Aquatica Digital A7D Mk II User manual

OPERATING MANUAL FOR AQUATICA A7D Mk II
PRODUCT # 20077

Content
Foreword and feature Page 1
Safety recommendations Page 2
Strobes connections descriptions Page 2
Nomenclature of controls Page 3 & 4
Controls and components in detail Page 5 & 6
Preparation of the housing Page 7
Preparation of the ports Page 7
Camera preparation and installation Page 8
Closing procedure for the housing Page 8
Preparation and installation of the lens Page 9
Selecting focusing mode Page 10
Mounting a port and/or extension on the housing Page 10
Connecting lighting equipments to the housing Page 11
Using wired connectors Page 11
Using optical connectors Page 12
Maintenance of the housing and ports Page 12 & 13
Care and maintenance of the housing mechanical components Page 13
Care and maintenance of the ports Page 13
Storage and transportation of housing and port Page 13
Housing System accessory chart Page 14
Warranty Conditions Page 15

Page 1
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 efcient underwater
access to the essentials functions and controls of the Canon 7D Mk II DSLR. This operating manual assumes that the user is already
familiar with the Canon 7D Mk II camera and its operation. If not, please read your Nikon 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 satisfaction in producing
spectacular underwater images.
Please take the time to carefully read this manual before attempting to use your housing for the rst time and note that: whenever cited
the right hand is your right when using the housing.
This Aquatica Digital housing is issued from the world’s most technologically advanced underwater housings lineage, ergonomically
designed to place all the essential camera controls under your nger 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.
- Oversized knurled knob for accessing the Focus or Zoom feature of the lens
- Dual positions lever for accessing the AF-ON and STAR functions
- Easy access knob for Exposure mode control (Mode)
- Exposure Compensation
- Focus Area Selector
- Extended ISO sensitivity lever
- Info & Playback
- Menu and controls
- Delete button access
- Live view & Video recording access
- A quick release camera tray (saddle), for fast and easy removal of camera.
- A exible strobes connector circuitry to suit your personal needs (see page 11&12).
- 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 allow the camera/lens/gear to be removed together for easy replacement
of the camera battery.
- A comprehensive selection of focus and zoom gears to access all popular lenses useful for underwater photography,
- A choice of standard eye piece nder (included), Aqua View 180 nder (# 20054) and 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.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Please carefully read the following precautions and recommendations:
Improper transportation, handling or use of this housing might cause a ood or malfunction. See Storage and transportation of housing and
ports section on page13
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.
Page 2
Aquatica housings can be adapted to various types of strobe connectors. These conveniently
provides your camera system with access to the latest strobes technology currently available
on the market.
Standard options available are:
20077-KM Supplied with one Ikelite manual type strobe connector, for manual exposure only.
20077-KT Supplied with an Internal Ikelite TTL circuitry and single Ikelite type strobe connector.
* see dedicated intructions enclosed, if housing was ordered with this option.
20077-NK: Two Standard Nikonos type 6 pins connectors.
20077-OPT: Two optical ber connectors with adapters to accept two Sea & Sea angled type
cords or two straight type cords (INON).
20077-HYB One Nikonos 6 pins and one Optical connector (to accept either one Sea & Sea
elbow type cord or two straight standard Inon optical cords).

