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XA25 Underwater Housing
Setup, Use, and Care Guide
Introducing the XA25 Page 2
Copyright 2013, Gates Underwater Products, Inc.
Last document revision: November 2013
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: 800.875.1052 toll-free in the U.S.
858.391.0052 outside the U.S.
Fax: 858.391.0053
Web:
GatesHousings.com
Introducing the XA25 Page 3
Table of Contents
Setup, Use, and Care Guide .............................................. 1
1: Introducing the XA25 ......................................................... 4
Features ............................................................................. 4
Warranty Disclaimer .......................................................... 4
Unpacking the XA25 .......................................................... 5
2: Cautions ............................................................................. 6
3: The XA25 Setup ................................................................ 7
Handle Installation ............................................................. 7
XA25 Housing Preparation ................................................ 8
Camera Preparation .......................................................... 9
Installing the Camera into the Housing ............................ 10
Closing the Housing ......................................................... 12
Remote Button Arm Installation ....................................... 14
Water Alarm (Optional) .................................................... 15
Seal Check (Optional) ...................................................... 16
HD-SDI Surface Feed Video (Optional) ........................... 16
Carry Handle (Optional) ................................................... 17
Light Mounts (Optional) ................................................... 17
Final Checks .................................................................... 18
4: XA25 Operation ............................................................... 20
Right Side Controls .......................................................... 21
Front Controls .................................................................. 21
Left Side / Rear Controls ................................................ 22
Remote Control ................................................................ 23
White Balance .................................................................. 24
Exposure .......................................................................... 25
Changing Filters ............................................................... 26
Changing Ports ................................................................ 27
Cleaning Ports and Filters ............................................... 28
Diopters ........................................................................... 29
Buoyancy and Trim .......................................................... 29
Tips for Shooting Video with the XA25 ............................ 30
Housing Care and Maintenance ...................................... 31
O-Ring Care and Maintenance ........................................ 31
5: Customer Support ............................................................ 32
Introducing the XA25 Page 4
1: Introducing the XA25
Congratulations on owning a new Gates product: the XA25 housing. You’ve selected a
product that will provide years of value and reliable service. We designed the XA25
specifically for the Canon XA25, XA20 and HF-G30 digital video cameras.
Please read through this entire guide to learn about the housing so you can get the most
out of this imaging tool. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the features of the XA25 so
you can get started.
Features
The XA25 has several key features:
Small and Travel-friendly. At just a few pounds, the XA25 packs easily into your
luggage or dive gear.
‘Bulletproof’ construction. Gates legendary reliability is inherent in the XA25:
machined aluminum shell, stainless hardware and reliable mechanical controls.
Precision optics. The XA25 allows the use of a variety of ports including Wide and
Macro.
Professional Imaging. The XA25 system includes many features for broadcast TV
and other professional uses.
Warranty Disclaimer
The XA25 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 XA25. 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.
For the same reasons, Gates does not warrant optical performance or image quality.
We warrant the XA25 as an image acquisition tool for a period of 2 years. The optional
Seal Check unit is warranted for 1 year. Optics are warranted for a period of 1 year or
100 hours water contact, whichever comes first.
If you have any questions about the setup, use and care of the XA25, contact Gates
directly. Details are in section 5.
Introducing the XA25 Page 5
Unpacking the XA25
After you remove the XA25 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
The XA25 comes with the following standard items:
The XA25 Housing
Various assembly tools and spare parts for the XA25 including hex tools,
mounting screws, o-rings and lubricant.
Port(s) of choice (Dome, Flat, Wide Angle, etc)
Removable Handles (which may already be affixed to the housing)
Remote Button Arm including mount and set screws.
Optional Parts
Your housing may also come with optional items:
Water Alarm
Light System (user install)
Seal Check
HD-SDI Surface Feed Video
Carry Handle
Tripod / Tripod Adapter
Cautions Page 6
2: Cautions
TRANSPORT. NEVER ship or transport your XA25 camera inside the 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 XA25. 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 XA25 and may void your warranty.
Contact Gates if you have questions about this manual or using the XA25.
The XA25 Setup Page 7
3: The XA25 Setup
Handle Installation
If the handles are not already installed on the XA25 Housing, perform this step first.
Secure the handle arms to the housing using the 10-32 x 0.5”L socket cap screws.
Tighten with the supplied 5/32 hex tool.
