Ikelite DSC-W50 User Manual

Front View

Shutter
Release

Lid
Snap

Lens
Port

Power

Zoom

Lift

Lid Snap Lock

Mode

Delete/Image Size

Menu

Back View

Lanyard

Thumb
Rest

Playback

Control Button

Display

Ikelite Digital Housing

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

##66111144..5500 ffoorr SSoonnyy DDSSCC--WW5500,, WW7700

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 RReeaad

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 the camera manual thoroughly
to have a full understanding of where each camera control is
located and what function each control provides.

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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

ith this camera.

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TThhiiss ccaammeerraa uusseess pprree--ffllaasshh

, thus the

IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp

1. Set AF Illuminator to “Off”.

2. Set camera to “P” Program Auto Mode.

3. Set Flash to forced “On” (lightning bolt in LCD).

4. Set ISO to “80”.

5. Set White Balance to “Auto”.
6 Set Metering Mode to “Center”.

7. Set Focus to “Center AF”.

8. Set Red Eye Reduction to “Off”.

2

HHoouussiinngg CCoonnttrroollss

HHoouussiinngg CCoonnttrroollss ((ccoonntt..))

OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg

1. Lid Snaps have a
forward and lift as shown. Keep pressure on the Lid Snap so
that 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 or simultaneously.

LLoocckk

. To open, push each Lid Snap Lock

3

4

+

-

-

+

IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa

CAMERA / MOUNT

Lid
Hook

O' Ring

Mounting Bolt

Mounting
Tray

1. Pull out on each housing control (except shutter release) until it
stops. This will get the controls out of the way for installing the
camera.

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

2

camera is secured to the housing back. Position the camera on
the tray, and using a coin or screwdriver (preferred), secure it
with the mounting bolt which threads into the camera’s tripod

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
may damage the camera tripod socket threads.

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinng

1. Place housing face down in your

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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

ousing all the way around. There

h
should be an even gap all the way
around between the housing and
the housing back.

. Lift the lid snaps so they are

4

extended and place each lid

housing back

snap into the corresponding hook
on the housing back.

. To close the housing, push

5

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.

o-ring

o-ring

5

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.

Engaged Center Position

Disengaged

UUssiinngg FFllaasshh

UUssiinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa’’ss BBuuiilltt--iinn FFllaasshh..

If you do not have an external flash, the camera’s built-in flash

7

((PPaaggee ##88 && ##99))

can be used. See Diffuser instructions

NOTE: The camera’s built-in flash cannot be used with optional

Wide-Angle lenses.

.

6

DDiiffffuusseerr aanndd DDeefflleeccttoorr IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

Deflector

Housing shown with Deflector installed.

A diffuser and deflector are included

with the housing. The diffuser is

Diffuser/Deflector
material

white transparent plastic. The
deflector is also white, but is not
transparent.

Port Clamp

To install the diffuser or deflector,

Spring

spread the port clamp at the spring
end and slide over the lens port. The
white plastic should be placed in
front of the camera flash. The port

Spread to Install

clamp should be pushed back against the front of the housing.

8

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ikelite

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The diffuser should be installed when using the camera’s built
in flash. When shooting with the camera’s built-in flash at
approximately 2 feet (0.6 m) or less, the lens port on the
housing may block a portion of the light from the camera’s
built-in flash, creating a shadow in the lower area of the photo.
If this occurs, zoom the lens slightly to eliminate the shadow.

(You can test this above water)

DDeefflleeccttoorr

The deflector should be installed when using an external strobe
such as the DS51 or DS161 Substrobe with an EV Controller. The
deflector will redirect the camera’s flash to the EV Controller

hich controls the external DS strobe’s output.

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LLeennss PPoorrtt

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,

se a mild soap solution or lens cleaner.

u

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

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess ((ccoonntt..))

GGrreeeenn WWaatteerr FFiilltteerr

Enhances contrast and alters the color of green water to give
our subject a rich, natural tone. For available light only and not
recommended for use with flash.

##66444411..7722

DDSS DDiiggiittaall SSttrroobbeess

For the best underwater photographic results, we recommend
adding an external DS-digital strobe and EV-controller, with the
SA-100 Ball/socket arm. The EV-controller must be used with the

S-digital strobe since the strobe cannot be directly hard-wired to

D
the housing.
Ikelite DS series Substrobes offer warm, even coverage, and light­ning fast recycle time. Being farther from the camera lens, the

ptional DS Substrobe aids in reducing the illumination of particles

o
in the water which helps to eliminate backscatter.

SSttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggeess

##33994444..5544
(page #11), and EV Manual Controller.