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5
1- Camera quick release tray (saddle): Used to attach
camera and slide in housing.
2- Camera tray release lever: Press to release camera tray
from housing.
3- Camera mounting screw (1/4’’-20): Used for securing the
camera to tray.
4- Alignment posts: Help maintain proper alignment of the
camera on the tray.
5- 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.
6- Main 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
settings (see camera manual).
7- Quick Control 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. Refer to camera manual for in depth use.
8- ISO: Press on lever to engage the ISO speed value button
of the camera, turn main dial knob to select value
9- Star (*) & AF-ON access lever: Pull the lever and rotate
this collar to select access to the AF-ON or the STAR button
access of the camera. Both the AF-ON feature and the
Star are customizable button, these are important controls
for video shooting and care should be taken to fully
understand their working and subtleties.
10- Accessory Bulkhead Plug (1/2” Diameter): This can be
used for mounting accessories such as a remote trigger,
vacuum valves or monitor.
11- AF-Drive mode button: Press to engage, select the drive
mode using the Quick Control access knob, or the AF
area by using the Main Dial access knob.
12- M-Fn mode button: press to engage, refer to camera manual
for a list of the functions that can be assigned to this button.
13- WB & Meter Mode button: Press to engage, use Quick
Control dial access knob to select WB setting and/or Main
Dial access knob to select the metering mode.
14- Flash down lever: Push forward to lower the camera
built-in ash.
15- Flash up lever: Push forward to raise the camera
built-in ash.
16- Focus/Zoom control knob: Turning allows manual focus of
a single focus lens or rotation of the zoom mechanism of
a lens.
17- Focus/Zoom control release disc: Lifting and rotating this
disc to its resting post will retract the pinion gear (key # 18);
doing so, along with pulling the lens release lever (# 19)
will allows the camera and lens to be pulled out from the
housing as a unit.
18- Focus/Zoom control pinion gear: Engages and operates
the focus or zoom gear attached to the lens.
19- Lens release knob: activates the lens release button on
the camera allowing easy removal of the lens, pulling this
out along with the zoom knob release disc (# 17) will
allows the camera and lens to be pulled out from the
housing as a unit.
20- Lens release knob lever: Applies pressure on the camera
lens lock button.
21- Bayonet ange: allows the mounting of different ports and
extension rings on the housing.
22- Port release mechanism lever. Pressing will release the
locking mechanism when removing a port or extension.
23- Grips 5/16”-20 mounting holes (one per sides): attachment
point for the housing grips.
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 fasteners (one per sides): Use with included
hexagonal wrench (#61) for securing the grips to the housing.
26- Grip’s Accessories mounting holes (1/4”-20): These are
provided for mounting strobe arm or other accessories.
27- Top accessory mounting hole (1/4”-20). Mounting point for
accessories or focus light.
28- Strobe connector bulkhead (main): This bulkhead connector
is normally used as the main connection, conguration
may vary according to an owner’s preference, (see page 11)
29- Strobe connector bulkhead (secondary). This bulkhead
connector is normally used as the secondary connection,
conguration may vary according to an owner’s preference,
(see page 2).
30- Accessory bulkhead (16mm) plug: This can be used for
mounting accessories such as a remote trigger, vacuum
valves or HDMI monitor.
31- Mode selector release lever: This lever disengages
the lock on the mode dial of the Canon 7D Mk II,
once engaged; the mode dial can be rotated using
the Mode Dial Access Knob (# 32).
32- Mode selector access knob: Rotate to select the
proper shooting mode, care should be taken to
understand the various combinations available.
CONTROLS IN DETAIL

