Fantasea F400D User manual

OPERATORS MANUAL
Fantasea Line F400-D Waterproof Housing
for the Nikon F400-D
400
400

2
1
Introduction pg.2
RecommendAccessories (Not Included)
pg.3
Camera Model pg.3
A Variety Of Uses pg.4
Specifications And Controls pg.4
Housing Orientation pg.5
Control Details pg.6
Basic Shooting Techniques pg.16
Fantasea F400-D Warranty pg.17
Camera Lenses and Ports pg.17
Table of Contents
Fantasea F400-D Housing
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents pg.1
Preparation Of Housing pg.10
Care & Maintenance pg.14
Product RegistrationAnd Flood Insurance pg.17
Included With Housing pg.2
Introduction
Welcome to the exciting world of underwater digital SLR photography. Your
purchase of the Fantasea F400D housing for the Canon 400D digital camera
will set you apart from other photographers. With this system, you will enjoy
the best chance of capturing the widest variety of superior underwater images.
You will find the housing to be easy and instinctive to use and handle and will
have countless dives in which to experiment with the F400D's advanced imaging
capabilities. Fantasea Line Photo is pleased to offer our help with any of your
photographic needs.
Included With Housing:
The purpose of this manual to is to provide you with the basic introduction to
your Fantasea F 400D, which should get you comfortable with the housing and
allow you to get started taking great underwater images right away. We strongly
urge you to thoroughly read the Canon 400D instruction manual as well, to
familiarize yourself with the most common controls and settings that you will
use for your underwater photography. The Fantasea F400D housing will permit
access to most of the important controls on the camera. To take full advantage
of these features, it is best to have a good command of what each option can
do for you, so you will know when you should use each specific control.
The F400D housing consists of a front and back shell that latch together
to form the housing body
A screw in standard flat port is included. This port will accommodate the
18-55mm lens. Other optional ports are available for different lenses ( 5
inch super wide angle Dome Port, 60 mm macro/close up port and 100mm
super macro port)
Two Aluminum B and J housing handles come with your housing, (due to
packaging restrictions they may need to be assembled by the customer).
These handles include 1" (25mm) round ball mounts which integrate nicely
with most B and J Arm systems, making for easy integration with most
underwater lighting and flash systems. The handles are easily assembled
by tightening one screw head per handle. They are also adjustable to fit
divers using gloves
Base plate for mounting other tray and arm systems
Zoom Control Guide Band that is attached to the camera lens
Optical viewfinder eyepiece built into the back cover of the housing to
assist the photographer in viewing and focusing
A five-pin TTL flash sync port to connect with the 400D’s hot shoe
Removable camera mounting tray that slides into position with the 400D
attached, positioning the camera in the exact location for perfect control
alignment.
Spare O-Rings for the housing and lens port
Adjustment tools
Wrist lanyard
Warranty and other documents

3 4
Camera Model:
Fantasea F400D is dedicated exclusively to the Canon 400D camera. The
size and shape of the camera, plus the location of controls for alignment
with housing controls requires this precision design. Together, the 400D
camera and F400D housing offer the best combination of advanced digital
photography at an affordable price. No other camera may be used in the
Fantasea F400D housing.
Recommend Accessories (not included)
Some Camera Features:
A variety of Uses
The Fantasea F400D housing is more than just an underwater camera system. It
protects the Canon 400D against damage from such environmental conditions
as rain, snow, dust, sand, and dirt. It is perfect protection for active outdoor sports,
where these elements would normally not allow an advanced camera like the
400D to be used without danger of damage. The lightweight, compact housing
and handles make it easy to hold and use while sailing, fishing, kayaking,
backpacking, or just for fun at the beach or around the pool. It will also provide
a valuable tool for many commercial, industrial, and medical applications, because
it is impervious to most liquids, and sprays.
Specifications and Controls
The main seal between front and back halves is a radial O-ring
The ports are sealed when mounted by 2 O-rings, one Radial and one
Compression type.
