Ikelite 6146.05 Instruction Manual

Underwater Housing for Canon Powershot G5X

Product Number 6146.05

Instruction Manual

Thank you for your purchase of Ikelite equipment. Please read this instruction
manual completely before attempting to operate or dive with this product.
Please refer to the back page of this manual to register your Ikelite product.

Table of Contents

PREPARATION .......................................................................P. 3

SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed ................................P. 4

INCLUDED in the BOX ...........................................................P. 4

Parts of the Housing - Front View ............................................P. 5

Parts of the Housing - Back View ............................................P. 6

HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS ..............................P. 7

STEP 1 - Camera Setup ..........................................................P. 7

STEP 2 - Opening the Housing ...............................................P. 8

STEP 3 - Install Camera in Housing ........................................P. 8 - 9

STEP 4 - Attach Hotshoe (if not using built-in ash) ................P. 10

STEP 5 - Closing the Housing .................................................P. 11

STEP 6 - Final Check ..............................................................P. 11

STEP 7 - Entering the Water ...................................................P. 12

Removing the Camera from the Housing ................................P. 12

STROBE COMPATIBILITY and USE .....................................P. 13

Strobe Compatibility ................................................................P. 13

Housing Conversion Circuitry ..................................................P. 13

Using Ikelite DS-series Strobes ...............................................P. 13

Using Non-Ikelite or Ikelite Non-DS-series Strobes.................P. 13

Manual Flash Operation with Ikelite DS-series Strobes ..........P. 14

Attach Ikelite Sync Cord to the Housing and Strobe ...............P. 15

Using Fiber Optic Strobes .......................................................P. 16

Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash ...........................................P. 16

Deector Installation and Removal ..........................................P. 16

Diffuser Installation and Removal ............................................P. 17

2

Table of Contents - continued

Zoom Control Use ...................................................................P. 17

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES and ATTACHMENTS .....P. 18

SPARE PARTS .......................................................................P. 20

MAINTENANCE ......................................................................P. 20

Lens Port .................................................................................P. 20

O-ring Storage .........................................................................P. 20

Lubricant ..................................................................................P. 21

Housing Maintenance ..............................................................P. 21 - 22

Control Maintenance ...............................................................P. 22 - 25

PHOTO TIPS ...........................................................................P. 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................P. 27 - 29

CUSTOMER SUPPORT ..........................................................P. 30

LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................P. 30

RETURNING PRODUCTS FOR SERVICE .............................P. 31

PRODUCT REGISTRATION ...................................................Back Page

PREPARATION

This product has been water pressure tested at the factory and is depth

rated to 200 ft (60 m). Thoroughly inspect and immerse the empty

housing completely in water before installing a camera. If any fogging
occurs or droplets of water enter the housing, do not install a camera.
Clean the main housing o-ring and retest to make sure that the housing is
watertight. Refer to the Troubleshooting section, page 28.

Please read your camera manual thoroughly to have a full understanding of

each camera function.

If you are new to underwater photography, be sure to read the Photo Tips

section, page 27.

3

SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed

Controls .................................. All camera buttons except Diopter adjustment

................................................. dial and Mobile Device Connection

Buoyancy ............................... Slightly negative in freshwater

Depth Rating .......................... 200 ft (60 m)

Strobe Connection ................ Ikelite ICS-5 5pin electrical bulkhead or

................................................. Fiber Optic housing ports

Use Built-in Flash .................. Yes

Main O-ring ............................. 0110

Housing Dimensions ............. 7.4 x 5.8 x 5.8 (188 x 147 x 147)

Housing Weight ..................... 3.3 lb (1497)

Housing Material .................... Polycarbonate front , acrylic back

INCLUDED in the BOX

• Housing

• Instruction Manual

• Waterproof Bulkhead Cap (connected to external strobe connector)

• 9299.61 Accessory Package (includes hex head wrench, 1cc silicone lube,

extra control tips, extra rear dial control pad)