Secure the grips to the handle arms using the 1/4-20 x 1” L socket cap screws.
Tighten firmly with the supplied 3/16 hex tool.
NOTE the handle grips are adjustable. They can be closer or further away from
the housing as shown in the image below. Remove the 1/4-20 x 1”L socket cap
screw and reposition as desired.
The grips can be adjusted to your
preference.
The XA25 Setup Page 8
XA25 Housing Preparation
Open the XA25 shell. Two stainless steel safety latches secure the housing
halves. They have a positive locking feature, so to open them you must first
depress the center bar release while lifting the rear lever.
Separate the rear half of housing from the front.
Retract and Rotate controls. Pull out the Focus, Assignable, Custom Button /
Dial, Zoom and Power control about one inch or until they stop.
Release the latches and .....
.....separate the housing shells
The XA25 Setup Page 9
Camera Preparation
Your CANON camera will need some preparation before installing into the housing.
Remove any lens caps or external lenses you may have added to the front of the
camera.
Install a charged battery and SD Cards. NOTE that Class 10 SD cards are
required to utilize the highest recording data rate available on the XA25, XA20 and
HF-G30 cameras.
Tighten the hand strap to its shortest position and tuck the ‘tail’ back into the hand
strap.
CAUTION: Failure to perform this step may result in the hand strap becoming caught
in the housing seal and accidental flooding.
Fold the rubber eyecup over
onto the viewfinder as shown.
Install a charged
battery and SD cards.
Tighten the handstrap to
its shortest position.
Remove any lens
caps or filters.
The XA25 Setup Page 10
Installing the Camera into the Housing
Pull out Manual, Custom and Assign Controls. The manual and custom control
need only be retracted ~ 1in / 2.5cm
Carefully insert the camera into the front housing half as shown.
Observe that the camera mates to the camera tray for alignment.
Secure the camera by tightening the thumbscrew firmly.
Open the LCD fully as shown in the image on the next page. If necessary, gently
press it into the receiver on the left side of the housing.
Press in the Manual, Custom and Assign Controls.
Insert the Canon IR Remote into the housing as on the next page.
Check controls. At this point it’s a good idea to check all controls on the front shell
for proper operation. (See section 4 for controls mentioned here.)
1
Pull out the Manual,
Custom and Assign
Controls
2
Insert the camera into
the housing as shown.
Align the camera to the
housing and mount tray, then
tighten the thumbscrew firmly.
The XA25 Setup Page 11
g
Open the LCD and
seat into the receiver.
1
Push in the Manual,
Custom and Assign
Controls
Insert the Canon IR
Remote into the
housin
here.
The XA25 Setup Page 12
Closing the Housing
Carefully inspect o-ring on back half and the sealing surface on front half. Make
sure they are clean and in good condition.
Pull up the Power control.
Place back half onto the front housing half. You will clearly see when the
housing halves align and seat together properly.
Locate and close the two latches at the same time.
CAUTION: The safety latches must be closed and locked prior to use to avoid
opening underwater. It is your responsibility to make sure the latches are secure,
locked, and in good condition. DO NOT enter the water with a faulty latch. Gates
will replace a damaged or faulty latch free of charge.
Inspect the o-ring on the rear shell
and the sealing surface on the
front shell. They should be clean
and free of nicks, marks or
scratches.
1
2
Pull up the Power control.
Mate the shells and close the two
latches. The shells should mate
without obstruction.
The XA25 Setup Page 13
Carefully inspect the parting line between front and rear housing. If this line is
not even all the way around, remove the back and determine the reason. (O-ring
out of place, hand strap interference, etc.) Failure To Do This May Result In A Wet
Camera!
Push in the Power Control.
Power up the camera. Check all controls for the proper operation before entering
water. (See section 4)
Install a port. Visually align the bayonet mount on the port with the housing. Mate
the port to the housing, and press. It should seat fully with no gaps around the
base. Rotate the port 90° either direction to fully engage the port. For specific
details, see the section Changing Ports on page 27.
Inspect the parting line for poor
mating, gaps or unevenness.
Push in the Power Control.
The XA25 Setup Page 14
Remote Button Arm Installation
The Remote Button Arm can be installed to aid actuation of the remote push buttons. It
provides a firm handle grasp closer to the buttons. The arm is a standard part included
with your housing, but not installed.
