Ikelite 6146.05 User manual

Underwater Housing for Canon Powershot G5X
Product Number 6146.05
Instruction Manual
Thank you for your purchase of Ikelite equipment. Please read this instruction
manual completely before attempting to operate or dive with this product.
Please refer to the back page of this manual to register your Ikelite product.

2
Table of Contents
PREPARATION.......................................................................P. 3
SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed ................................P. 4
INCLUDED in the BOX...........................................................P. 4
Parts of the Housing - Front View............................................P. 5
Parts of the Housing - Back View ............................................P. 6
HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS..............................P. 7
STEP 1 - Camera Setup..........................................................P. 7
STEP 2 - Opening the Housing ...............................................P. 8
STEP 3 - Install Camera in Housing........................................P. 8 - 9
STEP 4 - Attach Hotshoe (if not using built-in ash)................P. 10
STEP 5 - Closing the Housing.................................................P. 11
STEP 6 - Final Check ..............................................................P. 11
STEP 7 - Entering the Water ...................................................P. 12
Removing the Camera from the Housing ................................P. 12
STROBE COMPATIBILITY and USE .....................................P. 13
Strobe Compatibility ................................................................P. 13
Housing Conversion Circuitry..................................................P. 13
Using Ikelite DS-series Strobes...............................................P. 13
Using Non-Ikelite or Ikelite Non-DS-series Strobes.................P. 13
Manual Flash Operation with Ikelite DS-series Strobes ..........P. 14
Attach Ikelite Sync Cord to the Housing and Strobe ...............P. 15
Using Fiber Optic Strobes .......................................................P. 16
Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash ...........................................P. 16
Deector Installation and Removal..........................................P. 16
Diffuser Installation and Removal............................................P. 17

3
PREPARATION
This product has been water pressure tested at the factory and is depth
rated to 200 ft (60 m). Thoroughly inspect and immerse the empty
housing completely in water before installing a camera. If any fogging
occurs or droplets of water enter the housing, do not install a camera.
Clean the main housing o-ring and retest to make sure that the housing is
watertight. Refer to the Troubleshooting section, page 28.
Please read your camera manual thoroughly to have a full understanding of
each camera function.
If you are new to underwater photography, be sure to read the Photo Tips
section, page 27.
Table of Contents - continued
Zoom Control Use ...................................................................P. 17
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES and ATTACHMENTS .....P. 18
SPARE PARTS .......................................................................P. 20
MAINTENANCE......................................................................P. 20
Lens Port .................................................................................P. 20
O-ring Storage.........................................................................P. 20
Lubricant..................................................................................P. 21
Housing Maintenance..............................................................P. 21 - 22
Control Maintenance ...............................................................P. 22 - 25
PHOTO TIPS...........................................................................P. 26
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................P. 27 - 29
CUSTOMER SUPPORT..........................................................P. 30
LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................P. 30
RETURNING PRODUCTS FOR SERVICE.............................P. 31
PRODUCT REGISTRATION...................................................Back Page

SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed
Controls.................................. All camera buttons except Diopter adjustment
................................................. dial and Mobile Device Connection
Buoyancy ............................... Slightly negative in freshwater
Depth Rating .......................... 200 ft (60 m)
Strobe Connection ................ Ikelite ICS-5 5pin electrical bulkhead or
................................................. Fiber Optic housing ports
Use Built-in Flash .................. Yes
Main O-ring............................. 0110
Housing Dimensions............. 7.4 x 5.8 x 5.8 (188 x 147 x 147)
Housing Weight ..................... 3.3 lb (1497)
Housing Material.................... Polycarbonate front , acrylic back
INCLUDED in the BOX
• Housing
• Instruction Manual
• Waterproof Bulkhead Cap (connected to external strobe connector)
• 9299.61 Accessory Package (includes hex head wrench, 1cc silicone lube,
extra control tips, extra rear dial control pad)
4

