Panasonic DMW-MCTZ3 User Manual

Operating Instructions

Marine Case

Model No.

DMW-MCTZ3

Before connecting, operating or

adjusting this product, please read

the instructions completely.

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033 or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) or
send e-mail to: [e-mail]

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Contents

Before Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Handling and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

What is the O-ring?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Preparation -Setting the O-ring- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Preparation -Checking the Case is Waterproof- . . . . . 14

Preparation -Attaching the Digital Camera- . . . . . . . . 15

Taking Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Tips for Taking Pictures in the Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

After Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Cleaning and Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Caution for Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Spanish Quick Use Guide/

Guía rápida en español. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Before Use

≥ This Marine Case is designed for Panasonic Digital Camera.

You can enjoy taking pictures underwater at depths up to 40 m/130 feet.

≥ In the case of water leakage due to insufficient care, Matsushita is in no

way liable for damage to any products (digital camera, batteries, card etc.)
inside this Case, photography costs or any other expenses.

≥ Matsushita also offers no compensation for accidents resulting in injury or

damage to property.

≥ Read the operating instructions for your digital camera.
≥ Before attaching the digital camera, submerge the case in water for

about 3 minutes or more to check that there is no water leakage.

∫ About handling this Case

≥ Use under the following conditions.

• Water depth: Up to 40 m/130 feet

• Ambient temperature: 0 °C

≥ Do not use the Case in water over 40 °C/104 °F. The heat may damage the Case or

cause water leakage.

≥ The Case is made of impact resistant polycarbonate however be careful when you

are using it. It can be easily scratched when taking pictures in rocky places etc. and
can be damaged by the impact if dropped etc. When travelling, pack the Case
carefully to prevent any direct impact if it is dropped etc. and do not leave the digital
camera in the Case. Only attach the digital camera to the case if you are
transporting it a short distance such as from the airport to the diving spot. (You
cannot reuse the material the Case was packed in at the time of purchase to
transport it.)

≥ When boarding a plane, the change in atmospheric pressure may cause the inside

of the Case to expand causing damage to the Case. Remove the O-ring before
boarding a plane.

≥ Do not leave the digital camera in the Case for a long period of time in a car, a

ship, exposed to direct sunlight etc. The Case is an airtight device so the
temperature inside the Case will become very high and the digital camera may
stop operating properly. Do not let the temperature inside the Case become
too high.

to

40 °C/32 °F

to

104 °F

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3

Before Use (continued)

∫ Using the Case in high or low temperatures

≥ If you open or close the Case where it is humid or hot and then move to a place that

is cold or dive underwater, condensation may appear inside the Case, the glass
surface may become cloudy and the digital camera may be damaged.

≥ If you suddenly move the Case from a cold place or cold water to a warm place, the

glass surface may become cloudy. Wait until the Case becomes close to the air
temperature before taking pictures.

∫ About preparation

≥ Do not open or close the Case where it may be splashed by water or sand may

get in it. We recommend opening or closing the Case indoors.

≥ Replace the battery, card etc. and attach the digital camera indoors where there is

little moisture.

≥ If you must open or close the Case at the diving spot to replace the battery or

the card, be sure to follow the steps below.

• Select a place where the Case will not be splashed by water and sand will not get
in it.

• Blow off any drops of water in the gap between the rear case and the front case
and on the buckle. Thoroughly wipe off any remaining drops of water with a dry
cloth.

• Thoroughly wipe off any drops of water on your body or hair.

• Be particularly careful about any water coming from the sleeves of your thermal
suit.

• Do not touch the digital camera if your hands are wet from sea water. Wet a towel
with fresh water and place it in a polyester bag beforehand. Use this towel to wipe
off any drops of water or sand on your hands or body.

≥ This Case does not absorb shock. If you place a heavy object on the Case or cause

shock to it, the digital camera may be damaged. Be careful when you are using the
case.

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Accessories

When you first open the package, check that the Case and all the
accessories are included and that there has been no damage to the
Case or any of the accessories during distribution or
transportation. If you find something unusual, consult your dealer
before using the Case.
Do not use any accessories except those specified below.

O-ring
VMG1798

Grease (for O-ring)
VZG0372

Weight (2)
VMP8844

Diffuser
VYK2D90

Silica Gel (Desiccant)
(1 g /5 pieces)
VZG0371

Hand Strap
VFC4190

Weights attachment
screw
VHD1930

≥ You can remove this diffuser when not using it

Removing Attaching

.

Attach as shown in the diagram.

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Handling and Care

≥ Do not place the Case where it may fall.

