Fantasea FL-15 User manual

FL-15 Housing Operator's Manual
For Nikon Coolpix L15 Digital Camera
Operator's Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................................2
General Information.........................................................................................................................................3
The Fantasea FL-15 Housing..........................................................................................................................3
Fantasea FL-15 Uses.......................................................................................................................................3
General Description of Camera ......................................................................................................................9
Nikon Coolpix L15 Feature Highlights........................................................................................................10
Using the Fantasea FL-15 Housing...............................................................................................................11
Opening the Housing....................................................................................................................................11
Inserting Camera...........................................................................................................................................11
Checking the O-ring......................................................................................................................................12
Closing the Housing .....................................................................................................................................12
Viewing the Subject........................................................................................................................................14
Taking the Picture.........................................................................................................................................14
Choosing Image Files ...................................................................................................................................14
Battery Life......................................................................................................................................................15
Using the Flash................................................................................................................................................16
Accessory Slave Flash..................................................................................................................................16
Lens Accessories...........................................................................................................................................17
Fantasea Coolpix Accessory Systems and Sets............................................................................................17
Shooting Techniques.......................................................................................................................................18
Exposure Modes (Pre-set Before Camera Insertion)....................................................................................18
Zoom Control................................................................................................................................................18
Macro Focus .................................................................................................................................................18
Quick Review ...............................................................................................................................................18
Camera Standby Mode..................................................................................................................................19
Care & Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................20
Flood Insurance ..............................................................................................................................................21

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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fantasea FL-15 Housing
Fantasea has specially designed the FL-15 housing for the Nikon Coolpix L15 camera. This
housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers who enjoy the camera's automatic
exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and creatively. The FL-15 housing
ensures easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of
push-button controls and a compact design.
The FL-15 housing provides access to all control functions: On/Off, Shutter Release, Mode,
Zoom In/Out, Menu, Flash, Exposure Compensation, Timer, Macro, Playback and Delete, and
has a built in Flash Diffuser and an anti-glare hood over the LCD screen.
Fantasea FL-15 Uses
The Fantasea FL-15 housing is designed as an underwater/outdoor camera housing. It features
double O-rings on all controls, and has a working depth of 200 feet/60 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, swimming, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting,
backpacking and camping. The Fantasea FL-15 will protect the Coolpix L15 camera from water,
sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

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Top/Front Side of Housing
Numbered description below refers to corresponding numbers on above graphic.
1. Shutter Release
This is a two stage shutter-release button. First lightly press the shutter-release button halfway,
stopping when you feel minimal resistance. Once the camera has focused, press the shutter-release
button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and take the picture. Do not use force when
pressing the shutter-release button, as this may result in camera shake and blurred pictures.
2. Power On/Off
To turn on the camera, press the power switch. The power-on lamp (green) will turn on for a moment,
and the monitor will turn on.
To turn off the camera, press the power switch again.
2. Power On/Off
1. Shutter Re
lease
7. Buckles to
Secure Housing
5. Removable Flash
Diffuser
6. Lens Port
4. Shooting Mode
3. Playback

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3. Playback
Press the Playback button in shooting mode to enter the playback mode.
4. Shooting Mode
•Press the Shooting Mode button in playback mode to enter the shooting mode.
•Press the Shooting Mode button in shooting mode to display the shooting mode selection menu.
In this menu, use the multi-selector to choose a shooting mode:
-Easy-Auto Mode
-Movie
-Scene
-One-Touch Portrait
-Auto Mode
The shooting mode selection menu is continuously displayed until you select the shooting mode
and press the "OK" button to determine the mode, or you press the Shooting Mode button again.
5. Removable Flash Diffuser
The Flash Diffuser is used to diffuse the internal flash's intensity. There are two different diffusers
included with the FL-15 Housing:
•Transparent diffuser- This diffuser allows for a large amount of light to illuminate your subject,
but doesn't reduce the shadowing effect when photographing from a short distance. Therefore,
install this diffuser on the housing when taking wide angle shots and when the subject is
positioned within a relatively far distance from the lens.
•White diffuser- This diffuser reduces the shadowing effect when photographing from a short
distance, but allows for a relatively small amount of light to illuminate your subject. Therefore,
install this diffuser on the housing when taking macro shots and when the subject is positioned
within a close distance from the lens.
See the section on "Accessory Slave Flash" for additional information.