4

Parts of the Housing - Front View

Shutter
Button

Exp.
Comp.
Dial

Front
Dial

Zoom
Lever

ON/OFF

Fiber Optic
Ports

Bulkhead
Connector

Mode Dial

1/4-20 External Tray Mounts

5

Parts of the Housing - Back View

MOVIE

2

3

6

INFO

13

10

4

5

7
9

11

MENU

1

8

1. Control Dial

2. Movie Button

3. Single-image Erase Button

4. AF Frame Selector

5. Drive Mode / Up Button

6. MF / Macro / Left Button

6

7. Q-Set / Set Button

8. Flash / Right Button

9. INFO / Down Button

10. Playback Button

11. MENU Button

HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS

Step 1 - Camera Setup

Set Mode Dial to “Av” or “M.”
Set ISO to “200.”

IMPORTANT: In Display Settings, set Display Control to “Manual.” This

option turns off eye-piece automation and must be set, otherwise, the
camera will sense the housing back and shut off the LCD screen in favor of

the optical viewnder.

RAISE the CAMERA FLASH! You cannot raise the camera ash after the

camera in closed inside the housing.

When using the internal camera ash, DO NOT place housing hotshoe into

hotshoe camera mount. This will deactivate the internal ash. Instead, place

hotshoe directly above the hotshoe camera mount before closing housing.

When using the housing hotshoe, the internal camera ash is deactivated.

7

Step 2 - Opening the Housing

Lid Snaps have a Lock.

1. Push Lid Snap Locks forward and lift as shown. Open opposing Lid Snaps
simultaneously. Keep pressure on the Lid Snaps so they do not y open
quickly. Some Lid Snaps have a lot of spring tension once they go over

center, so keep a rm grip on each Lid Snap. Lid Snaps may also be

opened one at a time.

2. Remove the Housing Back.

Push Forward

Lid
Snap
Lock

Lift

Step 3 - Install Camera in Housing

1. Make sure the camera battery is fully charged and a SD card is inserted into

the camera. Save existing photos on a separate storage device before

formatting SD Card.

2. Pull top housing control knobs up for more clearance.

3. The Mounting Plate is secured to the inside bottom of the housing. The
camera Mounting Tray slides into the Mounting Plate. Use your index

nger and thumb to pull the Mounting Tray away from the Mounting Plate,

Diagram A, page 9. Use your other thumb to apply opposite pressure
against the bottom of the housing to assist in removal of the Tray if
necessary.

8

Step 3 - Install Camera in Housing - continued

Diagram A

Pull to Remove

Mounting Tray

4. Using a coin or athead screwdriver
(preferred), secure the camera Mounting

Tray to the camera tripod mount,

Diagram B. Tighten camera rmly to

avoid movement on tray. The Mounting
Tray only attaches one way with the
Mounting Tray Tab to the back of the
camera.

An additional 1/4-20-inch tray hole allows

attachment to a land tripod stand.

Mounting Plate

Diagram B

HDMI

Mounting
Tray Tab

Tighten here

5. Gently slide the camera with Mounting Tray back into the Mounting Plate,
Diagram C, page 10. Using your thumbs, push against the Mounting Tray
until it stops sliding forward into the Mounting Plate. Give the Tray an extra
push to make sure it is properly seated all the way forward in the Mounting
Plate and no housing controls are in the way.

9

Step 4 - Attach Hotshoe (if not using built-in ash)

When connecting an external strobe to the housing bulkhead, slide the

hotshoe into the top camera mount until it stops. Hotshoe must be all the
way forward in the camera mount to assure a good electrical connection
with a strobe, Diagram C, below.

Make sure hotshoe cord does not interfere with controls or the housing back

when closing the housing.

When using the housing hotshoe, the internal camera ash is deactivated.
When NOT connecting an external strobe to the housing bulkhead, RAISE

the CAMERA FLASH and DO NOT connect the housing hotshoe.

You CANNOT raise the camera ash after the camera is closed in the

housing.

When using the internal camera ash, DO NOT place housing hotshoe into

hotshoe camera mount. This will deactivate the internal ash. Instead, place
hotshoe directly above the hotshoe camera mount before closing housing.

