Ikelite #6184.80 Instruction Manual

Ikelite Digital Housing

Front View

Shutter
Release

Lid
Snap

Lens
Port

Zoom
Lever

Power Switch

Lens Port

[F] OK/Apply
[G] +/­[H] Macro
[ I] Menu
[J] Delete

[A] Movie-Record
[B] Shooting Mode
[C] Playback
[D] Flash
[E] Rotary Sel./Self-Timer

F

G

H

J

I

C

A

D

Back View

B

E

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

##66118844..8800 ffoorr NNiikkoonn SS88000000

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).

PPlleeaassee RReeaadd

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.

e also suggest that you read your camera manual thoroughly

W

to have a full understanding of each camera function.

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp

Set camera to “Auto mode”.

-

- Set Flash Mode to “Flash Always Fires” (lightning bolt in LCD).

- Set White Balance to “Auto”.

- Set Image Mode to “14m”.

- Set Metering to “Center-weighted ”.

- Set AF-assist beam to “Off”.

- Set ISO to “100”.

- Set AF area mode to “Center”.

- Set Autofocus mode to “Single AF”.

NNOOTTEE::

Set Macro mode (flower) to “On” when shooting close-up. If the
image is overexposed, back away, zoom in, and then re-shoot.

2

HHoouussiinngg LLeennss PPoorrtt aanndd AAcccceessssoorryy LLeennsseess

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.

SSeeee PPaaggee ##1133 ffoorr aacccceessssoorryy lleennss iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn..

3

4

+

-

-

+

CAMERA / MOUNT

O' Ring

Lid
Hook

Mounting Bolt

Mounting
Tray

Nikon

CO OL PIX

1

0

x

WIDE

LLoocckk

Lift

Push Forward

Lid Snap Lock

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.

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.

. The mounting tray for the camera is secured to the housing

3

back. Position the camera on the tray.

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

((DDiiaaggrraamm AA))

ocket

s

CCAAUUTTIIOONN::

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

ay damage the camera tripod socket threads.

m

.

5

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

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
extended and place each lid
snap into the corresponding 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

Check the gap between the housing back and the housing. It
should be even all the way around the housing.

- Once the housing is closed, check the o-ring seal.

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.

even gap
all 4 sides

7

housing back

o-ring

housing back

o-ring

Diagram A

6

CChheecckkiinngg CCoonnttrroollss

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
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
any other function because the
camera is receiving a signal from
the engaged zoom control.

8

Engaged Center Position

Disengaged

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ikelite

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DS

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ikelite

The camera’s internal flash is blocked by the housing port. Do

not use the internal flash unless the Flash Deflector is installed
and you are using an external strobe.

FFllaasshh DDeefflleeccttoorr

A flash deflector (supplied) can be installed over the back of the

housing port next to the housing exterior. 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, push the
deflector over the back of
the housing port, until the
deflector clips into position,
blocking the camera flash.

Housing
Deflector

UUssiinngg SSttrroobbeess

AAFF3355 SSttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##44003355

The AutoFlash AF35 kit is a great
compliment, and an effortless, affordable
way to add a flash to your new Ikelite
point-and-shoot camera system. Everything
you need to get started is in the box. Just
attach it to the bottom of your housing and
start taking pictures!

AAFF3355 AAuuttooFFllaasshh kkiitt iinncclluuddeess::

AF35 strobe - Flex arm - AutoFlash sensor
Handle with rubber grip - Tray (single or
dual) - Mounting hardware.

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511

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

UUssiinngg IIkkeelliittee DDSS DDiiggiittaall SSttrroobbeess

Ikelite DS series Substrobes are industry favorites for their warm,
even coverage and lightning fast recycle time. Being farther from
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
DS51 Mode switch is set to the TTL setting and the EV-Controller
provides ten power settings in half-stop increments.

9

UUssiinngg SSttrroobbeess ((ccoonntt..))

DDSS116611 ((ccoonntt..))

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 per full
charge.