Parts of the Housing - Front View
5
Shutter
Button
Zoom
Lever
ON/OFF
Fiber Optic
Ports
Mode Dial
Bulkhead
Connector
Front
Dial
1/4-20 External Tray Mounts
Exp.
Comp.
Dial

6
Parts of the Housing - Back View
7
13
8
6
9
MENU
INFO
10
2
34
5
11
MOVIE
1
1. Control Dial
2. Movie Button
3. Single-image Erase Button
4. AF Frame Selector
5. Drive Mode / Up Button
6. MF / Macro / Left Button
7. Q-Set / Set Button
8. Flash / Right Button
9. INFO / Down Button
10. Playback Button
11. MENU Button

Set Mode Dial to “Av” or “M.”
Set ISO to “200.”
IMPORTANT: In Display Settings, set Display Control to “Manual.” This
option turns off eye-piece automation and must be set, otherwise, the
camera will sense the housing back and shut off the LCD screen in favor of
the optical viewnder.
RAISE the CAMERA FLASH! You cannot raise the camera ash after the
camera in closed inside the housing.
When using the internal camera ash, DO NOT place housing hotshoe into
hotshoe camera mount. This will deactivate the internal ash. Instead, place
hotshoe directly above the hotshoe camera mount before closing housing.
When using the housing hotshoe, the internal camera ash is deactivated.
7
HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS
Step 1 - Camera Setup

8
Step 2 - Opening the Housing
Lid Snaps have a Lock.
1. Push Lid Snap Locks forward and lift as shown. Open opposing Lid Snaps
simultaneously. Keep pressure on the Lid Snaps so they do not y open
quickly. Some Lid Snaps have a lot of spring tension once they go over
center, so keep a rm grip on each Lid Snap. Lid Snaps may also be
opened one at a time.
2. Remove the Housing Back.
Step 3 - Install Camera in Housing
1. Make sure the camera battery is fully charged and a SD card is inserted into
the camera. Save existing photos on a separate storage device before
formatting SD Card.
2. Pull top housing control knobs up for more clearance.
3. The Mounting Plate is secured to the inside bottom of the housing. The
camera Mounting Tray slides into the Mounting Plate. Use your index
nger and thumb to pull the Mounting Tray away from the Mounting Plate,
Diagram A, page 9. Use your other thumb to apply opposite pressure
against the bottom of the housing to assist in removal of the Tray if
necessary.
Push Forward
Lid
Snap
Lock
Lift

9
Step 3 - Install Camera in Housing - continued
Diagram A
Mounting Tray Mounting Plate
Pull to Remove
4. Using a coin or athead screwdriver
(preferred), secure the camera Mounting
Tray to the camera tripod mount,
Diagram B. Tighten camera rmly to
avoid movement on tray. The Mounting
Tray only attaches one way with the
Mounting Tray Tab to the back of the
camera.
An additional 1/4-20-inch tray hole allows
attachment to a land tripod stand.
5. Gently slide the camera with Mounting Tray back into the Mounting Plate,
Diagram C, page 10. Using your thumbs, push against the Mounting Tray
until it stops sliding forward into the Mounting Plate. Give the Tray an extra
push to make sure it is properly seated all the way forward in the Mounting
Plate and no housing controls are in the way.
HDMI
Diagram B
Tighten here
Mounting
Tray Tab

Step 4 - Attach Hotshoe (if not using built-in ash)
When connecting an external strobe to the housing bulkhead, slide the
hotshoe into the top camera mount until it stops. Hotshoe must be all the
way forward in the camera mount to assure a good electrical connection
with a strobe, Diagram C, below.
Make sure hotshoe cord does not interfere with controls or the housing back
when closing the housing.
When using the housing hotshoe, the internal camera ash is deactivated.
When NOT connecting an external strobe to the housing bulkhead, RAISE
the CAMERA FLASH and DO NOT connect the housing hotshoe.
You CANNOT raise the camera ash after the camera is closed in the
housing.
When using the internal camera ash, DO NOT place housing hotshoe into
hotshoe camera mount. This will deactivate the internal ash. Instead, place
hotshoe directly above the hotshoe camera mount before closing housing.
10
HDMI
Diagram C
Push Camera and
Mounting Tray all
the way forward into
Mounting Plate
Hotshoe - push all the
way forward into the
camera mount
Mounting Plate

