Aquatica Digital A70 User manual

DIGITAL U/W HOUSING FOR NIKON D70 SERIES
OPERATING
MANUAL

FOREWORD
Thank you for having selected the AQUATICAA70 Digital Camera Housing System for your underwater photography.
The AQUATICAA70 Digital Housing is the result of a long and continuing relationship with the most demanding under-
water photographers in the world. Each housing is handcrafted, quality checked and pressure tested to 300 feet by a
small group of specially trained individuals, each of whom takes the utmost pride and satisfaction in offering the best
underwater camera housing in the world.
The Aquatica A70 Digital Housing was designed for optimum technical and optical performance and to provide easy and
efficient underwater access to all the functions and controls of the Nikon D70 SLR.
This manual assumes that the User is already familiar with the Nikon D70 camera. If not, please read the Nikon D70
instruction Manual before attempting to use the housing.
With basic care and maintenance, your AQUATICA A70 will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and satisfaction in produc-
ing underwater images.
Please read this manual carefully before using your housing for the first time and note that: wherever cited the right
hand is your right when using the housing.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Improper transportation handling or use of this housing might cause a flood or malfunction.
Please read and follow the following precautions:
• Store and transport the housing in a sturdy, shock proof container and avoid travelling with the camera mounted
inside the housing as impact forces especially on the external push buttons will be transferred to the camera.
• When travelling by air, either remove the port or open the housing.
• Never change a port or open the housing in a location where sand or similar foreign material might come in
contact with an O-ring
• Use of accessories or modifications and alterations unauthorized by the manufacturer may result in flooding
or poor functioning of the controls
• Be careful when opening the housing as the pressure buildup inside the housing will exaggerate the force of
the latch spring. Keep fingers away from the path of the latches.
• Whenever changing ports or O-rings, perform a simple seal test with out the camera inside.
• Avoid scratching the acrylic or glass ports and windows.
• Make sure that all ports remain properly attached before rinsing the housing, especially when rinsing without
a strobe make sure the Bulkhead connector is sealed with its plug.
• Never attempt to operate the camera in autofocus mode with the lens mounted focus gear engaged with
the housing gear.
• The main O-ring seals should be maiained and cleaned on a regular basis. Read and follow the Care and
Maintenance instructions on this manual.
• Ensure that the spring loaded secondary lock is properly engaged to prevent the accidental opening of latches.

1. SHUTTER RELEASE LEVER
2. SUB -COMMAND INPUT KNOB
3. EXPOSURE COMPENSATION CONTROL
4. METERING MODE CONTROL
5. BULKHEAD FOR FLASH CONNECTOR
6. SECOND BULKHEAD FOR
FLASH CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL)
7. FOCUS/ZOOM KNOB
7a. FOCUS / ZOOM RING CONNECTING GEAR
8. LENS LOCK RELEASE LEVER
9. GRIPS (X2)
10. MOUNTING HOLES (1/4” X 20) FOR
BASE BRACKETS FOR ARMS
11. HOTSHOE CONNECTOR
12. BAYONNET MOUNTING FLANGE
13. CAMERA MOUNTING SADDLE
14. MODE DIAL CONTROL KNOB
15. MODE DIAL VIEWING PORT
16. ACCESSORY MOUNTING HOLES (X2)
17. VIEWFINDER
18. MAIN COMMAND DIAL KNOB
19. TOP LCD DISPLAY WINDOW
20. LCD ILLUMINATOR BUTTON (FORMAT)
21. AE / AF LOCK LEVER
22. SHOOTING MODE BUTTON (FORMAT)
23. BRACKETTING BUTTON
24. PLAYBACK BUTTON
25. MENU ACCESS BUTTON
26. ISO / THUMBNAIL ACCESS BUTTON
27 WHITE BALANCE / PROTECT ACCESS BUTTON
28. ENTER / PLAYBACK ZOOM /
IMAGE QUALITY / SIZE BUTTON
29. DELETE BUTTON
30. MULTI SELECTOR ACCESS BUTTONS
31. LATCHES (2X)
32. SACRIFICIAL ANODES (3X)
33. MOUNTING HOLES (1/4” X 20) FOR STROBE TRAY
A70

