Ikelite 6872.10, 6871.45 User Manual

Ikelite SLR-DC Housing

I

K

E

L

I

T

E

ISO

Strobe
M

ount

Rubber
H

andle

Quick-Release
Strobe
Mount

Zoom
Control

Lid
Snap

Lens
Release

Lid
S

nap

Shutter
Release

Port Lock

A

luminum Tray

IKELITE

Lid
Snap

Main-dial

Mode-dial

Flash Button

G

ear Sleeve

D

rive Gear

Port

Opening

AEL/
AFL

Quick
Release
Button

External Strobe Connector
and Waterproof Cap

Viewfinder Port

[D] AF Point Button
[E] White Balance Button
[F] Cross keys (Arrow Pad)

[G] Playback Button
[H] Erase Button
[ I ] TTL Mode Buttons

Lens
Release

Zoom
Control

[A] Menu Button
[B] Display
[C] Aperture +/- Button

Shutter
Release

E

A

B

I

F

C

D

G

H

Lid
Snap

Camera
Tray

Camera
Mounting
Bolt

Gear
Sleeve

Port
O'ring

Optional
Port

Lid
Snap

Back O’ring

Power
Switch

Shutter
Release

Mode Dial

Main Dial

AE Lock

ISO

Lift

Push For ward

Lid Snap Lock

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

#6871.45 for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, 450D, Kiss Digital X2

#6872.10 for EOS Digital Rebel XS, 1000D, Kiss F Digital

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. Housing is pressure tested to 200’ (60m).

FRONT VIEW

BACK VIEW

2

SIDE VIEW

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp

- Insert a fully charged battery

- Insert memory card (1GB or greater capacity recommended)

- Set the mode dial to “M” manual

- Set shutter speed to 1/60th second or 1/125th second for fast
moving subjects.

- Set aperture to F8 for general photography or F22 for macro
photography (close-ups).

- Set image resolution to highest jpeg setting or RAW

- Set ISO to 100 and Meter to “center-weighted”

- Disable “LCD auto-off” in the camera menu settings

- If using auto-focus in “Live-View”, use “Quick-Mode”.
NOTE: Auto-focus will not be as good in “Live-View” mode.

3

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp ((ccoonntt..))

- Disable “Auto Lighting Optimizer”

- Set auto-focus mode to “One Shot”.

- Set “Hightlight Tone Priority” to “OFF”.

- Disable “Mirror Lock-Up”.

DDiissaabbllee LLCCDD AAuuttoo OOffff BBeeffoorree IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa:: XXSSii oonnllyy

If the LCD Auto Off is Enabled, the LCD will turn Off when
the camera is installed in the housing. To use the LCD when
the camera is in the housing, go to the camera menu and set
LCD Auto Off to the Disable Mode.

OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

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 have a firm grip on
the lid snap. Lid Snaps may be opened one at a time.

LLoocckk

.

.

4

O

'ring

Housing Back

C

amera

H

ot Shoe

Connector

E

xternal Strobe Connector

W

aterproof Cap

M

ounting

Tray

Figure A-Type 1 Lens

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerra

125
1

60

D

S

DS

Set

D

S Substrobes

to TTL Mode

50/51

2

00

8

0

O‘ring

Mounting Bolt

Camera Tray

C

ANON

a

Remove the back from the housing. The mounting tray for the

amera is secured to the housing back. Position the camera and

c
lens on the tray, and
then secure it with the
mounting bolt which

hreads into the

t
camera’s tripod socket.
Use a flathead
screwdriver
(recommended) or coin
to tighten the mounting
bolt so the camera
bottom is flush against
the tray.

NNOOTTEE::

Conversion Circuitry Strobe ID Switch is located on bottom

of camera tray.

SSeettttiinngg tthhee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn CCiirrccuuiittrryy SSttrroobbee IIDD SSwwiittcchh..

On the bottom of the camera tray is a switch for setting the DS
Substrobe ID. Set the switch to the Model of DS Substrobe being
used.

• When using dual

strobes of different
models such as a
DS51 and a DS125,
set the ID switch to
DS51 or the smaller
strobe.

