Ikelite 6148, 6148.01 Instruction Manual

SX1 - Back View

[E] +/- Exposure/Jump
[F] AF Frame/Single Erase
[G] Manual Focus
[H] Macro

[I] FUNC./SET
[J] ISO
[K] Control Dial
[L] Cont. Shoot

[A] Print/Share
[B] Aspect Ratio
[C] Movie
[D] Playback

B

F

D

E

J

G

H

I
L

M

H

A

TTL Connector

N

K

[M] Display
[N] Menu

Flash
Button

C

SX1, SX10, SX20 - Front View

Lid
Snap

Mode Dial

Power Button

Flash Pop-Up
Control

Shutter
Button

Zoom
Lever

Lid
Snap

Lens
Port

Internal
Housing
Flash
Deflector

Ikelite Digital Housing

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

##66114488 ffoorr CCaannoonn SSXX11 IISS

##66114488..0011 ffoorr CCaannoonn SSXX1100 IISS,, SSXX2200 IIS

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).

S

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 your camera manual thoroughly
to have a full understanding of each camera function.

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp

. Set ISO to 80.

1

2. Set camera mode dial to “A” Aperture priority.

. Set Flash Mode to “Auto” (lightning bolt in LCD).

3

4. When using external strobes, set built-in flash to “Off”.

. For General photography, set aperture to f4.0.

5

6. For Macro photography, set aperture to f8.0.

7. Set White Balance to “Auto”.

8. Set Image Size to “L”.

9. Set Metering to “Center-Weighted Avg.”.

2

3

4

CAMERA / MOUNT - (SX10IS Shown)

O' Ring

Lid
Hook

Mounting Bolt

Mounting
Tray

10.0

MEGA
PIXELS

PowerShot
SX10IS

Canon

External Strobe Connector
Waterproof Cap

(Do not remove underwater)

O-ring

Housing Back

Hot Shoe Connector

Mounting
Tray

Hotshoe Connector - (SX10IS Shown)

LLoocckk

Lift

Push For ward

Lid Snap Lock

SX10, SX20 - Back View

[E] Frame Selector/Erase
[F] Manual Focus
[G] Macro
[H] FUNC./SET

[I] ISO
[J] Control Dial
[K] Self-Timer
[L] Display

[A] Shortcut
[B] Movie
[C] Playback
[D] +/- Exposure

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

H

A

TTL Connector

M

J

[M] Menu

Flash
Button

g

.

OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinng

1. Lid Snaps have a
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. Pull out on each housing control until it stops. This will get the
controls out of the way for installation of the camera.

2. Remove the back from the housing.

3. The mounting tray for the camera is secured to the housing
back. Position the camera on the tray.

4 Slide the housing Hotshoe Connector into the Camera Hothoe

Mount

((PPAAGGEE ##77 -- DDiiaaggrraamm AA))
until it stops. This must be done before the camera is secured
with the mounting bolt

:

NNOOTTEE:

If your are using an EV Controller and NOT hard-wiring your
strobes directly to the housing, leave the housing hotshoe
disconnected from the camera and raise the camera flash. You
will also need to install the Flash Deflector

.

Slide the connector forward

((PPaaggee ##88 -- DDiiaaggrraamm BB)

((PPaaggee ##1111)

)

.

)

.

5

Diagram A

6

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa ((ccoonntt..))

5. Using a coin or screwdriver (preferred), secure the camera with
the mounting bolt which threads into the camera’s tripod

((DDiiaaggrraamm BB))

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.

.

CCAAUUTTIIOONN:

:

Do not remove the External Strobe Connector Waterproof Cap
unless an external sync cord is going to be plugged in. Do not
remove the Waterproof C ap or Sync Cord underwater.

7

Diagram B

8

Lens
Port

+

-

-

+

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinng

1. Place housing face down in your

g

housing back

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

xtended and place each lid

e

housing back

snap into the corresponding hook
on the housing back.

5. To close the housing, push
down on the lid snaps until

even gap
all 4 sides

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.

9

o-ring

o-ring

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 above water with the camera in the housing.

ZZoooomm CCoonnttrrooll

(NOTE:) After you have used the
housing's zoom control, it must be
returned to the center position to

isengage. If the housing zoom

d
control is pushing the zoom lever
in either direction, you may not
be able to take a picture or access
any other function because the
camera is receiving a signal from
the engaged zoom control.

Engaged

Center Position

Disengaged

HHoouussiinngg LLeennss PPoorrtt aanndd AAcccceessssoorryy LLeennsseess

Treat the Plexiglas 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.