11
Step 5 - Closing the Housing
1. Place housing face down
in your lap. Check to see
that there is an o-ring on the
housing back, and that it is
clean and in its proper location.
2. Guide the back onto the
housing front. Make sure the
hotshoe wire is out of the way.
Once the back is properly
installed, the o-ring should
touch the housing all the way around.
There should be an even gap on each side of the housing between the
housing and the back.
3. Lift the lid snaps so they are extended and place each lid snap into the
corresponding hook on the housing back.
4. To close the housing, push down on the opposing lid snaps simultaneously
until they snap into place. Be sure they are down far enough to engage the
Lid Snap Lock - Page 8. The o-ring seal should now appear as a solid
black line when viewed from the back of the housing.
Lid Hook
O-ring
Even gap on
all 4 sides
Lid Snap
Step 6 - Final Check
The clear housing permits instant visual inspection of the camera and
sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of controls and camera
LCD screens. This housing has been factory water pressure tested to 200 ft
(60 m). Once the housing is closed, recheck the o-ring seal. Double check
the gap between the housing back and the housing. It should be even all
the way around the housing. Look through the clear plastic back at the
o-ring. You should see a darkened area or solid black line where the o-ring
is compressed against the housing back. If you do not see an even black
compression seal all the way around the back, open the lid snaps, reseat
the housing back, and reclose the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.

Gently pull backward
on the camera and
Mounting Tray to
remove
12
Before entering the water, turn the camera on and operate each of the
housing controls to get a feel for using the camera in the housing.
As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check to see that the
housing is properly sealed. We recommend you rst water test the housing
with no camera inside to assure a safe and watertight environment.
Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face of the lens port.
If there are, take your nger and remove them. If there are bubbles on
the lens port they can produce soft focus spots in your photos or video.
Step 7 - Entering the Water
Removing the Camera from the Housing
1. Thoroughly dry housing.
2. Remove the housing back, see Step 2, Opening the Housing, Page 8.
3. Remove the Hotshoe from the camera mount.
4. Pull back on both sides of the camera top to begin releasing the Tray from
the Mounting Plate. Pull on the Tray Tab with your thumb and index nger.
Slowly and gently pull the camera backward to separate from housing,
Diagram D. Continue pulling the camera backward and remove from
housing. We recommend doing this procedure on a desktop or solid at
surface to avoid dropping the camera.
If you are nished using the housing, remove the Mounting Tray from the
camera bottom and slide it back into the Housing Mounting Plate. For
storage and travel, remove the back o-ring and place in a small plastic bag.
Place the bag inside the
housing and reattach the
housing back.
Note: The Mounting Tray
MUST be removed when
changing a camera battery
or SD card.
HDMI
Diagram D

13
STROBE COMPATIBILITY and USE
Strobe Compatibility
• AF35.................................. not compatible
• DS50 ................................. yes, above serial number 70000
• DS51 ................................. yes
• DS125 ............................... yes, above serial number 5000
• DS160, DS161 .................. yes
• DS200 ............................... yes, above serial number 7163
• Non-Ikelite ......................... yes, manual ash exposure only
Housing Conversion Circuitry
This housing has integrated Ikelite designed Conversion Circuitry. The
Circuitry provides real TTL ash exposure when used with Ikelite DS series
strobes. The Circuitry is automatically activated once a DS series strobe is
attached to the housing and turned on. Once attached, turn the strobe on
rst before turning on the camera. The circuitry cannot be powered up or
used by non-Ikelite strobes.
Using Non-Ikelite or Ikelite Non-DS-series Strobes
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used with a
Non-Ikelite or Non-DS-series Strobe. These Strobes can be used in their
manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the Strobe. To attach
a Non-Ikelite strobe to the housing, go to ikelite.com to select the proper
cord.
Using Ikelite DS-series Strobes
Set your DS-series strobe to “TTL.”
TTL ash exposure compensation is done in the shooting menu
under “Flash Control.”

