Ikelite 6140.21 Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of an Ikelite Digital Camera
Housing. Ikelite has over 45 years of experience in the underwater
photographic and lighting market. Our products are designed and
built in the USA by Ikelite for both the professional and amateur
photographer.
The clear housing permits instant visual inspection of the camera
and all sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of controls
and camera LCD screens.
Ikelite Digital Housings are slightly negative in salt water for
stability. This housing has been water pressure tested at the
factory to 200’ (60m).

Ikelite Digital Housing

i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l

#6140.20 for Canon Powershot A2000 IS

2

3

Front View

Shutter
Release

Lid
Snap

Playback

Menu

Display

ISO

Function/Set

Lid
Snap

Lens
Port

Back View

Lanyard

Thumb
Rest

Zoom

Mode

Face Select

Flash

Macro

Single Erase

Power

OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

1. Lid Snaps have a

LLoocckk

.
To open, push Lid Snap
Lock forward and lift
as shown. Keep
pressure on the Lid
Snap so it does not fly
open quickly.

Some lid snaps have a lot of spring tension once they go over
center, so keep a firm grip on the lid snap. Lid Snaps may be
opened one at a time.

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa

1. Remove the back from
the housing. The
mounting tray for the
camera is secured to
the housing back.
Position the camera on
the tray, and using a
coin or screwdriver
(preferred), secure it
with the mounting bolt
which threads into the
camera’s tripod socket.

CCAAUUTTIIOONN::

Some camera tripod socket threads are plastic. The mounting
tray bolt is metal. Do not cross thread or over tighten as you
may damage the camera tripod socket threads.

2. Pull out on each housing control until it stops. This will get the
controls out of the way for installing the camera.

CAMERA / MOUNT

Lid
Hook

O' Ring

Mounting Bolt

Mounting
Tray

C

a

n

on

Lift

Push For ward

Lid Snap Lock

4

PPlleeaassee RReeaad

d

We suggest that you read this instruction booklet thoroughly
before use. If you are new to underwater photography, be sure
to read the General and Photo Tips sections.

We also suggest that you read the camera manual thoroughly
to have a full understanding of where each camera control is
located and what function each control provides.

PPlleeaassee RReeaadd IIff UUssiinngg aann EEVV--CCoonnttrroolllleerr

The EV-Controller used with Ikelite DS Substrobes has two user
settings. One setting is for strobe selection, the other is for pre-
f

lash or non pre-flash.

TThhiiss ccaammeerraa uusseess pprree--ffllaassh

h

,

thus the EV-
Controller should be set to the pre-flash position when used
with this camera.

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp

1. Set ISO to 80.

2. Set camera to “P” mode

3. Enable macro focus for close-ups, or if pictures are over-
exposed. Camera does not stop down in macro mode, so if over-
exposure is still present when shooting close-up, move away
from the subject and zoom in.

4. Make sure flash is forced “on”

NNoottee::

Closest focusing distance occurs when zoom setting is lined

up with arrow on monitor.

All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

all-guides.com

8

UUssiinngg FFllaasshh

UUssiinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa’’ss BBuuiilltt--iinn FFllaasshh..

If you do not have an external flash, the camera’s built-in flash
can be used. See Diffuser instructions

((PPaaggee ##88))

.

NOTE: The camera’s built-in flash cannot be used with optional

Wide-Angle lenses.

DDiiffffuusseerr aanndd DDeefflleeccttoorr IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

Housing shown with
Deflector installed.

Deflector

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinng

g

1. Place housing face down in your
lap or on flat surface.

2. Check to see that there is an
o-ring on the housing back and
that it is clean and in its proper
location.

3. Guide the back into the housing
front. The o-ring should touch the
housing all the way around. There
should be an even gap all the way
around between the housing and
the housing back.

4. Lift the lid snaps so they are
e

xtended and place the lid
snap into the hook on the housing
back.

5. To close the housing, push
down on the lid snaps until
they snap into place . Lid
snaps on opposite sides of the
housing should be closed at the
same time. Be sure they are down
far enough to engage the lock.

DDoouubbllee cchheecckk

- Once the housing is closed, check the o-ring seal.
Check the gap between the housing back and the housing. It
should be even all the way around the housing.
Look through the clear plastic back at the o-ring. You should see
a darkened area where the o-ring is compressed against the
housing back. If you do not see an even black compression seal
all the way around the back, open the lid snaps, reseat the
housing back and close the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.

o-ring

housing back

housing back

o-ring

even gap
all 4 sides

5

6

CChheecckkiinngg CCoonnttrroolls

s

Once the housing has been closed, make sure the housing
controls line up with the corresponding camera controls. If the
housing controls are misaligned slightly make sure the camera
hold down bolt has been tightened down firmly so the camera
is flat against the tray.