Diagram C

Hotshoe - push all the
way forward into the
camera mount

HDMI

Push Camera and
Mounting Tray all
the way forward into
Mounting Plate

10

Mounting Plate

Step 5 - Closing the Housing

1. Place housing face down

Lid Hook

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

2. Guide the back onto the
housing front. Make sure the
hotshoe wire is out of the way.

Even gap on
all 4 sides

Once the back is properly
installed, the o-ring should

Lid Snap

touch the housing all the way around.
There should be an even gap on each side of the housing between the
housing and the back.

O-ring

3. Lift the lid snaps so they are extended and place each lid snap into the
corresponding hook on the housing back.

4. To close the housing, push down on the opposing lid snaps simultaneously
until they snap into place. Be sure they are down far enough to engage the
Lid Snap Lock - Page 8. The o-ring seal should now appear as a solid
black line when viewed from the back of the housing.

Step 6 - Final Check

The clear housing permits instant visual inspection of the camera and

sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of controls and camera
LCD screens. This housing has been factory water pressure tested to 200 ft

(60 m). Once the housing is closed, recheck the o-ring seal. Double 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 or solid black line 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 reclose the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.

11

Step 7 - Entering the Water

Before entering the water, turn the camera on and operate each of the

housing controls to get a feel for using the camera in the housing.

As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check to see that the

housing is properly sealed. We recommend you rst water test the housing

with no camera inside to assure a safe and watertight environment.

Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face of the lens port.

If there are, take your nger and remove them. If there are bubbles on

the lens port they can produce soft focus spots in your photos or video.

Removing the Camera from the Housing

1. Thoroughly dry housing.

2. Remove the housing back, see Step 2, Opening the Housing, Page 8.

3. Remove the Hotshoe from the camera mount.

4. Pull back on both sides of the camera top to begin releasing the Tray from

the Mounting Plate. Pull on the Tray Tab with your thumb and index nger.

Slowly and gently pull the camera backward to separate from housing,
Diagram D. Continue pulling the camera backward and remove from

housing. We recommend doing this procedure on a desktop or solid at

surface to avoid dropping the camera.

If you are nished using the housing, remove the Mounting Tray from the

camera bottom and slide it back into the Housing Mounting Plate. For
storage and travel, remove the back o-ring and place in a small plastic bag.
Place the bag inside the
housing and reattach the
housing back.

Note: The Mounting Tray

Gently pull backward
on the camera and
Mounting Tray to
remove

Diagram D

MUST be removed when

HDMI

changing a camera battery
or SD card.

12

STROBE COMPATIBILITY and USE

Strobe Compatibility

• AF35 .................................. not compatible

• DS50 ................................. yes, above serial number 70000

• DS51 ................................. yes

• DS125 ............................... yes, above serial number 5000

• DS160, DS161 .................. yes

• DS200 ............................... yes, above serial number 7163

• Non-Ikelite ......................... yes, manual ash exposure only

Housing Conversion Circuitry

This housing has integrated Ikelite designed Conversion Circuitry. The

Circuitry provides real TTL ash exposure when used with Ikelite DS series

strobes. The Circuitry is automatically activated once a DS series strobe is
attached to the housing and turned on. Once attached, turn the strobe on

rst before turning on the camera. The circuitry cannot be powered up or

used by non-Ikelite strobes.

Using Ikelite DS-series Strobes

Set your DS-series strobe to “TTL.”

TTL ash exposure compensation is done in the shooting menu

under “Flash Control.”

Using Non-Ikelite or Ikelite Non-DS-series Strobes

The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used with a
Non-Ikelite or Non-DS-series Strobe. These Strobes can be used in their

manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the Strobe. To attach

a Non-Ikelite strobe to the housing, go to ikelite.com to select the proper
cord.

13

Manual Flash Operation with Ikelite DS-Series Strobes

- We recommend placing the strobe in TTL mode (or a manual fractional

power setting), so you can see both preashes.

- Set camera to “Av” or “Tv” shooting mode.

- Press the FEL control 4 times within 4 seconds.

- After you see two preashes, the camera will be in Manual Flash mode.
Once in Manual Flash mode, no preashes will be red. This will allow use
of all the strobes manual power settings, including full power.

To return to TTL mode, turn the strobe off and on again, and then return

the strobe to the TTL setting.