Manual Flash Operation with Ikelite DS-Series Strobes
- We recommend placing the strobe in TTL mode (or a manual fractional
power setting), so you can see both preashes.
- Set camera to “Av” or “Tv” shooting mode.
- Press the FEL control 4 times within 4 seconds.
- After you see two preashes, the camera will be in Manual Flash mode.
Once in Manual Flash mode, no preashes will be red. This will allow use
of all the strobes manual power settings, including full power.
To return to TTL mode, turn the strobe off and on again, and then return
the strobe to the TTL setting.
NOTES:
If you leave the strobe in TTL mode when you enable Manual Flash, it will
re at the last TTL ash duration that was used.
TTL ash is available in the camera’s “M” shooting mode.
14

The Ikelite Housing and Strobe Bulkheads are designed to accept sync
cords with Ikelite 5 pin connector ttings.
1. Lightly lubricate the Sync Cord O-rings. Use ONLY Ikelite lubricant (supplied
with housing). Other lubricants may cause the o-rings to swell and seal
improperly.
2. Remove Bulkhead Caps from Housing Bulkhead and Strobe Bulkhead.
3. Line up the Sync Cord Pins with the corresponding Bulkhead Receptacles.
Gently insert Sync Cord ends into each Bulkhead. Either Cord End may be
attached to a component. DO NOT force this installation. If the Sync Cord
does not seat properly inside the Bulkhead, then the Pins and Receptacles
are improperly aligned (repeat Step 3).
4. Tighten the Knurled Nuts snugly using your Index nger and thumb. DO
NOT use pliers or other tools to tighten the Knurled Nuts.
- Always remove the Sync Cord from your Housing and Strobe when not in
use and replace the Bulkhead Caps.
Attach Ikelite Sync Cord to the Housing and Strobe
15
Diagram E
Knurled Nut
Ikelite 5-pin
Sync Cord
Bulkhead Cap
Housing or Strobe
Bulkhead
Sync Cord O-ring
Sync Cord Pin

Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash
If you are shooting with the camera’s built-in ash and the camera lens is
set to the widest angle setting, you may need to zoom the lens slightly or a
dark area may appear in a lower corner of close-up photographs.
The lens port may block some of the light. Remove the Deector, below,
and install the Diffuser, page 17. Zoom in to eliminate any dark areas
noted in your photographs (You can test this above water).
For the best results, we recommend using external Strobes.
The camera’s built-in ash CANNOT be used with optional Wide
Angle or Accessory lenses, or when the housing Deector is installed.
Deector Installation and Removal
16
Using Fiber Optic Strobes
Attach Fiber Optic Cord(s) to the housing Fiber Optic Port(s), page 5,
directly above the housing port. Make sure the housing deector is installed
in the housing (see Deector Installation and Removal below).
NOTE: Camera built-in ash must be extended and hotshoe disconnected
BEFORE closing housing.
The factory installed ash
Deector, Diagram F should
be removed and replaced
by the Diffuser, page 16,
when using ONLY the built-in
camera ash and no external
strobes. To remove, pull up
the zoom control and then lift
the bottom of the Deector
out with your nger. Pull the Deector away from the inside front of the
housing. To reinstall, reverse procedure. The slot in the Deector should
line up with the housing Fiber Optic Port holes.
The Deector should be installed when using external strobes.
Diagram F Slot for Fiber Optic Use
Deector - view from inside housing