TTuurrnn CCaammeerraa OOnn

Turn the camera on and operate each of the housing controls to
get a feel for using the camera in the housing. Take a few pictures
a

bove water with the camera in the housing.

LLuubbrriiccaannttss

1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We recommend
y

ou use only Ikelite lubricant on Ikelite products as some other

brands may cause the o-ring to swell and not seal properly.

2. Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover control shafts and
o-rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Lubricant is not a sealant, it is used to reduce friction. Excessive
lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may interfere with
proper sealing.

CCAAUUTTIIOONN

NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaan

n

ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk.

.

7

DDiiffffuusseerr aanndd DDeefflleeccttoorr ccoonntt..

A diffuser and deflector are
included with the housing. The
diffuser is white transparent
plastic. The deflector is also
white, but is not transparent.

To install the diffuser or
deflector, spread the port
clamp at the spring end and
slide over the lens port. The
white plastic should be placed
in front of the camera flash.
The port clamp should be
pushed back against the front
of the housing.

DDiiffffuusseerr

The diffuser should be installed when using the camera’s built
in flash. When shooting with the camera’s built-in flash at
approximately 2 feet (0.6 m) or less, the lens port on the
housing may block a portion of the light from the camera’s
built-in flash, creating a shadow in the lower area of the photo.
If this occurs, zoom the lens slightly to eliminate the shadow.

(You can test this above water)

DDeefflleeccttoorr

The deflector should be installed when using an external strobe
such as the DS51 or DS160 Substrobe and EV Controller. The
deflector will redirect the camera’s flash to the EV Controller
which controls the external strobes output.

Diffuser/Deflector material

Port Clamp

Spring

Spread to Install

All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

12

9

10

11

T

es

t

Off

On

On

w/Lite

TTL

Full

Fuel

Gu

ag

e

Rea

dy

L

ight

3

2

1

-

2

-3

-4

-1

DS

DS

SUBSTROBE

160

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess CCoonnttiinnuueedd

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS116600

The Substrobe DS160 cov-
ers the equivalent of an
18mm lens or 100 degrees
w/diffuser installed. It is the
ideal choice when using
accessory wide angle lenses
greater than 28mm. It also
features a 1.5 second recy-
cle time and 225 flashes per
full charge.

i

k

e

l

i

t

e

S

U

B

ST

R

O

B

E

D

S

51

ikelite

Substrobe
DS51

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511

The Substrobe DS51 cov-
ers the equivalent of a
28mm lens. It is the ideal
choice when using only
the camera lens with no
accessory wide angle
lenses attached.

Substrobe
DS160

SSAA--110000 BBaallll//SSoocckkeett AArrmm

The SA-100 system #4086.61 with
its 1" diameter ball is ideal underwa-
ter. The #9571.3 extended stem
mount allows attaching a Manual
Controller or flashlight mount and
drops right into the release handle.
Aim does not change when chang-
ing the aim of the strobe.

ikelite

SA-100
Ball/Socket
Arm

#9571.3 Extended
Stem Mount (included
with SA-100
Ball/Socket arm)

LLeennss PPoorrt

t

Treat the glass in the lens port as a camera lens. After use, rinse
and gently dry the lens port to avoid water spotting. To clean,
use a mild soap solution or lens cleaner.

Do not use alcohol or window cleaner on the Lens Port.

Wide-Angle Adapter #9306.81 is required to mount the #6420
Ikelite W-20 Wide-Angle Lens and other manufacturer’s
(

67mm) screw thread style wide-angle lenses.
The 67mm style lenses can be secured onto the Wide-Angle
Adapter above or below water (preferred), as they are designed
to have water between the front of the port and the accessory
l

ens. Make sure no air bubbles are trapped between the port
and the accessory lens. Any vignetting that occurs can be
eliminated by cropping the image in post-processing, or by
zooming the camera lens slightly. Zooming the lens with a
W

ide Angle Adaptor attached can cause the image edges to
soften. The camera's built-in flash cannot be used with wide
angle lenses. The front of the
lenses are so large they block
the camera's flash. To properly
light subjects when using a
wide angle lens, an external
strobe should be used. Due to
the wide-angle coverage of
these lenses, the DS160
Substrobe or two DS51
Substrobes is recommended.

Bayonet mount adaptor lenses
cannot be used due to extreme
vignetting.