NOTES:

If you leave the strobe in TTL mode when you enable Manual Flash, it will

re at the last TTL ash duration that was used.

TTL ash is available in the camera’s “M” shooting mode.

14

Attach Ikelite Sync Cord to the Housing and Strobe

The Ikelite Housing and Strobe Bulkheads are designed to accept sync

cords with Ikelite 5 pin connector ttings.

1. Lightly lubricate the Sync Cord O-rings. Use ONLY Ikelite lubricant (supplied

with housing). Other lubricants may cause the o-rings to swell and seal

improperly.

2. Remove Bulkhead Caps from Housing Bulkhead and Strobe Bulkhead.

3. Line up the Sync Cord Pins with the corresponding Bulkhead Receptacles.
Gently insert Sync Cord ends into each Bulkhead. Either Cord End may be
attached to a component. DO NOT force this installation. If the Sync Cord
does not seat properly inside the Bulkhead, then the Pins and Receptacles

are improperly aligned (repeat Step 3).

4. Tighten the Knurled Nuts snugly using your Index nger and thumb. DO

NOT use pliers or other tools to tighten the Knurled Nuts.

- Always remove the Sync Cord from your Housing and Strobe when not in
use and replace the Bulkhead Caps.

Diagram E

Ikelite 5-pin
Sync Cord

Knurled Nut

Sync Cord O-ring

Bulkhead Cap

Sync Cord Pin

Housing or Strobe
Bulkhead

15

Using Fiber Optic Strobes

Attach Fiber Optic Cord(s) to the housing Fiber Optic Port(s), page 5,

directly above the housing port. Make sure the housing deector is installed
in the housing (see Deector Installation and Removal below).

NOTE: Camera built-in ash must be extended and hotshoe disconnected

BEFORE closing housing.

Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash

If you are shooting with the camera’s built-in ash and the camera lens is

set to the widest angle setting, you may need to zoom the lens slightly or a
dark area may appear in a lower corner of close-up photographs.

The lens port may block some of the light. Remove the Deector, below,

and install the Diffuser, page 17. Zoom in to eliminate any dark areas

noted in your photographs (You can test this above water).

For the best results, we recommend using external Strobes.

The camera’s built-in ash CANNOT be used with optional Wide

Angle or Accessory lenses, or when the housing Deector is installed.

Deector Installation and Removal

The factory installed ash

Deector, Diagram F should

be removed and replaced
by the Diffuser, page 16,
when using ONLY the built-in

camera ash and no external

strobes. To remove, pull up
the zoom control and then lift

Diagram F

Deector - view from inside housing

Slot for Fiber Optic Use

the bottom of the Deector
out with your nger. Pull the Deector away from the inside front of the

housing. To reinstall, reverse procedure. The slot in the Deector should
line up with the housing Fiber Optic Port holes.

The Deector should be installed when using external strobes.

16

Diuser Installation and Removal

The included Diffuser should only be used when shooting with the built-in

camera ash. Always remove the Deector before using ONLY the built-in
camera ash with the Diffuser.

To install the Diffuser, Diagram G, push the “Cut-out Section” into the

external Port Groove until it stops as shown, Diagram H. To remove, grab
the top of the Diffuser and pull away from the port.

Note the Small Hole. To avoid losing the diffuser, you can attach a shing

line or string to this hole.

Diagram G

Diffuser

Cut-out section

Small Hole

Zoom Control Use

After you have used the housing’s

Diagram H

Diffuser properly installed

zoom control, it must be returned to
the center position to disengage. If the
housing zoom control is pushing the
zoom lever in either direction, you may
not be able to take a picture or access
other functions. This is because the
camera is receiving a signal from the
engaged zoom control.

-

Zoom Control

“Disengaged”

(Center Position)

+

-

Zoom Control

“Engaged”

+

17

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES and ATTACHMENTS

External Color Correcting Filters

The specially formulated UR/Pro color correcting lter 6441.41 for tropical

blue water settings enhances warm reds and oranges with available

sunlight up to 80 ft (24 m). Use in the

Caribbean, Indonesia, and any blue water
setting.

