Fantasea 15355 User manual

Fantasea Line
FRX100 VA S Housing
(Cat. No. 15355)
for Sony RX100 VA, V, RX100 IV and RX100 III
Instruction Manual
FRX100 VA S Housing Instruction Manual 20220601

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FRX100
VA
S
Housing
Instruction
Manual
20
220601
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 2
DISCLAIMER ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE ......................................................................................................................................... 5
IDENTIFICATION OF HOUSING PARTS .................................................................................................................. 7
SETTING UP THE HOUSING ................................................................................................................................. 14
PREPARING THE CAMERA ............................................................................................................................................................................
14
PREPARING THE HOUSING ..........................................................................................................................................................................
14
OPENING THE HOUSING .............................................................................................................................................................................
16
CHECKING THE O‐RING ...............................................................................................................................................................................
17
WHEN INSTALLING THE RX100 III CAMERA INSIDE THE HOUSING ..........................................................................................................18
INSTALLING THE CAMERA ...........................................................................................................................................................................
19
CLOSING THE HOUSING ..............................................................................................................................................................................
21
REMOVING THE CAMERA FROM THE HOUSING ...................................................................................................................................... 22
USING THE CAMERA BUILT‐IN FLASH ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
FANTASEA HYBRID VACUUM SAFETY SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 25
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................................... 33
EXTERNAL FLASHES ......................................................................................................................................................................................
33
FLASH & VIDEO LIGHTING SETS..................................................................................................................................................................
35
LENS
A
CCESSORIES
........................................................................................................................................................................................
35
CARE & MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 36
FANTASEA PRODUCT CONSUMER LIMITED
WARRANTY
................................................................................... 37
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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While every effort has been made in order to ensure that the information included in this instruction
manual is accurate and complete, no liability will be accepted for any errors or omissions. Fantasea Line
reserves the right to change product specifications and features described herein at any time without prior
notice. No part of this instruction manual may be copied, translated or reproduced without the prior
written permission of Fantasea Line. Fantasea Line makes no warranties aside from limited product
warranty as described at the end of this manual.
General Information
The FRX100 VA S Housing features a stylish and ergonomic design, specifically created for the Sony RX100
VA, RX100 V, RX100 IV and RX100 III digital cameras. The FRX100 VA S Housing is manufactured to the
highest professional standards of function, style and durability. It is depth rated to 60m/200 feet and
features ergonomically designed and labeled controls. The Fantasea FRX100 VA S is the ultimate
waterproof home for the Sony RX100 VA, RX100 V, RX100 IV and RX100 III.
The FRX100 VA S Housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photography. Underwater photographers
can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers
also have the option of capturing the action of outdoor and water sports activities, such as paddle sports,
sailing, boating, surfing, fishing, hunting, backpacking and camping. The FRX100 VA S Housing is shock
resistant and protects the camera from water, sand, dust, frost, impact, as well as other damaging
elements and harmful occurrences. The FRX100 VA S Housing was designed to be compatible with a
complete accessory system, enabling photographers to enhance the quality of their images.
DISCLAIMER
INTRODUCTION
Please read this manual carefully in order to properly operate the
FRX100 VA
S
Housing. Store this manual in a safe place for further reference once you have
read it.
Note

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Features & Specifications

Depth rated to 60m/200 feet

Made from durable injection molded Polycarbonate

Access to all essential camera controls and functions with clearly labeled controls

Shock resistant

Double O‐ring main seal

Special cold‐shoe mount for lighting accessories

Removable double fiber optic cable connection plate

Removable flash diffuser

Removable anti‐glare hood for the LCD screen

Easy and secure installation of camera

Hybrid Vacuum Safety System (including moisture detector)

Lens Port Cover

Compatible with a wide range of underwater photo accessories

Weight (with camera on land): 900g

Weight (without camera on land): 600g

Dimensions (without accessories): 15.5 x 14.5 x 12 cm \ 6.25 x 5.75 x 4.75 inch (W x D x H)

Manufacturer’s warranty
If using the housing to accommodate the RX100 III camera, please follow the
instructions provided in the section “When installing the RX100 III Inside the
Housing” prior to installing the camera inside the housing.
Note