Controls use stainless steel shafts and springs
Controls are sealed by double O-rings
Control knobs and buttons are made of molded polycarbonate
Closure Design: Buckles are stainless steel
Body Material: Body and handles are made of molded polycarbonate
Flash sync port is a six-pin type TTL connector
Test Pressure: The Fantasea F400D has a maximum working depth rating
of 200' (60m)
Overall Size: 200 x 300 x 230 mm [LxWxH]
Total Weight: Approximately 2.6 Kg for the housing only
Buoyancy with camera: Approximately neutral in salt water
Accessories:
Additional Features:
Visible main O-ring for final pre-dive check
Handles with Flash mounts
Double O-ring design on all controls
Bulkhead and Hotshoe plug for strobe (included)
Carry bag (optional)
Red filter (optional)
Extension arm for strobe or video light (optional)
Macro, Wide and Dome ports (optional)
Housings for eTTL Speedlite 580EX (optional)
6 pin eTTL sync cord (optional)
10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor with improved microlens array, fill factor
and lower noise
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Anti-static coatings on sensor surfaces plus anti-dust materials in the
camera body
Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration
Software based dust mapping / removal
Nine point Auto Focus sensor (same as EOS 30D) with F2.8 support
Continuous shooting burst up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images
Single large, bright, 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angles (horizontal
and vertical)
Camera settings and adjustment on LCD monitor
Proximity sensor below viewfinder eyepiece to disable the LCD during
composition
New viewfinder view includes 9AF points as well as EOS 30D style status bar
Picture Styles, larger range of image parameter adjustment (same as EOS 30D)
Improved user interface
Image magnification available in record review
Specifications:
Controls:
Manual Zoom
ON/OFF
Shutter Release
Mode Control
LCD Control Panel Illuminator
Aperture/Exposure Compensation Control
Flash Sync Port
AF Point Selection
Playback
Set Control
Erase
AE-L/AF-L
Four Way Multi-Control
Meter Mode
White Balance
Iso Speed /Set Control
Auto Focus
Command Dial for Speed and Aperture changes
Instruction manual
Silicone
Cleaning cloth
Lens port cover

65 Back Side:
Control Details
The following is a partial list of the most common uses of housing and camera
controls. For the full list of camera functions and settings accessed by each
control, you should consult your Canon 400D camera instruction manual.
Please note that some of the Fantasea F400D housing controls are designed
to operate more than one camera control.
Flash Sync Port:
Connect the Canon 6 pin sync cord to this bulkhead connector.
Align the index marks to correctly position cord to seat in flash port.
Push down on cord to seat the O-ring seal, and make connection with the
contact pins.
Tighten collar on sync cord to insure cord does not come loose or separates
while underwater or during use.
A 6 pin to 5 pin adaptor cord is available for users that have the 5 pin
Nikonos type flashes.
o
<On> the power lamp lights, and the camera turns on.
<Off> the camera is off and does not operate. Set to this position when not
in use.
The second feature sets the Mode Control; push down and twist to set the
mode;
o Mode dial is divided into two functional zones: Basic and Creative.
ON/OFF / Mode Control:
Dual Function Control button:
1. Basic: all you do is press the shutter button for fully automatic
shooting with a choice of specific subject shooting modes.
2. Creative: can set camera to your specific parameters. These modes
will give you more control over the result. See Canon 400D instruction
manual for full details.
Main Trigger [Shutter]:
Shutter Speed and Aperture Control [Command Main Dial]:
When a creative zone is chosen, the Command Dial is used.
Depress halfway to set the focus and fully depress to activate shutter.
Halfway depression activates auto-focusing [AF] and automatic exposure
[AE] setting shutter speed and aperture.
Depressing completely releases the shutter and takes the picture.
o
o
This is a double function button:
Housing Orientation
Top and Front of Housing:
2
3
1
4
5 6
8 7
9
10
11
12 13
14
15
16
17
18

78
Interchangeable Port Mount:
Display (On/Off) / Info:
The LCD monitor can display the camera setting screen, menus screen and
image, etc.
Menu control:
Menu: by setting various optional settings with the menus, you can set the
image recording quality, the date/time, LCD monitor brightness. While
viewing the LCD monitor and pressing this [Menu] button you can make
selections with the Multi Button Selector [17] in conjunction with the Set
Control [18] button on the back side of the housing.
Jump:
When the CF card contains many images, one can browse through them
by 10 or 100 images at one time. Additionally, when images are shot on
different days it is possible to browse through them by date.