NNoo aacccceessssoorryy oorr wwiiddee--aannggllee lleennsseess ccaann bbee uusseedd wwiitthh tthhiiss
hhoouussiinngg..

10

UUssiinngg FFllaasshh

Due to the large housing port diameter, the internal camera

ccaannnnoott

flash
internal housing flash deflector (supplied) can be installed to
the front inside port area of the housing above the port
opening. The deflector will deflect the camera flash when using
an EV Manual Controller. The deflector will redirect the
camera’s flash to the EV Controller which controls the external
strobe output. To attach inside the housing, remove velcro
backing, align and attach the deflector inside the housing as
shown below.

NNOOTTEE::

The deflector is
strobe is connected (hard-wired) directly to the housing
(recommended).

Internal
Housing
Flash
Deflector

be used to illuminate subjects underwater. An

nnoott

needed when an Ikelite DS digital

UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbeess

For the best photographic results underwater, we recommend
using Ikelite External Strobes. This housing has Conversion
Circuitry built into the housing back, eliminating the need for
an EV Controller. The Conversion Circuitry provides real Canon
TTL flash when used with an Ikelite DS Digital substrobe(s) and
the #4103.51 single or #4103.52 dual sync cord, connected
directly to the housing.

ppaaggee 1166

See

for DS Substrobe compatibility with the Conversion

Circuitry.

UUssiinngg NNoonn--IIkkeelliittee oorr IIkkeelliittee NNoonn--DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbeess
((SSuubbssttrroobbee 5500,, 110000AA,, 220000,, 440000)) wwiitthh tthhiiss HHoouussiinngg..

The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used
with a Non-Ikelite or Non-DS Substrobe. These Substrobes can be
used in their manual mode utilizing any power settings provided
on the Substrobe.

11

12

ikelite

SubstrobeSubstrobe

MOD-NC

ikelite

SubstrobeSubstrobe

MOD-NC

B

a

t

t

w

/

L

i

t

e

O

f

f

O

n

O

n

w

/

L

i

t

e

T

T

L

F

ul

l

F

u

e

l

G

u

a

g

e

Re

a

d

y

L

i

g

h

t

3

2

1

-

2

-

3

-

4

-

1

D

S

DS

S

O

S

ikelite

i

k

e

l

i

t

e

S

U

B

S

T

R

O

B

E

D

S

51

ikelite

UUssiinngg IIkkeelliittee DDSS DDiiggiittaall SSttrroobbeess

For the best underwater photographic results, we recommend
adding an external DS-digital strobe connected to the housing with

#4103.51 TTL Sync Cord and a SA-100 Ball/socket arm

a

((PPaaggee ##1144))

Ikelite DS series Substrobes are industry favorites for their warm,

ven coverage and lightning fast recycle time. Being farther from

e
the camera lens, the optional DS Substrobe aids in reducing the
illumination of particles in the water and helps to eliminate
backscatter. When used in conjunction with the EV-Controller, the

S51 Mode switch is set to the TTL setting and the EV-Controller

D
provides ten power settings in half-stop increments.

IIkkeelliittee SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511

The compact, lightweight and affordable Substrobe DS51 is well
suited for general and macro photography. This strobe can easily
switch between TTL/Auto and any of the six (6) manual power

ettings for complete control over lighting the subject. The strobe's

s
wide-angle diffuser increases the angle-of-coverage up to 80
degrees.

Substrobe
DS51

UUssiinngg SSttrroobbeess ((ccoonntt..))

DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee

he DS161 Movie Substrobe

.

T
combines all of the
functionality of our
renowned DS160 with a

owerful 500 lumen LED

p
video light. Three
super-bright LEDs are
arranged behind a special

ptical element to provide

o
45 degrees angle of coverage

DS161 Movie
Substrobe

free of hotspots. The DS161
flash covers the equivalent
of an 18mm lens or 100
degrees w/diffuser installed.
It is the ideal choice when
using wide angle lenses
greater than 80 degrees. It
also features a 1.5 second
recycle time and 225 flashes

SA-100 Ball/Socket
Arm #4086.61

per full charge.

SSttrroobbee AArrmmss

The top of the housing’s
rubber handles utilize Ikelite’s
Quick-Release Arm, available
as the recommended SA-100
Arm system (pictured).

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

13

UUssiinngg SSttrroobbeess ((ccoonntt..))

IIkkeelliittee SSttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggeess

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS--5511 PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..5511
with Ikelite TTL sync cord.

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS--116611 PPaacckkaaggee ##33994455..0011 ((RReeccoommmmeennddeedd))
#4086.61 Arm System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with Ikelite TTL
sync cord.

