Fantasea CP-4 Pro Guide

General Introduction:
The Fantasea CP-4 Pro & Sport models are both designed for housing the Nikon
Coolpix 4300 and 885 digital cameras. The housing is dedicated to these two
cameras, which are physically identical, to insure the most compact design for easy
handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement
of push-button controls on the housing. The only difference between the Pro and
Sport models is the number of controls on each.
The CP-4 Sport housing provides access to the cameras’ shutter release, zoom
control, and quick review functions. This model is ideal for outdoor and underwater
photographers who prefer to use the camera’s automatic exposure features, while
the CP-4 Pro accesses these same controls, it is also designed for those who prefer
to make exposure settings manually through access to shutter speeds and apertures.
The Pro also adds some additional function controls to assist photographers in the
creative process.
Fantasea CP-4 Uses:
The Fantasea CP-4 Pro & CP-4 Sport housings are both designed as
underwater/outdoor camera housings. Both models have a working depth of 130
feet/40 meters. 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 such activities as white water and paddle sports,
sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping, and
for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The CP-4 will
protect the Coolpix camera from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.
General Camera Description:
The Nikon Coolpix 4300 is a 4 megapixel camera and the Coolpix 885 is a 3.2
megapixel camera. With this resolution and the outstanding quality of other Nikon
features, such as optical performance, you will be able to produce high quality
images of the thrilling outdoor activities in which you participate. These cameras
were selected
Fantasea CP-4 Pro & CP-4 Sport Camera Housings
For Nikon Coolpix 4300 & Coolpix 885 Digital Cameras

Housing Orientation & Nomenclature:
Shutter Release
Latch Buckle
Lanyard
Eyelet Tripod / Tray Mount
Tempered Glass
Lens Port
Flash Diffuser
5
4
3
2
6
1
Safety Release
7
as the basis for the housing design due to the combination of image quality
and consumer value. For specific features of each camera you should reference
your camera’s instruction manual or obtain product technical information
from Nikon or their dealers.
Front View:

Rear View:
CP-4 Pro Model:
CP-4 Sport Model:
Shutter Release
Zoom in/out
Shutter speed up
Aperture up/down
Shutter speed down
Quick Review
Macro Focus
Exposure Compensation
Delete
LCD Monitor
LCD Light Shade
Door Hinge 1
5
4
3
2
6
10
9
8
3
7
Optical Viewfinder
Shutter Release
Quick Review
LCD Monitor
LCD Light Shade
Door Hinge
4
10
9
8
7
Optical Viewfinder
Zoom in/out
1

Using the CP-4 Housing:
Opening Housing:
Using two hands, pinch the Latching Buckle Release together to unlock the
safety device. While holding the release in this position, pull the latch open
in a front to back direction. The latch is hinged on the front half of the clamshell.
Pulling the latch toward the rear of the housing, will unclip the latching buckle
and allow it to swing free, for opening.
Inserting Camera:
Since the CP-4 is designed specifically for the Coolpix 4300 and 885 digital
cameras, insertion is a simple matter of placing the camera in the housing.
Make sure the camera lens is properly aligned with the port and that the camera
is perfectly flat. There are no screws or mounts to worry about or any other
alignments once the camera is properly inserted.
Note: It is necessary to make some camera settings prior to inserting into the
housing. Please refer to the Coolpix owners manual for menu options and personal
preferences to choose from, that are not accessible through the housing push-button
controls. Turn the camera on before inserting in housing.
Checking the Gasket:
Each time the housing is opened, the gasket seal should be visually inspected.
If there is any debris present, including dirt, sand, dust, excess grease or other
matter, it must be cleaned to insure a proper water-tight seal. Cleaning the
gasket is a simple matter of wiping it with a damp, soft cloth to remove any
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 gasket. If this occurs,
be sure the surface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any debris.
The gasket should also be checked visually for any cracks or perforations. If
any part of the gasket shows signs of wear or damage, it is imperative that it
be changed before going into the water.

Closing the Housing:
Make sure the camera is flat and that the back door of the housing closes easily
without interference. Once the door is closed, latch the buckle behind the ridge
on the back half of the housing. (If the camera is not flat, the door will not lie
closed, and the latching buckle will have a hard time catching the ridge on the
back door. In this case, open the back door and reposition the camera until it
is flat and the door closes correctly.) With the latch behind the ridge on the
back door, push the latch buckle forward until it lies flat against the front half
of the housing and the safety release snaps into place.
Test Dive:
It is recommended to make the first dive without the camera in the housing.
This in order to make sure that there was no damage to the housing during
transport or shipment. This is a good general rule for every periodic diving
trip. Please note that the housing is extremely buoyant without the camera
inside.
Viewing the Subject:
Underwater photographers and outdoor photographers will appreciate the large
LCD viewing monitor for composing photographs. The LCD monitor will
allow you to see your subject in sharp focus and framed properly. Hold the
camera housing in your outstretched arm at a position that is both comfortable
and also allows you to easily see the LCD monitor, for best compositional
options.
Taking the Picture:
Once you have composed your scene or subject in the LCD monitor, depress
the shutter release button to take the picture. A half depress will activate the
live viewing ability of the LCD monitor, and a full depression of the button
will take the picture. You may notice a pre-flash and slight delay in the shutter
release. This is to allow the camera to make its final focus and exposure
calculations before taking the picture. With a little practice, you will become
use to this and taking pictures of moving subjects will become easier.
Image Files:
There are several image file options to choose from that offer different resolution
and file sizes. This determination must be made prior to camera insertion from
menu options. Please refer to the Coolpix instruction manual for details on
setting these preferences.