Press the Jump button.
o
Select the Jump function with arrows [up/down]: 10 images, 100
images or jump by date.
Pressing the arrow keys [left/right] will allow the images to "Jump".
Press Jump again to curtail Jump mode.
Playback Control:
When this button is pressed, the last captured image will be displayed.
To view images captured last, press the left arrow button of the Multi
Selector button; pressing the right arrow button will offer image viewing
of the oldest [first shot] shots you took.
When the Display [7] is pressed, you can select the display format you
choose.
o
o
Erase:
You can select and erase images one at a time or all in one batch. Protected
images will not be erased.
To erase one by one, you press the left or right Multi Selector button to
select the image you want erased; then press button 11.
o
Sets the shutter speed
Sets the aperture in AV mode
To activate aperture change in the manual mode you must depress the
Aperture Compensation Control button [13] in back of camera and then
rotate the main dial [Speed Aperture Command Control dial--Reel #4].
Check with Canon Instruction manual for details.
o
o
o
Allows the use of different ports to match different interchangeable lenses
for creative imaging control. Carefully check that both O-rings mounted
on the port thread areas are properly seated, cleaned and lubricated prior
to installing the lens port.
Select "Erase" to erase only the showing image, or "All" to erase all
images, and then press the Set Control button [18]. The showing image
or all the images will be erased.
Aperture/Exposure Compensation Control: Dual Control:
This is for two different functions:Aperture in manual mode, and exposure
compensation control in any other mode.
Drive Mode Selection:
View the image you want captured through this opening.
When your eye goes to the viewfinder, the "display-off" sensor turns the
LCD monitor off, automatically. The LCD monitor returns when your eye
is removed from the viewfinder.
Viewfinder Eyepiece
This button is for choosing single shooting, self timer or continuous shooting.
o Press the Drive Mode button.
Use the arrows (left/right) to choose the drive mode.
o
o To set the shutter speed, turn the Command dial [4].
To set the aperture, hold down the Aperture button [13] and turn the
Command dial.
In the manual mode- you can set both the shutter speed and aperture. Set
the Mode Control [2] to M [manual].
In any other mode than manual- hold down the Exposure Compensation
Control button [13] and turn the main dial to make the photograph
darker/brighter.
o
Zoom Lens Control:
Operates the zoom control function: see the section called Attaching the
Zoom Control Guide Ring in the chapter "Preparation of Housing" for
details on attaching the Zoom Control Guide Ring.
When shooting, press the button to turn the LCD display screen on/off.
In Playback mode, press the display button to switch the display format:
Single image display with/without basic info and shooting information
display.
Pressing the Playback Control again will return to the camera setting display.

109
AE-Lock/FE Lock Control/Enlarge control:
During image playback, press the enlarge control to magnify the image.
Use theAE lock when you want to take multiple shots at the same exposure
setting or when the area of focus is to be different from the exposure
metering area. When the button is pressed, you lock the exposure—then
you can recompose and take the shot.
The FE lock locks the flash exposure setting over the desired area of the
Press and Hold the AE-L/AF-L button to lock exposure and focus prior
to recomposing a scene. The original exposure value and focus distance
will remain set after re-composition.
o
In the Image Zone modes, all AF points are active. Usually the AF point
covering the closest subject will be selected to focus the subject you want.
In the creative zone, you can select one AF point to focus on. Press the AF
Point Selection button, and press one of the 4 Multi Selector buttons to
select an AF point.
AF Point Selection:
While looking through the viewfinder, you can also select the AF point by
turning the Command Dial button [4] until the desiredAF point flashes in
red. Press the Set Control button [18] to toggle the AF point selection
between the center AF point and the automatic AF point selected.
o
Four-Way Multi-Control:
o Metering Mode—left arrow
The metering mode is the method of measuring the brightness of
the subject.
o White Balance Selection—bottom arrow
White balance is for making the white areas look white instead of
having a color cast.
o ISO Speed Set—top arrow
Set the ISO speed to suit the ambient light level.
o Auto Focus—right arrow
You change theAF mode to suit different subjects:
One-Shot AF for stills and portrait.