Locate Button Arm onto the top left handle with bend facing up and toward the
remote buttons.
Position the arm in the position you desire, then tighten the mount screw with the
5/32 hex tool.
Secure the arm in position by tightening the set screws with the 3/32 hex tool.
Tighten only enough to secure the arm, but do not overtighten.
Set screws: Use 3/32 Allen tool.
Mount
screw: Use
5/32 Allen
tool.
The XA25 Setup Page 15
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 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
plays after alarm test or water detection.
The alarm can tested anytime 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 dive 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 indicate here.
Inside rear shell showing the Water
Alarm battery.
Water Alarm siren
The XA25 Setup Page 16
Seal Check (Optional)
Seal Check Manual. Follow the procedures in the Seal Check manual for verifying
integrity of the housing and monitor.
NOTE. Pulling a vacuum on the XA25 will take only a few seconds. Be careful to
avoid excessive vacuum greater than 8 in Hg.
Seal Check Fitting on XA25
Housing.
HD-SDI Surface Feed Video (Optional)
Camera connection. If you have the video out installed, plug the video connector
into the camera after inserting the camera into the housing.
HD-SDI Surface Feed bulkhead
connector. The surface feed
cable will plug in here.
Just prior to inserting the camera
into the housing, connect the
BNC HD-SDI connector here.
The XA25 Setup Page 17
Carry Handle (Optional)
Position the Carry Handle on the top dovetail, then secure by finger tightening the
thumbscrew.
Light Mounts (Optional)
The top of each handle grip has a 1/4-20 threaded insert for mounting lights or other
accessories. The Ultralight Control Systems (ULCS) AD-1420 ball mount threads
directly into this location.
1/4-20
threaded
insert on
the top of
each
handle
grip.
1
ULCS AD1420 for
mounting
lights.
2
Slide the Carry Handle
onto the dovetails and
secure with the
thumbscrew.
The XA25 Setup Page 18
Tripod / Tripod Adapter
Gates Tripod is a useful accessory for steady, locked down shot, particularly for macro
imaging. The Gates Tripod has extensible arms up to 18in/ 45cm that collapse close to
the housing when not in use.
Two types of Gates Tripods exist: a symmetric version and a newer, asymmetric version
specifically designed for XA25-style housings. Either can be used with the XA25.
Mounting diagrams follow.
The symmetric version of the
Gates Tripod. Use 1/4-20 x.75”L
flat head screws to mount the
adapter, and 1/4-20 x .5”L flat
head screws to mount the tripod
plate.
NOTE: only the Gates Tripod
plate is shown. The extensible
legs and clamps are omitted for
clarity.
The XA25 Setup Page 19
The asymmetric version of the
Gates Tripod. Use 1/4-20 x.75”L
flat head screws to mount the
adapter, and 1/4-20 x .5”L flat
head screws to mount the tripod
plate.
NOTE: only the Gates Tripod
plate is shown. The extensible
legs and clamps are omitted for
clarity.
Final Checks
Visual Inspection. Look closely at all seal mates – Port 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.
XA25 Operation Page 20
4: XA25 Operation
Your Gates housing utilizes 100% mechanical controls to provide you with the most
reliable operation possible. They either rotate and/or depress to provide smooth and
consistent operation. (see ‘Housing Care and Maintenance’ section).
The housing controls are designed by Gates engineers, to the extent possible, to feel
and behave like the camera controls. With time and use, the housing controls will
become quite familiar and easy to use.
To help familiarize you with the housing controls, Gates recommends reviewing each
control individually, how it actuates the corresponding camera control, and operating it to
get a ‘feel’ for the control. You can view all front housing controls with the housing
open. After reviewing all controls, perform a ‘simulated’ dive by operating the controls as
you would in the water.
One final note about controls: when operating any control out of water, you may need to
press the control against the housing, into the position it would naturally find while under
water pressure. The controls are designed to operate properly in this position.
XA25 Operation Page 21
Right Side Controls
Record / Standby. The Record/Standby control is red and operates with a
momentary counter clockwise rotation.
Zoom. The Zoom control is blue and operates with a momentary rotation.
TIP: The Zoom control operates free and smooth when well lubricated. This should
be done after storage and often during heavy use (as much as every 2 or 3 dives).
To lubricate, pull out the control to expose a portion of the control shaft, and lightly
apply silicone. Push the control back in and rotate both directions until it operates
freely.