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS--220000 PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..6600
System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with Ikelite TTL sync cord.

includes #4086.61 Arm System

includes

includes #4085.26 Arm

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-flash or non pre-flash.
EV-Controller should be set to the pre-flash position when used
with this camera as a slave. If hard-wired to the housing, set the
EV-Controller to Non pre-flash.

aavvaaiillaabbllee wwhheenn uussiinngg aann EEVV--CCoonnttrroolllleerr,, aanndd tthheerreeffoorree aann EEVV
CCoonnttrroolllleerr iiss nnoott rreeccoommmmeennddeedd ffoorr uussee wwiitthh tthhiiss hhoouussiinngg..

NNOOTTEE::

Do not attach the housing hotshoe to the camera when
using the EV Manual Controller. If attached, the hotshoe will
not allow the camera flash to fully extend.

CCoommpplleettee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg oouurr ffuullll lliinnee ooff IIkkeelliittee pprroodduuccttss
iinncclluuddiinngg ssttrroobbeess aanndd ooppttiioonnaall aacccceessssoorriieess aavvaaiillaabbllee aatt

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoom

m

TThhiiss ccaammeerraa uusseess pprree--ffllaasshh

TTTTLL ffllaasshh ccoonnttrrooll iiss nnoott

15

, thus the

14

NNOOTTEE:: DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbee UUppddaattee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn

DDSS5500 SSuubbssttrroobbeess

• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number below 63,850 can not be
updated to operate with the Conversion Circuitry.

• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number between 63,850 and
69,999 operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.

• DS50 Substrobes with a Serial Number of 70,000 or higher, or
with one of the two following
labels in the battery
compartment provide
optimum performance with
the Conversion Circuitry and
do not need an update.

DDSS112255 SSuubbssttrroobbeess

• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number below 2,500 must be
updated to operate correctly with the Conversion Circuitry.

• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number between 2,501 and
4,900 will operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.

• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number of 5,000 or higher, or
with one of the two
following labels in the
battery compartment,
provide optimum
performance with the
Conversion Circuitry and do
not need an update.

TToo UUppddaattee YYoouurr SSuubbssttrroobbee::
Send to the Ikelite address on the back page of this manual or
contact Ikelite for more information.

serial number

serial number

16

Quick Release Base

Slot

Flip Quick Release
Lever Up

Rotate Quick
Release Lever

Remove Quick
R

elease Lever

and Base

B

ASE QUICK RELEASE

BBaassee QQuuiicckk RReelleeaassee:

:

The Housing Base may be removed from the Housing
Tray/Handles by following the diagram below. Reverse this
procedure to install.

MMaaiinntteennaannccee

The 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.

DDoo NNoott

1.
prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.

DDoo NNoott

2.

leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for

ship the camera in the housing.

MMaaiinntteennaannccee ((ccoonntt..)

)

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

ubricant on your fingers. Pull the o-ring through your fingers

l
to apply a light coating of lubricant. Only apply enough
lubricant to make the o-ring feel slick.
oo--rriinngg

. This light coating of lubricant will help to keep the

DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhe

e

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).

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

in each control knob.

Check each

ccoonnttrrooll ggllaanndd

penetrating the housing to make sure

sseett

they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
loose during travel.

17 18

LLuubbrriiccaannttss

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

you 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
ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk.

.

n

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.

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

((DDiiaaggrraamm CC))
(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.

control

, loosen the set screw in the knob

housing

gland

2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see
#20 & #21).
To lubricate the control, gently pull on the knob until the

DDiiaaggrraammss CC && DD

on pages

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.

19

Tighten set screw down

against this flat area

when replacing the knob.

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into

Diagram C

20

Loosen set screw

lubricate shaft

housing

pull out to
expose shaft

Diagram D

GGeenneerraall TTiippss

1. Due to the power required to operate the camera, flash, and

CD screen, it is a good idea to start each dive with a fresh set

L
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.

. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the

3

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.

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.

NNOOTTEE::

To shoot photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), you should
use an external strobe such as the DS51 or DS161. You can
position the external strobe so nothing blocks the light path
between the strobe and the subject.

(You can test this above water)

PPhhoottoo TTiipps

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.
T
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
m

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
p

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.

s

o eliminate as much backscatter as possible, photograph close.

uch of the backscatter.

ressing the shutter release button.

21 22

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
are 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.

IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd WWaarrrraannttyy

All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing
defects for a period of one year from the original 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 other nature,
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 performing 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

23

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

331177--992233--44552233

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

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

DDiiggiittaall 66114488__66114488..0011--0044--11220099