5

FFllaasshh CCoonnnneeccttiioonn ffoorr EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbees

s

When using an external strobe, connect the housing hotshoe
connector. Slide the connector into the hotshoe mount on the
camera from the back of the camera as shown. Slide the
connector
forward until

t stops. This

i
can be done
before or after
the camera is

ecured with

s
the mounting
bolt.

CCaauuttiioonn:

:

Do not remove the External Strobe Connector’s waterproof cap
unless an external sync cord is going to be plugged in. Do not
remove waterproof cap or sync cord underwater.

IInnssttaalllliinngg CCaammeerraa iinn HHoouussiinng

g

Before installing the camera, pull out on the controls in the front
section of the housing. This will allow the camera to slide in more
easily. Once the camera is installed and the lid snaps have been
closed, return the controls to their operating position.

6

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

housing back

1. Place housing face down in your lap.

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

3. Guide the back onto the housing.
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

housing back.

4. Lift the lid snaps so they are
extended and place the lid snap into
the corresponding hook on the

housing back

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 lid-snap lock.

DDoouubbllee cchheecckk

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

Look through the clear plastic back at the o’ring. You should see a

darkened area where the o’ring is compressed against the

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

housing back. If you do not see an even black compression seal
all the way around the back, open the lid snaps, reseat the

even gap
all 4 sides

housing

housing back, and then close the lid snaps. Visually check the seal
again.

7

o’ring

o’ring

PPrreeppaarriinngg ttoo IInnssttaallll ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee

Determine the type
of lens being used
on the camera.

Type 1 Lenses have
a lens opening that
is NOT larger in
diameter than the

((FFiigg.. 11))

zoom ring.

Type 2 Lenses have a lens

.

Type 1 lens Type 2 lens

(Figure 1) (Figure 2)

opening that IS larger in diameter than the zoom ring.

lens

opening

zoom

ring

bayonet

mount

ZZoooomm CCllaammppss && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevveess IInncclluuddeedd wwiitthh HHoouussiinngg

There are 2 different
Zoom Clamps and
Gear Sleeves
provided with the
housing. Start with
the suggested Zoom
Clamp and Gear
Sleeve depending
on the Type of
lens being used.

((FFiigg.. AA oorr BB))

See

Normally used with

Type 1 lens (Fig.1)

#9059.8 small diameter clamp:

For use with #0073 sleeve

wide

grooved

extension

small diameter zoom clamp

+

tabs

thick ribs

#0073 sleeve: Use with

#9059.8

Figure A

8

Normally used with

Type 2 lens (Fig.2)

#5509.28 Package

#9059.9 large diameter clamp:

For use with #0073.1 sleeve

narrow

grooved

extension

tabs

#0073.1 sleeve: Use with

large diameter zoom clamp

#9059.9

Figure B

((FFiigg.. 22))

+

thin r ibs

.

Type 2 Installation: Figure 1

T

OP OF HOUSING

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee OOnn tthhee TTyyppee 11 LLeennsseess

IKELITE

The Zoom Clamp has springs so it can be expanded to fit over
the Zoom Ring of the lens as shown in
Clamp with the extension tabs toward the rear element of the
lens. After installing the Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve
EE))

, install the Lens Port and rotate the Zoom Ring on the lens.

f the Zoom Ring and Gear Sleeve do not mesh properly, install

I
the rubber strips (supplied) to the inside diameter of the Zoom
Clamp as shown

((FFiigg.. FF))

. Two thicknesses of rubber strips are
provided. Start by installing the thinnest rubber strips. If the
Zoom Clamp still is not tight enough, use the thicker rubber
strips. Reinstall the Zoom Clamp, Sleeve, and Port.

ype 1 lens

T

ounted

m

to camera

oom

z

ring

Figure C

pply

a

rubber strips

o inside of

t

clamp

igure D Figure E

F

((FFiigg.. CC))

ear sleeve

g

ribs

lign with

a

groove in

oom clamp

z

extension

tab

. Install the Zoom

((FFiigg.. DD &&

mesh
gear sleeve ribs
ith black housing

w

drive gear

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee OOnn TTyyppee 22 LLeennsseess

