Aquatica Digital A7r II User manual

Page # 01
FOREWORD
Thank you for having selected the AQUATICA Digital Camera System
for your underwater photography needs.
The AQUATICA Digital Housing is the result of a long and continuing
relationship with the most demanding underwater photographers in
the world. Each housings is handcrafted, tightly quality controlled and
pressure tested to a 300 feet/90m equivalent by a small group of
specially trained individuals, each of whom takes the utmost pride
and satisfaction in offering you the best underwater camera housing
in the world.
The Aquatica Digital Housing was designed for optimum technical
and optical performance and to provide easy and efficient
underwater access to the essentials functions and controls of the
Sony a7R II & a7S II. This operating manual assumes that the
user is already familiar with the Sony a7R II & a7S II camera and
its operation. If not, please read your instruction manual before
attempting to use the housing.
With basic care and a regular maintenance schedule, your
AQUATICA housing will provide years of enjoyment and satisfac-
tion in producing spectacular underwater images.
Please take the time to carefully read this manual before attempt-
ing to use your housing for the rst time and note that: whenever
cited the right hand is your right when using the housing.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Please carefully read the following precautions and recommenda-
tions:
Improper transportation, handling or use of this housing might
cause a ood or malfunction. See Storage and transportation of
housing and ports section on page19
Never remove, change a port or open the housing in a location
where sand or similar foreign material might come in contact with
an O-ring. Be wary of strong wind as it could potentially be carrying
sand. Always perform a simple seal test without the camera inside
after doing maintenance.
Non authorized use of third party accessories, as well as modications
and/or alterations not specically authorized by Aquatica may
affect performance, cause poor functioning of the controls or impair
the sealing integrity of the housing.
Always handle port carefully, like the sensitive optics they are, protect
them when not in use to avoid scratching the acrylic or glass
surface of the ports and windows.
Always conrm that the ports remain properly attached before
rinsing the housing. An optional port locking collars is available
(#18469) for securing larger dome to the extension ring. When
rinsing without a wired strobe, conrm that the bulkhead strobes
connectors are sealed with their plug.
Main Features
This Aquatica Digital housing is issued from the world’s most tech-
nologically advanced underwater housings lineage, ergonomically
designed to place all the essential camera controls under your n-
ger tips and features the following:
- Large ergonomic and easy to operate controls for most of
the manual and computerized camera functions, including
the following controls:
- Extended Mechanical Shutter Release Lever.
- Large knurled knob for accessing Shutter speed control.
- Large knurled knob for accessing Aperture control.
- Direct access to rear dial wheel and SET button
- Oversized knurled knob for accessing the Focus or Zoom
feature of the lens
- Easy access knob to mode control and custom function buttons
- Exposure Compensation
- Focus Area Selector
- ISO sensitivity quick access
- Info & Playback
- Menu and controls
- Delete button access
- Quick Video recording access
- A quick release camera tray (saddle), for fast and easy
removal of camera.
- A exible strobe connectors selection to suit your personal
needs (see page 14 to 15).
- A new redesigned moisture alarm with integrated vacuum
sensor
- A port locking mechanism to prevent accidental rotation of the
port or extension mounted on the housing
- A complete selection of bayonet mounted ports including
dome ports of 4”, 6”, 8” and 9.25” diameter, three at
ports and a large selection of extension rings to preserve
the image quality of your lenses.
- A Lens Lock Release control that will activate the lens release
button of the camera from the outside of the housing, this
lever can be pulled out to easily allow the removal of the
camera with a gear equipped lens for easy replacement of
the camera battery.
- A comprehensive selection of focus and zoom gears to
access popular lenses useful for underwater photography,
- A choice of standard eye piece nder (included),
- Aqua View 180 nder (# 20054)
- Aqua View 45 Finder (# 20059).
- Bulkhead entry point for external Monitors, Surveyor vacuum
monitoring system or remote triggering accessories,
including the pole mounted RCS remote camera system.