The UR/Pro color correcting lter 6441.81 for

green water enhances contrast and improves
the color of green water to give your subject
a rich, natural tone. Effective with available

sunlight up to 80 ft (24 m). Use in most lakes

UR-Pro Filter

Lens Port

and any green water setting. The color lters

are for available light use only. Not recommended when using external
strobes.

Optional Tray + Release Handle 9523.63

The optional aluminum tray with release handle

comes with the necessary hardware to mount to
your Ikelite housing.
To attach, see page 19.

MADE IN USA

Optional Tray + Dual Handles 9523.64

Attaching an optional Tray + Dual Handles

will add stability and gripping point(s) for

comfortable use of the housing. Add a
second strobe to eliminate shadows and
evenly light your subjects.

To attach, see page 19.

18

MADE IN USA

External Accessory Lenses

The 6430.3 highly recommended
WD-3 Wide Angle Dome provides
a wider angle of coverage
underwater without vignetting
(dark shadows in the corners of

the image) or distorted edges that

are typically present when using a
standard wide angle wet lens. The
conversion dome features a 0.75x
conversion factor to correct for the

refractive magnication of a at port
underwater. At less than 6oz (168g),

the WD-3 is also substantially lighter
weight than the average wet lens

WD-3 Wide Angle Dome

and easier to use.
The WD-3 simply slides over the standard port of the your Ikelite housing.
The WD-3 can be removed and replaced underwater so there is no limit to

the camera’s zoom or macro capabilities. Approximately 3/4 of the camera’s
zoom range can be used with the dome in place (varies by camera model).

The housing port is also designed to accept 3.0-inch diameter color lters,

wide angle lenses such as the Ikelite W-30, or macro options with 67mm
threads.
Vignetting will occur with all 67mm wide-angle accessory lenses and
may be eliminated by either zooming slightly or cropping the image in
post-production.

- Camera’s built-in ash cannot be used with External Accessory Lenses.

- Bayonet mount lenses cannot be used with this housing.

- Please visit ikelite.com for additional information.

19

SPARE PARTS - available through Ikelite or any Ikelite Dealer

• 0184.2 Silicone lubricant 2cc reclosable tube

• 9104.5 Waterproof bulkhead cap

• 0110 Main o-ring

MAINTENANCE

Lens Port

Treat the glass in the lens port as a camera lens. After use, rinse and

gently dry the outside lens port to avoid water spotting. To clean, use a mild
soap solution or lens cleaner. It is NOT necessary to remove the Port for
cleaning. Do not rinse the inside of the Port.

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

O-ring Storage

When storing the housing, remove the main housing o-ring. Lightly lubricate
the o-ring until it appears shiny and place in a small resealable plastic bag.
Use only Ikelite lubricant. Place the bag inside the housing and store until
needed.

20

Lubricant

Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We recommend you use

only Ikelite lubricant on Ikelite products. Other brands may cause the main
housing o-ring to swell and not seal properly.

Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the main housing o-ring or

lubricate a sticky control. 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.

CAUTION:

Never use spray lubricants as the propellant ingredient can

cause the plastic housing to crack or o-rings to swell.

Housing Maintenance

Your Ikelite Digital Housing should be given the same care and attention

as your other photographic equipment. In addition to normal maintenance,
we recommend that the housing be returned to Ikelite periodically to be
checked and pressure tested.

- Do not leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for prolonged
periods. Heat may damage the camera.

- Do Not ship the camera in the housing.

- Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the set screw in
each control knob. Check each control gland penetrating the housing to
make sure they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
loose during travel.

- Keep the main housing o-ring clean and lightly lubricated. To lubricate,
remove the o-ring from the back. Put a small amount of lkelite lubricant on

your ngers. Pull the o-ring through your ngers to apply a thin coating of

lubricant. Only apply enough lubricant to make the o-ring feel slick.

Do Not stretch the o-ring.

21

Housing Maintenance - continued

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.

- Keep area where the o-ring ts and sealing surface of the housing clean.

- Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each saltwater
use. Depress push buttons repeatedly in fresh water to eliminate trapped
saltwater. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in saltwater, 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.