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10
1.
FRX100 VA S Housing
2.
Removable flash diffuser with secure line
3.
Hand lanyard
4.
Silicone grease
5.
Anti‐glare hood for LCD screen
6.
M16 port cap for Vacuum Valve
(if valve is removed)
7.
Small plastic C‐shaped washer
8.
Screwdriver
9.
Silica gel packs
10.
O‐ring remover
11.
Spare back door O‐ring seal
12.
Diffuser quick release secure string
(housing side)
13.
Lens Port Cover
Camera not included
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
11
12
13

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Hybrid
Vacuum
Safety
System
Components
Vacuum pump (w/o fitting)
Rubber fitting for pump
Multi purpose key (2 parts)
Double‐sided
stickers
14
16
17
15

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Top of Housing ‐ Corresponding numbered descriptions are found on the following page
5.
Cold Shoe Mount
4. Mode Dial
3. On/Off
2. Shutter Release
1. Zoom Control
IDENTIFICATION OF HOUSING PARTS
Please refer to the Sony RX100 VA / V / IV / III camera instruction
manuals for detailed descriptions and instructions regarding all camera
controls and functions.
It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the
controls topside before using these controls underwater.
Note

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Numbered descriptions below refer to corresponding numbers on the top housing graphic (previous page):
1.
Zoom Control – Turning this control activates the camera zoom button.
a.
In Shooting Mode –
i.
Turn the zoom control clockwise to zoom out, increasing the area visible in the frame.
ii.
Turn the zoom control counterclockwise to zoom in, so that the subject fills a larger
area of the frame and for close‐up and macro images to be taken.
b.
In Playback Mode ‐ use the zoom control as an index or playback lever.
2.
Shutter Release – Activates the camera shutter release button and auto focus prior to taking the
picture.
3.
On/Off‐ Pushing this control activates the camera power switch button and turns the camera on/off.
4.
Mode Dial – Turn this dial to change shooting modes.
Important Notice! It is recommended to align housing and camera mode dials prior to installing the
camera inside the housing. Please refer to the section “Installing the Camera” for more information.
5.
Cold‐Shoe Mount for Lighting Accessories‐ Enables mounting a flash, video light, torch or focus light
on top of the housing by using a dedicated connector. For further information regarding such
connectors, please visit the Fantasea website – www.fantasea.com

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Front Side of Housing ‐ Corresponding numbered descriptions are found below the image
6.
Fiber Optic
Cable Plate
7.
Control Ring
10.
Lanyard Loop
9. Tripod Mounting Screw Holes
(bottom)
8.
Lens Port
6.
Fiber Optic Cable Plate‐
a.
When installed on the housing, the fiber optic cable plate and the two adaptors inserted
inside it allow for an easy attachment of 2 fiber optic cables to the housing. For further
instructions, please refer to the section “External Flashes”.
b.
Remove the fiber optic cable plate from the housing in order to make use of the internal
camera flash during your dive. In order to remove the plate, insert your fingers beneath the
adaptors installed inside the plate and pull the plate upwards till it is removed from its slot.
Note that when photographing using the camera built‐in flash only, the flash diffuser
accessory should be installed, or else unwanted shading will occur in most images taken.
c.
Make sure the fiber optic cable plate is secured to the housing by its secure line in order to
avoid losing it during the dive.
d.
If using only one external flash, make sure the second fiber optic cable adaptor remains in its
place to block any light coming out of the exposed adaptor hole.