Page 6
CONTROLS IN DETAIL, CONTINUED
33- Removable Viewnder Eyepiece: This Galileo type
view nder offers a full view of the camera viewnder
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.
34- POWER switch: Rotate right or left to turn the
camera power ON or OFF.
35- INFO button: This button will activate the rear LCD
and display all pertinent shooting information.
36- MENU button. Press to activate menu display, scroll
using main or quick dial control knob and select
using SET function button.
37- Creative photo button: Press to select the picture
style.
38- Rating button: Press to protect the selected image.
39- Index/Magnify/Reduce button: Press to search, magnify
or reduce images, use in conjunction with Quick
Control access knob and main dial knob.
40- Playback button: Press to review an image, scroll
using the Quick Control access knob.
41- Erase button: press to delete images from the memory
card of the camera.
42- Rear LCD Monitor port window: 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.
43- Moisture & Vacuum sensor LED window: Gives
visual access to the moisture and pressure sensor
status LED.
44- Live View mode selector: Rotate left or right to
select Live View or the Movie mode.
45- Start/Stop recording button: This oversized red
button activates recording in video mode.
46- AF Point selection button: Push to select the AF pattern,
navigate using the Multi-Controller or using the Main
dial or /and Quick Control access knobs.
47- Q (Quick Control) button: press to activate the Quick
Control feature, navigate using the Multi-Controller
or using the Main dial or /and Quick Control access
knobs.
48- SET button: Press to approve selection of menu or
chosen mode features.
49- TTL Exposure control lever (Optional): This lever offer
exposure control over the strobes, see TTL instruction
if your housing is equipped with this option.
50- Multi Controller button array: Use to navigate through
the multiples options of the menus, modes and
features of the camera.
51- Back door hinge: Allows the rear door of the housing
to securely close.
52- Latch: Two step safety latch to secure the rear door
of the housing in place.
53- Tripod/accessories mounting holes: Three 1/4” X 20
holes are provided for mounting strobes trays or
accessories.
54- Sacricial anodes (2x): zinc anodes are installed
to protect your housing against salt water corrosion;
these are made to deteriorate faster than the other
strategic parts of your housing, hence the name
sacricial anodes. These anodes need to be
replaced by the user as needed.
55- Rubber anti skids pads (4x): rubber pads are provided
to protect the housing and preventing it from sliding
on wet decks.
56- Moisture/pressure sensor alarm: Moisture/pressure
sensor alarm: This alarm works both as a water
detection device and a ambient pressure sensor.
57- Moisture/pressure sensor alarm battery compartment:
This battery compartment holds the battery for the
moisture/pressure sensor. Carefully read instruction
regarding installation of the battery.
58- Moisture/pressure sensor alarm battery: CR 2032,
3 Volts, this battery powers the sensor. Carefully read
instruction regarding its installation.
59- Spare main O-ring: A spare main O-ring is supplied
with the housing.
60- O-ring lubricant container: Used for lubricating the
housing O-ring.
61- Large hexagonal wrench: Use for attaching the grips
(# 24) with the provided fasteners (# 25).
62. Warranty card: Please ll and return this warranty
card to Aquatica as instructed.

Page 7
Two hand grips are provided, these attach on the sides
of the housing with the supplied screws and hexagonal
wrench.
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 housing, 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 11) pertaining wired connection and refer
and follow your strobe manufacturer manual and their
recommendations.
For proper handling and maintenance of O-rings be sure
to read the section titled “Maintenance of the housing and
ports” (page 12 & 13).
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 (3) version (product # 18426, 18428 or
18429), 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 might 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 ex-
tend the internal space of a Flat Macro Port, some shorter
macro lens do not require using one, but longer lenses
(100mm and longer) will need one in order to provide the
necessary space to accommodate them.
Dome Port Extension Rings: When using a wide angle
or zoom lens, the Dome Port may require the use of an
extension ring, this is done both for physically accepting
the lens and to closely match the position of the optical
center of the dome and the lens as can possibly be done.
The Aquatica 6” and 8” dome ports have removable dome
shade, without the 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
protection for the dome delicate surface
A comprehensive lens chart listing of the lenses supported
and their required extensions and/or accessories is supplied
at the end of this manual. For the latest updated version
of this lens chart, Please refer to the Canon Type 2 Lens
Chart available 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 14).
PREPARATION OF THE HOUSING