Page # 02
Controls of A7r II housing
1) CAMERA QUICK RELEASE TRAY
2) RETAINING SCREW
3) CAMERA TRAY RELEASE TAB
4) ALIGNEMENT POSTS
5) LENS RELEASE TAB
6) LENS RELEASE ACTUATING LEVER
7) SHUTTER RELEASE LEVER
8) C2 ACCESS LEVER
9) FRONT DIAL ACCESS KNOB
10) REAR DIAL ACCESS KNOB
11) VIDEO RECORD LEVER
12) EXPOSURE CONTROL KNOB
13) MODE DIAL ACCESS KNOB
14) ON/OFF SWITCH
15) TOP ACCESSORY MOUNTING HOLE
16) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL RELEASE DISC
17) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL KNOB
18) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL PINION GEAR
19) LENS RELEASE BUTTON
20) LENS RELEASE BUTTON LEVER
21) PORT BAYONET FLANGE
22) PORT RELEASE MECHANISM LEVER
23) GRIPS 5/16”-20 MOUNTING HOLES
24) GRIPS (ONE FOR EACH SIDE)
25) GRIPS FASTENERs (5/16”-20)
26) GRIPS ACCESSORIES MOUNTING HOLES (1/4”-20)
27) MAIN STROBE BULKHEAD ACCESS HOLE
28) SECONDARY STROBE BULKHEAD ACCESS HOLE
29) FRONT LEFT BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT(16mm):
30) TOP LEFT BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5)

Page # 03
Controls of A7r II housing
31) RIGHT ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5”)
32) BOTTOM ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5”)
33) C3 ACCESS BUTTON
34) AF/MF & AEL SWITCH LEVER
35) AF/M & AEL ENGAGING BUTTON
36) Fn ACCESS BUTTON
37) MULTI CONTROLLER BUTTON ARRAY
38) CONTROL WHEEL ACCESS KNOB
39) DELETE / C4 ACCESS BUTTON
40) SET LEVER
41) C1 ACCESS LEVER
42) PLAYBACK LEVER
43) MENU BUTTON
44) REAR LCD MONITOR WIDOW PORT
45) REMOVABLE VIEWFINDER EYEPIECE
46) REAR LCD SUNSHADE MOUNTING HOLES
47) LATCHES
48) SAFETY LOCKING TABS
49) STRIKES TABS
50) SACRIFICIAL ANODES
51) BOTTOM MOUNTING HOLES
52) RUBBER ANTI SKID PADS
53) SENSOR LED WINDOW PORT
54) MOISTURE AND VACUUM SENSOR
55) BATTERY COMPARTMENT
56) SENSOR ALARM BATTERY
57) SPARE MAIN 0-RING
58) O-RING LUBRICANT CONTAINER
59) LARGE HEXAGONAL WRENCH
60) WARRANTY CARD
61) ADAPTABLE BULKHEAD INSERT

Page # 04
HOUSING CONTROLS IN DETAILS
1) CAMERA QUICK RELEASE TRAY: This quick mounting tray
allows for precise installation of the camera inside the housing, it
also allows removal of the camera with the lens attached for easy
battery replacement.
2) RETAINING SCREW: This ¼-20” fastener secures the camera
to the tray and is tightened using an ordinary coin.
3) CAMERA TRAY RELEASE TAB: Pressing down on this tab
release the tray from the housing.
4) ALIGNEMENT POSTS: These post maintain the camera aligned
to the tray.
5)LENS RELEASE TAB: This tab is actuated by pushing the lens
release button of the housing (# 19) and pushes the lens release
button of the camera with the actuating lever (# 6)
6) LENS RELEASE ACTUATING LEVER: This lever connects to
the lens release button of the camera and is engaged by pressing
the housing lens release button (# 19).
7) SHUTTER RELEASE LEVER: Pulling the shutter release lever
back part way activates the camera meter and auto focus. Pulling
the lever back all the way res the camera.
8) C2 ACCESS LEVER: This lever give quick convenient to the
highly customizable C2 button.
9) FRONT DIAL ACCESS KNOB: This knob rotates clockwise and
counter clockwise. Use it alone or in combination with other controls
to select or set various camera functions or modes. In “Manual” the
exposure mode controls the shutter speed or aperture settings (see
camera manual).
10) REAR DIAL ACCESS KNOB: This knob rotates clockwise and
counter clockwise. Use it alone or in combination with other controls
to select or set various camera functions or modes. In “Manual” the
exposure mode controls the shutter speed or aperture settings (see
camera manual).
11) VIDEO RECORD LEVER: Pressing this lever activates the video
recording mode.
12) EXPOSURE CONTROL KNOB: This knob accesses the
exposure compensation control dial. Rotate to select correction
required.
13) MODE DIAL ACCESS KNOB: This knob accesses the mode
dial of the camera, rotate to selct shooting mode.
14) ON/OFF SWITCH: Rotate right or left to turn the camera power
ON or OFF.
15) TOP ACCESSORY MOUNTING HOLE: ¼”-20 Threaded
mounting point for accessories or focus light.
16) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL RELEASE DISC: Lifting and rotating
this disc to its resting post will retract the pinion gear (# 18); by
doing so, the camera and lens assembly can be pulled out from the
housing as a unit.
17) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL KNOB: Turning allows manual focus
of a single focus lens or rotation of the zoom mechanism of a lens.
18) FOCUS / ZOOM CONTROL PINION GEAR: Engages and
operates the focus or zoom gear attached to the lens.
19) LENS RELEASE BUTTON: Pressing this button activates the
lens release button on the camera via the camera tray mechanism
(# 5 & # 6) allowing easy removal of the lens.
20) LENS RELEASE BUTTON LEVER: This linkage engages the
lens release tab (# 5) of the tray.
21) PORT BAYONET FLANGE: Allows the mounting of different
ports and extension rings on the housing.
22) PORT RELEASE MECHANISM LEVER: Pressing this lever
will release the locking mechanism to allow removing of a port or
extension.
23) GRIPS 5/16”-20 MOUNTING HOLES: Attachment point for the
housing grips (one per sides).
24) GRIPS (left and right hands): Removable grips for handling
the housing, allows the mounting of strobe arms and accessories.
25) GRIPS 5/16”-20 FASTENER: Use with included hexagonal
wrench (#61) for securing the grips to the housing (one per sides).
26) GRIPS ACCESSORIES MOUNTING HOLES (1/4”-20): These
are provided for mounting strobe arm or other accessories.
27) MAIN BULKHEAD ACCESS HOLE: This bulkhead entry point
is normally used as the main connection, conguration may vary
according to an owner’s preference, (see page 17 & 18)
28) BULKHEAD ACCESS HOLE: This bulkhead entry point is nor-
mally used as the main connection, conguration may vary accor-
ding to an owner’s preference, (see page 17 & 18)
29) FRONT LEFT ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT
(16mm): This can be used for mounting accessories such as a
remote trigger, or HDMI monitor. (see page 18)
30) TOP LEFT ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5”):
Typically reserved for the optional Surveyor vacuum valve, this
can be used for mounting accessories such as a remote trigger, or
other communication accessories.
31) TOP RIGHT ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5”):
This can be used for mounting accessories such as a remote trig-
ger, or other communication accessories
32) BOTTOM ACCESSORY BULKHEAD ENTRY POINT (0.5”):
Typically reserved for supplying power to the camera, this can be
used for mounting accessories such as a remote trigger, or other
communication accessories.
33) C3 ACCESS BUTTON: Pressing this button will engage the
selected feature assigned to this highly customizable C3 button.

Page # 05
HOUSING CONTROLS IN DETAILS
34) AF/MF & AEL SWITCH LEVER: Allows switching between
focus modes and AEL function.
35) AF/M & AEL ENGAGING BUTTON: depending on the selected
mode, pressing this button will allow toggling between auto and
manual focus, or locking the auto exposure.
36) Fn ACCESS BUTTON: Press this button to engage the selected
feature assigned to this highly customizable Fn button.
37) MULTI CONTROLLERS BUTTON ARRAY: Use these four buttons
to navigate through the multiples options of the menus, modes and
features of the camera.
38) CONTROL WHEEL ACCESS KNOB: Rotate this knob to allow
quick and precise adjustment or navigation of the value selected.
39) DELETE /C4 ACCESS BUTTON: Press this button to engage
the procedure for deleting images or accessing the selected feature
assigned to this highly customizable C4 button.
40) SET LEVER: This extended lever quickly engage the set button
to conrm the selected mode or value.
41) C1 ACCESS LEVER: Press this lever to engage the selected
feature assigned to the highly customizable C1 button of the camera.
42) PLAYBACK LEVER: Press this conveniently placed lever to
review your images.
43) MENU BUTTON: Press to activate menu display, scroll using
front, rear or control wheel knobs and select using SET lever.
44) REAR LCD MONITOR WIDOW PORT: This port window allows
viewing of the recorded images and is used in the Live View as
well as in the Video mode for framing and composing. It also allows
viewing of the entire menus selection as well.
45) REMOVABLE VIEWFINDER EYEPIECE: This Galileo type
view finder offers a full view of the camera viewfinder and its
information display. For an enhanced larger view, this viewnder
can be removed and replaced with one of our two optional Aqua
View Finders, available in 45o& 180oversion.
46) REAR LCD SUNSHDE MOUNTING HOLES: These two holes
are for attaching the optional (# 19231) sun shade to the housing.
47) LOCKING LATCHES: Two heavy duty latches (one per side)
with safety locks to protect against accidental opening.
48) SAFETY LOCKING TAB: Push safety tab and lift latches to open.
49) STRIKES TABS: These hook up the latches.
50) SACRIFICIAL ANODE: A zinc anodes is installed to protect
your housing against salt water corrosion; it is made to deteriorate
faster than the other strategic metal part of your housing, hence
the name sacricial anodes. This anode need to be replaced by the
user as needed.
51) BOTTOM MOUNTING HOLES: Three 1/4” X 20 holes are provided
for mounting strobes trays or accessories.
52) RUBBER ANTI SKID PADS: Rubber pads are provided to protect
the housing and preventing it from sliding on wet decks.
53) MOISTURE AND VACUUM LED PORT: Gives visual access to
the moisture and pressure sensor status LED.
54) MOISTURE AND VACUUM SENSOR: Moisture/pressure sensor
alarm: This alarm works both as a water detection device and am-
bient
pressure sensor.
55) SENSOR BATTERY COMPARTMENT: This battery compartment
holds the battery for the moisture/pressure sensor. Carefully read
instruction regarding installation of the battery.
56) SENSOR BATTERY: CR 2032, 3 Volts, this battery powers the
sensor. Carefully read instruction regarding its installation.
57) SPARE MAIN O-RING: A spare main O-ring is supplied with
the housing.
58) O-RING LUBRICANT CONTAINER: Use for lubricating the
housing O-ring (see page 20 for importnat notice).
59) LARGE HEXAGONAL WRENCH: Supplied for attaching the
grips with the provided fasteners (# 25).
60) WARRANTY CARD: Please ll and return this warranty card to
Aquatica as instructed.
61) ADAPTABLE BULKHEAD INSERT: This adapter allows bulk-
head entry point # 28 to be reduced in size to 1/2’” diameter. (see
page 15)
PREPARATION OF THE HOUSING
Two hand grips are provided, these attach on the sides of the hous-
ing with the supplied hexagonal head screws (# 25) and are tight-
ened with the supplied hexagonal wrench ( # 59).
Mount the necessary shoes or brackets onto the 1/4”-20 threaded
holes located on the top of the hand grips. Three threaded holes of
the same size are located on the bottom of your
Aquatica housings for mounting accessories
such as lighting support, trays, brackets or tripod.
A similar sized hole, located on the top the hous-
ing, allows the mounting of a video light, focusing
light, or buoyancy compensating devices.
Mount your strobes and their arms on the housing
and connect the sync cord to the housing’s strobe
bulkhead. Before using electrical type sync cords,
carefully read the section (page 17) pertaining to
wired connection and ralways follow your
strobe manufacturer manual and
its recommendations.
For proper handling and maintenance
of O-rings be sure to read the section titled “Maintenance of the
housing and ports” (page 16 & 17).

Page # 06
PREPARATION OF THE PORTS
Underwater photography typically requires the use of a dome port
for wide-angle or a at port for close up and macro photography.
Your lens and subject selection should dictate the type of port you
select. Flat Macro Ports are available in three (4) versions (product
# 18426, 18428, 18429 and 18430), and Dome Ports in four (4)
sizes ranging from 4” to 9.25” (Product # 18405, 18407, 18409 or
18410).
There are occasions where an extension ring will be required to either,
optimize the optical performance of a dome, or for adding sufcient
space to accommodate a longer macro lens:
Macro Port Extension Rings: These aluminum rings extend the
internal space of a Flat Macro Port, shorter focal lenght macro
lens do not require one, but longer ones (100mm and longer) will
need to in order to provide the necessary space to accommodate
them.
Dome Port Extension Rings: Whit wider lens, the dome port
may require an extension ring, this tor physically accept the lens
and to closely match the position of the optical center of both the
dome and lens as can possibly be done.
The Aquatica 6” and 8” dome ports have removable dome shade,
without a shade, a circular 180o Fisheye lenses can be used to
its full potential, when using standard type of lenses, the use of a
dome shade is highly recommended as it improve contrast, reduce
glare and offer an added level of protection for the dome delicate
surface.
and/or accessories is supplied along with this manual. For the latest
updated version of this lens chart, Please refer to the Sony Type 4
lens chart available for download from on our website: http://www.
aquatica.ca/en/products_zoom.html
Cleaning the port:
Dirt, grease or ngerprints on the port, especially on the inside,
can adversely affect the quality of the image. Acrylic ports should
be cleaned with plastic cleaner and glass ports with an appropriate
lens cleaner.
Lubricating the port and extension ring O-ring seal:
Before using a port or extension ring, remove the O-ring on the
rear and lightly coat it with silicone grease, clean its groove before
installing it back.
For more information concerning the care and maintenance of your
ports and their O-rings, please refer to the section titled “Maintenance of
the housing and ports” Starting (page 16).
CAMERA PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
To open the rear door of the housing, start by pressing on
the safety catch (# 48) and lifting the latches body (# 47)
upward.
Important Note: Prior to installing the camera in the
housing, remove the rubber eye cup, the camera
strap and clips, and/or any object that might obstruct
installation, third party camera strap hookup should be
removed. It is advisable before inserting the camera in
the housing, and in order to save valuable time underwater, to set
your camera shooting preferences in advance,
1- Remove the quick release tray (# 1) from the housing by a A)
pressing down on the lever (#3) and B) pulling the tray out as
shown. Lift the camera rear LCD screen up out of the way, care-
fully place the camera on the tray, making sure that the camera is
properly aligned and secured against rotation or movement on the
alignment pin (# 4). Align the Tripod Soc-
ket of the camera with the mounting screw
(# 2). Tighten the mounting screw securely
while ensuring that the camera position is
not altered, lower the rear LCD screen so
that it rest on the two alignment
pins at an angle.
2- Pull out the
zoom/focus
knob assembly
by lifting and rotating the
disk (# 16) so that it rest on the
dowel pins underneath as per ilustration,
this will move the pinion gear clear and allow easy mounting of the
camera and lens.
3. IMPORTANT:Before sliding the camera into the
housing, position the ON/OFF switch of both the camera and the
housing (# 14) to the OFF position (rotating the ON/OFF switch of
the housing counterclockwise to a stop).
4 - Slide the quick release tray (# 1) back into place; it will lock
itself into place.
5 - If using hot shoe triggered strobes, insert the hot shoe or mount
the optical trigger as shown if using Optically triggered strobes as
illustrated on page 14 & 15).
CLOSING OF THE HOUSING
Once the camera is securely installed in the front half of the hous-
ing, before closing up the rear cover, you should always conrm
the following:
- IMPORTANT:That the ON/OFF lever (# 14) is working
properly
- That the AF/MF & AE-L switch (# 34) of the housing is
matching the camera similar AF/MF & AE-L switch position.
- That the main O-ring on the housing is clean, lubricated
and properly seated for a positive seal. Inspect the sealing
surface and conrm that it is clean and free from any
scratches or physical damage (see the CARE AND
MAINTENANCE of O-rings section Page 20).