CONTROLS IN DETAIL
1. SHUTTER RELEASE LEVER : Pulling the shutter release lever back part way activates the camera meter and
autofocus. Pulling the lever back all the way fires the camera.
2. SUB-COMMAND INPUT / APERTURE KNOB : Rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. Use alone or in combination with
other controls to select or set various camera functions or modes. In “Manual” the exposure mode controls the aperture
settings (see camera manual).
3. EXPOSURE COMPENSATION CONTROL KNOB : Rotate clockwise to engage the Exposure compensation control [+/-].
Rotate the Main-Command knob to set the desired exposure compensation value.The value will appear in the Top LCD
panel and in the Viewfinder. Finally rotate the knob counterclockwise and completely up to set in the neutral position.
4. METERING SYSTEM LEVER : Rotate clockwise to engage the metering mode selector button. Then rotate Main-Command knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to select Spot, Center-Weighted or Matrix metering options. Finally rotate the knob
counterclockwise and completely up to set in the neutral position.
5. BULKHEAD CONNECTOR : For Flash Sync Cord. (Nikonos Type 5 pins).
6. EXTRA BULKHEAD CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL) : For additional Flash Sync Cord. (Nikonos Type 5 pins).
7. FOCUS/ZOOM KNOB : Turning allows manual focus of a single focus lens or rotation of the zoom mechanism of a lens.
7a. FOCUS/ZOOM PINION GEAR : Engages and operates the focus or zoom gear attached to the lens.
8. LENS RELEASE LEVER : activates the lens release button on the camera allowing easy removal of the lens.
9. HAND GRIPS (X2) : Left and right grip allowing the mounting of strobe arms and accessories.
10. MOUNTING HOLE : These are 1/4-20 TPI holes that are ready to accept TLC Base Brackets or TLC Base Ball for strobe
arms or accessories.
11. HOT SHOE CONNECTOR : connects the camera to the Flash Bulkhead. Slide this Connector into the camera Hot Shoe.
When detaching do not pull the cord as this might damage the electrical connections.
12. BAYONNET MOUNTING FLANGE : allows the mounting of differents ports and extension rings on the housing.
13. CAMERA MOUNTING SADDLE : Supports the camera inside the housing in a fixed position.
14. MODE DIAL KNOB : Rotate to change the exposure mode (P,S,A,M)
15. MODE DIAL VIEWING PORT : For viewing selection of mode dial.
16. MOUNTING HOLES FOR ACCESSORY BRACKET : Two 1/4"-20 TPI holes to accept a TLC acessory bracket or TLC
base ball for mounting a strobe Arm or a modeling light.
17. VIEWFINDER : A full view of the illuminated camera viewfinder displays all necessary information.
18. MAIN-COMMAND INPUT KNOB : It rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. It can be used alone or in combination with
other controls to select or set various camera functions or modes. Refer to camera manual for in depth use.
19. TOP LCD WINDOW : displays essential camera operating data.
20. LCD ILLUMINATOR / FORMAT BUTTON : For engaging display illuminator. used for formatting card in conjunction
with button No. 22
21. AE / AF LOCK LEVER : Lock the autofocus or auto exposure according to preference.
22. SHOOTING MODE / FORMAT BUTTON : For selecting the single or continuous shooting mode, used for formatting
card in conjunction with button No. 20
23. BRACKETING BUTTON: Push to activate the bracketing function, rotate main command knob to desired exposure correction.
24. PLAYBACK BUTTON : Press to activate the monitor and review images.