AI Focus AF for unpredictable movement [wildlife].
AI Servo AF for sports photography.
This four way button offers you the following functionality in the shooting
mode. To alter one of the following, press the appropriate arrow, and use
the four-way multi control to choose the value. Press the shutter button
half way when done.
Set Control
Preparation of Housing:
Make Common or Required Camera Settings:
Prior to inserting camera in housing, it is recommended that Menu Option
settings be made according to the preferences of the user. Most of these choices
are ones that will remain unchanged for most of the time while diving, and
therefore it will be more convenient and less time consuming to make the
settings prior to diving.
Mount Housing Port:
Clean & Lubricate (periodically) Port O-rings
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Set Control: the center button set in the middle of the Multi Selector Control
buttons. Used to set and confirm changes to the Multi Control Selector
settings and the Menu button.
When the Set button is pushed, you can select a "Picture Style" by pushing
the top or bottom Multi Selector buttons.
In order to properly maintain the port you must periodically remove port O-
ring from channel using only your fingers.
Push and lift the O-ring from its channel.
Do NOT use any sharp instruments, such as knives or dental picks, to remove
O-ring. You may accidentally cut the O-ring causing a potential leakage.
Inspect the O-ring visually and by feel for any cuts, nicks, flat spots,
stretching, or any debris, such as sand, dirt, lint, hair, or other matter that
could compromise the integrity of the seal.
Clean O-ring by soaking in fresh water until all debris is removed.
Dry O-ring with a soft clean cloth. Be careful it does not leave any lint on
the O-ring.
Inspect the O-ring channel for any debris or foreign matter that could
damage the O-ring or cause it to lose its seal.
Clean the O-ring channel using a damp cloth or Q-tip. Be careful not to
leave any lint behind.
Replace the O-ring in the channel by lifting it over the end of the port until
it sits in its channel. Be sure the O-ring is not twisted or deformed and out
of position in any way.
Mount the port on the housing body by aligning the threads on the end of
the port with the mount on the housing and screwing clockwise until it is
FULLY screwed in place.
Lubricate the O-ring with the supplied silicone grease. Do not over-grease
the O-ring. It only requires enough grease to allow it to slip into place and
make a seal. It should be slippery and shiny but without any abundance or
build-up of grease.A teardrop amount is usually sufficient for proper lubrication.

1211
The F400D lens port uses 2 O-rings (one Radial O-ring and one
Compression seal O-ring) for a watertight seal. Radial O-rings
are affected by friction when closing the seal as it rubs against
a housing wall. Compression O-rings are not affected by friction
as there is no movement or rubbing against any wall. It is a
direct face-to-face seal. Therefore a radial O-ring, such as the
O-ring on the port, requires lubrication.
Lubrication of an O-ring does not improve the seal. It only
reduces the amount of friction on the O-ring when it is being
moved into sealing position. The amount of lubrication required
on the port 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 better, and could in some cases have a negative
affect if it is applied in large amounts to form a build-up that
could trap any debris or foreign matter.
Note 2:
Note 1:
Note 3:
The Latching Buckles:
Provides water tight closure to the housing. The 3 Stainless
Steel buckles have a safety latch lock which should be manually
pressed into the lock position and then carefully checked to
ensure that the buckle cannot open by mistake during the dive.
This can be checked by physically trying to open the latch
without depressing the lock release. If the latch does open then
you must try again to lock it down so it cannot open
Inspect and Clean Main O-Ring:
Open Housing:
Release all three latches at same time, and lift off back half to open housing.
Use a clean wet cloth. Use only water to clean the o-ring's sealing surface.
Do not remove the o-ring unless there is evidence that there is a need to
clean the underside surface, or the channel it sits in.
If the O-ring does need to be removed for cleaning or replacement, use
your two thumbs and at the top corner of the housing where the O-ring
groove is, push up from both side until a corner of the O-ring raises above
the groove and gently grasp this O-ring section and pull it off the housing.
When replacing the O-ring, place it back into the groove starting at the
same corner and gently put it in by pressing it into the groove all around
the housing until it is all sitting in the groove and no part of it is sticking
up or out of the groove. You can then apply a slight layer of silicone if you
have not done this yet. Be sure it is completely seated in the channel for
a proper seal.
