Fantasea CP-5 User manual

Fantasea CP-5 Camera Housing
For Nikon Coolpix 4200 & Coolpix 5200 Digital Cameras
Housing Orientation & Nomenclature:
Front View: (45 degree angle showing latch on side)
General Introduction:
The Fantasea CP-5 housing is specifically designed for the Nikon Coolpix 4200
and 5200 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.
The CP-5 housing provides access to the cameras shutter release, zoom control, flash
and quick review functions. Other camera functions and features that are desirable
such as setting the macro focus should be made prior to closing the housing. This
housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers who prefer to use the
cameras automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and
creatively.
Fantasea CP-5 Uses:
The Fantasea CP-5 housing is designed as an underwater/outdoor camera housing.
It has 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-5 will protect the Coolpix camera from water, sand, dust, and
other damaging elements.
General Camera Description:
The Nikon Coolpix 4200 is a 4 megapixel camera and the Coolpix 5200 is a
5megapixel 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 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.
Using the CP-5 Housing:
Opening Housing:
Using two hands, pinch the Latch 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-5 was specifically designed for the Coolpix 4200 and 5200 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.
Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flash mode to the Anytime
setting to insure they always have a flash with every exposure. It is also wise to set
the focus mode to allow the lens to focus in the macro range for capturing great images
of the tiny and exotic subjects that you can find underwater.
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, 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. It is not necessary to remove the gasket for cleaning unless
visual inspection determines that there is foreign matter underneath the gasket as well.
If this occurs, be sure the surface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any
debris.
Since the gasket in the CP-5 is a face-to-face/compression seal, and is not subject
to friction as it is closed, there is no need to lubricate it. Grease or any other form
of lubrication does not help seal the housing. It only reduces friction, which is
commonly present if the housing has an O-ring seal. Lubricating the gasket before
use could cause it to slip out of its groove, and not form a proper seal.
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.
If the gasket is removed from the channel groove it sets in, be sure to get it completely
back into place so it is properly seated. Starting at one corner, press the gasket with
your finger and feel it seat into its channel groove. Then continue this procedure
continuously in one direction until the entire circumference of the gasket has been
pressed flat into place. Go over it a second time to be sure it is properly in place.
Then you are ready to clean it and close the housing.
Closing the Housing:
Make sure the camera is flat and that the back door of the housing closes easily without
interference. Take special care not to get the lanyard caught in the closure. 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.
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. The anti glare LCD shade will assist
your viewing in high ambient light.
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 used 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.
Rear View: (Angled View)
Shutter Release Flash Diffuser
Latch Safety
Lock Release
7
Lanyard
Eyelet
Tripod Socket
Tempered Glass
Lens Port & Ring
Latch Buckle
1
2
4
5
3
6
Zoom Lens in/out
Controls (2)
LCD Viewing
Monitor
LCD Ambient
Light Shade
Rear Door
Hinge
5
3
2
6Internal flash selection
control
7
Shutter Release
1
4The function lock button which
is pushed to lock any changes
made using the flash function
control (3)
*Pleasemakesureyoudonotpushthisbutton
first as it is also the white balance control
buttonwhich you do not want to change.Only
press this after changing the flash control
function.
Quick Review and On control
button (usedto revive camera after it has
gone into sleep mode.)
8

Battery Life:
The Coolpix is very efficient and batteries last 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 short time,
during periods of non-use. It can then be 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. It is always wise to have backup
batteries in case you do run out of power. Rechargeable batteries are very popular,
since they can be recharged many times and offer an economical and environmentally
aware alternative to one-use disposable batteries. Check the users manual of the
camera for confirmation of compatibility with these rechargeable batteries.
Using Flash:
The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate nearby underwater subjects.
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 CP-5 uses a flash
diffuser to 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.
Underwater photographers, needing artificial light to restore color in nearly all pictures,
should set the flash mode to Anytime flash. This will insure the flash fires on every
exposure regardless of the ambient light conditions. (Please refer to the camera s
instruction manual for more details.)
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 in digital cameras, and synchronizes with the shutter release.
Lens Accessories:
The CP-5 is designed to work with accessory wide-angle and macro adapters that are
currently on the market. Fantasea Line offers a wide angle lens adapter for this purpose.
For more information on these items, see your local photo dealer or visit the web at
www.fantasea.com.