25. MENU BUTTON : Press to activate menu display, scroll using multiple selector buttons and select using enter button.
26. ISO / THUMBNAIL BUTTON : Press to display images in “contact sheets” of 4 or 9 images. used for cchanging ISO
27. WHITE BALANCE / PROTECT BUTTON : Press to protect selected image from accidendal deletion or accessing
white balance functions
28. ENTER / PLAYBACK ZOOM BUTTON : Press to acknowledge selected function or use for zooming in playback mode.
29. DELETE BUTTON : Press to delete images, use multiple selector buttons to select and press enter button to delete.
30. FOCUS AREA / MULTI SELECTOR BUTTONS : These buttons have multiple uses. they allow the selection of the focus
area, in the menu mode, they are used to scroll up or down and left to right to choose from your menu selection and they
are used in the delete mode.
31. LATCHES : Two heavy duty latches with safety locks to protect against accidental opening.
32. SACRIFICIAL ANODES: (3X) zinc anodes are installed to protect your housing against salt water corrosion, theses are
made to deteriorate easier than the other strategic part of your housing, hence the name sacrificial anodes. These anodes
will need to be replaced as needed
33. MOUNTING HOLES : Two 1/4” X 20 holes are provided for mounting strobes trays or accessories.
FEATURES
The Aquatica A70 is issued from the world's most technologically advanced underwater housing lineage, ergonomically
designed to place all the essential camera controls under your finger tips and features the following:
A. A Lens Lock Release control that will activate the lens release button of camera from the outside of the housing.
B. Large ergonomic and easy to operate controls for most of the manual and computerized camera functions.
C. The following controls can be easily manipulated underwater:
- Mechanical shutter release.
- Main-Command Dial
- Aperture through the Sub-Cmd Dial
- Focus / Zoom
- LCD panel illumination.
- Top LCD windows
- Metering system selector
- Auto Bracketing (BKT)
- Exposure mode (Mode)
-.Exposure Compensation
- Focus Area Selector
- ISO sensitivity
- Delete button access
E. A complete selection of bayonet mounted ports including an 8" diameter dome, flat ports, extension tubes
and rings to reserve the image quality for most of the Nikkor AF and other popular AF lenses. A 6"
diameter dome is also available but may require a + Diopter when used with lenses with a long minimum
focusing distance.
F. A complete line of lens gears including Auto/Manual focus selector gears and related accessories.

PREPARATION OF THE HOUSING
1. Attach Grip Bracket to the housing:
The housing comes with two Grips for both right and left hand grips which should be installed on the
sides of the housing with the supplied screws andAllen key. Occasionally remove the brackets and lubri-
cate the screws (see Care and Maintenance: of the housing.)
Depending on which strobe system you are using, you can mount the necessary shoes or brackets
onto the 1/4"-20 threaded holes on the top of the hand grips. The AQUATICA TLC strobe arm system
is recommended.
There are also three (2) 1/4"-20 threaded holes on the bottom of the housing that can be used for
various mounting application trays. As well there are two holes on top of the rear half of the housing
for mounting accessories.
Mount your strobe and connect the sync cord to the housing's strobe bulkhead. Be sure to read the
section titled "Care and Maintenance: of the O-rings."
2. Lubricate the Main O-ring Seal:
Before use, remove the Main O-ring seal from its groove on the front half of the housing and careful-
ly verify that the O-ring and the O-ring groove are free from scratches or foreign material. Lubricate
the O-ring with a light coat of silicone grease.
When replacing the O-ring place the entire O-ring over the O-ring groove and start by pushing the O-
ring in the corners. Work your way around the O-ring making sure the O-ring is snugly sitting in the
groove.
For proper handling and maintenance of O-rings be sure to read the section titled "Care and
Maintenance: of the O-rings."