Wide-Angle Lens

Wide-Angle Adapter

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriiees

s

BBaacckk oo--rriinngg

##00110099

O-rings last for several years if properly maintained. (See
maintenance section). Always carry a spare o-ring in case the
original becomes damaged or lost.

UURR//PPrroo FFiilltteerr ((BBlluuee WWaatteerr))

##66444411..3322

The UR/Pro underwater color correcting filter is designed to
r

estore some of the warm colors filtered out by the water. For
available light use only and not recommended for use with
flash.

GGrreeeenn WWaatteerr FFiilltteerr

##66444411..7722

Enhances contrast and alters the color of green water to give
our subject a rich, natural tone. For available light only and not
recommended for use with flash.

TTrraayy wwiitthh RReelleeaassee HHaannddllee

##99552233..3311

Tray and Release Handle is required to mount
external Substrobes.

IIkkeelliittee WW--2200 WWiiddee--AAnnggllee LLeennss

##66442200

67mm Wide-Angle lenses allow you to
capture more of the scene and get closer
to your subject which results in clearer
images and more vivid color. These
lenses can be installed or removed
underwater for maximum versatility.

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess CCoonnttiinnuueedd

#4035 AF35 Autoflash kit

includes

:

- AF35 strobe

- Flex arm

- AutoFlash sensor

- Handle with rubber grip

- Tray (single or dual)

- Mounting hardware

The Autoflash AF35 replicates your
camera's flash for automatic exposure
in any situation. Single or dual trays can
attach directly to your housing. The
exposure selector dial on the side of the
sensor provides fine tuning to optimize
results with a variety of digital still
cameras. Once you find an exposure
level that you like, leave the dial on
that number for automatic operation.

CCoommpplleettee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg ooppttiioonnaall aacccceessssoorriieess aavvaaiillaabbllee aatt

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoom

m

Ikelite

MADE IN THE USA

2

4

6

8

1

3

5

7

9

1
0

All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee CCoonntt..

3. Some of the controls have a short shaft and cannot be pulled
out exposing the shaft for lubrication. In the unlikely event one
of these controls sticks or becomes difficult to operate you can
remove the control from the housing and lubricate it, or return
the housing to Ikelite for maintenance. To remove the control,
loosen the set screw in the knob (allen wrench required);
remove the knob. If there is salt or dirt build-up on the exposed
control shaft, clean the shaft. Open the housing and gently slide
the control shaft out of the control gland. Clean and lightly
lubricate the shaft, including the end of the shaft. Slide the
shaft back into the control gland and gently slide it back and
forth a few times without fully removing the shaft from the
gland. Replace the knob noting the flat area on the shaft. The
set screw in the knob should tighten down against the flat area
on the control, so the knob does not turn on the shaft.

13

16

Loosen set screw
(allen wrench required)

Flat

Tighten set screw down

against this area when

replacing the knob.

housing

gland

control
shaft

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland

CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee

Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service
with minimal maintenance.
1

. Push button controls require no maintenance other than rinsing

in fresh water after saltwater use. If a push button control
becomes difficult to push or if it sticks when depressed, soak the
housing in luke warm fresh water. After a few minutes, operate
the push button. If this does not correct the problem, return the
housing to Ikelite for maintenance.

2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see drawing).
To lubricate the control, gently pull on the knob until the
stainless steel shaft is exposed. Lightly lubricate the shaft, then
move the shaft in and out several times. This will lubricate the
x-ring in the Ikelite control gland. This should be done before
using the housing after a prolonged storage period, or once a
week when the housing is in constant use.

housing

lubricate shaft

pull out to
expose shaft

15

MMaaiinntteennaanncce

e

The Ikelite Digital Housing should be given the same care and
attention as your other photographic equipment. In addition to
n

ormal maintenance, we recommend that the housing be returned

to Ikelite periodically to be checked and pressure tested.

1.

DDoo NNoot

t

leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for

prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.

2.

DDoo NNoott

ship the camera in the housing.

3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the

sseett

ssccrreeww

in each control knob.

Check each

ccoonnttrrooll ggllaanndd

penetrating the housing to make sure
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
l

oose during travel.

4. Keep the back o-ring clean and lightly lubricated. To lubricate,
remove the o-ring from the back. Put a small amount of lkelite
lubricant on your fingers. Pull the o-ring through your fingers
to apply a light coating of lubricant. Only apply enough
lubricant to make the o-ring feel slick.

DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhee

oo--rriinngg

. This light coating of lubricant will help to keep the
o-ring from drying out and will help to show a dark sealing
line when the housing back is properly sealed.