Due to the larger diameter lens opening on Type 2 lenses, the
Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve need to be installed from the rear
(bayonet end) of the lens. Use the housing Lens Release Control

nd remove the camera lens from the camera body after the

a
camera and lens have been installed in the housing.

ype 2 lens

T

oom

lign

a

zoom clamp

xtension

e

grooved
abs with

t
ear sleeve

g

ribs

z

c

ring

lamp

NNOOTTEE::

Before installing the lens port and checking operation, make sure
the teeth on the Gear Sleeve mesh with the teeth on the housing
Drive Gear
Gear Sleeve in place. After installing the port, rotate the housing
Zoom Control Knob to see that the Gear Sleeve is properly
rotating the lens Zoom ring.

((FFiigg.. GG))..

When the port is installed, it will lock the

mesh

ear sleeve

g

with

black housing

rive gear

d

Figure F

9

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee PPoorrtt

There are two port locks on

Port Lock
Release
Button

the front of the housing
(See housing front). Each
port lock has a Release

Locked Position

Button. Lift the release
button and slide each Port
Lock away from the port
opening. In the unlocked
position, the Release Button
will remain in the up
position as shown.

Unlocked Position

Pull Back to
Disengage
Port

To prepare the port for installation, remove the port o’ring and
lightly lubricate it. The port seal is a side-to-side seal and
requires the o’ring to be lightly lubricated for easy installation.
Put a small amount of lubricant on your fingers and pull the
o’ring through your fingers to lightly lubricate it. Do not stretch
the o’ring. Check that the lip of the port where the o’ring fits
and the sealing surface on the housing are clean. Place the port,
with o’ring, into the housing port opening. Press down on the
port firmly and evenly until you feel the port slide into place.
Continue to push down on the port and push each port lock
forward until it clicks into place. It may help to slightly rotate
the port as you push in on each port lock. When the port lock
clicks into place, the Release Button will drop down against the
port lock.

Check around the perimeter of the port seal to see that the
o’ring is properly sealed and not extruded

((PPaaggee 1122 -- FFiigg.. 22))..

Lift Release
Button to
Unlock

Figure G

10

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee PPoorrtt ccoonntt..

TToo RReemmoovvee PPoorrtt

To remove the port, lift up on each Release Button and slide the
port lock away from the port.

PPoorrtt SSeeaall IInnssiiddee VViieeww

If the port is installed before the
camera is inserted into the housing,
look from the inside of the housing
at the port seal. Check to see that the
o’ring is properly seated as shown in
figure 1 and not extruded as shown
in figure 2.

CCaauuttiioonn:

:

After installing the port, turn the Zoom Control knob on the
housing. If the Zoom Control is difficult to turn, the gear sleeve
may be warped. If so reduce or omit any rubber installed on the
Zoom Clamp. (Fig.H on pg.11).

If the Zoom Clamp is still warped,

use of the #5509.28 package may be required. (See page 8)

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

NNOOTTEE:: ((lleennss ppoorrttss))

A lens port must be secured to the housing before entering the

water. Ikelite DSLR housings DO NOT come with a lens port. You
must select the correct port for each lens you will be using
underwater. For complete lens/port information and
compatibility with your Ikelite system, go to

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

11

12

UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbees

3 3

ikelite

SubstrobeSubstrobe

MOD-NC

ikelite

SubstrobeSubstrobe

MOD-NC

i

k

e

l

i

t

e

S

U

B

S

T

R

O

BE

D

S

51

ikelite

ikelite

T

es

t

O

f

f

O

n

O

n

w

/

L

i

t

e

TT

L

F

u

l

l

F

uel

G

u

a

g

e

R

ea

d

y

L

i

g

h

t

3

2

1

-

2

-

3

-

4

-

1

D

S

DS

SUBSTROBE

160

s

This housing has Conversion Circuitry built into the camera

ray. When used with Ikelite DS Substrobes, the Conversion

t
Circuitry provides real Canon eTTL flash exposure with over and
under-exposure compensation of two f-stops in half-stop
increments.