• If the Case falls on your head or foot, it will injure you and cause the Case to
malfunction.

≥ Never alter the Case.

• If water leaks into the digital camera because the Case was altered, the digital
camera may be damaged beyond repair.

• If you continue to use the digital camera after water has leaked into it, this may
cause a fire.

≥ Do not use the Case while scuba diving without proper training.

• You should only operate the Case while scuba diving if you have been properly
trained and certified for this sport.

≥ Never place the Case, grease, silica gel or O-ring within the reach of

infants.

• If any part of an infant’s body is caught in the Case, it may cause an injury.

• Infants may accidentally swallow the grease, silica gel or O-ring.

• Consult a doctor immediately if you think an infant may have swallowed the
grease, silica gel or O-ring.

≥ Do not hang the strap around your neck underwater.

• It may become wound around your neck causing suffocation or other serious
injuries.

≥ Thoroughly wash off any grease on your hands.

• Do not allow the grease on your hands to come into contact with your mouth or
eyes.

≥ If water leaks into the case, stop using it immediately.

• This may cause an electric shock, burning or a fire.

• Consult your dealer.

≥ If anything abnormal occurs while using the Case underwater, please

follow all necessary procedures and guidelines for decompressing
when you ascend.

• If you ascend too quickly, you may get caisson disease.

≥ If smoke or abnormal heat, smells or sounds come from the Case,

stop using it immediately.

• These may cause an electric shock, burning or fire.

• Remove the digital camera from the Case and then immediately remove the
battery from the digital camera.

• Consult your dealer.

≥ Be careful when opening the Case after water leakage.

• The leaked water may blow out or the rear case may flip.

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≥ Do not leave the Case where the temperature is high.

• The temperature inside the Case becomes very high particularly when it is
exposed to direct sunlight on a beach, a ship etc. or when it is left in an airtight car
in the summer. The heat may damage the Case or its inner parts.

• If a digital camera is attached to the Case, it may also be damaged.

• If you use the attached digital camera when the temperature inside the Case is
very high, it may cause leakage, short-circuiting or insulation failure resulting in
fire or malfunction.

≥ Do not handle the digital camera or the battery with wet hands.

• This may cause an electric shock or malfunction.

∫ When taking pictures with the flash

≥ When taking pictures with the flash, the corners of the picture may be vignetted or

the picture may not be lit evenly.

≥ When taking pictures with the flash, the available flash range is less underwater

than on land.

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7

Components

12 3 4 5

7

1. Zoom Lever

2. Strap Eyelet

(for attaching the supplied hand
strap and diffuser)

6

3. Shutter Button

4. Mode Dial

5. Front Case

6. Diffuser (supplied)

7. Front Glass

8

9
10
11

12

13141516

17

8. Camera ON/OFF Switch

9. 3/Exposure Compensation/
Auto Bracket/White Balance
Fine Adjustment/Backlight
Compensation In Simple
Mode Button

10. 1/Flash Setting Button

11. [MENU/SET] Button

12. [FUNC]/Delete Button

13. 4/[REV] Button

14. [DISPLAY/LCD MODE]
Button

15. 2/Self-timer Button/AF Lock

16. Rear Case

17. Buckle

18. Lock Release Lever

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18

What is the O-ring?

≥ The O-ring is a waterproofing packing used for underwater cameras, watches and

diving equipment.

≥ The O-ring keeps the Case waterproof by sealing the gap between the rear case

and the front case.

∫ How the O-ring keeps the Case waterproof

Rear Case

Digital Camera

O-ring

Front Case

The gum comes into contact with the sides of the Case making the
Case waterproof and stopping water from entering from the gap.

Water

pressure

O-ring

Water

O-ring

When water pressure acts on the O-ring, the surface of the O-ring
expands and the Case is sealed more tightly.

The O-ring prevents water leakage by coming into uniform
contact with the sides of the Case. Therefore, good care of the
O-ring is very important. Incorrect care of the O-ring may
cause water leakage.

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9

Preparation

Be sure to set the O-ring before attaching a digital camera.

Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling the O-ring. Place
the O-ring where there is no sand or dust.

1

Loosen the O-ring with your fingers to remove it.

≥

Loosen part of the O-ring with the tips of two fingers and then lift the loosened
part. Be careful not to scratch the O-ring with your fingernails.

∫ Note

Do not use a pointed object to remove the O-ring. This may scratch the O-ring.

≥

-Setting the O-ring-

O-ring

O-ring

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2

Check the O-ring.

≥ Check that there is no dirt, sand, hair, dust, salt crystals, lint or grease on the

O-ring. If you find any of these, remove them with a soft, dry cloth.

