC

View

Cancel / Back

Seal Check Fitting

Item (6)

Record / Stop

Accessory Port 1

tional).

Microphone (Optional)

F55 Operation Page 35

Buoyancy Adjustment

The F55 features adjustable buoyancy and trim. 4, 8 11 and 16 oz trim weights can be
secured to the housing – both inside and out – to adjust the housing precisely to your
liking.

Four general locations are available to add/remove and adjust trim weights.

 Inside Housing. Two 8oz weights must be placed on the right inside shell as

shown to properly balance the system left/right.
Shell Base. The base of the Mid and Rear Shells have accessory rails for 4, 8 and

16 oz weights. They are secured and adjusted forward and aft for trim.

 NOTE: The weights on the Mid Shell can only be mounted prior to mating the Rear

Shell. This is to prevent these weights from accidentally slipping off the housing
should the thumbscrew loosen.

8 and 16 oz trim weights
secured to the bottom rails.
NOTE that the forward
weight must be secure prior
to mating the Rear Shell and
housing closure.

Two 8 oz trim weight are
required, and mounted here to
balance the housing left and
right.

F55 Operation Page 36

 Top accessory rails. The top of the shell has three rails (used for handles and

monitor) that can accommodate 4 and 8oz weights.

 Port Rings. The top and sides of the Port Rings can also accept 4 and 8oz

weights. To do so, unthread the thumbscrew from the base, and then mount

directly to the small boss on the Port Ring.

 Rear Shell. Trim weights can be mounted in the back face of the Rear Shell, as

shown in the illustration.

Trim weights can be mounted
on the Port Rings here...

...or on the top accessory

rail....

Exploded view of Trim
Weight. Remove this
dovetail part for
mounting to Port Rings
and face of Rear Shell.

...or on the face
of the Rear
Shell.

F55 Operation Page 37

Accessories

Carry Handle (included)

A carry handle is included in your F55 kit. it can go on any of the top rails for a
convenient way to move your housing. If you plan to place it on the center top rail, it
must go on prior to installing the Front Bulkhead.

The carry handle can be mounted on
any of the top rails. If placing in the
center, it must slide on prior to
mounting the Front Bulkhead.

Note: different housing shown.

HD-SDI Surface Feed Cable (optional)

If you have the HD-SDI option installed, there are three steps:

 Camera connection. See the previous section Video Connections for details

connecting the HD-SDI surface feed to the camera inside the housing.

 Housing Cable Connection. Refer to the photo. Connect the surface cable to the

HD-SDI bulkhead connection on the housing.

 Refer to the HD-SDI Addendum document for further information.

HD-SDI Surface Feed
cable (optional)

Note: DEEP EPIC housing shown

F55 Operation Page 38

Tripod Adapter / Crane Mount (optional)

The Tripod Adapter / Crane mount serves a dual purpose:

 As a Tripod Adapter, it provides 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 mount holes for your tripod. It

also is specifically designed to accept an Arri standard dovetail clamp.
(WC Dovetail Clamp

 As a Crane Mount, allows securing the F55 to a Jib or Boom.

See the illustration below for mount point details.

)

Crane Mount

Tripod Mount

F55 Operation Page 39

F55 Operation Page 40

tightly

Tripod Legs (optional)

Gates Tripod Legs are three extensible legs mounted to the housing for stabilizing your
shots. They pivot in all directions, and allow collapsing close to the housing when not in
use.

The front Tripod legs
are mounted here, on
the leading section of
the foot. Thread the
ball mount into the
foot and screw very

with a wrench.

The right and rear
Tripod legs are shown
ready for use. The
legs are extensible
from 7 to 18 inches.

The rear Tripod leg is
mounted as shown to
the rear shell with a
bracket and 2ea 10-32
x 1/2”L bolts and

F55 Operation Page 41

Light Bar (optional)

The Light Bar is a convenient method to mount lights forward and to the outside edges
of the housing. It accepts a wide variety of Ultralight Controls Systems
bases.

The EM50 External Monitor will secure on the top of the Light Bar as shown.

Light Bar Accessory. (Ball mounts
not included)

ball mounts and

F55 Operation Page 42

Port Options

At this time of publication Gates SP80 Dome and FP80 Flat Port options are available
for the F55. When choosing a Port consider the following tradeoffs and limitations.

 NOTE: The optical interaction between any given lens and a Dome or Flat Port is

unpredictable. Distortions and aberrations can occur with either port. As such,
Gates does not warrant optical performance or image quality.

Gates endeavors to collect data from the field and our own testing as a resource to
customers, but you should always characterize your lens of choice for use
underwater.