- Hold the latch on each side (# 47), close up the rear door
of the housing and engage the latch on the strike tab (# 49)
and press both latch simultaneously. Verify that the safety
tabs (# 48) on each latch are engaged by trying to lift the
latch up.
- Visually check that the O-ring remained properly seated
and no obstruction is present
- CAUTION: In the event that you should feel any unusual
resistance when attempting to close the rear door, do not
force the closure. Reopen, inspect carefully for any potential
obstruction such as ON/OFF switch position and try again.

Page # 07
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE LENS
There are a number of gear available for the lenses selection
supported for this housing. Using the right gear and correctly mounting
it on the lens is a very important step for a smooth operation of
the Zoom or Focus control. Carefully follow the directions found on
each gear packaging. A comprehensive list of the supported lenses
for this housing and their respective gears and domes ports is supplied
along with this manual. The lens charts are regularly updated as
newer lens are made available, for the latest available version of
this housing lens chart please visit our Lens Chart section at
http://www.aquatica.ca/en/products_zoom.html.
Notes: On some lens /dome port combination, a close up lens
(diopter) might be required or even desirable. This is intended to
correct the minimum focusing distance of the lens so that it will focus
on the virtually projected image created by the dome. Refer to the
Sony Type 4 lens chart to see if a diopter is required for your selected
lens/port combination.
Zoom lenses: Mount the gear on the lens zoom ring. The housing
focus/zoom control (key # 17) then becomes the exclusive method
of controlling the zoom. Focusing of the lens is then achieved by
using the camera’s autofocus system, or on certain Wide Angle
zoom lens, it might be possible to access the manual focus via a
dedicated port extension ring equipped with a manual focus access
knob
Prime Lenses: Use in AF mode or if a focus gear is available for
the lens, it can also be operated in manually. For Manual operation,
the camera focus selector (# 34) need to be set to the manual fo-
cus position and engaged (by pressing the # 35 Engaging button),
then use the knob located on the left hand (# 17) to rotate the focus
gear.
WARNING: Never attempt to manually focus if the camera is in autofocus
mode with a mounted focus gear engaged. This will strain the focus
mechanism motor and might damage your lens.
Gear installation on the lens:
Most gears are of the slip-on gears (gears without mounting screws)
type: The packaging of the gear contains important information and
should be consulted before attempting to mount a gear on a lens.
Only original gears manufactured by Aquatica are recommended
for use on their housing.
Lens installation
Note: Always take extra precaution in protecting the sensor from
airborne dust or particles whenever installing or removing a lens.
With the camera installed the housing, install the lens through the
port opening in the front of the housing in the normal recommended
way. If the lens is equipped with a zoom or focus gear, conrm that the
pinion gear (# 18) is retracted and that the gear is properly installed
and aligned. Check the meshing of the lens gear with the pinion
gear ( #18) on the housing by rotating the Focus/Zoom control knob
(#17) several times to make sure the gear rotates smoothly and
does not slip.
Changing a lens (removing a lens)
The Aquatica Housing provides two methods for removing and replac-
ing a lens. It can be done either from the front by removing the
port or through the rear, by removing the camera mounted on its quick
release tray (key # 1)
From the front: unlock and remove the port and/or extension ring
(see chapter: Mounting a port and/or Extension ring on the housing).
If a gear is mounted on the lens, access to the camera lens release
button is still possible using the lens release lever (key #19) on the
housing.
From the back: Pull out the Zoom/Focus pinion gear clear (# 18)
by rotating the release disc
(key #16) until it rest on its pins,
open the housing back cover,
remove the hot shoe (if present)
from the camera and pull out
the camera tray (# 1) complete
with camera & lens from the
housing, replace the lens and
reinstall in the reverse order.
FOCUSING MODE
Various focusing options are offered on the Sony a7R II and a7S
II, but the main AF/MF can be accessed by rotating the lever (#
34) to the AF/MF position and pressing the (# 35) buttons to toggle
between modes.
For more detailed information concerning the operation of the dif-
ferent focus modes consult the Sony ® instruction book for the
a7R II and a7S II cameras. These camera have many customiz-
able features that can greatly contribute to the performance of the
autofocus performance underwater.
MOUNTING A PORT AND/OR EXTENSING RING ON THE HOUSING
This AQUATICA A7r II housing features a locking bayonet mount.
Safely mounting a Port or extension
on the housing requires that the O-ring
be clean, lubricated, be properly seated
in its groove and that the opposing
sealing surface be clean and free of
any physical damage.
To mount a port or extension ring on
the housing:
1. Place the housing on its back on
a soft and steady surface.
2. Place the port or extension ring
inside the bayonet 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. Rotate 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 see that the port or extension are properly
seated before attempting to rotate again.
6. Try to rotate counter clockwise to conrm that the
port orextension is safely locked on the housing.

7. When using large dome port such as the 6”, 8” and 9.25”
with an extension, uses of the optional extension ring to
port locking collar (# 18469) is recommended, this add
another layer of safety by preventing the larger dome port
from rotating during manipulation or transportation to the
dive site.