Page 8
CAMERA PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
To open the rear door of the housing,start by pressing on the latch cover
and rotating the latch body downward.
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 preset your camera shootting preferences
in advance,
1- Remove the quick release tray (# 1) from the housing by pressing down on the lever (#2) and pulling the tray out as shown bellow.
Carefully place the camera on it, making sure that the camera is properly aligned and secured against rotation or movement on the alignment
pin (# 4) . Align the Tripod Socket of the camera with the mounting screw (# 3). Tighten the
mounting screw securely while ensuring that the camera position is not altered.
2- Pull out the lens release lever (#19) and zoom/focus knob assembly by lifting and rotating
the disk (# 17) so that it rest on the dowel pins underneath as per.
3 - If using the optional Hydrophone connect the plug to the camera audio jack, and tuck the rubber
ap of the microphone plug cover safely out of the way.
4 - Slide the quick release tray (# 1) back into place; it will lock itself into place.
5 - If using hot shoe triggerred strobes, insert the hot shoe as illustrated
(if the housing is equipped with the optional Ikelite TTL circuitry, please refer to its separate instruction sheet.)
CLOSING OF THE HOUSING
Once the camera is securely installed in the front half of the housing, you should
conrm the following:
- 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 12)
- Rotate the latch body (# 52) into the right position, close the rear door of the housing
and engage the latch by rotating it to a stop, the safety cover will engage to prevent
accidental rotation. To test that this safety feature is engaged, try to rotate the latch
without pressing on the safety tab, it should not rotate.
- Visually check that the O-ring remained properly seated and no obstruction
is present
- Conrm that the ON/OFF lever (# 34) and LV switch (# 44) are properly positioned and working properly.
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 and try again.

Gear installation on the lens:
Slip-on gears (gears without mounting screws): Slide the gear over the lens and align on the Focusing or Zoom ring or push until the gear
cannot move any further up the lens.
Gears with adjustment screws: Tighten the set screws lightly and evenly, approximately ½ a turn at a time, carefully working your way around
the gear until all the screws are equally tightened, verify that the zoom and/or focus mechanism rotate smoothly and that the gear remains
concentric with the lens body.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the set screws, doing so might bind the lens and restrict the rotation of the Focus or Zoom ring and possibly
damage the lens mechanism. Conversely under-tightening these screws might cause the gear to slip or lose its alignment.
LENS INSTALLATION
Note: Always take extra precaution to protect the sensor from airborne dust or particles whenever installing or removing a lens.
With the camera installed the housing, push the lens release lever ( #20) into the proper position so
has not to obstruct it operation later, through the port opening in the front of the housing install the
lens in the normal recommended way. If the lens is equipped with a zoom or focus gear, conrm that
the gears are 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 (key #16) 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 replacing 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.
Or
Pull out the Lens Release Lever (key #19) out of the way, lift and rotate the Zoom Focus Release Disc (key #17) clear, open the housing
back cover, remove the hot shoe from the camera and pull out the complete camera & lens from the housing, replace the lens and reinstall
in the reverse order.
PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE LENS
There are a number of lens gear available and various way of mounting them to a lens, all depending on their design. 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. Please note that the use of Canon EF and EF-S compatible lenses is mandatory. 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 desirable. This is intended to correct the minimum
focusing distance of the lens so that it can focus on the virtually projected image created by the dome. Refer to the appropriate lens chart to
see if a diopter is required for your lens/port combination.
Zoom lenses: Mount the gear on the lens zoom ring. The housing focus/zoom control (key #9) 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
will be possible to access the manual focus via a dedicated port extension ring equipped with a manual focus access knob
Prime Lenses: They can be used in Auto Focus or if a focus gear is available for this particular lens, it can be operated in manual focus. For
Manual operation, the camera focus selector need to be set to the manual focus position, then a focusing gear (if available for this lens) will
need to be mounted on the lens.
WARNING: If the lens is a not of the USM type, never attempt to operate it with the camera in autofocus mode with a mounted focus gear
engaged. This will strain the focus mechanism motor and might damage your lens.
Page 9