Substrobe DS51 package includes #4086.61 Arm System

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.

UURR//PPrroo FFiilltteerr ((BBlluuee WWaatteerr))

The UR/Pro underwater color correcting filter is designed to
restore some of the warm colors filtered out by the water. For
available light use only and not recommended for use with
flash.

##00110099

##66444411..3322

9

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess ((ccoonntt..))

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. 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.

DS161 Movie
Substrobe

SA-100 Ball/Socket
Arm #4086.61

##33994455..0033

Substrobe DS161 package includes #4086.61 Arm System

(page #11), 1.5 hour Smart Charger, and EV Manual Controller.

SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511

The Substrobe DS51 covers the equivalent
of a 28mm lens. It is the ideal
choice when using only the

Substrobe
DS51

camera lens with no accessory
wide angle lenses attached. 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.

10

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess ((ccoonntt..))

EEVV MMaannuuaall CCoonnttrroolllleerr

Provides 10 manual power
settings in half-stop
increments for SubStrobe
DS50, DS51, DS80,
DS125, DS160, DS161, and
DS200 models.

Simply point the
Controller at your camera
housing for dependable
strobe triggering by the
camera strobe.

The Controller attaches to
the strobe and mounts
near the housing on the
#9571.3 Extended Stem
Mount (Page #11).

NNoottee::

DS Strobes must be set to “TTL” to utilize the manual

power settings on the EV Manual Controller.

mount to
Extended
Stem Mount
(page #11)

connect to
DS-Substrobe

EV-controller

SSttrroobbee AArrmmss

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

11

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

TTrraayy wwiitthh RReelleeaassee HHaannddllee

##99552233..3311
Optional #9523.31 Tray with Release Handle, required to attach
optional SubStrobes, allows easy attachment and removal of
push of a button.

TTrraayy wwiitthh DDuuaall RReelleeaassee HHaannddlleess

##99552233..3322
Dual Tray and Release Handles are required to mount two
external Substrobes.

12

OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess ((ccoonntt..))

IIkkeelliittee WW--2200 WWiiddee--AAnnggllee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn LLeennss ##66442200

The Ikelite W-20 67mm Wide-Angle Conversion

ens #6420 will widen your camera lens' angle

l
of coverage, getting you closer to your subject.
The Ikelite W-20 can be removed and replaced
while underwater for maximum versatility.

ncludes protective caps, soft pouch, lens

I
cleaning cloth and silicone lubricant.

##99330066..8811 6677mmmm TThhrreeaaddeedd AAddaappttoorr

Allows attaching Ikelite W-20 67mm lens #6420, Epoque, and Type
II Inon screw-on lenses with 67mm threads. Includes larger size
removable flash deflector.

##99330066..7799 BBaayyoonneett MMoouunntt AAddaappttoorr

Allows attaching of the Inon UWL-105AD, UFL-165AD,
UWL-100AD, and macro bayonet style lenses. Includes larger size
removable flash deflector.

NNOOTTEE::

External wide angle conversion lenses increase angle of
coverage, so you can get much closer to your subject while still
fitting everything in the frame. Add the Ikelite W-20 or other
wide-angle lenses with an Ikelite accessory port adapter for
increased angle of coverage, color, and clarity.
Slight vignetting may occur at widest angle camera lens setting
with some conversion lenses. Zoom in slightly to eliminate, or crop
the image in post-processing. Also, slight edge softness around the
picture edges in some situations is normal.

CCoommpplleettee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg ooppttiioonnaall aacccceessssoorriieess aavvaaiillaabbllee aatt

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoom

m

13

W-20 Lens

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
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.

.

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.

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

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
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

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

1

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
urned on. If you prefer another setting be sure to select it.

t

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

ens port. If there are, take your finger and remove them. If

l
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 an external strobe so nothing blocks the light path
between the strobe and the subject.

(You can test this above water)

PPhhoottoo TTiippss

1. The number one rule in underwater photography is eliminate
as much water between camera and subject as possible. Get

s close as you can to the subject, then use the zoom. If you

a
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

lash can light up any suspended particles in the water and they

f
can be recorded in your picture. This effect is called backscatter.
To eliminate as much backscatter as possible, photograph close.
Photograph in clear water; do not stir up the sand or silty

ottom. If backscatter becomes a problem in the environment

b
you are photographing, an external flash will help eliminate
much of the backscatter.

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
pressing the shutter release button.

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.

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. 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.

18

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

19

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

331177--992233--44552233

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

wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm

DDiiggiittaall 66111144..5500--0022--00221100