Diagram H
Diuser Installation and Removal
Diffuser
Cut-out section
Small Hole
Diffuser properly installed
Zoom Control Use
After you have used the housing’s
zoom control, it must be returned to
the center position to disengage. If the
housing zoom control is pushing the
zoom lever in either direction, you may
not be able to take a picture or access
other functions. This is because the
camera is receiving a signal from the
engaged zoom control.
+
-
+
-
Zoom Control
“Disengaged”
(Center Position)
Zoom Control
“Engaged”
17
Diagram G
The included Diffuser should only be used when shooting with the built-in
camera ash. Always remove the Deector before using ONLY the built-in
camera ash with the Diffuser.
To install the Diffuser, Diagram G, push the “Cut-out Section” into the
external Port Groove until it stops as shown, Diagram H. To remove, grab
the top of the Diffuser and pull away from the port.
Note the Small Hole. To avoid losing the diffuser, you can attach a shing
line or string to this hole.

Attaching an optional Tray + Dual Handles
will add stability and gripping point(s) for
comfortable use of the housing. Add a
second strobe to eliminate shadows and
evenly light your subjects.
To attach, see page 19.
The specially formulated UR/Pro color correcting lter 6441.41 for tropical
blue water settings enhances warm reds and oranges with available
sunlight up to 80 ft (24 m). Use in the
Caribbean, Indonesia, and any blue water
setting.
The UR/Pro color correcting lter 6441.81 for
green water enhances contrast and improves
the color of green water to give your subject
a rich, natural tone. Effective with available
sunlight up to 80 ft (24 m). Use in most lakes
and any green water setting. The color lters
are for available light use only. Not recommended when using external
strobes.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES and ATTACHMENTS
Optional Tray + Release Handle 9523.63
MADE IN USA
18
External Color Correcting Filters
Lens Port
UR-Pro Filter
The optional aluminum tray with release handle
comes with the necessary hardware to mount to
your Ikelite housing.
To attach, see page 19.
Optional Tray + Dual Handles 9523.64
MADE IN USA

19
External Accessory Lenses
The 6430.3 highly recommended
WD-3 Wide Angle Dome provides
a wider angle of coverage
underwater without vignetting
(dark shadows in the corners of
the image) or distorted edges that
are typically present when using a
standard wide angle wet lens. The
conversion dome features a 0.75x
conversion factor to correct for the
refractive magnication of a at port
underwater. At less than 6oz (168g),
the WD-3 is also substantially lighter
weight than the average wet lens
and easier to use.
The WD-3 simply slides over the standard port of the your Ikelite housing.
The WD-3 can be removed and replaced underwater so there is no limit to
the camera’s zoom or macro capabilities. Approximately 3/4 of the camera’s
zoom range can be used with the dome in place (varies by camera model).
The housing port is also designed to accept 3.0-inch diameter color lters,
wide angle lenses such as the Ikelite W-30, or macro options with 67mm
threads.
Vignetting will occur with all 67mm wide-angle accessory lenses and
may be eliminated by either zooming slightly or cropping the image in
post-production.
- Camera’s built-in ash cannot be used with External Accessory Lenses.
- Bayonet mount lenses cannot be used with this housing.
- Please visit ikelite.com for additional information.
WD-3 Wide Angle Dome

SPARE PARTS - available through Ikelite or any Ikelite Dealer
• 0184.2 Silicone lubricant 2cc reclosable tube
• 9104.5 Waterproof bulkhead cap
• 0110 Main o-ring
MAINTENANCE
Lens Port
Treat the glass in the lens port as a camera lens. After use, rinse and
gently dry the outside lens port to avoid water spotting. To clean, use a mild
soap solution or lens cleaner. It is NOT necessary to remove the Port for
cleaning. Do not rinse the inside of the Port.
Do not use alcohol or window cleaner on the Lens Port.
O-ring Storage
When storing the housing, remove the main housing o-ring. Lightly lubricate
the o-ring until it appears shiny and place in a small resealable plastic bag.
Use only Ikelite lubricant. Place the bag inside the housing and store until
needed.
20