- If removing a housing push button, Do Not re-use the E-clip. Contact Ikelite

for replacement E-clips (part 0319.12).

- Leave lid snaps in the open position when not using the housing for
extended periods.

- Always disassemble and clean optional Tray/Handle(s) before storage.

Control Maintenance

Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service with

minimal maintenance.

- Push button controls normally require no maintenance other than rinsing
in freshwater after saltwater use. Depress each push button in fresh
water several times to eliminate trapped saltwater. If a push button control

becomes difcult 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.
If you are on a trip and unable to return the housing immediately, a push
button may be lubricated by pressing and holding the push button all the

way in. Then, use your nger or other small non-metal object to place a

small amount of lube at the base of the shaft inside the housing.

22

Control Maintenance - continued

Press and release the push button

several times until the lube is worked
up into the o-ring.

After completing this procedure, close

Diagram I

the housing and submerge it in water
without the camera i nside.

Check the

control for watertightness.

Apply Ikelite
Lube Here

Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service

with minimal maintenance.

In the unlikely event one of the control shafts sticks or becomes difcult to

operate, you can remove the control from the housing and lubricate it, or
return the housing to Ikelite for maintenance.

Your housing may feature both round and hex style control glands. To

remove a control in a round style gland, Diagram J, page 25, loosen the

set screw in the knob (hex head 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 and o-rings, including the large end of the
shaft.

If there is a shutter spring on the Control Shaft, make sure it is in its proper

position. Rotate the Shaft back and forth slightly to aid installation back into
the Control Gland. Replace the knob with the Set Screw over the Control

Flat. The Set Screw in the knob should be tightened down against the at

area on the Control Shaft so the knob does not turn on the shaft.

23

Control Maintenance - continued

- Some of the controls have long shafts and feature a hex style control gland.
These controls can be pulled out, exposing the shaft, Diagram K, page 25.

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.

- 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 difcult 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, Diagram L, page 25, loosen the set screw in the knob (hex

head 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 the shaft back and forth a few times without fully

removing the shaft from the gland. Replace the knob noting the at area
on the shaft. The set screw in the knob should tighten down against the at

area on the control, so the knob does not turn on the shaft.

Close housing without a camera inside and water pressure test in a

bathtub or swimming pool. Rotate* the knobs to make sure the housing is
watertight and the gland was installed properly. Check all controls while the
housing is submerged.

*Caution: If your housing has a shutter spring, DO NOT rotate the shutter

control more than 1/16th of a rotation, otherwise, you may accidentally bend
the shutter spring or cause the spring to “pop off” the control shaft.

24

Control Maintenance - continued

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into

Diagram J

gland

Control
Shaft

O-rings

Tighten set screw down against this

at area when replacing the knob

Diagram K

Loosen Set Screw

(Hex Head Wrench Required)

Knob

Control Gland

Housing

Lubricate Shaft

Housing

Tighten set screw down against this

at area when replacing the knob

Diagram L

Control
Shaft

Lubricate end of shaft

Pull out shaft
to expose shaft

Control Gland

Loosen Set Screw

(Hex Head Wrench Required)

before reinserting into
gland

25

PHOTO TIPS

- The number one rule in underwater photography is to eliminate as much
water between the camera and subject as possible. Get as close as you

can to the subject, then use the zoom. If you are using ash for still photos,
subjects beyond 6 ft (1.8 m) will not have much color regardless of strobe

power.

- 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 ash will help eliminate much of the backscatter or small oating
debris in the water which reects light.

- 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
housing steady a second or two after pressing the shutter release button.

- Do not shoot down on subjects as they will quite often blend into the

background and be difcult to see in the photograph. Shoot subjects

straight on or shoot up at a slight angle using the blue water as a
contrasting background.

- When using daylight or ash, if your camera consistently over or
underexposes the image, you may want to adjust your camera’s exposure

compensation settings.

- If you error in exposure, it is better to have the image slightly underexposed
rather than overexposed. An overexposed image is missing color
information which cannot be adjusted in a photo processing program. A
slightly underexposed image has color information that can be adjusted.

- It is important to respect all living creatures underwater, including people,
marine life, and coral. While we encourage people to get close to their
subjects when taking a photograph, they should not touch, lie on, or in any

way disturb the things they nd underwater.