The Consversion Circuitry also offers Manual exposure control
with 3 1/2 f-stops of under-exposure control in 1/2 stop
increments.

The Conversion Circuitry is powered by the Ikelite DS Substrobe
when connected to the housing with the #4103.51 single or
#4103.52 dual sync cord.

ee page 17 for DS Substrobe compatibility with the Conversion

S
Circuitry.

UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbeess CCoonntt.

UUssiinngg tthhee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn CCiirrccuuiittrryy

.

((SSeett DDSS SSuubbssttrrbbooee ttoo TTTTLL mmooddee))

•• MMooddee aanndd CCoommppeennssaattiioonn BBuuttttoonnss
The Conversion Circuitry default is set to TTL. To switch between
TTL and Manual Modes, depress both Mode Buttons at the same
time and keep them depressed until you see the desired Yellow
LED Mode illuminate.

•• TTTTLL MMooddee

(indicated when the yellow LED directly below TTL is
illuminated). TTL Mode is the default setting. When the DS
Substrobe is powered ON, the yellow TTL LED will illuminate.
None of the Red LEDs will illuminate. This indicates that no (+)
plus or (-) minus compensation is selected. Depress the Mode
buttons to select +/- compensation. Note that the TTL +/­compensation values are in the yellow bar with the heading TTL.

•• MMaannuuaall MMooddee

(indicated when the yellow LED directly below
the M is illuminated). When the Manual Mode is selected, the
Red LED directly below the F (full power) will illuminate. Note
that the Manual minus (-) compensation values are in the black
bar with the heading M.

((SSeett DDSS SSuubbssttrrbbooee ttoo TTTTLL mmooddee))

13

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

15

14

IIkkeelliittee SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS--5511

The compact, lightweight and affordable
Substrobe DS-51 is well suited for general
and macro photography. This strobe can
easily switch between TTL/Auto and any of
the six (6) manual power settings for
complete control over lighting the subject.

IIkkeelliittee SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS--116600

The SubStrobe DS-160 recycles virtually instantaneously when
fired at a fractional power -- whether in TTL or manual mode -­and still in a quick 1.5
seconds from full discharge.
Enjoy perfect TTL
automatic exposure and an
increased number of flashes
per full charge. When used
in manual settings, the DS­160 offers 10 powers in
half-stop increments for
precise control over your exposure.

SSttrroobbee AArrmmss

This housing offers two types of arm mounting
systems. The top of the rubber handles utilize
Ikelite’s Quick-Release Arm, available as the
recommended SA-100R Arm system.

The bottom of the rubber handles have a wing
nut that accepts the Ikelite Tray Mount. The
Tray Mount comes with the Ikelite SA-125 Arm
system and the SA-100T Arm system.

16

UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbeess CCoonntt.

.

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

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

UUssiinngg NNoonn IIkkeelliittee SSttrroobbeess wwiitthh tthhiiss HHoouussiinngg..

The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used

ith a Non Ikelite Strobe. These strobes can be used in their

w
manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the strobe.

LLuubbrriiccaannttss

1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We
recommend that you use only Ikelite lubricant. Other brands
may cause the o’ring to swell and not seal properly.

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

NNoottee::

Lubricant is not needed on the main housing o’ring to
maintain a housing seal, however, lightly lubricating this o’ring
can extend it’s life and aid in seeing a good housing seal. Too
much lube can attract debris increasing the potential for a leak.

CCAAUUTTIIOONN::

ccaann ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk.

NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieennt

.

17

PPrree--DDiivvee YYoouurr SSyysstteem

It is recommended that you take the complete system into a

wimming pool before use in open water. This will give you a

s
chance to become familiar with the handling and operation of
your housing and strobe(s).

m

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess

LLeeaadd WWeeiigghhtt ##00990066..5588

The buoyancy of the system will depend on the size and
number of strobes used, as well as the weight of the camera.
Ideally the system should be slightly negative in the
environment in which it will be used. If you need to add weight
to the system, an optional lead weight is available. To add the
lead weight, remove the (2) screws from the bottom of the
aluminum tray. Place the lead weight into the pocket of the
aluminum tray and reattach.

