Fantasea Fiber Optic Cable Guide

Sea & Sea and Nano Strobes FO 201107
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Using the Fiber Optic Cable
with Nano and Sea & Sea
Strobes
The Nano and Sea & Sea strobes are capable of synchronizing with the
camera's internal flash without a fiber optic cable in most diving
conditions. They feature a slave sensor that triggers the strobe to fire
along with the camera's internal flash, as long as the strobe and the
camera are positioned on the same axis.
The fiber optic cable, however, ensures the best synchronization
between the camera's internal flash and the external strobe in all
angles and in various diving conditions.
Step 1 - Preparing the Fiber Optic Cable
The fiber optic cable consists of two ends: One is attached to a white
plastic fitting (flat white plastic at the end of the cable with Allen
screw inside), and the other is loose or attached to an additional
plastic component. If your fiber optic cable consists of plastic fittings
on both ends (image #1), please follow this first step. However, if your
fiber optic cable features a plastic fitting only on one end (image #2),
please continue to Step 2.
#1 #2

Sea & Sea and Nano Strobes FO 201107
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a) Remove the plastic fitting from one end of the cable, so the
other stays attached to a white plastic fitting. This can be done
by using the Allen key you have received with your fiber optic
cable kit, meant for loosening the screw that keeps the fiber
optic cable's end attached to the fitting (image a). Store the
removed plastic fitting in a safe place for possible future use.
b) You end up with a fiber optic cable exposed on one end and
attached to a white plastic fitting on the other (image b).
Step 2 - Attaching the Fiber Optic Cable to the Nano or Sea & Sea
Strobe
a) Insert the exposed end of the fiber optic cable (the end without
the fitting) into the small hole of the adaptor unit until the fiber
optic cable reaches the end of the adaptor.
b) Use the tool you have received with your fiber optic cable kit in
order to tighten the screw on the adaptor. Tighten it enough to
stabilize the fiber optic cable inside the adaptor, but don't
tighten it too strongly. Tightening the screw too much might
damage the fiber optic cable.
ab

Sea & Sea and Nano Strobes FO 201107
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c) Carefully but firmly insert the black adaptor inside the proper
fitting in front of the strobe's slave sensor.
•Sea & Sea Strobes- Insert the adaptor into the bottom
grommet on the strobe, right beneath the strobe's bulb,
so that the adaptor's screw doesn't get in its way. Insert
it all the way to the end, and do not force once you
encounter any resistance (image c).
•Nano Flash- Install the black and clear plastic diffuser
cover on the Nano Flash Housing, if it isn't already
assembled. Insert the black adaptor inside the lower
right grommet (the one with the wider hole) of the black
diffuser cover, so that the adaptor's screw doesn't get in
its way. Insert it all the way to the end, and do not force
once you encounter any resistance (image d).
c
Sea & Sea Strobe Nano Flash
d

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Step 3 – Attaching the Fiber Optic Cable to the Camera Housing
a) The other end of the fiber optic cable attaches to the outside of
the camera housing - opposite the camera's internal flash - by
using both sides of the Velcro strip included in the kit. The
white plastic fitting normally comes with the Velcro tape
attached and therefore you are only required to apply the other
side of the Velcro strip on the housing to receive it (images e
and f). If your housing features a built-in flash diffuser, the
Velcro strip should be attached beneath it, directly to the
housing. If possible, place the Velcro strip between the built in
flash diffuser and the housing, positioned opposite the internal
flash of the camera.
b) It is preferable to totally block out the internal flash of the
camera after attaching the camera side of the cable by putting
black electrical tape over the fiber optic connector attached to
the housing case. This effectively achieves two things: it
diminishes the effects of backscatter, as well as avoiding any
shadowing effect while using wide angle or macro accessory
lenses. Removing the built-in flash diffuser will have no affect
on lighting.
e
f

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c) Follow the instructions on your Nano Flash or Sea & Sea strobe
manual in order to synchronize your camera with the external
strobe. Please note that different digital cameras have different
pre-flash and flash characteristics, which are compatible with
different strobe modes. It is always a good idea to test the
synchronization when photographing opposite a mirror. In this
case both flash units (the camera and the slave) should be
illuminated when viewing the results of the test shot taken.
You can also find this instructions manual in our Customer Support
Section on the website- http://www.fantasea.com/technical.asp
For further information please contact us at [email protected]
Note:
In some cases, after using the fiber optic cable frequently or for a long
period, you might encounter a decrease in performance. You can easily
solve this problem by cutting 1 cm/0.3 inch off the fiber optic cable's
ends, using a sharp tool and performing a very straight angled cut.
This way you remove any worn ends, and expose a new portion of the
cable.