Ikelite 6970.07 User Manual

Underwater TTL Housing for Panasonic GX7

Product Number 6970.07

Product Registration

Please register your product at ikelite.com within 15 days of purchase.
Our product registration database is the best way for us to get a hold
of you in the event of a product update or recall.

2

Thank you for your purchase of Ikelite equipment. Please read this
instruction manual completely before attempting to operate or dive
with this product. Please visit ikelite.com to register your product to
receive information on any updates, notices, or recalls pertaining to
your equipment.

This product has been water pressure tested at the factory and is
depth rated to 200 ft (60m). 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
it is watertight. If the problem persists, refer to the Troubleshooting
section of this manual.

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 of this manual.

About this Product

3

- Housing

- Instruction Manual

- Tray with Quick Release Handle

- Waterproof Bulkhead Cap (connected to external strobe connector)

- Silicone 1cc Lubricant Tube

- Cleaning Cloth

- 1/8-inch Allen Wrench

Included in the Box

Specications

- 200 ft (60m) depth rating

- All important camera functions are accessible

- Ikelite bulkhead connector with built-in TTL circuitry

- Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water

- Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port

- Weight 3.13 lb (1423 g) not including tray, handles or port

- Dimensions 6 x 7.7 x 5.2 in (152 x 196 x 132 mm) including projections

4

Contents

1 Product Registration

2 About this Product

3 Included in the Box

3 Specications

6 Parts of the Housing - Front View

7 Parts of the Housing - Back View

8 HOUSING CAMERA AND SETUP

8 STEP 1 - Remove/Attach Tray and Handle

9 STEP 2 - Initial Camera Settings

10 STEP 3 - Opening the Housing

10 STEP 4 - Installing Camera in the Housing

13 STEP 5 - Attach the Hotshoe

13 STEP 6 - Closing the Housing

14 STEP 7 - Attach Optional Mirrorless Lens Port

14 STEP 8 - Final Check

14 USAGE

15 Entering the Water

5

Contents - continued

15 Removing the Camera from the Housing

16 STROBE USE AND COMPATIBILITY

16 Strobe Compatibility

16 Ikelite Housing Conversion Circuitry

16 Camera Flash and Fiber Optic Use

17 Attaching a Sync Cord to the Housing

18 Attaching an Ikelite Strobe Arm to the Housing Handle

19 SPARE PARTS

19 RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

20 MAINTENANCE

24 PHOTO TIPS

25 TROUBLESHOOTING

27 Customer Support

28 Limited Warranty

28 Returning Products For Service

6

Parts of the Housing - Front View

Shutter Button

Front Dial

Mode Dial

Fiber Optic Ports

External Strobe
Connector and Cap

Lid Snap

Lens
Release
Button

External Tray Mounts

7

Parts of the Housing - Back View

10

13

8

119

12

3

2

1

4

13

Q MENU

DISP

5
67

14

WB

1. Flash Open / LVF Button

2. Focus Mode Lever

3. Rear Dial

4. AF/AE Lock Button

5. Q. MENU Button

6. Playback Button

7. DISP. Display Button

8. ISO/ Up Button

9. AF Mode / Left Button

10. MENU/SET Button

11. WB White Balance / Right Button

12. Drive Mode / Down Button

13. Delete / Cancel Button

14. Wi-Fi Button

On/Off Switch

Motion Picture Button

8

HOUSING AND CAMERA SETUP

STEP 1 - Remove/Attach Tray and Handle

The Tray and Handle may be removed for transport and then
re-attached for housing use. We recommend leaving the Tray and
Handle attached whenever possible to avoid accidentally scratching
table tops or other surfaces with the Tray Mounting Bolts.

To remove, loosen both 3/8-16 Nuts using a 9/16” open/box end or
socket Wrench (not supplied). Do not lose Tray Spacer; it is needed
for re-attachment of Tray and Handle.

MADE IN USA

Quick Release
Handle and Tray

Wrench - not supplied

3/8-16 Nut

Tray Mounting Bolt

Tray Spacer

9

STEP 2 - Initial Camera Settings (before placing camera in housing)

- Insert a fully charged camera battery and a SD card.

- Turn camera on and set Mode Dial to “A” Aperture Priority.
Shutter speed will be locked at 1/60th second when the camera

ash is activated or a DS-series strobe is attached. For faster

shutter speeds, use “M” Manual mode. Other shooting modes are
not recommended.

- In REC Menu:
Set Aspect Ratio to “4:3” and Picture Size to “L 16m.”
Set Quality to “Fine” or other desired setting.
Set Metering Mode to “Center-weighted” and i.Dynamic to “OFF.”
In Flash, set Firing Mode to “TTL, Flash Mode to and Flash
Synchro to “1st.”
Set Red-Eye Removal and Face Recog. to “OFF.”

- IN Q. MENU:
Set AF Mode to “AFS” AF Single and “1-Area.”
Set ISO to “200.
Set White Balance to “Auto.” For best results set to manual White
Balance “White Set 1 ” and reset for each working depth.

- In C MENU:
Set Eye Sensor and AF Assist Lamp to “OFF.”

- In MENU:
Format the SD Card.
Set the Date and Time.
In Economy, set Sleep Mode and Auto Monitor Off to “5 MIN”.

* Settings not mentioned should be set to the user’s preference.

Read your camera owner’s manual completely to familiarize yourself
with all the camera functions. Setup your camera for underwater use with these
initial camera settings and then make adjustments once underwater.

1

Push Forward

Lid
Snap

Lock

Lift

10

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.

STEP 3 - Opening the Housing

STEP 4 - Installing Camera in the Housing

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

2. Rotate Housing Lens Release Button control up and forward
against front of housing.

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

the index and middle ngers of your hand to pull the Thumb

Screw away from the Mounting Plate, Diagram A, page 11. Use
your thumb to apply opposite pressure against the bottom of the
housing to assist in removal of the Tray.

Diagram A

Mounting Tray Mounting Plate

Pull to Remove

Diagram B

Mounting Tray

Thumb
Screw

11

STEP 4 - Installing Camera in the Housing - continued

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 Thumb Screw to the back of
the camera.

5. Gently slide the camera
with Mounting Tray back
into the Mounting Plate,
Diagram C, page 12.
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, Diagram D, page 12.

Diagram C

Diagram D

12

Mounting Tray

Mounting Plate

STEP 4 - Installing Camera in the Housing - continued

Mounting Plate

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

13

STEP 5 - Attach the Hotshoe

1. Place housing face down in your lap or on a at surface. 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. Once the back is properly installed,
the o-ring should 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.

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 lock - Page 10. The o-ring seal should
now appear as a solid black line from the back of the housing.

STEP 6 - Closing the Housing

Housing Back

Lid Snap

Lid Hook

O-ring

Even Gap on
all 4 sides

Slide 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.

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

Hotshoe

14

STEP 7 - Attach Optional Mirrorless Lens Port

STEP 8 - Final Check

CAUTION: This housing does NOT come with a lens port. An
optional Mirrorless Lens Port must be properly attached to the
housing before submersion in water; see ikelite.com for compatible
lens/port combinations. After purchasing an optional port for your
lens, reference your port instruction manual for proper installation
procedure.

Once the Port is properly installed you can test the housing for
watertightness without a camera inside to ensure all housing seals are
working properly.

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 (60m).

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 close the lid snaps. Visually check the
seal again.

USAGE

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

Diagram E

15

Entering the Water

Removing the Camera from 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.

1. Thoroughly dry housing.

2. Remove the housing back, see Opening the Housing, Step 3,

Page 10.

3. Remove the Hotshoe from the camera mount.

4. Use the index and middle nger of a hand to pull the Thumb

Screw away from the Mounting Plate, Diagram A, page 11.

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

Tray from the camera bottom and slide it back into the Housing
Mounting Plate, then replace
the Housing Back. For
storage and travel, remove
the back o-ring and place in
a small plastic bag. Place the
bag inside the housing and
re-attach the housing back.

Note: The Mounting Tray needs
to be removed when changing a
camera battery or memory card.

Optional Dome Port 5516.15

16

STROBE USE AND COMPATIBILITY

Strobe Compatibility

Ikelite Housing Conversion Circuitry

Camera Flash and Fiber Optic Use

This small compact housing has Ikelite designed and patented
Conversion Circuitry built right in. The Conversion 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.

AF35 .................. no

DS50 .................. yes, above serial number 70,000

DS51 .................. yes

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

DS160, DS161.... yes

DS200................. yes

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

The camera ash can be extended and used to trigger external

strobes connected to the Fiber Optic Ports on the housing front - see
diagram, page 6.

Note: DO NOT attempt to take underwater photographs using ONLY

the camera ash. This will result in images containing dark spots since
the ash is partially blocked by the Lens and Fiber Optic Ports.

Diagram F

17

Attaching a Sync Cord to the Housing

The Housing Bulkhead is designed to accept sync cords with Ikelite 5

pin/receptacle connector ttings.

1. Lightly lubricate the Sync Cord O-ring. Use ONLY Ikelite lubricant
(supplied with housing).

2. Remove Bulkhead Cap from Housing Bulkhead.

3. Line up the Sync Cord Pins with the corresponding Bulkhead
Receptacles. Gently insert Sync Cord into Bulkhead. 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 Nut snugly using your Index nger and thumb.

DO NOT use pliers or other tools to tighten the Knurled Nut.

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

Bulkhead Cap

Ikelite TTL Sync Cord

Knurled Nut

O-ring

Sync Cord Pin

Housing Bulkhead

18

Attaching an Ikelite Strobe Arm to the Housing Handle

To attach an Ikelite Arm to your Housing Handle, depress the
spring-loaded Handle Push Button until it stops. Gently slide the
pronged end of the Ikelite Arm into the hole in the top of the Handle as
shown, Diagram G.

When the Ikelite Arm is properly seated, the Handle Push Button will
return to its starting position.