FOCUSING MODE
Various focusing options are offered on the Canon 7D Mk II, these can be accessed by either navigating through the menus or by
pressing the following buttons.
11- Drive Mode selection button, also used for AF Operation/Af method selection.
12- M-Fn button, gives access to the AF area
46- AF Point Selection button
9- (*) Star /AF-ON lever
Once a button is engaged, use the Main control knob (# 6),
Quick Command knob (# 7) or Multi Controller buttons
(# 50) to slect the desired options.
For more detailed information concerning the operation
of the different focus modes consult the Canon ® instruction
book for the 7D Mk II. Taking full advantage of the AF-ON
and Star (*) lever access on the housing dedicated lever
(# 9) can also greatly contribute to the performance of
the autofocus performance underwater.
Page 10
MOUNTING A PORT AND/OR EXTENSING RING ON THE HOUSING
This AQUATICA A7D Mk II Digital housing features a locking bayonet mount (# 21).
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 or extension 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 trans-
portation to the dive site.
To remove a port or extension from the bayonet, 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 (key # 26). Use of the Aquatica Delta 3 Strobe Arm System is recommended.
Three 1/4”-20 threaded holes on the bottom (key # 53) 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 (key # 27), 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.
USING WIRED CONNECTORS
Internal switch board circuit:
If your Aquatica housings was delivered with electrical type strobe connectors, it will have a single or double strobe connections which
will be connected to a switchboard inside the housing. The following chapter explains the various options available and the limitation of
current underwater strobe technology.
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
original 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 construction, these can create an unwanted electrolytic
reaction. Whenever using sync cord with metal tting, it is recommended that they be removed, cleaned and the threads lubricated on a
daily basis.
Canon Digital cameras are setup with a flash circuitry that only allows one eTTL flash
to be connected directly to the camera, Canon TTL Protocol will not allow two TTL ashes
to be electrically connected directly, no matter if it is a Canon ash or any other brand.
The multiple ashes approach preferred by Canon prevents additional ashes, or strobes
from being connected directly to the camera in eTTL mode, exposure will stop to function
and a camera freeze is likely to happen. Two underwater strobes can only be connected
electrically if a TTL converter is interfaced between the camera and the strobe. If seeking
TTL exposure, Optical triggering is an accurate and inexpensive way to consider (see next
chapter)
The main connector (on right side) is wired through a switch board that can be congured for full manual ash exposure or setup to be
compliant with the latest TTL converter on the market. The secondary connector (left side if installed) is wired in a full manual conguration
and cannot be used for eTTL operation. By default you housing is delivered with the switch on the board set to full manual (down) position.
If eTTL exposure is desired then it can be made in either of two methods:
1) Using a single ash from Canon or other brand (that is eTTL compatible with your camera) in a third party dedicated underwater housing,
which will be connected with a TTL cord to the Nikonos 6 pins main connector of your Aquatica housing.
2) Using an external eTTL converter connected to the main connector of your Aquatica housing, one or two underwater strobes with TTL
cords can then be connected to this converter, (check with your dealer or the strobes manufacturer to see if the strobes and converter
are compatible between themselves).
Set up instruction for eTTL operation: Using the tip of a pen push all the switches to the ON (up) position, this will activate the connections
on your main bulkhead connector allowing TTL communication between the camera and the housed ash or eTTL converter.
Set up instruction for manual operation: All switches must be in the OFF (lower) position, in this case all eTTL connection are disabled
and 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 secondary bulkhead.
--------------------- NOTE ----------------------
If your housing was delivered with an Internal Ikelite TTL circuit, please refer to the separate instruction
sheet enclosed your housing documents.
Page 11
1 2 3 4
ON GTS
ON
OFF