PREPARATION OF THE PORTS
1. Select the correct port:
Depending on whether you've decided to shoot macro or wide angle photography, you will be installing
either the flat Macro Port (product # 18426), or 8" Dome Port (Product # 18405).
See lens chart for the suggest port and accessories.
Macro Port Extension Rings: the Macro Port will accept the AF Micro-Nikkor 55mm AIS lens or 60mm
lens or Nikkor AF Zoom lens 35-80. If you intend to use a longer lens such as the 105mm or 200mm
Micro Nikkor, you will require extension ring as follows:
• the 105 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18453
• the 200mm lens needs extension ring product # 18454
These extension rings fit between the Macro Port and the housing to provide the extra space neces-
sary for the longer lens.
Dome Port Extension Rings: When using a wide angle or zoom lens, the Dome Port should be used
with an Extension Ring as follows:
• the AF14 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18459
• the AF18 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18456
• the AF12-24 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18456
• the AF17-35mm lens needs extension ring product # 18457
• the AF18-70mm lens needs extension ring product # 18453
• the AF20-35 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18453
• the AF24-50 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18455
• the AF28-85 mm lens needs extension ring product # 18455
Refer to the Lens Chart on www.aquatica.ca for updating of lenses that can be used in the housing.
These extension rings fit between the housing body and the Dome port to provide the optical correc-
tion needed for each lens.
In order to reduce glare, maximize contrast and offer physical protection to the dome, the use of a
dome shade (product # 18480 for fisheye shade, and #18482 for wide angle shade) for the 8” dome
is recommended.
2. Clean the port:
Dirt, grease or fingerprints on the port especially on the inside, can adversely affect the quality of the
image. Acrylic ports should be cleaned with plastic cleaner and the glass ports should be cleaned with
lens cleaner. For more details be sure to read the section titled "Care and Maintenance: of the Ports."
3. Lubricate the port O-ring seal:
Before using the port, remove the O-ring on the rear of the port and lightly coat it with silicone grease.
For more details be sure to read the section titled "Care and Maintenance: of the O-rings."

PREPARATION OF THE LENS
Depending on the lens used, there are a number of gear options possible. Using the right gear (s) and correctly mount-
ing them on the lens is very important for a smooth housing operation. Use the following chart to determine which
gear(s) to use and follow the installation directions for each gear carefully. Since the aperture control is achieved through
the Sub-Command Dial, the use of AF types of lenses is mandatory. The focus/zoom gear can vary from one lens to the
other.
Gear selection chart
PRODUCT # GEAR/LENS
18689 Slip-on focus gear AF 16mm f/2.8
18670 Slip-on focus gear AF 60mm f/2.8 Micro
18679 Slip-on focus gear AF 105mm Micro
18673 Focus/zoom gear AF 28-70mm, AF 35-80mm AF,24-50mm AF
18690 Zoom gear AF 17-35mm f:2.8
18674 Focus gear AF 20mm f/2.8, AF 60mm f/2.8 Micro
18675 Focus/zoom gear AF 20-35mm, AF 28-85mm, AF 35-70mm
18680 Focus Gear AF 18mm f/2.8
TBD Auto/Manual Focus Selector for AF 60mm f/2.8 Micro
TBD Auto/Manual Focus Selector for AF 105mm f/2.8 Micro
18656 Focus gear AF 200mm f/4 D
18696 Zoom gear AF 12-24mm f:4 DX and AF 18-70mm
18699 Focus gear AF 10.5mm f:2.8 DX fisheye
If the camera is set in manual focus a focus gear must be mounted on the lens. If you are using a zoom lens with a
zoom ring the camera must be on auto focus, also note that if using an 8" dome port you may need to install a close-
up diopter on the lens to correct the minimum focusing distance of the lens so that it will be able to focus on the virtual
image created by the dome.
Focus Gear installation:
1. Set the lens to minimum focus distance.
2. Mount the focus gear over the focus ring of the lens such that the round indentation etched on the side of
the gear is facing the rear of lens and is aligned with the Distance Index of the lens (for full gears orientation
is immaterial).
3 (a) For Slip-on gears (gears without mounting screws): Slide the gear over the lens and align the gear with the
front of the lens focusing ring.
(b) For gears with mounting screws:Tighten the three set screws evenly. Tighten each screw approximately ½ a
turn working around the gear until all the three (3) screws are tightened, and the gear is concentric with the
lens body.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten these screws, as this might bind the lens- thus restricting the rotation of the
focus ring and/or damaging the lens. Conversely under-tightening these screws might cause the gear to slip
or lose alignment.
4. Rotate the focus ring several times to make sure it moves smoothly and the gear does not slip before closing
the housing
Refer to the Lens Chart on www.aquatica.ca for updating of lenses that can be used in the housing.
WARNING: Never attempt to operate the camera in autofocus mode with the lens mounted focus gear
engaged. This might cause serious damage to your camera or to the lens.
Zoom lenses: When using a zoom lens, the focus/zoom gear should be mounted on the zoom lens control.
The housing focus control becomes the zoom control. Focusing of lens is achieved by using
the camera's autofocus system.