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7.
Control Ring – Turning this control activates the control ring around the camera lens. Your favorite
functions can be assigned to the control ring and when shooting, established settings can be changed
just by turning the control ring.
To edit the settings of the control ring, enter the Menu  Custom Settings  Custom Key Settings 
Control Ring, and select the desired function.
8.
Lens Port‐ The housing lens port features a 67mm thread and it’s compatible with a wide variety of
“wet” accessory filters and lenses, including macro lenses, wide angle lenses and color correction
filters. In order to maintain the threads of the lens port, it is recommended to apply a small amount
of silicone grease to the threads on the housing port and on the accessory lens prior to installation.
For a selection of lens accessories available, visit the Fantasea website www.fantasea.com
9.
Tripod Mounting Screw Holes – Enable mounting the housing on a tray, thereby allowing for the
addition of various image enhancement accessories to your underwater photo system. By choosing
any one of 3 adjustment positions, you can better determine how and where to position the housing
on the tray. This configuration also allows for the use of 2 set screws for the tray mount, thereby
preventing any swiveling of the housing on the tray.
10.
Lanyard Loops – The 4 lanyard loops featured on the housing are used to attach a Hand Lanyard or
Hand Strap to the housing, as well as to secure accessories using snap cords or secure strings.
Screws longer than 7mm should not be screwed into the housing Tripod
Mounting Plate, as they might damage the plate and housing.
Important Notice

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Back Side of Housing ‐ Corresponding numbered descriptions are found below the image
12. Flash Pop‐Up
11.
Vacuum Valve 13. Movie (Video Control) Button
14.
Function
15.
Menu
16.
Display / Up
25. Anti‐Glare
Hood Rails
19.
Drive Mode /
Self Timer /
Left
20.
Select /
Rotary Wheel
24. Playback
17.
Flash / Right
18.
Exposure
Compensation /
Photo
Creativity /
Down
21.
Latch Dial
22.
Latch Dial Lock
23.
Custom / Delete
11.
Vacuum Valve – For instructions of use, please refer to the section “Fantasea Hybrid Vacuum Safety
System”.
12.
Flash Pop‐Up – Turning this control counterclockwise will pop‐up the camera built‐in flash.
Note that once the camera built‐in flash has been popped up, it can be disabled again using the Flash
/ Right control (no. 15) and selecting “flash disabled” on the flash mode menu. Turning the Flash Pop‐
Up control clockwise will not have any effect on the built‐in flash.
Note: When shooting in M (Manual), A (Aperture priority) or S (Shutter Speed priority) shooting
modes, please take into consideration that once the flash has been popped up – it cannot be
Prior to opening a vacuumed housing, the vacuum should be released
using the Vacuum Valve.
Important Notice

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disabled. Therefore, in such cases, it's recommended to switch to Auto shooting mode to eliminate
the flash after it has been popped up.
13.
Movie (Video Control) Button –
a.
Push the Movie (video) Control in any shooting mode to start recording a video. The record
symbol (REC) appears and displayed with the elapsed time. To record a video in HFR shooting
mode, first push the Select (center) control and then the Movie Control.
b.
Push the Movie Control again in order to stop recording.
14.
Function – Allows you to register 12 functions and recall those functions when shooting.
a.
Push the Function control.
b.
Select the desired function by using multi‐selector controls.
c.
Select the setting value by turning the control ring or by using multi‐selector controls.
15.
Menu ‐ Pushing this control activates the camera menu button.
Multi‐Selector buttons (16‐20)
16.
Display / Up – Pushing this control activates the camera Display / Up button.
17.
Flash / Right – Pushing this control activates the camera flash mode / right button.
18.
Exposure Compensation / Photo Creativity / Down – Pushing this control activates the camera
exposure compensation / photo creativity / down button.
19.
Drive Mode / Self Timer / Left – Pushing this control activates the camera drive mode / left button.
20.
Select / Rotary Wheel –
c.
Pushing this control activates the camera Select (confirm selection) button.
d.
Rotating this control operates the camera rotary wheel, thereby enabling to alter exposure
values, navigate through menus and other functions assigned to the rotary wheel.
21.
Latch Dial – This dial ensures the housing is properly closed and watertight sealed, when locked fully
into place. For further instructions, please refer to the sections "Opening the Housing” and “Closing
the Housing”.
22.
Latch Dial Lock (red lever) ‐ Ensures the secure dial doesn’t accidently open during the dive. For
further instructions, please refer to the sections "Opening the Housing” and “Closing the Housing”.
23.
Custom / Delete –
a.
In playback mode, push this control to delete images.