26

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

Push buttons or
controls are sticky
or hard to operate

Solution

- Remove the camera and rinse the closed housing
in fresh water. Vigorously press each push button
in and out several times to release any trapped
saltwater or debris.

- Press a sticky push button all the way in and
place a small amount of lube on the small end of

the push button shaft at it’s base. Release and

depress the push button several times to distribute
the lube, Diagram I, page 24.

- If a larger gland style control is sticky, grab the
control knob, pull it out, and then push back in. If
still sticky, see the Control Maintenance section,

Image is over/
underexposed,
or a corner of the
image is dark

pages 23-26.

- Return housing to Ikelite for routine maintenance.

- Check that the built-in ash or external strobe is
ring when taking a picture. Camera ash should

be forced “on.”

- When using an external strobe, make sure it is
turned on, set properly, and its battery is charged.

- Make sure the diffuser is installed when you are
NOT using an external strobe.

- Check any corded connection points.

- Change camera shutter speed or aperture.

- Move closer to or further away from the subject.

- Adjust Exposure Compensation .

27

Problem

Solution

Camera does not
take a picture

Housing is hard to
close

- Install a fully charged battery.

- There is not enough available light for the camera
to properly focus. Add a focusing light or strobe
with a built-in focusing or video light to your
system.

- Select a center focus point in your camera menu.

- Return Zoom control to the “disengaged” position,
see Zoom Control Use, page 17.

- Make sure the camera is mounted properly in the
housing and controls/cord are out of the way.

- Main housing o-ring is not seated properly.

Fogging occurs on
the Lens Port

- Humid air is trapped inside the housing.
The camera produces heat and may condense
any trapped moisture forming fog on the lens port.
Close the housing in an air-conditioned room or
vehicle, or in front of an air-conditioner.

- The housing should not be in direct sunlight for an
extended period of time.

- Purchase desiccant packs also known as
moisture munchers from a local camera store.
Place one or two new packs in your housing
before each day of diving.

- If moisture or water droplets are present around
the controls or sealing areas, return the housing
to Ikelite for evaluation.

- Clean the main housing o-ring and sealing
surface of the housing

28

Problem Solution

Pictures are too
blue or too green

- Use custom (manual) white balance. Reset for

each working depth or when attaching a

color correcting lter to the camera lens.

- Add an external strobe.

- Move in closer to your subject when taking a
picture.

- Add an optional color correcting lter to the

Housing Port.

- Strobe is not ring. Check corded connection

points.

29

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please read the troubleshooting section of this instruction manual before
contacting Ikelite Customer Support.

Ikelite Underwater Systems
Service Department
50 West 33rd St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

LIMITED WARRANTY

This Ikelite product is warranted against any manufacturing defects for a

period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. Defective products

should be returned to Ikelite postage paid. Ikelite will, at its sole discretion,
repair or replace such products, and will return to customer postage paid.
All other claims of any nature are not covered. Except as mentioned above,
no other warranty expressed or implied applies to this Ikelite product.

30

RETURNING PRODUCTS FOR SERVICE

Ikelite is most interested in performing any service to ensure that all

products perform as intended. Evidence of purchase date must be provided
to obtain warranty service.

No prior authorization is required. You may return directly to us or through

your dealer. Please include a brief description of the problem, any relevant
email correspondence, and/or instructions on what you want us to do.
Always include name, shipping address, email address, and phone number
inside of the package. Send postage paid to:

Ikelite Underwater Systems
Attention: Service Department
50 West 33 Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA

No reimbursements for postage paid will be issued.
You may also want to insure the package.

Returning Products for Service - outside the United States

For the separate international customs documentation form that you

complete to accompany the shipment, please state or designate that the
enclosed products were originally manufactured in the USA and are being
returned to the manufacturer for repair service. Value of the equipment
listed for customs purposes should be zero.

31

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please go to ikelite.com to register your Ikelite housing within 15 days of

purchase.

Ikelite Underwater Systems

50 West 33rd Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA

ikelite.com

© 2016 Ikelite Underwater Systems

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