The Camera and tray are inserted in such a way that the nub of the Zoom
Control Guide Ring is sandwiched between the two projections found
on the lens port.All are pointed a downward direction. The Zoom Control
is operated when camera is installed in housing is this manner.
Attaching the Zoom Control Guide Ring:
Attach the Zoom Control Guide Ring to the lens. This is attached using the
Velcro strip. Insure that the projected nub is directly on the bottom.
o
Make the first dive without the camera in housing. This will give you a
chance to inspect the housing seal for proper closure. In this case, any mistakes
will not result in the loss of the camera.
Operate all controls under pressure in the water and inspect for watertight seal.
Before all dives, immerse the housing in the camera rinse tank, and press all
buttons, to visually inspect for any leakage.
While descending on every dive carefully observe the housing. If you see any
bubbles rising from it or water entering surface immediately while holding
the lens port in a downward position. Once on dry land carefully open the
housing, take out the camera and dry it off if any water is on it and check to
see if there is any damage. Please inspect the housing, rinse it in fresh water,
dry it out and then take a dive without the camera in the housing to check for
leaks or other malfunctions.
Insert 400D Camera and Lens into Housing:
Take a Test Dive:
Slide the tray and camera into the housing tray slot. Make sure it is completely
inserted. You will have to raise the On/Off /Mode Control while inserting
tray with camera.
Slide the flash sync cord into the F400 D's hot shoe; gently push to the end.
Align the housing controls with the corresponding buttons on the camera.
Take caution to insure the flat sync cord does not get caught in the housing
seal by storing the slack alongside the left side of the camera.
Mount camera with lens on the removable tray, using the tripod screw to
fasten.
o
Inspect the o-ring seal for proper closure. The o-ring can easily be seen through
the transparent housing.
Place back cover on the housing and align the both surfaces of the housing
and the o-ring, forming a proper seal.
o
Position all three latches over latch hooks in ready position.
Close all three latches at one time. If it is not possible to close all three
latches at the same time, close the bottom latch first, maintaining pressure
on the other side. Then close the two top latches simultaneously.
o

1413
Set camera and lens toAF focus mode
Use menu option to set camera for Focus Priority Release mode.
Set Camera to SingleAdvance Mode
Choose Evaluative light metering. This is the camera's standard metering mode
suited for most subjects even under backlit conditions.After detecting the main
subject's position, brightness, background, front and back lighting, etc., the
camera sets the proper exposure.
Set ISO to desired sensitivity setting. Use ISO 200 for the least amount of noise
(digital grain), when possible.
Set personal preferences by using camera menus.
Recommended Initial Camera Settings:
Connect the strobe sync cord to housing's bulkhead sync port. On the side of
the housing port notice a simple alignment indicator [dot] The 6 pin cord
contains a small white dot. You must insert the cord into the port so the white
dot is aligned with the indicator of the housing. This assures proper alignment.
Hold firmly in place while fastening locking screw. Tighten the collar to secure
the cord in place.
The O-ring on the end of the sync cord should be inspected, cleaned and
lubricated in the same way the port O-ring was treated.
Using different B and J arm systems can be accommodated by attaching to the
1" (25mm)Aluminum ball on the top of the FD-400's handles. Fantasea offers
a full range ofAluminum B and J arm sets and fittings.
Using External Strobes:
Compatible Strobes include any that can use the standard six pin sync. These
strobes will have to be used in the Manual Flash Exposure mode.
If you have a 5 pin sync cord you can obtain a 5 pin to 6 pin converter cord from
our website (www.fantasea.com).
Care & Maintenance
Before a dive:
Protect the Fantasea F400D from sun and heat. This will reduce the
possibility of fogging due to condensation of the warm, moist air inside
the housing when immersed in the colder water. It also reduces the
possibility of sun damage to the polycarbonate. An insulated camera
bag is a good means of protection from overheating.
This is to keep the built-in flash from trying to pop up in low ambient
light.
The Auto Exposure Modes are not always appropriate for underwater
photography.
Set 400 D on M (Manual) Exposure Mode
o
o
o
Protect the Fantasea F400D from accidental impact damage. Secure the
housing and camera in a safe location on the boat or in any vehicle, so
it does not bounce around or bump into other cameras and housings.