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b.
To assign additional functions for this button, enter the Menu  Custom Settings  Custom
Key Settings  C Button, and select the desired function.
24.
Playback – Pushing this button allows you to enter the playback mode and to review images or
videos stored on the memory card.
25.
Removable Anti‐Glare Hood – The anti‐glare hood enables a better view of the LCD screen when
shooting in bright conditions. It can be removed and installed during the dive. For further
instructions, please refer to the section “Preparing the Housing”.

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PREPARING THE CAMERA
1.
Install a (preferably empty) memory card (16 GB+ capacity recommended) and a fully charged
battery inside the camera. Note that SDXC Class10 or UHS‐I compatible memory cards are
required for high frame rate recording with the RX100 IV and RX100 V.
2.
Remove the camera strap from the camera if one was installed.
3.
Turn the Mode Dial so the Auto (green symbol) shooting mode is selected and aligned with the
white mark on the left of the wheel. This will allow for the camera and housing mode dials to be
aligned, so the housing mode dial will indicate the proper mode selected by the camera dial.
4.
It is recommended to program the camera to the most frequently used underwater photo mode,
lighting and other key settings prior to installing the camera in the housing.
PREPARING THE HOUSING
1.
When using the housing for the first time‐
a.
Peel the transparent plastic screen protector off the back door exterior of the housing.
b.
Install the hand lanyard on the housing by inserting it through the lanyard loop on the
bottom right of the housing (facing from back), then pulling it through itself and testing it
in order to make sure it is secure (image #1 on the following page).
c.
Install the housing side of the diffuser quick release secure line by tying it around the
upper rectangular loop at the top left side of the housing, where the Fiber Optic Cable
Plate secure string is attached to as well (image #2 on the following page). Please note
that this line may come assembled and then there is no need for installation.
d.
Open the housing (see section “Opening the Housing” and “Hybrid Vacuum Safety
System”) and remove the anti‐glare hood out of the housing. Secure the anti‐glare hood
to the housing by tying its secure string around the lower rectangular loop at the bottom
left side of the housing. Install the anti‐glare hood over the anti‐glare hood rails at the
SETTING UP THE HOUSING
It is important that a first dive is always carried out with the housing
empty (no camera installed inside) in order to verify that the housing
watertight seal has not been affected during transport and after long
periods of storage.
Note

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Image #2
back of the housing. First install the anti‐glare hood over the top rail (image #3) and then
gently and carefully stretch it downwards to install it on the bottom rail, making sure it’s
sitting securely on both upper and lower rails (image #4).
e.
If using a Hand Strap, install it on the two loops found at the right side of the housing.
Please refer to the section “Hand Strap” on page 23 for further information.
f.
It is important that a first dive with the housing is always made without the camera in
order to verify that the housing watertight seal has not been affected during transport
and after long periods of storage.
Image #1
Image #3 Image #4

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Image #6
OPENING THE HOUSING
1.
Pull the small red tab located at the bottom of the latch dial outwards (up and away from the
housing), as indicated by the arrow direction (image #5). There is no need to apply any force.
2.
While holding the lock dial up, turn the latch dial counterclockwise until the red latch tab is
located at the top of the latch and cannot be turned any further (image #6). There is no need to
apply any force.
3.
Carefully open the back side of the housing.
4.
Note that when opening the housing for the first time or when opening it after airplane trips,
increased resistance might be encountered. Therefore, it is important not to lock the housing
and to leave it slightly open when transporting by air.
Prior to opening a
vacuumed housing, the vacuum should be released
using the Vacuum Valve. For further instructions, please refer to the
section “Fantasea Hybrid Vacuum Safety System”.
Important Notice
Image #5

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CHECKING THE O‐RING
1.
Prior to each closure of the housing, the back door black O‐ring should be visually inspected. If there
is any debris present, including dirt, sand, dust, hair or any other matter, it must be cleaned to
ensure a proper watertight seal.
2.
In order to clean the black O‐ring, first remove it from the housing:
a.
Insert the O‐ring remover between the black O‐ring and the groove it is
seated in (image #7 on the following page).
b.
Slip the tip of the inserted O‐ring remover below the black O‐ring, while making sure the O‐ring
doesn’t get damaged (image #8 on the following page).
c.
Carefully hold the O‐ring with your fingertips in order to remove it from the groove.
3.
Cleaning the O‐ring is a simple matter of wiping it with a damp, soft cloth to remove the foreign
matter. Be careful the cloth you use does not leave any of its own material behind as this can also
affect the effectiveness of the seal.
4.
Apply a slight layer of silicone grease on the black O‐ring. Please note that the amount of lubrication
required on the O‐ring is only enough to allow it to slip into place without friction, so it does not
twist or become dislodged. More grease is not necessarily better, and in some cases might interfere
with the watertight seal of the housing.
5.
When replacing the O‐ring, place it back into the groove starting at one corner and gently pressing it
into the groove all around the housing until it is all seated in the groove and no part of it is sticking
up or out of the groove.
Image #7 Image #8