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6. Lens Port
Refer to the section "Inserting Camera" for useful information.
7. Buckles to Secure Housing
Refer to the section "Using the Fantasea FL-15 Housing" on how to open and close the camera
housing.
Back Side of Housing Buttons
Numbered description below refers to corresponding numbers on above graphic.
8. Menu
Press the Menu button to display the menu for the selected mode. Use the multi selector to navigate the
menus. To exit the menu display, press the Menu button again.
9. Zoom In/Out
8
.
Menu
10. Flash Mode
11. Exposure
Compensation
14. Self-Timer
12. Macro Mode
15. Delete
13. OK Button

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9. Zoom In/Out
•Use the Zoom buttons to activate optical zoom. Press "W" to zoom out, increasing the area visible in
the frame, or "T" to zoom in, so that the subject fills a larger area of the frame. When the camera is
zoomed to the maximum magnification (3x), holding "T" down triggers the digital zoom. The subject
is magnified up to 4x, for a total magnification of 12x. A monitor indicator shows the current zoom
ratio.
•Press "W" in full-frame playback to display pictures in "contact sheets" of four, nine or sixteen
thumbnail images.
•Press "T" to zoom-in on still images displayed in full-frame playback.
•When entering a menu, press "T" to view a description of the currently selected menu option.
Multi-Selector buttons (10-14)
10. Flash Mode
In order to select a flash mode:
•Press the Flash Mode button.
•Use the multi-selector up/down arrows to choose the desired flash mode (Auto, Auto with Red-Eye
Reduction, Off, Fill Flash and Slow Sync), and press "OK".
11. Exposure Compensation
Exposure Compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera to make
pictures brighter or darker.
•Press the Exposure Compensation button.
•Press the multi-selector up/down arrows to adjust exposure between -2.00 and +2.00, and press "OK".
12. Macro
Macro Close-Up mode is used for taking pictures of objects as close as 15 cm/5.9 inch.
•Press the Macro Mode button.
•Press the multi-selector up/down arrows to choose "On", and press "OK".
•Press "T" or "W" to frame the picture, focus and shoot.

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13. OK Button
Push this button to confirm a selection.
14. Self-Timer
The camera is equipped with a ten-second timer for self portraits. When using the self-timer, mount the
camera on a tripod or rest it on a flat and stable surface.
•Press the Self-Timer button.
•Press the multi-selector up/down arrows to choose "On" and press "OK".
•Frame the picture, press the shutter-release button half-way to focus, and then all the way down.
15. Delete
•Press Delete to delete the picture currently displayed in the monitor in full-frame playback. Press the
multi-selector up/down arrows to choose "Yes", and press "OK".
•In Shooting Mode, press this button to delete the last picture taken. When the confirmation dialog
shown at right is displayed, press the multi-selector up/down arrows to choose "Yes", and press
"OK".
Note! It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the
controls topside before using these controls while diving.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CAMERA
The new Nikon Coolpix L15 is a quality
compact digital camera that combines high
performance with operating ease, as well as
supports advanced features, like the optical
lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image
stabilization.
Built on a custom application of Nikon’s
innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the
precision optics of a Nikkor lens, the Coolpix L15 is built to realize optimum
performance and maximum image quality. The L15 makes full use of its 8.0
effective megapixels, capturing true-to-life color and fine detail that leaves plenty
of freedom to crop or produce enlargements. It also features a bright 2.8" LCD
screen for easy composition, even when shooting outdoors. Optical lens shift VR
image stabilization counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light, or when
shooting unsteady subjects, to help achieve sharper results. Active full time, VR
also stabilizes images displayed on the high-resolution LCD monitor for easier
framing and more reassured shooting. .Paired with the precision optics of a 3x
Zoom-Nikkor lens that covers a practical range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent),
the new model captures a range of scenes, from wide angle to macro photography.
The COOLPIX L15 runs on AA-size batteries, a standard battery size available in
virtually every corner of the world. This means carefree shooting anywhere, free of
any worries about running out of power or needing to recharge when that special
moment arises.
Intuitive operation and user-friendly controls ensure error-free command over the
performance features of the L15. Dedicated buttons on the top of the camera
make it easy to switch between playback and shooting modes.