Page 12
For Aquatica housing with the optional Ikelite integrated conversion circuitry
The A7D Mk II model # 20077-KT is a housing is equipped with an Ikelite designed and patented TTL conversion
circuitry. Once attached to the housing, you should turn the strobe on rst before turning the power on the camera.
When used with current Ikelite DS Strobes, the TTL Conversion Circuitry provides real ash exposure with over and underexposure
compensation from +1 1/3 to - 1 1/3 f-stops in 1/3 stop increments. The Conversion Circuitry also offers Manual exposure control with
3 f-stops of under exposure control in 1/2 stop increments. The Conversion Circuitry is powered by the Ikelite DS Strobe when connected
to the housing with the 4103.51 single or 4103.52 dual sync cord. When using two strobes with the dual sync cord, the primary strobe
connected to the cord without the red band, must be turned on to power the Conversion Circuitry. Always keep both strobes connected
to your dual sync cord underwater.
Setting the Conversion Circuitry Strobe ID Switch
Inside the back cover of the A7D Mk II housing is a switch for setting the DS Strobe ID.
Set the switch to the Model of DS Strobe being used.
Use (A) for DS-51 or (B) for DS 161,160, 125 & 200. Whenever using two Ikelite
strobes of different models such as a DS51 and a DS161, set the ID switch to (A)
DS51 or the smaller strobe.
Using the Conversion Circuitry (Set DS Strobe to TTL mode)
Mode and Compensation Dial (see illustration)
Note that the TTL compensation values are located in the yellow band. Manual compensation
values are located in the black band. Rotate the Dial to switch between TTL and Manual Modes.
TTL Mode compensation values are indicated in the yellow band. Place the Setting
Indicator to TTL for NO Compensation. Rotate the dial either direction to select
+/- compensation. Place the Setting Indicator to the desired compensation value. Note
that in TTL, compensation values are in 1/3 f-stops.
Manual Mode compensation values are indicated in the black band. Rotate the Dial to
place the
setting indicator to the desired compensation value. Note that in manual mode, compensation values
are in 1/2 f-stops from (F) full power to -3 f-stops. Set DS Strobe to TTL mode. This will allow the strobe power to be varied in manual mode.
Attaching the Flash Connection for external strobes
When using an external strobe, connect the housing hotshoe connector. Slide the connector
into the hotshoe mount on the camera from the back of the camera as shown. Slide the
connector forward until it stops. Make sure the hotshoe is all the way forward in the camera
mount to assure a good connection.
Using Non-Ikelite or Ikelite Non-DS Strobes (Strobe 50, 100A, 200, 400) with this Housing
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used with a Non-Ikelite or Non-DS
Strobe. These Strobes can be used in their manual mode utilizing any power settings
provided on the Strobe.
For a complete list of compatible models of strobes, please check with Ikelite
(www.ikelite.com) to conrm that your strobe is compatible with this TTL circuitry

Page 13
USING OPTICAL CONNECTORS
This Aquatica housing can be supplied with optical type strobe connection:
Version –OPT is fully optical, having dual optical type of connection. Included is one (1) dual adapter for typical straight
cord used by INON and various other optical sync cords manufacturers and two (2) Sea & Sea/Olympus type of angled
cord plug, select the desired connection and install on the optical port base, tighten the set screw into place with the supplied
hexagonal wrench.
Version –HYB is supplied with one optical and one Classic Nikonos type of strobe connectors. As well as the Nikonos
electrical connector, Included is one (1) dual adapter for typical straight cord used by INON and various other optical sync
cords manufacturers and one (1) Sea & Sea/Olympus type of angled cord plug, select the desired connection and install
on the optical port base, tighten the set screw into place with the supplied hexagonal wrench.
To use optical triggering, the built-in ash of the camera need to be in the up position, this can be
done at time of installation or later by pressing the ash actuator button (# 15) to release it.
If ambient light images need to be taken simply push the ash actuator lever ( #14) to close the
internal ash.
Note: it is advisable to turn the camera and external strobe off when travelling to your dive site to
avoid useless drain of the camera and strobes batteries.
NOTE: Field testing has shown that mixing brands of optically triggered strobes is unlikely to give
reliable TTL results, therefore it is suggested that when mixing different makes of strobe, that they
be used in manual mode.
On the –HYB version, installing the hot shoe will disengage and prevent the built in ash of the
camera from coming up when needed. Tuck the hot shoe and its ribbon wire safely away from the
path of the built in ash. Always conrm the raising and lowering of the built ash before entering
the water and do test exposure to insure that everything is operating as it should.
Sea & Sea Type angle
INON Type Straight cord
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.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
TO SERVICE 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.
Continued on Page 13