The insulated bag mentioned above should be padded for this reason.
Do not leave the camera and housing in a camera rinse tank or bucket
on the boat in route to the dive site. Rough conditions can cause impact
damage and photo gear can often get tangled if too many systems are
together in the tank.
Inspection of all user serviceable O-rings should be a routine pre-dive
check. Required maintenance for the main O-ring involves cleaning
only (if there is no damage requiring replacement). Some O-rings may
require lubrication. Use the silicone grease supplied with the housing.
Use only enough grease to lightly cover the O-ring to reduce friction
as it is put into its place and the seal is made. Over-lubrication should
be avoided and can result in debris accumulating on the O-ring, and
compromise the seal.
It is highly recommended that the housing be immersed in the rinse
tank or in shallow water before every dive and all its controls operated
to visually confirm that it is watertight before descending to depth.
Rinse the housing with a strong stream of fresh water. Let it soak for
about 20 minutes to allow the water to dissolve any salt residues under
the controls or in tight spaces.
Operate all the controls while the housing is soaking to help dislodge
any salt residue that may be caught under or around the controls.
Dip the housing vigorously several times to agitate the final remains of
salt from the narrow areas or around the controls.
Detach sync cords, arms & brackets for overnight storage. This will
greatly reduce the possibility of electrolysis and corrosion that can build
up between similar metals on the housing.
Dry with a clean towel or allow drying naturally in a cool shady place.
After a dive:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Annual Maintenance and Storage:
Use protective hard case when traveling to protect the camera and
housing from impact damage.
Traveling:
o
If possible, do not check camera and housing case on airlines. Use a
hard case that can fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment of
aircraft, and hand carry.
o

1615
Basic Shooting Techniques
The housing's main compression and port O-ring should be replaced
every year or more often if used frequently. The frequency of replacement
depends on the user's inspection of these seals and their condition at the
time. If in doubt, it is always better to change them in order to not take
the chance of flooding the housing.
The seals on each of the controls should be replaced every couple of
years or more often if needed. The best indicator of the need for
replacement is if the controls become harder to operate due to a build
up of salt or corrosion.
Store housing in a cool, dry location when not traveling. It is recommended
that the housing be stored with the two halves together, but not with the
latching buckles closed. This will take the constant pressure off the main
radial o-ring. It is also recommended that the housing is not stored with
the port mounted.
o
o
o
Getting familiar with the location and movement of all the controls and
how the changes in settings can affect your image is an important part
of the process. It is better to learn the basics of the camera's operation
on land, rather than when first underwater. It is faster to operate the
camera out of the housing and you will not have the limited time frame
as you would if you were underwater.
Practice handling the 400D on land
o
Get used to operating this control on the camera in both half depress,
and full depress movements. You will frequently depress the shutter
release only half way to activate the exposure meter and auto focus to
preview the shooting conditions and make setting changes. Once you
get the feel for operating the camera control directly, you can then try
it in the housing, using the housing's controls in the same manner.
o
oUsing the camera in its Manual (M) Exposure Mode gives you the
ability to change either shutter speeds or apertures to control the exposure
the way you want. Get used to making these changes while your eye
is in the viewfinder. To activate aperture change in the manual mode,
you must depress the Command Control button and then rotate the reel
dial. Practice operating each of these controls so they become instinctive
in operation.
Changing Exposure Settings
o
Get close to you subject when shooting underwater
Choose those that are easy to approach and will not scare off readily
when you approach. Choose subjects that will result in a large image
size. This will make a more dramatic image.
Begin by choosing subjects
Focusing and Shutter release control
Use the viewfinder eyepiece
oCompose and view exposure information display. It is very important
that you become familiar with the information display in the viewfinder
so you can make proper exposure settings and know what other settings
have been made. You will use this often and it is good to become familiar
with it before attempting to read it underwater. Also practice composing
and focusing the camera by eye, before using it underwater to get the
feel for this operation as well.
Utilizing each housing control to properly and efficiently change camera
settings. Some controls only require a straight pushing movement, while
others may require rotating and pushing simultaneously to operate.