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NIKON COOLPIX L15 FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
New easy Auto mode and Scene modes for carefree shooting
Easy Auto mode makes it easier to turn on the camera and shoot without
worrying about settings. Easy access to 15 different scene modes and 3
movie modes also ensures shooting that is tuned to give the best results
to match the moment.
Proven optical lens shift VR Image Stabilization
Field proven technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses
used in Nikon SLR camera systems, optical lens shift VR image
stabilisation provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as
three steps slower without blurring the image, whilst also producing a
smoother image when shooting.
.2.8-inch LCD Monitor
The bright, large 2.8-inch LCD monitor enables easy composition, even
when shooting outdoors in daylight and when small objects are involved
in the frame.
ISO 1000 capability for better pictures in low light
Make it easier to take great looking pictures in low light conditions or to
capture fast moving subjects in outstanding clarity, like in underwater
photography, the Coolpix L15 accurately measures available light to
automatically select the optimal sensitivity setting for the shot between
the range of ISO 64 to as high as ISO 1000.

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USING THE FANTASEA FL-15 HOUSING
OPENING THE HOUSING
1. Release all four latches at the same time, and lift off back half to open housing.
INSERTING CAMERA
Since the Fantasea FL-15 is specifically designed for the Coolpix L15 digital camera, inserting the camera
into the housing is quite simple.
1. Mount the camera on the removable tray, using the tripod screw.
2. Slide the tray and camera into the housing tray slot. Make sure it is completely inserted.
3. Make sure the camera lens is centered in the rounded port area and that the lens does not distort the
round black rubber seat. The housing is designed to have the camera fit in place perfectly, but if you
are not careful, it is possible to put it in at an improper angle and hence it will be impossible to get a
good seal or easy closure of the housing.
4. After camera insertion, be sure that the extended camera lens does not catch or bend the
black rubber seat on the inside of the lens port. It is vital that the lens does not disturb this
rubber seat.
Notes:
1. It is recommended to make some camera settings prior to
inserting camera into the housing. Please refer to the
Coolpix owner's manual for menu options and personal
preferences.
2. Take a few test shots: it is recommended to turn the camera
"on" and program to “Flash Always” mode before inserting
into housing and then take test shots to make sure all
systems are working.
Note!
It is strongly recommended to take the first dive without the camera
inside the housing. You should check that the water tight seal has
not been affected during transport and long periods of storage.

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Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flash mode to the flash always setting to ensure
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 O-RING
Prior to each closure of the housing the O-ring should be visually inspected. If there is any debris present,
including dirt, sand, dust, hair, grease or other matter, it must be cleaned to ensure a proper watertight seal.
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. When replacing the O-ring, place it back into the groove starting at the same corner
and gently place 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.
Note
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 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.
CLOSING THE HOUSING
1. Place housing back over front and align the complete mating surface of the housing and the O-
ring, forming a proper seal.
2. Position all four latches over latch hooks in ready position.
3. Close one of the bottom latches first, maintaining pressure on the other side. Proceed by closing
the other side's top latch. Then close the remaining bottom latch and the remaining top latch. Test

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all latches carefully to make sure that they are completely locked into place and not just pushed
down. Try to open them to make sure that they cannot open accidentally.
4. Inspect the O-ring for proper closure. A complete seal can be visually confirmed by the O-ring
around the complete circumference of the housing.
5. Always take the first dive without your camera in the housing just to make sure there is no leakage
from damage to the housing. During the dive, especially at the beginning of descent, take special care
to look at the housing to make sure no bubbles are escaping from it and that no water is entering.
Generally, if there is a problem with the seal, you will discover it in the first seconds of the dive.
6. After use, when opening the housing, it is important to hold it so the lens port is facing down. This
will prevent the camera from slipping out of the housing while being opened. Release the four latches
in the same order described for closing them in step 3, and take off the back side of the housing.
Gently pull both the tray and the camera outside of the housing and unscrew the tripod screw out of
the camera in order to disconnect it from the tray.

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VIEWING THE SUBJECT
The L15 camera does not have a standard eyepiece, but underwater photographers and outdoor photographers
will appreciate the large 2.8 inch LCD viewing monitor for composing photographs. The LCD monitor
allows 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 and allow the camera to focus,
once in focus and ready to shoot a green light will appear on the LCD monitor and the camera is ready to
take the picture. Press down the shutter all the way to complete image capture. 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 and natural.
CHOOSING 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.

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BATTERY LIFE
AA-Size Battery Compatibility
AA-Size is one of the most widely available battery sizes in the world - in alkaline, lithium, rechargeable or
other forms. AA compatibility enables use anywhere in the world.
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. The supplied battery can be recharged many times and offer an economical and
environmentally friendly power source.