Shooting Techniques:
Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)
There are several exposure modes for photographers to choose from, depending on
the situation. Underwater it is recommended that you shoot in 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. You can also select different light
meters to use, based on the situation and your personal preferences. Additionally, you
can choose the Auto White Balance setting for color temperature control, or experiment
with some of the other modes to see which will work best underwater. These settings
must be made ahead of any dive as they can not be accessed through the housing.
Please reference the Coolpix instruction manual for details on how to set these camera
options, and under what conditions the different choices would be used.
Other Controls: Please reference Coolpix instruction manual for details.
Zoom Control: Zoom in for telephoto photos and larger subject size. Zoom out for
wide-angle scenes.
Macro Focus: For capturing the tiny and exotic subjects that require close focus.
Macro focus is possible when the lens is in the wide-angle position. The macro option
should be selected prior to use.
Quick Review: Immediate review of most recent image is available that will confirm
that you captured the shot you want. However, if you want to scroll through your
images, or delete images from the SD card, this must be done when the camera is out
of the housing.
Camera Standby Mode: You can access the camera s menu to choose how long a
period of inactivity before the camera goes into standby mode. Options are 30 seconds,
one minute, five minutes, and 30 minutes. This feature allows you to conserve battery
power by placing the LCD monitor in standby. When you want to resume shooting,
pressing any button will re-activate the camera. However, if after the camera goes
into standby, a further period of three minutes goes by without any activity, the camera
will turn off. You can turn it back on by pressing and holding the quick review for
about three seconds. The Welcome to Nikon Coolpix screen will appear. One
additional press of the Quick Review button will then return the camera to active
shooting mode.
Care & Maintenance:
The CP-5 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. Do not use grease or any other type of lubricant on the gasket when closing the
housing.. It does not increase the ability of the gasket to make a proper seal.
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-5 housing to a depth greater than 130 ft/40 meters.
9. Give your CP-5 an annual tune-up, as you would any tool that gets rugged use.
The Fantasea repair and maintenance facility will replace 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.*
10. It is recommended that you select the shortest time option on the menu, for placing
the camera into standby during periods of inactivity. This will conserve battery
power and reduce the heat given off by the LCD screen, which can contribute
to condensation inside the housing and fogging .
11. Keep the CP-5 and camera out of direct sun and heat to avoid overheating and
condensation. While traveling to a dive site, the camera and housing should be
stored in a cool, shady place. The use of a Fantasea padded and insulated housing
bag is recommended for this purpose.
Flood Insurance:
Every CP-5 housing includes a one-year flood insurance policy. Supplied by the
Divers Equipment Protection Program (DEPP), this insurance policy acts as additional
protection to the warranty and is good for one year. If your CP-5 housing experiences
water leakage in this period of time, your camera will be replaced. Only a small
shipping charge will apply. After the first year, you will have the option of renewing
the insurance policy directly with DEPP. Only the camera will be replaced. The
housing replacement is not included in this coverage. Coverage is limited to one
customer claim per housing.
All insurance policies are automatically activated at the time of purchase. It is strongly
recommended that all owners complete the product registration form, included in the
box, and send it along with a photo copy of the bill of sale to Fantasea Products. These
documents can also be faxed to 203-637-4686. Registration of the purchase will assist
in the event of a claim, and is necessary for owners to receive other promotional offers
and educational information.
Included with CP-5 Housing:
Spare Gasket: Use if original gasket becomes old, deteriorated, cut or deformed in
any way that could lead to water leakage.
Spare Push Button Control Tips: Replacments for soft tips on the end of the control
shafts that prevent scratches on the camera on contact.
Transparent Diffuser Stickers: Sheet of peel off labels are pressed against the inside
of the housing, directly in front of the flash to help soften and widen the flash and
reduce the affects of backscatter.
Black Blocker Stickers: Sheet of peel off labels used when an accessory slave flash
is also used. These labels prevent the built-in flash from illuminating the particles
directly around and in front of the camera s lens, and reduces the affects of backscatter.
Anti-fog Liquid: Used in a similar way to mask defog. If condensation inside the
housing causes fogging of the lens port, use a few drops of the anti-fog liquid on the
inside surface of the port and let dry. Do not allow anti-fog liquid to come into contact
with the lens. It could damage the coating on the surface.
Fantasea Authorized Service & Repairs:
Underwater Photo Tech
16 Manning St.
Derry, NH 03038
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Fantasea Line Contact Information:
Fantasea Holdings Ltd. Fantasea USA
[email protected] [email protected] www.fantasea.com
27 Lockwood Dr.
POBox 234, Hofit, Israel 40295 Old Greenwich, CT. 06970
Fax [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]