SSAA--110000 BBaallll//SSoocckkeett AArrmm

The SA-100 system #4086.61
with its 1" diameter ball is ideal
underwater. The #9571.3
extended stem mount allows
easy attachment of the EV
controller or flashlight mount,
and drops right into the release
handle. The arm system allows
easy strobe placement from
macro close-up to wide angle.
The complete system removes
with a push of the handle
button.

11

DS161 Movie Substrobe

Actual Size

9.6 cm dia x 17.9 cm

3.75" dia x 7"

SA-100 Ball/Socket
Arm #4086.61

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

Substrobe
DS51

Actual Size
8 cm dia x 12 cm

3.2" dia x 4.7"

DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee

The DS161 Movie Substrobe combines all of the functionality of our
renowned DS160 with a powerful 500 lumen LED video light.
Three super-bright LEDs are arranged behind a special optical
element to provide 45 degrees angle of coverage free of hotspots.

10

UUssiinngg SSttrroobbeess ((ccoonntt..))

RReeccoommmmeennddeedd SSttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggeess

AAFF3355 AAuuttooffllaasshh KKiitt

DDSS5511 SSuubbssttrroobbee FFlleexx PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..4499
System with EV Manual Controller.

DDSS5511 SSuubbssttrroobbee DDeelluuxxee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..5544
SA-100 Arm System with EV Manual Controller.

DDSS116600 SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..9911
System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with EV Manual Controller.

DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994455..0033
SA-100 Arm System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with EV Manual
Controller.

DDSS220000 SSuubbssttrroobbee ##44006622..22
Controller. Also recommended is Smart Charger #4066.1.

##44003355..

includes #4087.1 Flex Arm

includes #4086.61

includes #4086.61 SA-100 Arm

includes #4086.61

can be used with #4100.6 EV Manual

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 “P” or non pre-flash ”P
This camera uses pre-flash, thus
the EV-Controller should be set to
the pre-flash “P” position when
used with this camera as a slave.

”.

Ikelite
EV-Controller

12

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess

BBaacckk oo--rriinngg

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.

TTrraayy wwiitthh DDuuaall RReelleeaassee HHaannddlleess

Dual Tray and Release Handles are required to mount two
external Substrobes.

WWDD--44 WWiiddee--AAnnggllee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn DDoommee

The removeable WD-4 corrects

light refraction underwater,
restoring the camera’s original

8mm angle of coverage.

2
Approximately 3/4 of the camera's
zoom range can be used with the
dome in place. Slight vignetting
may occur at camera’s widest
angle setting. Additional
information is linked from the
SX200 IS web page at

www.ikelite.com.

NNOOTTEE:: OOtthheerr AAcccceessssoorryy aanndd WWiiddee--AAnnggllee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn lleennssees

ccaannnnoott bbee uusseedd wwiitthh tthhiiss hhoouussiinng

CCoommpplleettee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg IIkkeelliittee pprroodduuccttss aanndd ooppttiioonnaall
aacccceessssoorriieess aavvaaiillaabbllee aatt

##00110099

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13

##99552233..3322

##66443300..44

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MMaaiinntteennaanncce

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

ormal maintenance, we recommend that the housing be returned

n
to Ikelite periodically to be checked and pressure tested.

DDoo NNoot

1.
prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.

DDoo NNoott

2.

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

ssccrreeww
Check each
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate

oose during travel.

l

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.

oo--rriinngg
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

s

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

e

t

leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for

ship the camera in the housing.

in each control knob.

ccoonnttrrooll ggllaanndd

. This light coating of lubricant will help to keep the

penetrating the housing to make sure

DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhee

DDoo NNoott

14

re-use the E-clip.

sseett

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.

.

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 diagrams A and B on pages
#16 & #17).
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.

15

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 (Diagram A), 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

n

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

Tighten set screw down

against this flat area

when replacing the knob.

housing

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland

Diagram A

gland

Loosen set screw

16

lubricate shaft

housing

pull out to
expose shaft

Diagram B

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::

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

PPhhoottoo TTiipps

1. 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

19

331177--992233--44552233

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

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

NNiikkoonn SS88000000__66118844..8800--0011--00441100