Front Controls
Flip Filter. The Flip Filter moves the color correction filter in/out of position of the
camera view.
Record/
Standby
Zoom
Flip Filter
XA25 Operation Page 22
Left Side / Rear Controls
Assignable Buttons 1 & 2 (left) / 3 & 4 (rear) The Assignable buttons access
function that can be set for your style of shooting. Refer to the XA25 camera
manual for more information.
Focus Ring. This control rotates the focus ring on the camera.
White Balance. Refer to the next section about setting up your camera and using
the White Balance Control.
Custom Dial. This control rotates the custom dial on the camera.
Power Control allows switching from OFF to ON or to MEDIA.
Power
Control
Custom Dial
Focus Ring
White Balance
Assign Buttons
1 & 2
Assignable
Buttons 3 & 4
XA25 Operation Page 23
Remote Control
The remote is used to give full menu access to change settings deeper in the menu
structure of the camera.
XA25 Operation Page 24
White Balance
Setting white balance is a two step process, but first requires specific setup of the Canon
XA25, XA20 or HF-G30 camera.
Set an assign button to jump to the white balance menu.
FUNC-->MENU-->
-->Assign Button (1,2 ,3 or 4)-->White Balance-->Exit
Set White Balance. The steps to set white balance are as follows:
Press Assign Button (1,2,3 or 4) from the previous step. The LCD screen
will jump directly to the white balance screen showing several white balance
options.
Set WB with the White Balance Control on the LCD screen to touch WB2,
then SET WB. Refer to the image below for those locations.
Trigger record to exit the white balance screen.
Auto White Balance can also be invoked from the same white balance
screen by touching AWB (Auto White Balance) with the WB Control.
Exposure location on the
exposure screen.
AWB location on the
white balance screen.
WB2 and SET WB
locations on the camera
touch screen.
White Balance Control
XA25 Operation Page 25
Exposure
Using manual exposure on the Canon XA25, XA20 or HF-G30 cameras requires specific
setup within the camera menu.
Set an assign button to jump to the manual exposure screen.
FUNC-->MENU-->
-->Assign Button (1,2 ,3 or 4)-->Exposure-->Exit
Set Manual Exposure. The steps to set manual exposure are as follows:
Press Assign Button (1,2,3 or 4) from the previous step. The LCD screen
will jump directly to the manual exposure screen.
Set Manual Exposure with the White Balance Control on the LCD screen to
touch the large “M” button on the left side of the touch screen. Refer to the
previous image for this location, identified as ‘EXP’.
Trigger record to exit the exposure screen.
XA25 Operation Page 26
Changing Filters
The color correction filter in your housing may be changed to accommodate different
gradient filters. “Blue water” and “green water” are the two most common, recognizable
by their orange and purple color, respectively.
Removal. The color filter is held in place by a tension screw in the filter holder.
Loosen this screw with a 7/64 Allen tool.
Installation. Rest the filter in the holder and tighten with a 7/64 Allen tool. Tighten
just enough to secure the filter. Do not over tighten.
Cleaning. You will likely have fingerprints on the filter after installing, so clean the
filter according to the directions in the “Cleaning Ports and Filters” section.
Use a 7/64 Allen tool to
remove the filter from the
holder.
XA25 Operation Page 27
Changing Ports
Gates offers several ports for your XA25 housing, which attach with a bayonet-style
mount. Port changes are easy and straightforward:
Removal. You will see alignment dots on the housing and on the port. When
aligned, the port is fully engaged and ready for underwater use. Turning the port 90
degrees, or ¼ turn in either direction to face the dot left or right allows the port to
release from the front of the housing. Gently pull the port directly away from the
housing to do so.
Inspect the o-ring -- Before installing a new port, perform an inspection and
lubrication of the sealing o-ring. See “O-ring Care and Maintenance” in this Use
and Care Guide for specific details.
Installation. Mounting a different port is directly the opposite: Insert the port into
the front bulkhead of the housing with the alignment dot on the port facing left or
right, or ¼ turn away from the dot on the top of the housing. You may need to
gently push the port into the bulkhead to fully seat the port. Then turn the port until
the dot on the port aligns with the dot on the housing. Be sure the port is fully
seated and flush with the housing. You should see no gaps between the port and
the housing.
CAUTION: The Port must be fully seated and flush with the housing to avoid
flooding.
1
2
Port Installation.