Battery Life:
The rechargeable battery that comes with the Coolpix is very efficient
and lasts for more than enough time for a typical photo dive. However,
there are certain things that users can control to help with battery life.
The most important is to set the camera to turn the LCD off after a set
time, during periods of non-use. It can then automatically turned back
on if you depress the shutter release control half way. Please refer to the
Coolpix instruction manual for details on how to make this adjustment
setting.
Using Flash:
The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate underwater subjects
that are close. For subjects that are farther away, an accessory slave strobe
is recommended. (See Below.) Due to the presence of suspended particles
in the water, the use of the supplied flash diffuser is recommended. This
is a static cling device that should be pressed against the inside of the
housing, and in front of the camera’s flash. It will widen and soften the
light, providing more coverage and less likelihood of “backscatter”, the
unattractive “snowstorm” affect of the flash reflecting off the suspended
particles.
Outdoor photographers do not have this same concern. There is no
backscatter to be concerned about, and due to the ability of the flash to
travel farther and more effectively in air as compared to in water, there
is normally not a need for an accessory flash to provide proper illumination
for most subjects.
Accessory Slave Strobes:
Using the Coolpix built-in flash as the master, you can trigger a second
slave strobe to provide more artificial light when needed. To do this, you
must use an accessory strobe that has a slave feature built in. The flash
from the Coolpix must be “bounced” toward the accessory strobe’s slave
sensor, or other fiber optic sensor. This will trigger the slave to fire. Be
sure to use a slave strobe that has the ability to ignore the built-in pre-
flash, and synchronizes with the shutter release.
Lens Accessories:
The CP-4 is designed to work with some of the wide-angle and macro
adapters that are currently on the market. For more information on these
items, see your local photo dealer.

Shooting Techniques:
Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)
You can either choose the A mode on the camera in which ambient light
and artificial light will be automatically controlled by the camera according
to the lighting conditions. Or you can choose the M mode, and adjust shutter
speeds and apertures manually for the maximum creative control. Please
reference the Coolpix instruction manual for details on which camera controls
are used for this purpose.
Other Controls: Please reference Coolpix instruction manual for details.
Shutter Speeds and Apertures: (Pro Model Only) Allows the photographer
to adjust for more or less light in the manual exposure mode.
Zoom Control: (Pro & Sport Models) Zoom in for telephoto photos and
larger subject size. Zoom out for wide-angle scenes.
Macro Focus: (Pro Model Only) For capturing the tiny and exotic subjects
that require close focus.
Quick Review: (Pro & Sport Models) Immediate review of most recent
images is available that will confirm that you captured the shot you want.
Image Delete Control: (Pro Model Only) If you want to delete unwanted
images to make room for others, use the +/- button in conjunction with the
UP & DOWN control buttons according to the menu options on the LCD
monitor.
ExposureCompensationControl(+/-):(ProModelOnly).Usedincombination
with UP & DOWN buttons. This will allow you to control the overall
brightness of the image in A auto exposure mode.
Care & Maintenance:
The CP-4 housing requires only a minimum amount of care for reliable
performance. The following are tips that will enable you to get the best
results.
1. Always soak your housing in fresh water for 20-30 minutes after every
dive to dissolve the salt water crystals from around the controls and openings
of the housing. Manipulate each of the movable controls to assist the removal
of salt particles from these tight areas.

2. Allow the housing to dry thoroughly before packing away for the day or for the
trip home. You may use a soft towel or cloth to dry the housing. Be sure there is
no grease or other debris on the towel.
3. Visually check the condition of the gasket before every dive. If it is dirty, clean
it with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth as described above. If it is damaged
in any way, such as cut or perforated, replace it immediately.
4. Use a small amount of lubrication grease to keep the gasket from drying out.
Do not overuse grease.
5. Be careful not to get greasy fingerprints or dirt on the lens port. This will affect
the image quality. Wipe any dirt or grease off with fresh water and a soft cloth.
6. Do not drop the housing on hard surfaces. It is not a shock absorber, and could
crack, affecting its water-tight integrity. It could also cause damage to the camera
inside.
7. Travel with the housing protected in a padded case. It is best to remove the
camera from inside the housing when traveling and provide it with its own protective
case, or compartment.
8. Never dive with the CP-4 housing to a depth greater than 130 feet/40meters
9. Give your CP-4 an annual tune up as you would any tool that gets rugged use.
The Fantasea repair and maintenance facility will replace and lubricate all O-rings
on all controls and the main gasket. Then the housing will be pressure tested to
insure it is in good working order.
Flood Insurance:
YourCP-4housingcomeswithaFloodinginsuranceapplicationformsuppliedby"Divers
EquipmentInsuranceProgram".Thispolicyonceactivated, isgoodforoneyearfrom
purchasedateofthehousing. Ifyourhousingexperienceswaterleakageduringthistime
yourcameraandhousingmaybereplacedaccordingtothetermsandconditionsofthe
policy.Onlyasmallshippingandhandlingchargewillapply.Afterthefirstyearyouhave
theoptiontorenewtheprogramonyourownandatyourownexpense.
All insurance policies must be activated by filling out the product registration
form, included in the box, and sending it along with a photo copy of the bill
of sale to Fantasea Products. These documents can also be faxed to expedite
activation of the insurance policy. The policy will go into effect immediately
upon receipt of completed documents.
Contact Information: Fantasea Line
www.fantasea.com
[email protected]
Nikon and Coolpix are registered trademarks of Nikon Corp