CAMERA PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
1. Set the Focus Mode Selector (AF or M) Switch to the proper focusing mode
2. Important Note: “D” Clips that attach the strap should be removed prior to installing the camera in the
housing.
3. Make sure the exposure compensation and metering knobs (no. 3 & 4) are pulled in the UP position.
5. Carefully place the camera on the saddle and ensure the camera is properly installed and aligned as follows:
a) The camera is properly aligned and secured against rotation or movement.
b) Align the Tripod Socket of the camera with the mounting screw. Tighten the
mounting screw securely while ensuring that the camera position is not
altered. set arresting block as per drawing at right.
CLOSING OF THE HOUSING
Once the camera is secure on the saddle inside the front half of the housing, simply:
1. Slide the housing's hot shoe connector onto the hot shoe base of the camera,
as seen in drawing at right.
Before closing the housing always ensure that:
1. The main O-ring on the front half of the housing is clean,lubricated and properly seated for a positive seal.
2. The sealing surface on the rear half of the housing is clean and free from any scratches or physical damage.
3. All cords or wires are tucked in so that they do not interfere with the closing of the housing.
4. The Mode dial Knob (key # 14) on the rear half of housing is pulled out to allow clearance when closing
the housing.
To close the housing simply:
I. Join the front and rear halves of the housing using the two dowel pins at the bottom of the housing as a guide.
ii. Hold the housing with both hands and look around the sealing surface to ensure that the O-ring remained
properly seated and that no cords, wires or "D-rings" are caught between the edges.
iii. Close the two latches simultaneously. CAUTION: if you feel any resistance as you attempt to close the latches,
do not force the closure. Check for an obstruction and try again.
iv. Verify that the safety locking mechanisms of the latches are properly engaged to avoid any accidental opening.

LENS INSTALLATION
With the camera inside the housing, install the lens prepared with the gears through the port opening in the front of the
housing. Ensure that the lens mounted gears are properly installed and aligned. Rotate the focus / zoom control knob to
ensure that the gears are properly meshed, do not grind and that their rotation is smooth.
Note: to avoid breaking the auto-focus mechanism of the camera you should always set the Focus Control to “M”
Manual when using or testing the proper meshing of a focusing gears.
CHANGING A LENS (REMOVING A LENS)
The lens mounted gears may restrict the view and ease of access to the lens release button of camera. The AQUATICA
A70 features a Lens Release Lever (key # 8) that is designed to trigger the lens release button of camera to allow easy
removal of lens.
To remove a lens, simply:
Rotate Lens Release Lever (key # 8) counterclockwise, hold and turn the lens clockwise.
MOUNTING THE PORT
Before mounting the Port on the Housing always ensure that;
• The port O-ring is clean, lubricated and properly seated in
its groove.
• The sealing surface on the Housing is clean and free of
physical damage.
The AQUATICAA70 Housing System features a bayonet mount. To mount the port or extension ring simply:
1. Place the housing on its back on a soft steady surface.
2. Place the port or extension ring inside the main port of the housing. Align one of the four alignment notches
with the opening of the housing.
3. Place your hands on opposite sides of the port or extension ring.
4. Push with even force on both sides of the port or extension ring until you feel it snap into place. Make sure the
bayonet is completely inside the housing.
5. Finally turn the Port clockwise until it stops. Do not force it. If there is too much resistance take the port off,
check the O-ring and retry.
6. Check to ensure for the proper seating and sealing of the port on the housing.
Note :It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with this mount by trying it without the camera, this will allow
you to see the inside view of the bayonet mount and of the ports or extension rings in the housing.