To remove a port or extension from the bay-
onet, press the port release lever (#22) and
rotate the port or extension counter clockwise,
carefully pull the port or extension off the bayonet.
Note: It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with this
procedure by trying it without the camera in or the back cover
attached to the housing; this to better visualize the internal functioning
of the bayonet and port.
CONNECTING LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Mounting the strobe arms will require that the necessary shoes,
brackets or Base Ball be attached to the threaded holes located on the
top of the hand grips (# 25). Use of the Aquatica Delta 3 Strobe Arm
System is recommended.
Three 1/4”-20 threaded holes on the bottom (# 50) of this housing
can be used for various mounting applications. A similar sized 1/4”-
20 hole with thread is located on top of the housing (# 15), and is
ready to accept a 1”/25mm Technical Lighting Control Delta 3 (#
77651) for adapting a small dive light or an additional strobe arm
can be attached using a clamp.
Strobe illumination setup: Using wired connections
Sony Digital cameras housing with wired
connection are setup for manual exposure
with either two individual Nikonos (# 20079-NK)
or one Ikelite type connectors (# 20079-KM).
These connectors are part of a modular sys-
tem whit an internal switchboard.
Set up instruction: All switches must be in
the OFF (lower) position on the switch-
board so that only the ground and sync
are left active. This will allow two under
water strobes or housed ashes to be
connected directly via the main and sec-
ondary bulkhead or with a dual sync cord
of the main connector.
Note on sync cords maintenance:
When preparing the sync cord, be
sure to lubricate the O-ring on the
sync cord’s connector with a light
coat of the strobe manufacturer origi-
nal O-ring lubricant, also advisable is
to put a light coat of O-ring lubricant
on the threads of this connector to
help prevent threads from freezing up.
Some electrical sync cord are known to
use dissimilar metal in their construc-
tion, these can create an unwanted
electrolytic reaction. Whenever us-
ing sync cord with metal tting, it is
recommended that they be removed,
cleaned and the threads lubricated on
a daily basis.
For user of the 20079-OPT version: Start by selecting the desired optical
cord adapter(s) if needed, and insert in the optical port base(s).
The LED ash trigger included with
the 20079-OPT version operates on
two standard CR2450 batteries. To
install these, pull out the batteries holders,
insert them in their respective holder with the positive side (+) facing up,
and push back the batteries holders into place when done.
There are two switches and a status LED on the
back of the trigger unit, the one located on the left
side is the power switch, slide it to the on (I) position,
the two LED located on top of the trigger should
blink once and the status LED should blink green informing
you that the unit is ready for operate. In the event that the battery
power would be low, this status LED will blink red, you should then
proceed to replace both batteries with fresh ones.
The switch located on the right side is the power ratio selector
switch, while most strobes will operates properly in the low power
position, some strobes, such as the newer Sea & Sea YS-D2, requires
a stronger light output in order to sync, in such case simply move
the power ratio switch to the upper position, this will increase the
output power of the LED’s. It is important at this point, to note that
in order to have consistent performances, a premium quality optical
ber cord that will carry the light signal from the trigger adequately
is recommended. Some lesser quality optical bers do have poor
light transmitting capabilities, and if possible, you should avoid using
them in the sake of reliability.
Mount the LED ash trigger on the camera
hot shoe, push until it stop, switch unit on
and trigger the camera a few times, should
the status light turn red, replace batteries
before proceeding with the dive. The trigger
unit itself has insignicant battery drain and
these last quite a long time, on the other
hand, you should preferably power down the camera and the un-
derwater strobe(s) in order to avoid unnecessary battery drainage
on them while transiting to the dive site.
ADAPTABLE BULKHEAD CONNECTION
This housing features an adaptable bulkhead
access hole, the housing is shipped with the
16mm diameter adapter installed by default.
This being a popular size for mounting exter-
nal monitors. Should you wish to add other
accessories, the 0.50” version might be better
adapted to that purpose, to swap adapter, sim-
ply follow this procedure:
Remove the adapter retaining O-ring from the inside and push the
adapter out, On the one to be installed, inspect and lubricate the
sealing O-ring and push the new adapter in place and install the
retaining O-ring back on the inside..
As is customary with any O-ring replacement, it is always suggest-
ed to validate the sealing integrity by performing a pressure test, an
immersion of the housing without camera inside, or if a Surveyor
Vacuum system is installed, to test by extracting the pressure and
monitoring the vacuum for any sign of leakage.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Installation of any accessories on your housing
should be only be attempted by Aquatica or by qualied technicians
from an authorized Aquatica Service Center.
Page # 08
0.50”
16mm

MAINTENANCE OF HOUSING AND PORTS
When changing ports or O-rings, a simple seal test without the
camera inside should be performed. Strapping a weight to the
housing and lowering the unit to a depth of 30 to 50 feet of water
for at least 10 minutes will assure you that the seating of the new
port or o-ring is proper. This test, though time consuming and
often considered unnecessary, may save your camera equipment
from irreparable water damage. The housing is now ready for the
dive.