IIkkeelliittee LLuubbee ##00118844..11

PPoorrtt OO’’rriinngg ##00 110055

HHoouussiinngg BBaacckk OO’’rriinngg ##00113322..5599

While both the Port and Back o’rings should last quite some time
it is best to carry a spare in case one becomes damaged or lost.

SSttoorriinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

When the housing is going to be stored for a prolonged period,
it should be soaked in a mild soap solution, rinsed, and dried
thoroughly. Remove the back and port from the housing.
Remove the back and port o’rings, lightly lubricate them, and

t

then place them in a plastic zip-lock bag. Place the plastic bag
inside the housing for storage. Operate the push buttons
periodically.

18

MMaaiinntteennaannccee

Your Ikelite Housing should be given the same care and attention
as your other photographic equipment. In addition to normal
maintenance, we recommend your housing be returned to Ikelite
(every 2-3 years or 50 dives), to be checked and pressure tested.

DDoo NNoott

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
loose during travel.

4. Keep the back and port 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.
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 clean.

6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Depress push buttons several times during rinse.
Dry with a soft cloth. Dry port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in salt water, soak the housing in a mild soap
solution, rinse, and dry.

7. Although not recommended, if it is necessary to remove a
housing push button,
for replacement E-clips (part #0319.12).

CCAAUUTTIIOONN::

iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaann ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk.

leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for

ship the camera in the housing.

in each control knob.

ccoonnttrrooll ggllaanndd

penetrating the housing to make sure

DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhee oo’’rriinngg

DDoo NNoott

re-use the E-clip. Contact Ikelite

NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt

.

sseett

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

lubricate shaft

housing

pull out to

.

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.

expose shaft

19

20

3. Some of the controls have a short shaft and cannot be pulled
out exposing the shaft for lubrication. In the unlikely event one

f these controls sticks or becomes difficult to operate you can

o
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);

emove the knob. If there is salt or dirt build-up on the exposed

r
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
shaft

Flat

Tighten set screw down

against this area when

replacing the knob.

housing

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland

gland

Loosen set screw
(allen wrench required)

GGeenneerraall TTiipps

s

1. You should completely assemble and test your system in a
wimming pool before using it in openwater.

s

2. It is a good idea to start each photo dive with a fully charged

battery in the camera and strobe(s).

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

housing to see that it is properly sealed.

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

4

port. If there are, take your fingers and remove them. If there
are bubbles on the lens port they can produce soft focus spots
in your photographs.

5. Set Image Resolution to the Highest JPG format available or

RAW. Higher resolution settings are required for printing. High
resolution images can easily be reduced in size with software
and retain their original quality. A Low resolution image can be
enlarged with software but much of the quality will be lost.

6. ISO 100 and “center-weighted averaging” metering are

recommended.

7. Digital images are usually transferred to the computer where

their appearance can be fine tuned. Many of the image
manipulation programs make you think you can magically
correct any image taken and make a good picture. One thing to
be aware of is that if an image is overexposed, some of the
color information in the file is missing. If the color is missing
you cannot adjust it. If images are underexposed, the color and
detail may be there, 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 overexposed.

21

PPhhoottoo TTiippss

1. The number one rule in underwater photography is to 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, regardless of the strobe’s power.

2. Many digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you
press the shutter release button and when the camera actually
takes the picture. It only takes a slight amount of pressure to
operate the shutter. If the shutter doesn’t trip immediately,
don’t push down harder on the shutter control, as you may
damage the camera. Hold the camera steady a second or two
after pressing the shutter release button.

3. 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.

4. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject.

5. For balanced lighting, meter the background and set the camera
aperture accordingly. Use TTL, adjust the strobe’s power
settings, or move the strobe closer or farther away to properly
expose the subject with the chosen camera aperture.

6. Avoid shooting into the sun. This can cause unwanted reflections
or underexposed subjects.

22

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.

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5500 WW 3333rrdd SSttrreeeett

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23

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