3Dirt

3Salt crystals 3Lint

3Sand

3

Hair

3Dust

≥ There may be dirt on the O-ring that you cannot see. Check if there is any dirt by

rubbing your finger over the O-ring.

≥ Be careful not to leave any fibers from the dry cloth on the O-ring when wiping it.
≥ Check that the O-ring is not ripped, twisted, squashed, frayed or scratched and

that there is no sand sticking to it. Replace the O-ring in these cases.

3Ripped

3Scratched 3Sand sticking

3

Inspect the O-ring groove.

3Twisted

3Squashed 3Frayed

≥ Grains of sand or hardened salt crystals may get into the O-ring groove.

Remove them carefully with an air spray or a cotton swab. If you use a cotton
swab, be careful not to leave any fibers from it in the O-ring groove.

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Preparation -Setting the O-ring- (continued)
4

Inspect the opposite side of the O-ring in the same way.

5

Apply the grease (supplied).

≥ Apply a rice-grain size of grease (supplied) evenly to the O-ring with the tip of

your finger.

≥ Dirt or dust will stick to the O-ring if you apply too much grease.
≥

Use only the specified grease. If you use other types of grease, the
surface of the O-ring may be damaged causing water leakage.

≥ Do not apply the grease with paper or a cloth. The fibers from the paper or cloth

may stick to the O-ring.

6

Fit the O-ring evenly into the O-ring groove.

Check the following:

≥ There is no dirt sticking to the O-ring.
≥ The O-ring has not come out.
≥ The O-ring is not twisted.
≥ The O-ring is not stretched too much.

CORRECT

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INCORRECT

7

Inspect the O-ring one last time.

Check the following one more time:

≥ There is no dirt sticking to the O-ring.
≥ The O-ring has not come out.
≥ The O-ring is not twisted.
≥ There are no scratches or squashed parts on the O-ring.

Thoroughly wipe any grease off your hands with a dry cloth and then
wash your hands with water.

8

Close the buckle.

1

≥ Check that no foreign materials are sticking to the outer surface of the O-ring and

the buckle on the front case and then close the Case.

∫

Notes

≥ To keep the Case completely airtight, do not scratch the surface of the O-ring that

comes into contact with the sides of the Case.

≥ Never use an O-ring that has been scratched or damaged by dirt etc. This will cause

water leakage.

≥ Each time you use the Case, remove the O-ring and check that there is no dirt,

sand, hair or other foreign materials in the O-ring groove and then apply a thin coat
of grease (supplied). If you apply too much grease, dirt and the dust may stick to the
O-ring causing water leakage.

≥ Be sure to bring a spare O-ring in case the O-ring that you are using becomes

damaged or scratched.

2

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Preparation -Checking the Case is Waterproof-

After setting the O-ring, check that no water leaks into the Case by
submerging it in a water tank, bath tub etc. for more than about
3 minutes before attaching a digital camera.

≥ Do not use the Case in water over 40 °C/104 °F. The heat may damage the Case or

cause water leakage.

‘

Carry out the same test after attaching the digital camera to the Case. (P15)

∫

Notes

≥ If bubbles rise from the Case when it is submerged in water or there is water inside

the Case when you take it out the water, there is water leakage. In these cases,
consult your dealer.

≥ If water leaks into the Case while you are using it and the digital camera is

submerged in water, remove the battery immediately. Hydrogen gas can cause
burning or explosion if there is a fire nearby.

≥ If you dive quickly while holding the Case or throw the Case from a ship into the sea,

some water leakage may occur because of high pressure. This is not a malfunction
of the Case. Always dive slowly into the water.

≥ The Case is designed to be used at a depth of up to 40 m/130 feet. If you dive

deeper than 40 m/130 feet, part of the Case may be damaged beyond repair.

≥ When closing the Case, be careful that no foreign materials get caught between the

O-ring and the O-ring groove. Even one strand of hair or one grain of sand can
cause water leakage.

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Preparation -Attaching the Digital Camera-

Check that the ON/OFF Switch on the camera and the case is set to
[OFF].

≥ Remove the strap from the digital camera.

1

Push 2 up with your finger while sliding 1 to open the buckle.

1

2

Attach the digital camera to the Case.

≥ Be careful not to catch the shading ring 1.

3

Insert the silica gel (supplied).

≥ Always use new silica gel.

2

1

Silica gel

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Preparation -Attaching the Digital Camera- (continued)

≥ When inserting the silica gel, bend it as shown in the illustration below

and then insert it as far as possible. If you close the Case with the silica
gel not fully inserted, the silica gel will get caught in the O-ring causing
water leakage.