CAUTION: Never jump into the water with the housing. It is best
to have the system handed to you after you have made your entry, or
have it lowered to you on a rope. Make certain that ropes of other
equipment stay clear of the system. Never handle the housing by
grabbing the port or if using one, the Aqua View Finder, make sure
that boat staffer are familiar with this procedure and advise them
to manipulate only by using the grips provided with the housing.
When replacing the main sealing 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 it is snugly sitting
in the groove. Avoid going solely in one direction as doing so will
stretch the O-ring material and possibly prevent it from properly
seating.
Maintenance of the housing mechanical components:
After every salt water dive, your housing system requires that it be
soaked and/or rinsed in fresh water. It should soak for a minimum
of 30 minutes. Operate all the controls several times, while soak-
ing, to dislodge any trapped salt water residues.
Periodically remove the hand grips for storage and transportation
and to avoid having the thread of the attachment bolts fuse on to
the housing. Unscrew, clean and lubricate the bolts with a small
amount of WD-40 or Zinc based lubricant.
WARNING: Use WD-40 or any lubricant carefully, sparingly and
only on metal to metal surfaces. WD-40 or other petroleum based
lubricant can damage the acrylic on the ports, the optical surfaces
of a lens or O-rings.
SACRIFICIAL ANODES:
Two anodes (# 49) are attached to
the bottom parts of the housing to
prevent galvanic corrosion due to
electrolysis, as time goes they will
deteriorates and need replacement. Contact your dealer to
order replacement (parts # 19220).
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION :
Store and transport the housing in a sturdy, shock proof container
and avoid travelling with the camera mounted inside the housing.
In the event of an impact, especially on the external push buttons,
this could potentially be transferred to the camera controls and
damage them.
When travelling by air or in situation where atmospheric pressure
changes are foreseen, remove the port, the eye piece or open the
housing. Doing so allows equalization of the air pressure inside
the housing with the external one. Failure to do so may cause
internal pressure built up which could potentially force ports or
acrylic windows to pop out or potentially unseat their O-ring seal.
O-RINGS OF THE HOUSING, PORTS AND EXTENSION RINGS:
1. Removing an O-ring: Never use a sharp instrument when removing
an O-ring as this may damage the sealing surface of the groove or
the O-ring itself. A dedicated O-ring tool, a dull pointed object or the
edge of a credit card usually works well.
2. Once removed, the O-ring should be inspected for damage.
Carefully check that it is free of nicks or cuts and that it retains its
original round prole. O-rings that appear to be damaged should
be immediately replaced with new ones and the damaged one
permanently discarded.
3. Rinse the O-ring with fresh water and dry it with a clean lint free cloth.
4. Clean the O-ring groove (the channel where the O-ring sits) with
a cotton swab. Be sure to remove any lint the cotton swab may
leave behind. Inspect the groove for damage.
5. Wipe the matching sealing surface part of the housing with a
clean lint-free cloth.
6. Lubricate the O-ring with a thin layer of Aquatica O-ring lubricant
(# 19213) until it appears to be smooth and shiny. Do not over
lubricate. Use just enough lubricant so the O-ring will pull smoothly
through your ngers. Excessive amounts of grease will only serve
to attract and trap dirt onto the o-ring.
7. Conrm that the Port and extension ring O-rings are properly
and evenly seated in their O-ring groove.
8. To reinstall the clean and lubricated main O-ring of the housing,
rst place the entire O-ring over the groove and start by pushing
the O-ring in at each corner then, push the O-ring at each side
and nally, work in the rest of the O-ring. Never start at one end
and work your way around the O-ring. This places uneven tension
on the O-ring which may cause the O-ring to stretch resulting in
excess O-ring, which will have no place to go.
The internal O-rings on the housing controls are not user accessible,
while these O-rings are not as susceptible to damage as they are
not exposed, rinsing properly with fresh water to ush out salt
crystals and sand residues will be the proper way to assure trouble
free operation, Aquatica recommended yearly maintenance of the
internal O-ring. Authorized service center, both the continental
USA and Europe, are available to the users for this service. Prior
to sending the housing, always check for the closest service center
to you on our website www.aquatica.ca
WARNING: Use only petroleum free O-ring lubricant such as our
# 19213 Aquatica O-ring Lubricant, petroleum based lubricant,
used by some manufacturers for lubricating their Silicone made
O-rings can and will cause the O-ring material to swell, this will
render the O-ring difcult to install and likely will result in the O-ring
being damaged or pinched with dire consequence.
Page # 09
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MOISTURE ALARM
This Aquatica housing is supplied with a Surveyor moisture and
vacuum sensor alarm (# 54). This sensor device has two distinct
purposes, a moisture detection circuitry and an ambient pressure
sensor circuitry; both are integrated on the same circuit board.
A standard CR2032 battery cell (# 56) is provided
as the power source, to insert the battery, rst
slide it in the battery compartment, making sure
rst, that it is under the two contacts (A), and
then pushing down (B) until it snap into place.
MOISTURE DETECTION FUNCTION:
Once a battery is installed, the moisture
detector function of the Surveyor
alarm will remain on standby and will
not need be activated, in the event
of any contact with water, an audible
signal coupled with a blinking bright
red ashing LED, will be activated
and visible through the LED viewing
port (# 53). Proceed to remove the housing from the water, always
keeping in mind your personal safety.