Dome Port

 Optical material: Optical-grade acrylic or anti-reflective coated glass.
 Purpose: Wide to super wide imaging.
 Advantages:

 Retains FOV. Corrects for field of view distortions inherent in Flat Ports.
 Wide FOV capable. Up to 180 degree fisheye are possible depending

on the camera lens capability.

 Disadvantages:

 Little or no zoom. Domes inherently limit zoom through and varies with

camera lens employed.

F55 Operation Page 43

Flat Port

 Optical material: Optical grade acrylic.
 Purpose: Medium to macro imaging.
 Advantages:

 Zoom through. Flat Ports retains the zoom capability of a lens.
 Macro. Flat Ports are excellent for macro shots and/or the use of close

up diopters to capture small subjects.

 Disadvantages:

 No wide shots. By their nature, Flat Ports do not allow wide shots.
 Loss of FOV. Like a SCUBA mask, Flat Ports decrease FOV by 25%.

 NOTE: The optical interaction between any given lens and a Dome or Flat Port is

unpredictable. Distortions and aberrations can occur with either port. As such,
Gates does not warrant optical performance or image quality.

Gates endeavors to collect data from the field and our own testing as a resource to
customers, but you should always characterize your lens of choice for use
underwater.

F55 Operation Page 44

Bracket Mount Locations

The bottom and top of the F55 Housing has mount points for brackets or accessories of
your own design. All are 1/4-20 threads

Bottom of Mid Shell

Top of Mid Shell

F55 Operation Page 45

Lighting Systems

The F55 has provisions to utilize a variety of lighting systems. Ball mounts for the light
arms may be located in several locations on F55: a) threaded into the top of the Handle
Grips: b) on the Foot Rails; or c) onto accessory mounts that slide onto the same
dovetail slots as the handle grips.

Controlling Reflections

While it is unlikely, you may encounter reflections from within the port area of F55 from
anything shiny.

To control such reflections Gates recommends two easy measures:

 Blackening the shiny area with a black permanent marker; or

 Install a mask over the lens, as shown in the photo. This measure is rarely

needed, but if necessary black neoprene makes an excellent, flexible masking
material. Cut to your specific lens and cut the outer ring diameter to fit the port.

Note: Lens masks are not provided by Gates.

If reflections are encountered, a
mask can help minimize the
problem.

F55 Operation Page 46

Travel / Transport

The F55 requires several preparations for travel.

 CAUTION: No Camera. DO NOT transport your F55 or F5 camera inside the

housing. Severe damage may result.

 CAUTION: No Trim Weights. DO NOT transport the F55 housing with trim

weights installed. Severe damage may result.

 Secure Camera Mount. The Camera Bridgeplate must be well secured. Install

and tighten with the lever for travel.

 Protect connectors. Cover any housing-to-camera connectors to protect them

from damage during transit.

 Packing. Ensure the complete system is packed well in transport case(s).

F55 Maintenance Page 47

4: F55 Maintenance

Housing Care and Maintenance

Proper care of your Gates housing is important to provide you reliable operation and
long life. You’ll find all the guidelines in the “Housing Care and Maintenance” document
included with your Gates housing. You can also find it on Gates web site at

www.GatesHousings.com

In addition to the guidelines in the Care & Maintenance guide is one additional
maintenance item specific to F55.

 Gear controls. To lubricate the Gear control shafts requires removal of a snap

spacer. Refer to the photo below for the location of this spacer. After removing the
spacer, retract the control shaft and lubricate liberally. Push in the control and

rotate. Once moving freely, replace the snap spacer.

Make note of any shim washers present, and on which side of the snap
spacer they are located.

.

Remove this snap spacer, and
then retract the Gear control to
lubricate.

Not: Different Housing shown

F55 Maintenance Page 48

O-Ring Care and Maintenance

Your Gates housing has 3 serviceable o-rings:

 Housing Main Seal (ORANGE );

 Port (YELLOW); and

 Port Ring (YELLOW).

Servicing the o-rings is easy and covered in the “Housing Care and Maintenance”
document in this package. It can also be found on the Gates website at

www.gateshousings.com

 CAUTION: Do not lubricate the large ORANGE o-ring! It is a special silicone

o-ring and can be damaged by petroleum-based lubricants. Only the BLACK
and YELLOW o-rings are safe to lubricate.

.

 CAUTION: Never use metal tools or objects for removing o-rings!

Customer Support Page 49

5: Customer Support

Should you have any questions about the F55 and its operation, please contact Gates at
the numbers below.

Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.GatesHousings.com
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]