XA25 Operation Page 28
Verify the port is fully
seated and secure.
Cleaning Ports and Filters
Gates ports can be cleaned readily by following these simple guidelines.
Dust or Lint can be blown with compressed air, preferably from a can. Do not
clean the surfaces if it is unnecessary.
Salt deposits or sand may also be removed with compressed air. Use a soft
lens brush if necessary to brush away foreign material that remains.
Rinse fresh water over the outside of the port, if necessary, to loosen any
residual salt or sand that may remain. Do this with the port sealed on your housing
to keep water away from the rear of the port.
CAUTION: Do not submerge the GP32A wide angle port in water when separated
from the housing! This port is not sealed from the backside and damage will result if
submerged.
Only if necessary, clean the port using a mild cleaning solution and a non-
abrasive, lint free cloth. Use light circular strokes when wiping away cleaning
solution and any foreign material. Excessive pressure used when cleaning dirty
lenses (e.g., rubbing sand into the lens surfaces) may damage coatings. Use a light
touch.
CAUTION: Not all cloths are lint free and non-abrasive! Use of an abrasive material
(such as cotton balls and cotton fabric) may scratch the glass and/or coating of
Gates ports and will void the warranty.
TIP: Gates offers approved cleaning solutions and lint free cloths as accessory
items. Use of these materials will not void your warranty.
XA25 Operation Page 29
Diopters
Diopters may be used with the XA25 housing and the FP32A Flat Port for close
up/macro imaging. There is sufficient space between the camera and port to utilize up
to three diopters stacked on the camera. The camera utilizes diopters in a 58mm holder.
NOTE the Filter cannot be used with diopters. When installing the camera with
diopters ensure the filter is positioned as far as possible away from the port opening.
Diopters can be threaded onto the camera
directly.
Buoyancy and Trim
Your XA25 housing is designed to be slightly negative and balanced when using the
GP32A Wide Angle port, which is the most common combination of housing / port.
When using the SP32B or FP32B ports, you will find the housing slightly positive in
buoyancy.
XA25 Operation Page 30
Tips for Shooting Video with the XA25
Zoom. Zoom shots can be used for good effect, such as ranging telephoto to wide
to highlight critter camouflage. Smooth, steady zoom is generally best for such
shots, and is achieved by setting your camera zoom slider to do so. In the camera
menu are settings to control the zoom rate: Variable and Speeds 1 through 3.
Variable will, as the name suggests, zoom slow to fast depending on how far you
move the zoom slider, and is difficult to control for that smooth, steady zoom.
Speed 2 or 3 is recommended, and provides a constant zoom rate regardless of the
zoom slider position.
Manual Focus. The XA25 housing allows direct access to the Assignable Buttons
on the camera. Assign button 1 is preset to toggle between auto and manual focus.
Manual focus is a useful function underwater, and can prevent the camera from
‘hunting’ or ‘seeking’ to find focus.
A common technique is allowing the camera to auto focus on your subject (or on
something about the same distance from you as your subject), then switch to
manual focus. This ‘freezes’ the focus at that distance – no hunting or seeking.
The GP32 wide angle port further provides a large depth of field (DOF), so most
everything in front of your camera will be in focus, too.
Note however, that the auto focus capability of the XA25, XA20 and HF-G30
cameras is remarkably good. If your subject has detail and contrast, the camera will
accurately track focus. You may find auto focus in such situations can be of benefit
to your video.
Image Stabilization. The Canon XA25 cameras have built-in image stabilization
functions. These are useful above water for steady, even shots.
Underwater, however, the XA25, XA20 and HF-G30 cameras should have image
stabilization turned off to avoid vignetting. With the GP32A port in particular, you
may see momentary black corners with sharp movement of the camera. To avoid
this, set the Image Stabilization mode on the cameras to ‘OFF’.
XA25 Operation Page 31
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
.
O-Ring Care and Maintenance
Your Gates housing has 2 serviceable o-rings. One is located between the mating
halves of the housing (the large orange one), and one is located on the Port.
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.
CAUTION: Never use metal tools or objects for removing o-rings!
Customer Support Page 32
5: Customer Support
Should you have any questions about the XA25 and its operation, please contact Gates
at the numbers below.
Email: Customer.srvc@GatesHousings.com
Web: www.GatesHousings.com
Phone: 858.391.0052
Fax: 858.391.0053
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