5. Keep the area where the o-ring fits and the sealing surface of
the housing clean.

6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate
water spotting.
After several uses in salt water, soak the housing exterior in a
mild soap solution, rinse and dry, before storing. When storing
the housing, remove the back o-ring, lightly lubricate, and place
in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag with o-ring inside the
housing for safe keeping.

7. If removing a housing push button,

DDoo NNoott

re-use the E-clip.

Contact Ikelite for replacement E-clips (part #0319.12).

14

GGeenneerraall TTiippss

1. Due to the power required to operate the camera, flash, and
LCD screen, it is a good idea to start each dive with a fresh set
of batteries.

2. Some cameras reset their flash to AUTO when the camera is
turned on. If you prefer another setting be sure to select it.

3. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed.

4. Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face of the
lens port. If there are, take your finger and remove them. If
there are bubbles on the lens port they can produce soft focus
spots in your photographs.

NNOOTTEE

5. If you are shooting with the camera’s built-in flash and the
camera lens is set to the widest angle, you may need to zoom
the lens slightly or a shadow may appear in the lower left
corner of close-up photographs. The lens port may block some
of the light. Installing the flash diffuser will help to eliminate
the shadow.

(You can test this above water)

To shoot photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), you should use
an external strobe such as the DS51 or DS160. With an external
strobe, you can position it so nothing blocks the light path
between the strobe and the subject.

All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com

17

PPhhoottoo TTiippss CCoonntt.

.

6. When using daylight or flash, if your camera consistently over
or underexposes the image, you may want to adjust your
camera’s exposure compensation settings. Many cameras allow
you to adjust both available light and flash exposure with an
EV control in the camera’s menu.

7. Many photographers transfer their images to the computer
where they can fine tune the appearance of the image. Many
of the image manipulation programs make you think you can
magically correct any image taken and make a good picture.
One thing to remember when using an image manipulation
program, is that if the image is overexposed, much of the color
is missing. If the color is missing you cannot adjust it. If images
a

re slightly underexposed, the color is there, but it is just dark
and you can adjust it to some degree. So if you error in
exposure, it is better to have the image slightly underexposed
rather than over exposed.

19

PPhhoottoo TTiipps

s

1. The number one rule in underwater photography is eliminate
as much water between camera and subject as possible. Get
as close as you can to the subject, then use the zoom. If you
are using flash, subjects beyond 6 feet (1.8m)will not have
much color.

2. The camera’s built-in flash is very close to the camera lens. The
flash can light up any suspended particles in the water and they
can be recorded in your picture. This effect is called backscatter.
To eliminate as much backscatter as possible, photograph close.
Photograph in clear water; do not stir up the sand or silty
bottom. If backscatter becomes a problem in the environment
you are photographing, an external flash will help eliminate
much of the backscatter.

3

. Many digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you

press the shutter release button and the camera actually takes
the picture. Hold the camera steady a second or two after
pressing the shutter release button.

4. Do not shoot down on subjects as they will quite often blend
into the background and be difficult to see in the photograph.
Shoot subjects straight on or shoot up at a slight angle using
the blue water as a contrasting background.

5. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject. When
photographing underwater, set the camera to use flash on
every shot. If the camera’s flash is set to AUTO and the sun is
behind your subject, the camera may see enough light and not
fire the flash. With the sun behind the subject, the subject is
shaded (dark) and needs flash for a good exposure.

18

IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd WWaarrrraannttyy

All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing
defects for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
Defective products should be returned prepaid to Ikelite. Ikelite
will, at its discretion, repair or replace such products, and will
return to customer prepaid. All other claims, of any nature,
including but not limited to bulb failure are not covered. Except
as mentioned above, no other warranty expressed or implied,
applies to this Ikelite product.

RReettuurrnniinngg PPrroodduuccttss ffoorr SSeerrvviiccee

Ikelite is most interested in preforming any service to assure that
all products perform as intended. For repair or service, return the
product to the address below with your name, address, phone
number and a brief description of the problem. Evidence of
purchase date must be provided to obtain warranty service.
Normal service turnaround time is approximately 2-3 weeks.

IIkkeelliittee UUnnddeerrwwaatteerr SSyysstteemmss

5500 WW 3333rrdd SSttrreeeett

IInnddiiaannaappoolliiss,, IINN 4466220088 UUSSAA

WWhheenn rreettuurrnniinngg pprroodduuccttss sseenndd ““aattttnn.. RReeppaaiirr DDeepptt..””

331177--992233--44552233

““ggeenneerraall qquueessttiioonnss”” ee--mmaaiill:: iikkeelliittee@@iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

DDiiggiittaall 66114400..2200--0011--11000088

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