Maintenance of housing and ports
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.
Port maintenance:
Your ports are an essential part of the optical formula in underwater
photographic system; As such they should be treated with the
same attention as the delicate camera lenses you own. Care
should be taken to avoid scratches on the dome and macro
ports lens surface. Acrylic is softer than glass, so minor exterior
marks are often unavoidable. However, since the indices of re-
fraction for acrylic and water are almost identical, these should
not impair image quality. Internal scratches (air side) must be
avoided as they do not ll in with water and will affect the quality
of the image.
Clean dome lenses only with soft lint free tissue. Dust on the
interior surfaces of the port can be removed with a soft camel
hair brush or a with a blower brush. Caution must be taken when
using aerosol devices as not to spray the lens material with the
liquid propellant as this may seriously affect the optical properties
of the port. Use of high pressurized air from a dive tank is not
recommended, the force of the air stream may easily dislodge a
port lens or its sealing O-ring. It is advisable that your ports be
removed and their O-ring serviced after every dive.
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 soaking,
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.
Sacricial anodes:
Two anodes (#54) 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.
Page 14
U
B
L
R
I
G
C
N
A
I
N
R
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T
O
MONTREAL, CANADA
TEL. [phone]
WWW.AQUATICA.CA
# 19213 Aquatica Lubricant for O-ring

Page 15
System Chart
www.aquatica.ca
BULKHEAD SELECTION*
20077-NK 20077-OPT 20077-HYB 20077-KM 20077-KT
* Bulkhead connections
20077-NK Double Nikonos connectors
20077-OPT Double Optical connectors
20077-HYB One optical & one Nikonos connectors
20077-KM One Ikelite 2 pins connector
20077-KT Ikelite internal TTL Circuit and connector
(to know more about connectors refer to
our website at www.aquatica.ca)
Aquatica A7D Mk II
For Canon 7D MkII
Canon Type 2
Lens Chart
+5
Close Up lens
19352
+10
Close Up lens
19353
19350
Close Up Kit
Includes: holder,
+5 & +10 close up lenses
TM.
19351 Close up lens holder
18508
Neoprene Cover
INCLUDED
18429
AF Macro Port
Low Profile
18426
AF/MF Macro Port
INCLUDED
18505
Neoprene Cover
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
18428
AF Macro Port
INCLUDED
18505
Neoprene Cover
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
18508
Neoprene Cover
INCLUDED
18410
4" Mini Dome 100
CANADA
Made in
Aqua View Finder
20054
Protective Hard Case
19216
Moisture & Vacuum
sensor
3Volts
Hydrophone
19221
0
Aqua View 45
Finder
20059
450
Replacement
Viewfinder
19218
INCLUDED
19305
19217
Deep Rated
spring Kit
L
U
B
R
I
G
C
I
N
A
N
-
R
T
O
MONTREAL, CANADA
TEL. [phone]
WWW.AQUATICA.CA
Maintenance
O-ring Kit
18854
L
U
B
R
I
G
C
I
N
A
N
-
R
T
O
MONTREAL, CANADA
TEL. [phone]
WWW.AQUATICA.CA
Rebuilt O-Ring Kit
18855
Sacrificial Anodes
(4 x anodes and screws)
19220
Canon Type 2
Lens Chart
Light Baffle
18472
18469
Extension to Port
locking collar
18409
6" Dome Port
18502
6" Neoprene Dome Cover
INCLUDED
INCLUDED
TM.
18484
6" Dome Shade
18504
6" Neoprene cover
for dome shade
18407
9.25" Mega Dome
18405
8" Dome Port
18500
8" Neoprene Dome Cover
INCLUDED
TM.
18480
8" Dome Shade
18503.1
8" Neoprene cover
for dome shade
18829
7
MkII
16.5mm/.65” 21.5mm/.82” 28.5mm/1.12” 39.5mm/1.56”
54.5mm/2.135” 63.5mm/2.50” 74.5mm/2.93”
74.5mm/2.93”
18453
18463
18456 18462 18457 18454
18459
18458
Focus gear included with these extensions
18464
18465

Page 16
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 specially 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 commercially 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
insurance should be maintained by the user.
Warranty does not apply to replaceable seals or damages to impacts or abrasive surfaces. Warranty applies
only to products purchased 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_______________________________