To test the moisture alarm circuitry, simply moisten the tip of your
nger and establish contact with the probes end, this should trigger
the alarm signal, if it fails to activates, check the position of battery
compartment contacts and the state of the battery itself, replace
with a fresh one if necessary.
If not being used for prolonged periods of time, it is preferable to
remove the battery from the sensor circuit to avoid unnecessary
drain on this one.
VACUUM SENSOR FUNCTION:
Should you wish to take
advantage of the housiung
built in vacuum monitoring
feature, a pressure valves
and pump, if not installed
already at the factory when
ordered, will be required.
This valve and pump kit
(# 19228) is also available
separately and includes
the operating manual for
the vacuum system.
Installation of the valve is straight forward and does not require
special tooling, there is a designated entry hole on the rear left
hand side (# 30) of the A7r II housing dedicated to this purpose.
As is customary with any O-ring replacement, it is always suggested
to validate the sealing integrity by performing a pressure test, once
the Surveyor Vacuum system is fully installed, you should, prior to
immersing the housing, test by extracting the pressure and monitoring
the vacuum for any sign of leakage.
WARRANTY
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
One year Limited Warranty.
Thank you for purchasing an AQUATICA manufactured product!
Your AQUATICA housing is handcrafted by a small group of spe-
cially trained individuals - each of whom takes the most pride and
satisfaction in offering you the best underwater camera housings in
the world. All AQUATICA products are guaranteed against defects
in material or workmanship for (1) one full year from the date of
purchase for consumer use. these same products when used com-
mercially will carry a 90-day warranty. No statutory warranty applies.
Camera housed in AQUATICA housings are not covered under
this warranty and ANY WATER DAMAGE SUSTAINED DUE TO
INSTALLATION ERROR OR ANY OTHER REASON IS NOT THE
RESPONSABILLITY OF AQUATICA. Therefore the appropriate in-
surance should be maintained by the user.
Warranty does not apply to replaceable seals or damages to im-
pacts or abrasive surfaces. Warranty applies only to products pur-
chased from authorized AQUATICA dealers and does not extend
beyond the original retail purchaser. Unauthorized modications or
repairs will automatically void this warranty. this applies to removal
of
serial numbers and AQUATICA identication labels.
To obtain service during or after the warranty period you must notify
AQUATICA at 514-737-9481
and ship BY REGISTERED MAIL (INSURED) ONLY, enclosing
your proof of purchase to:
AQUATICA
3025 De Baene
Montreal (Quebec)
H4S 1K8
Mark clearly on your package “Canadian goods returned for
repair”
Do not ship by any other means.
Unauthorized packages will be refused.
YOUR SERIAL NUMBER_______________________________
RED
Page # 10
VACUUM PUMP &
PRESSURE VALVE
# 19228

BULKHEAD SELECTION*
20079-NK 20079-KM 20079-OPT
System Chart
CANADA
Made in
PRO HOUSING
19231
Rear LCD shade
TM.
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Aqua View 45
Finder
20059
450
Sony Type 4
Lens Chart
www.aquatica.ca
19230
Grip extender
19217
DEEP RATED SPRING OPTION
Available as a factory install
425ft/130m
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Maintenance
O-ring Kit
Maintenance
O-ring Kit
1886118861
Standard
Viewfinder
19218
INCLUDED
18789
HOUSING PROTECTIVE CAP
Sacrificial Anodes
(4 x anodes and screws)
19220
19228
Vacuum pump and pressure valve kit
INCLUDEDINCLUDED
Surveyor moisture and
vacuum sensor
19229-A7r II
* Bulkhead connections
20079 No Bulkhead (video optimized)
20079-NK Double Nikonos connectors
20079-KM One Ikelite 2 pins connector
20079-OPT Dual Optical & LED Flash Trigger
(to know more about connectors refer to
our website at www.aquatica.ca)
Light Baffle
18472
o
Aqua View 180
Finder
20054
Protective
Hard Case
19216

System Chart
CANADA
Made in
www.aquatica.ca
18409: 6" Dome Port
INCLUDED
TM.
18504: Neoprene cover
for 6” dome shade
18508 Neoprene
Cover included
18410: 4" Mini Dome
18500: Neoprene dome cover
included
18502: Neoprene
dome cover included
TM.
184503.1:Neoprene cover
for 8” dome shade
18407: 9.25" Mega Dome
18405: 8" Dome Port
18480: 8" Dome Shade
6" Dome Shade
18430 Mini Macro Port
19352
+5 Close Up lens
19353
+10 Close Up lens
19357
77mm to 67mm
Step Down Ring
48462
4845648456
48463
48457
48455
48453
48465
48458
48459
48466
48454 48468
48467 48464
18790 Rear port protective cap
Focus gear required with these ports Focus gear required with these ports
WARNING
This cover is for transport protection
only and is not waterproof
DO NOT IMMERSE
your housing or port when using this cover
19355 FlipHolder 19356
Double Flip Holder
18506: Neoprene cover
included

3025 De Baene, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4S 1K8
Tel.: [phone] [email protected]