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6.
The white O‐ring featured on the back side of the front door should be visually inspected prior to
each dive. If there is any debris present, gently wipe the area with a soft microfiber cloth in order to
cleanse it.
7.
The white O‐ring featured on the back side of the front door shouldn’t be removed unless it’s
damaged.
WHEN INSTALLING THE RX100 III CAMERA INSIDE THE HOUSING
If using the housing to accommodate the RX100 III camera a small plastic C‐shaped washer (included)
should be installed on the Select / Rotary Wheel control of the housing prior to installing the camera
inside. This C‐shaped washer enables an easier and smoother use of this control with the RX100 III
camera. The C‐shaped washer should only be installed once following this procedure:
1.
Open the back side of the housing.
2.
Identify the Select / Rotary Wheel control on the interior back side of the housing.
3.
Gently remove the black rubber disc installed at the end of this control by pinching it and then
gently pulling it out using your fingers. Pull it away from its black plastic 2‐pointed seat (image
#9).
4.
Remove the plastic C‐shaped washer out of its bag and use small needle nose pliers to securely
hold it without damaging it (image #10 on the
following page).
5.
Using one hand, press the Select / Rotary
Wheel control from the exterior side of the
housing, so the metal shaft sticks out from the
inside.
6.
Using your second hand, install the plastic C‐
shaped washer on the control shaft. First,
using small needle nose pliers, hold the C‐
shaped washer against the shaft so it’s
positioned between the housing backdoor and
the black plastic 2 pointed seat installed at the
end of the shaft. Then push the C‐shaped
washer against the shaft until it snaps securely
into place (image #11 on the following page). Image #9

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7.
Finally, re‐install the black rubber disc at the end of the control by pushing it against the shaft
until it is fully and securely seated. Do so by mounting the 2 holes on the disc center onto the 2
protruding points at the end of the black plastic 2‐pointed seat.
8.
Once complete, install the camera inside the housing and test to control. If properly installed,
the control should work smoothly when turned or pushed against the camera button.
9.
The C‐shaped washer should remain in this position as long as the housing is used to
accommodate the RX100 III camera. In case of using the housing to accommodate the RX100 IV
or RX100 V camera, the C‐shaped washer should be removed.
Important Notice: This procedure should only be followed if using the housing to accommodate the
RX100 III camera. Installing the C‐shaped washer when using the housing with the RX100 IV /
RX100 V camera will interfere with housing functionality and potentially damage the camera
and/or housing!
INSTALLING THE CAMERA
Since the FRX100 VA S Housing is specifically designed for the Sony RX100 V, RX100 IV and
RX100 III digital cameras, installing the camera in the housing is quite simple.
1.
Make sure the camera is turned off.
Image #10
Image #11
Black plastic 2‐
pointed seat at
end of shaft
C‐shaped
washer
Housing
backdoor

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2.
Hold the camera parallel to the housing and then gently install it inside (image #12). Avoid
inserting one side of the camera prior to the other, as this will make the installation difficult and
might cause damage to the camera or housing.
3.
Take special care not to touch or damage the Vacuum System signal board when installing the
camera. The board is located inside the housing on the inner right side of the housing,
opposite the latch dial (image #13).
4.
If inserting a silica gel pack inside the housing in order to prevent moisture, it is best to insert it
on the left side of the camera, in the slot midway up between the two rubber shock absorber
mounts, where it doesn’t interfere with proper housing operation. It is important to make sure
Image #12
Image #13
SIGNAL BOARD