Ikelite Arm

Housing Handle

Diagram G

Handle Push Button

19

SPARE PARTS (available through Ikelite or any Ikelite Dealer)

0110 .................. Main o-ring

0132.36............... Port Base O-ring

0184.2................. Silicone Lubricant 2cc Reclosable Tube

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Optional Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Ports

Visit ikelite.com to select the correct Mirrorless Lens Ports for your
lenses.

Tray + Dual Handles 9523.64

Add stability and additional gripping points for comfortable use of the
housing. Attach a second video light to eliminate shadows and evenly
light your subjects.

Video Lighting

External video lights such as the 2101 Vega Light add color when
shooting video. Primary video lights are specially color balanced to
provide natural tones.

A full range of accessories are available to support your housing.
Please visit ikelite.com to see the most current information about
recommended accessories for your housing.

The DS161 Strobe Kit combines power with wide angle coverage and
provides everything you need to add a strobe to your Ikelite system.
Instead of a simple focus light, the DS161 also includes a super even,
500 lumen video light.

DS161 Strobe, Sync Cord + Ball Arm Mark II Kit 4061.31

20

MAINTENANCE

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

CAUTION: DO NOT use Rain-X, alcohol, window cleaner, or
any other cleaning solution on the Lens Port.

Lens Port

Lubricant

Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We recommend
you use only Ikelite lubricant on Ikelite products. Other brands may
cause o-rings to swell and not seal properly.

Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the Port Base 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, hair 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. Use Ikelite lubricant only.

Housing Maintenance

Your Ikelite Digital Housing should be given the same care and
attention as your other photographic and video equipment. In addition
to normal maintenance, we recommend that the housing be returned
to Ikelite periodically to be checked and pressure tested.

21

- 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 Port Base O-ring clean and lightly lubricated. To

lubricate, place a small amount of lkelite lubricant on your ngers

and rub the lubricant over the exposed o-ring surface. If removing
the o-ring to lubricate, do not use metal objects that may scratch
the o-ring sealing surface. Only apply enough lubricant to make
the o-ring feel slick. Do not stretch the o-ring. This light coating of
lubricant will allow Ports to slide more easily over the Port Base.

- Keep the area where the housing o-ring ts and the sealing

surface of the housing clean.

- Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in freshwater after each
saltwater use. Depress push buttons repeatedly in freshwater 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 and
place in a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag 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.

Housing Maintenance - continued

22

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 freshwater 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 warm freshwater. 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. Press and
release the push button
several times until the lube
is worked up into the o-ring.

After completing this
procedure, close the
housing and submerge it in
water without the camera
i nside. Check the control
for watertightness.

Control Maintenance

Apply Ikelite
Lubricant Here

Diagram H

23

Control Maintenance - continued

In the unlikely event one of the larger gland style 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. To remove the control, Diagram I, 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 it 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 shaft

so the knob does not turn on the shaft.

After completing this procedure, close the housing and submerge it in
water without the camera inside. Check the control for watertightness.

Housing

Diagram I

Control Shaft

Gland

Tighten set screw down

against this at area

when replacing the knob

Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland

Loosen set screw
(hex head wrench
required)

24

- 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 feet (1.8m) 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.

- 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 or ash exp. comp. 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.

PHOTO TIPS

25

Push buttons
or controls
are sticky
or hard to
operate

• Remove the camera and rinse the closed housing
in freshwater. 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 operate the push button several times to
distribute the lube, Diagram H, Page 22.

• 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,
Diagram I, Page 23.

• Return housing to Ikelite for routine maintenance.

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

• Check to see the strobe or camera ash is ring

when taking a picture

• Adjust your camera settings.

• Move closer to or farther away from the subject.

Optimal distance is approximately 3 feet (1 m) or
less.

• Position your strobe(s) closer to or farther away
from your subject.

• Reposition your strobe to better light the subject.

• Adjust Flash Exposure Compensation .

TROUBLESHOOTING

26

Camera does
not take a
picture

• 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.

Housing is
hard to close

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

• Main housing o-ring is not seated properly.

• Hotshoe cord is in the way.

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 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.

Troubleshooting - continued

27

Limited Warranty

This product is warranted against 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, (a) repair
utilizing new, remanufactured, and/or recycled parts; (b) exchange for
a new product or; (c) exchange for a refurbished product; and return
to customer prepaid. All other claims, of any nature, are not covered.
Except as mentioned above, no other warranty, express or implied,
applies to this product.

Pictures are
too blue or too
green

• Add an optional color correcting lter to the

camera lens when not using a strobe.

• Add an external strobe.

• Move in closer to your subject when taking a

picture.

• Use custom (manual) white balance. Reset for
each working depth or when attaching a color

correcting lter to the camera lens.

Water enters the
housing

• Remove, clean, and properly lubricate the
main o-ring.

• Look for hair, dirt, or foreign debris crossing
the o-ring seal.

• Reassemble the housing without a camera
installed and pressure test or take diving.

• Return housing to Ikelite for evaluation.

Troubleshooting - continued

28

Ikelite Underwater Systems
50 W 33rd St
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
[phone]
ikelite.com

© 2014 Ikelite Underwater Systems

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 Service Dept.
50 West 33 Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA

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

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.

Contact Us

Service and Repairs