≥ If the air temperature is high and the water temperature is low, condensation

may appear inside the Case. To prevent condensation, make sure that the silica
gel (supplied) does not come into contact with the digital camera lens. To
prevent the Case from becoming fogged up, insert the silica gel about
1 to 2 hours before using the Case.

4 Close the buckle.

1

‘ Check that the buckle is closed firmly.

Do not insert the strap etc. in the buckle.

2

5 After you have attached the digital camera, check one more time that no

water leaks into the Case.

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(P14)

∫ Notes

Check one more time that the O-ring is fitted evenly into the O-ring groove.

≥
≥ Avoid opening or closing the Case where there is a lot of sand or dust and in humid

or wet places.

≥ If there is a sudden change in temperature, condensation may appear inside the

Case.

≥ If sunscreen or sun oil sticks to the Case, wash it off immediately with lukewarm

water to prevent reduced waterproofness or discoloration.

∫ Attaching the weights
About using the weights

Attach the weights to adjust to the preferred buoyancy when using the marine case.
Use them as necessary.

Refer to the following about buoyancy underwater.

1 If you use the digital camera and the marine case only:

They will float slowly in fresh water or seawater. (Plus buoyancy)

2 If you use the digital camera, the marine case and 1 weight:

They will float even more slowly in fresh water or seawater than
(Plus buoyancy)

1.

3 If you use the digital camera, the marine case and 2 weights:

They will sink slowly in fresh water or seawater. (Minus buoyancy)

How to attach the weights

If you use 1 weight, align the protruding part of
the weight with the tripod receptacle on the
marine case and then use the supplied screw
to attach it. If you use 2 weights, align the
projecting part of the second weight with the
indented part of the first weight so that the
weights do not overlap and then attach them
to the tripod receptacle.

∫ Note

To prevent rusting, detach the weights after use, wipe off any salt and then store

≥

them.

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Taking Pictures

∫ Before taking pictures underwater
Check the following before diving.

≥

Is there sufficient remaining battery power?

≥ Is there sufficient memory in the card?
≥ Is the O-ring fitted evenly into the O-ring groove?
≥ Have you checked that no water leaks into the Case?
≥ Is the buckle closed firmly?

∫ Taking pictures

1 Turn the camera on.

Press 1 to release the lock
and then set to [ON].

ONOFF

Press 2 to lock.

ONOFF

1

2

2 Display the scene mode menu and then set [UNDERWATER].

≥

Read the operating instructions of the digital camera for details.

3 Aim the AF area on the LCD monitor at the subject you want to focus

on.

4 Press 2 ( ) to focus.

•Press 2 () again to cancel.

5 Press the shutter button fully to take the picture.

∫ Notes
≥

Before attaching the camera to the Case, we recommend setting the clock again.
(Read the operating instructions of the digital camera for details.)

≥ If there are any particles floating in front of the camera, it may focus on them instead

of the subject.

≥ If there are drops of water or dirt sticking to the front glass, you may not be able to

focus properly. Be sure to wipe the front glass before taking pictures.

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Tips for Taking Pictures in the Water

When the image is too bluish in the water

1 Press 3 ( ) several times until [] appears.

2 Press 2 ()/1 ()

to adjust the white balance.

3 Press [MENU/SET] to finish.

≥ You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.

Select the best picture

Set the flash to [ ].

Using the auto bracket function (For models with an auto bracket function)

≥ Each time the shutter button is pressed, 3 pictures with different exposures are

automatically recorded. You can select the desired picture from the 3 pictures.

Use Burst mode

≥ When taking pictures of a fast-moving subject (a fish etc.), you can select your

favourite picture after taking the pictures using burst mode.

∫

Note

≥ For more information, read the operating instructions of the digital camera.

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After Use

After finishing taking pictures, follow the steps below.

1

Submerge the Case in fresh water for about 30 minutes or more
without removing the digital camera to remove any salt crystals etc.

≥

Press all the operation buttons etc. on the Case to wash away any
seawater. If the salt crystals are not removed from the buttons etc., they
will harden and the buttons will become unoperable.

≥

Do not wash the Case with fast-running or pressurized water etc. as it may
cause water leakage.

2

Wipe the water with a dry cloth that has no salt crystals sticking to it
and then dry the Case completely.

≥ Do not dry the Case by exposing it to direct sunlight. This may

damage the Case or may hasten deterioration of the O-ring.

discolor

or

3

Open the rear case to remove the digital camera.

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