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USING THE FLASH
The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate nearby underwater subjects. For subjects that are
farther away, an accessory slave flash is recommended (see below). A built-in flash diffuser is supplied
which will help achieve a wider and softer light source thereby providing more coverage and less likelihood
of backscatter (the unattractive snowstorm affect of the flash reflecting off the suspended particles in the
water). Further reduction of backscatter can be achieved by using an accessory off-camera slave flash. This
will be discussed in more detail later.
The need for artificial light to maximize color reproduction is necessary in nearly all pictures. Therefore it is
strongly recommended that you set the flash mode to Flash Always. This will ensure 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 with, 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 FLASH
If you use the Coolpix built-in flash as the master, you can trigger a second slave flash to provide more
artificial light when needed. To do this, you must use an accessory flash that has a slave feature built in. The
flash from the Coolpix must be aimed or bounced toward the accessory flash's slave sensor, or other fiber
optic sensor. This will trigger the slave to fire in sync with the master flash.
When using an accessory slave flash with fiber optic cable, it is recommended to black out the internal
camera flash. The internal flash is located near the camera lens and can contribute to backscatter by
illuminating floating particles close to the lens port.
If the sensor of the fiber optic cable is attached to the outside of the housing directly above the internal flash
and taped over with black tape–it will block out the light from the internal flash but transmit the light pulse to
the external slave flash
Note Be sure to use a slave flash that has the ability to ignore the built-in pre-flash in
digital cameras, and synchronizes with the shutter release.

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LENS ACCESSORIES
The Fantasea FL-15 features a threaded 46mm lens port. This threaded port is designed to work with some of
the wide-angle and macro adapters that are currently on the market. Fantasea Line offers the following lens
accessories:
•FWAL-01 and FWAL-02 Wide Angle Lenses: accessory Wide Angle Lenses which fit over the
housing port and can be installed and removed during the course of the dive.
•Red Filter 46: fits over the housing port and can be installed and removed during the course of the
dive. The filter is mounted on the housing lens port and held in place by screw thread.
For more information on these items, see your local photo dealer or visit our website at www.fantasea.com
FANTASEA COOLPIX ACCESSORY SYSTEMS AND SETS
Fantasea offers a variety of sets for Coolpix and other housings. These sets are made up of quality accessory
products which will enhance and improve your underwater images. Accessory products include external flash
systems, flexible arms, trays, filters, wide angle and macro lenses, fiber optic cables, bags and more. Below
you can see one sample system. For more information please refer to our website or to the Fantasea Dealer
where you purchased your housing.
NANO FLASH
LENS CADDY FOR
HOLDING ACCESSORY
LENS PRODUCTS
FLEX ARM
NANO FOCUS LIGHT
FIBER OPTIC
CABLE
XLSTAY SLOT TRAY
MACRO /WIDE ANGLE
ACCESSORY LENS
FANTASEA HOUSING

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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 Auto 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 do not have to be made ahead of any dive, as
they can be accessed through the housing controls while underwater.
Please refer to the Coolpix instruction manual for details on how to set these camera options, and under what
conditions the different choices should be used.
ZOOM CONTROL
Zoom in for telephoto photos and larger subject size. Zoom out for wide-angle scenes. It is generally not
recommended to use the zoom underwater as it is preferable to get physically closer to your subject. The
digital zoom has no value at all.
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.
QUICK REVIEW
Immediate review of most recent image is available and will confirm if you captured the shot you want.
However, if you want to scroll through your images, or delete images from the memory card, this should be
done when you are topside and the camera is out of the housing.

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CAMERA STANDBY MODE
You can access the camera's menu to select the length of the inactivity period. Inactivity period is the length
of time 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 on standby [sleep
mode]. It is recommended that this option is set for 30 seconds to conserve battery power. If set for longer
periods of time the LCD screen will heat up and it will produce condensation and fogging of the lens port.
Condensation on the lens port will have a negative impact on the quality of the images taken.
When you want to resume shooting, pressing the shutter release half-way 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 [deep sleep mode]. You can turn it back on by pressing the On/Off
Power button. The Welcome to Nikon Coolpix screen will appear and then it will display last image
taken.

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CARE & MAINTENANCE
The Fantasea FL-15 housing requires only a minimum amount of care for reliable performance. The
following tips will enable you to get the best results.
1. Always rinse your housing with a strong stream of fresh water and if possible soak housing in
a fresh water tub or rinse tank for about 20 minutes after every dive in order 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 O-ring 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. It is recommended to slightly lubricate the housing's O-ring periodically. It's important to 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 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.
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 could crack and affect its watertight seal integrity.
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 Fantasea FL-15 housing to a depth greater than 200 ft/60 meters.
9. 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.