Familiarize yourself with the movements required
o
Using the camera's light meter to determine ambient light
Read the Canon 400D instruction manual for complete description of
its light meter and its use. It will help guide you to the proper shutter
speed and aperture combination for proper ambient light exposure.
Where you aim the meter is also important. In underwater photography,
it is important to remember to aim the meter at the background water
or "sky" to get the proper exposure information. It is often necessary
to gather this information, make your exposure settings, and then re-
compose the scene before shooting.
o
Sometimes it is good to operate theAE-L button
When locking in the exposure value of the background before re-
composing and taking the photo.
o
The ISO Sensitivity setting on the camera
This is the same as the film speed that photographers set on film cameras,
with one small difference: There is no film.This setting is the equivalent
of the film speed you would normally set. The higher the ISO sensitivity
number, the more light is captured and the brighter the image. Higher
ISO sensitivity numbers have more "Noise", a term that is the digital
equivalent of grain in higher speed films. Try starting out with a lower
ISO sensitivity such as ISO 200 if the lighting conditions permit.
o
This will improve the effectiveness of your strobe in restoring lost color.
It will also expand the sharpness of the image by reducing the amount
of backscatter between the lens and the subject.
o

1817
oThis will give you a range of image exposures, from which you can
choose the one that you like the best. It improves the probability of
getting a good shot.
Change F/Stops and shutter speeds to "bracket" your exposures
This will restore the vivid colors lost through selective light absorption.
Get to know the full manual power rating of your strobe, by shooting
at a constant distance from an average reflective subject, and take several
shots at different F/stops.
Use flash all the time
o
Shoot at an upwards angle or against the blue water
When photographing under water, shoot your subject matter at a slightly
upward angle to use the backlit bluish water as a backdrop. This technique
also can produce interesting silhouettes. If you photograph a dark subject
while aiming downward, you could lose your subject against the dark
depths below or rock or coral reefs.
o
Camera Lenses and Ports
The Fantasea 400D has an interchangeable port system that will accommodate
a wide variety of SLR lenses for use underwater. These ports include:
This port will accommodate the 18-55 mm zoom lens, which is a very
popular lens and the most common one. This port has a zoom gear which
enables the photographer to use the zoom function of the lens.
Standard Flat Port:
For distortion free use with wide-angle lenses, having a focal length of
20mm or more. Some Zoom lenses can be used with this port, but may
require a diopter to allow it to focus accurately. Check with the dealer as
to which lenses will accommodate this port.
Please Visit our website WWW.fantasea.com for more lenses, ports and other
accessories compatible with this housing.
Fantasea F400-D Warranty
The 400 -D includes a two-year limited warranty for defective parts which
the manufacturer will replace.
Product Registration and Flood Insurance:
Every Fantasea 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
Fantasea camera housing experiences water leakage in this period of time
you will be compensated for the loss of the camera body only. Only a small
shipping charge will apply.
Product Registration:
All owners must complete the on-line product registration form, by going to
WWW. fantasea. com and go to the Customer Support area on the top
navigation bar of the Home Page and click the banner titled " Product
Registration", you will be taken to this page
http://WWW.fantasea.com/registration.asp where you can complete the form
and register your housing purchase on-line. Failure to register the product
within 30 days of purchase will result in a shorter period of insurance coverage
for your housing and may in the end cancel the flood insurance coverage
altogether. Also, you must keep the original sales receipt of your purchase,
which must be submitted in the event of a claim.
To make an insurance claim:
Go to the banner in the Customer Support section titled Insurance Claims
and click the banner link: For DEPP flood insurance claims.
(http://WWW.fantasea.com/claims.asp)
Focus lock on your subject
oPractice depressing the shutter release half way, and hold the focus until
you are ready to record the image. If you are shooting a moving subject,
it may be helpful to focus lock on a nearby part of the coral reef and
wait for the subject to enter into your plane of focus.
oIt is important to vary each shot by changing exposure settings or
composition. This will give you a good sample of shots from which to
select the best one.
Take lots of shots of any subject or scene
100mm Macro Port:
This is the best tool for capturing the tiny and shy marine subjects. When
it is not possible to closely approach your subject, the lens will still offer
life-size image reproduction, but with a longer working distance.
5" Dome Port: