Ikelite 6184.91 User manual

Digital Housing
instruction manual
#6184.91 for ikon S9100
Lens
Port
Product Registration
Please take a moment to fill out the online Ikelite Product Registration
form at http://www.ikelite.com/forms/regForm.htm.

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Table of Contents
P. 1 ..........................Product Registration
P. 2 ..........................Table of Contents
P. 3 ..........................Package Contents : Preparation
P. 4 .......................... nitial Camera Setup
Pp. 5-6 ....................Housing Controls
P. 7 ..........................Opening the Housing: nstalling the Camera
P. 8 ..........................Closing the Housing
P. 9 ..........................Usage
Turn Camera On
Zoom Control
Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash
P. 10 ........................Diffuser and Deflector nstallation and Use
P. 11 ........................Entering the Water
Pp. 11-14 ................Maintenance
Lubricant, Housing Maintenance, Control Maintenance
Pp. 15-16 ................Specifications, Photo Tips
Pp. 17-18 ................Troubleshooting
Pp. 19-25 ................Recommended and Related Accessories
P. 26 ........................Technical Support : kelite Limited Warranty
P. 27 ........................Returning Products for Service
P. 28 ........................ kelite Address & Website

3
Congratulations on your kelite purchase. Our products are designed
and built in the USA by kelite for both the professional and amateur.
kelite has decades of experience in the underwater photographic, video,
and lighting market. The clear housing permits instant visual inspection
of the camera and all sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of
controls and camera LCD screens. This housing has been factory water
pressure tested to 200’ (60m). All camera controls are fully functional
through the housing.
Please read this instruction booklet thoroughly before use to have a full
understanding of where each camera control is located, and what
function each control provides. Also, please read your camera manual
thoroughly to fully understand each camera function. f you are new to
underwater photography, be sure to read the Photo Tips section.
Before placing your camera in the housing, it is a good idea to immerse
the closed housing in a bucket or rinse tank to make sure it is watertight.
Due to the power required to operate the camera and LCD screen, start
each dive with a fully charged camera battery.
Preparation
- kelite Digital Housing
- Housing Lanyard (attached)
- Silicone Lubricant
- Vinyl Port Cover
Package Contents
- Diffuser
- Deflector
- Extra Control Tips

Initial Camera Setup
1. nsert a fully charged battery.
2. nsert and format a memory card.
3. Set camera date and time.
4. Set camera to “Auto mode.”
5. RA SE camera flash. Set Flash Mode to “Flash Always Fires” (lightning
bolt in LCD).
6. Set White Balance to “Auto” and Metering to “Center-weighted.”
7. Set mage Mode to “12m.”
8. Set AF-assist beam to “Off.”
9. Set SO sensitivity to “160.”
10. Set AF area mode to “Center.”
11. Set Autofocus mode to “Single AF.”
12. Set Macro mode to “ON” (flower icon).
4

5
Lens
Port
Housing Controls - Front View
Power Switch
Lens Port
External Tray Mounts
Lid Snap
Mode Dial
Zoom
Control
Shutter
Release

6
2
3
5
46
7
89
1
Housing Controls
1. Movie Record Button
2. Playback Button
3. Rotary multi-selector (up)
4. Rotary multi-selector (left)
5. Ok (apply selection) Button
6. Rotary multi-selector (right)
7. Rotary multi-selector (down)
8. Menu Button
9. Delete Button
Housing Controls - Back View

7
CAUTIO :
Some camera tripod
socket threads are
plastic. The mounting
bolt is metal. Do not
cross thread or over
tighten as ou ma
damage the camera
tripod socket threads.
Nikon
COOLPIX
18x
WIDE
HD
Full
Installing the Camera
1. RA SE the camera flash before installing camera in housing.
2. Pull out on each housing control until it stops. This will get the controls
out of the way for installation of the camera.
3. Remove the back from the housing.
4. The mounting tray for the camera is secured to the housing back.
Position the camera on the tray.
5. Using a coin or screwdriver (preferred), secure the camera with the tray
mounting bolt which threads into the camera’s tripod socket - diagram A.
Opening the Housing
Lid Snaps have a Lock.
To open housing, push Lid Snap
Lock forward and lift as shown.
Keep pressure on the Lid Snap so
it does not fly open quickly.
Some lid snaps have a lot of
spring tension once the go over
center, so keep a firm grip on the lid snap.
Lid Snaps ma be opened one at a time.
Push Forward
Lid Snap Lock
Lift
Diagram A
Tray Mounting Bolt

8
Closing the Housing
1. Place housing face down in your lap or on flat surface.
2. Check to see that there is an o-ring on
the housing back and that it is clean
and in its proper location.
3. Guide the back into the housing front.
The o-ring should touch the housing
all the way around. There should be
an even gap all the way around
between the housing and the housing
back.
4. Lift the lid snaps so they are extended
and place each lid snap into the
corresponding hook on the housing
back.
5. To close the housing, push down on
the lid snaps until they snap into
place. Lid snaps on opposite sides of
the housing should be closed at the
same time. Be sure they are down far
enough to engage the lock.
Double check - Once the housing is
closed, check the o-ring seal. Check
the gap between the housing back and the housing. t 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 where the o-ring is compressed against the housing
back. f you do not see an even black compression seal all the way
around the back, open the lid snaps, reseat the housing back and close
the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.
Housing Back
O-ring
Housing Back
O-ring
Even gap on
all four sides

9
Using the Camera’s Built-in Flash
f you are shooting with the camera’s built-in flash and the cameras lens
is set to the widest angle, 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. nstall the Diffuser and zoom in
slightly to eliminate any dark areas noted in your photographs (You can
test this above water). See Diffuser/Deflector nstallation - page 10.
For the best results, we recommend using an external kelite Substrobe.
Zoom Control (lever type only)
After you have used the housing's
zoom control, it must be returned to the
center position to disengage. f 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
“Engaged”
Zoom Control
“Disengaged”
(Center Position)
Turn Camera On
Turn the camera on and operate each of the housing controls to get a
feel for using the camera in the housing.
You are now ready to shoot underwater photos!
Usage
The camera’s built-in flash CANNOT be used with optional Wide-Angle or
Accessory lenses.
ote: To shoot photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), we recommend using
an external strobe such as the AF35, DS51, or DS161. An external
strobe can be positioned so nothing blocks the light path between the
strobe and the subject. See Recommended and Related Accessories
pages 19 - 25.

10
Diffuser Use
The diffuser should be installed when using the camera flash. When
shooting close-up photographs with the camera flash and at the camera
lens’s widest angle setting, the lens port on the housing can block a
portion of the light from the camera flash. This can result in a shadow in
a lower corner of the frame. Zoom the lens to eliminate the shadow (You
can test this above water).
Deflector Use
The deflector should be installed when using an kelite external strobe.
The deflector will block and redirect the camera’s flash to the AF35 slave
unit or EV-controller which controls the external strobe’s output.
Remove the diffuser before attempting to install the deflector.
Diffuser/Deflector material
Small hole
Cut-out
Section
A diffuser and deflector are
included with the housing. The
diffuser is white transparent plastic.
The deflector is also white but is
not transparent.
To install the diffuser or deflector,
push the “Cut-out” Section into the
port groove until it stops.
Note the Small Hole. To avoid
losing the diffuser or deflector, you
can attach a fishing line or string
that is secured around the back of
the housing port, to this hole.
Diffuser and Deflector Installation
Lens Port
Diffuser/Deflector properly
installed in port groove

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Maintenance
Entering the Water
1. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed.
2. Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face of the lens port.
f there are, take your finger and remove them. f there are bubbles on
the lens port they can produce soft focus spots in your photos or video.
Treat the glass or acrylic in the lens port as a camera lens. After use,
rinse and gently dry the lens port to avoid water spotting. To clean, use
a mild soap solution or lens cleaner.
Do not use alcohol or window cleaner on the Lens Port.
Lubricant
- kelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We recommend you use
only kelite lubricant on kelite products. Other brands may cause the main
housing o-ring to swell and not seal properly.
- Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the main housing o-ring or
lubricate a sticky control. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean
cloth. Lubricant is not a sealant, it is used to reduce friction. Excessive
lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may interfere with proper
sealing.
CAUTIO :
ever use spray lubricants as the propellant ingredient can cause
the plastic housing to crack or o-rings to swell.

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Housing Maintenance
The kelite Digital Housing should be given the same care and attention
as your other photographic equipment. n addition to normal
maintenance, we recommend that the housing be returned to kelite
periodically to be checked and pressure tested.
1. Do ot leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for prolonged
periods. Heat may damage the camera.
2. Do ot ship the camera in the housing.
3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the set screw
in each control knob.
Check each control gland penetrating the housing to make sure they
are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate loose during
travel.
4. Keep the main housing o-ring clean and lightly lubricated. To lubricate,
remove the o-ring from the back. Put a small amount of lkelite lubricant
on your fingers. Pull the o-ring through your fingers to apply a light
coating of lubricant. Only apply enough lubricant to make the o-ring feel
slick. Do ot stretch the o-ring. This light coating of lubricant will help
to keep the o-ring from drying out and will help to show a dark sealing
line when the housing back is properly sealed.
5. Keep the area where the o-ring fits and the sealing surface of the
housing clean.
6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in freshwater after each saltwater
use. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in saltwater, soak the housing exterior in a mild soap
solution, rinse and dry before storing. When storing the housing, remove
the back o-ring, lightly lubricate, and place in a plastic bag. Place the
plastic bag with o-ring inside the housing for safe keeping.
7. f removing a housing push button, Do ot re-use the E-clip. Contact
kelite for replacement E-clips (part #0319.12).
8. Leave lid snaps in the open position when not using the housing for
extended periods.

13
Control Maintenance
kelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service with
minimal maintenance.
1. Push button controls normally require no maintenance other than rinsing
in fresh water after saltwater use. f a push button control becomes
difficult to push or if it sticks when depressed, soak the housing in luke
warm freshwater. After a few minutes, operate the push button. f this
does not correct the problem, return the housing to kelite for
maintenance. f you are on a trip and unable to return the housing
immediately, a push button may be lubricated by pressing and holding
the push button all the way in. Then, use your finger or other small
object to place a small amount of lube at the base of the shaft inside the
housing. Press and release the push button several times until the lube
is worked up into the o-ring.
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be pulled
out, exposing the shaft see diagrams B and C - page 14.
To lubricate the control, gently pull on the knob until the stainless steel
shaft is exposed. Lightly lubricate the shaft, then move the shaft in and
out several times. This will lubricate the x-ring in the kelite control
gland. This should be done before using the housing after a prolonged
storage period, or once a week when the housing is in constant use.
3. Some of the controls have a short shaft and cannot be pulled out
exposing the shaft for lubrication. n the unlikely event one of these
controls sticks or becomes difficult to operate, you can remove the
control from the housing and lubricate it, or return the housing to kelite
for maintenance. To remove the control, diagram B - page 14, loosen
the set screw in the knob (allen wrench required); remove the knob. f
there is salt or dirt build-up on the exposed control shaft, clean the
shaft. Open the housing and gently slide the control shaft out of the
control gland. Clean and lightly lubricate the shaft, including the end of
the shaft.

14
Diagram C
Pull out to
expose shaft
Housing
Lubricate shaft
Tighten set screw down
against this flat area
when replacing the knob. Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland
Diagram B
Loosen Set Screw
Housing
Gland
Control Shaft
Control Maintenance (continued)
Slide the shaft back into the control gland and gently slide it back and
forth a few times without fully removing the shaft from the gland.
Replace the knob noting the flat area on the shaft. The set screw in the
knob should tighten down against the flat area on the control so the
knob does not turn on the shaft.

15
1. The number one rule in underwater photography is to eliminate as much
water between the camera and subject as possible. Get as close as you
can to the subject, then use the zoom. f you are using flash for still
photos, subjects beyond 6 feet (1.8m) will not have much color
regardless of strobe power.
2. The camera’s built-in flash is very close to the camera lens. The flash
can light up any suspended particles in the water and they can be
recorded in your picture. This effect is called backscatter. To eliminate as
much backscatter as possible, photograph close or use an external
strobe. Photograph in clear water; do not stir up the sand or silty bottom.
f backscatter becomes a problem in the environment you are
photographing, an external flash will help eliminate much of the
backscatter.
3. Many digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you press
the shutter release button and the camera actually takes the picture.
Hold the camera steady a second or two after pressing the shutter
release button.
4. Do not shoot down on subjects as they will quite often blend into the
background and be difficult to see in the photograph. Shoot subjects
straight on or shoot up at a slight angle using the blue water as a
contrasting background.
7 in. wide x 5 in. high x 5.4 in. deep including controls and lens port.
180mm x 130mm x 140mm.
2.8 lb. (1300g) above water.
Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water.
Photo Tips
Specifications

16
Photo Tips (continued)
5. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered out by the
water as well as to illuminate the subject. When photographing
underwater, set the camera to use flash on every shot. f the camera’s
flash is set to AUTO and the sun is behind your subject, the camera may
see enough light and not fire the flash. With the sun behind the subject,
the subject is shaded (dark) and needs flash for a good exposure.
6. When using daylight or flash, if your camera consistently over or
underexposes the image, you may want to adjust your camera’s
exposure compensation settings. Also, set the camera metering to
“center-weighted” or “spot.”
7. Many photographers transfer their images to the computer where they
can fine tune the appearance of the image. Many of the image
manipulation programs make you think you can magically correct any
image taken and make a good picture. Remember that when using an
image manipulation program such as Photoshop, that if the image is
overexposed, much of the color is missing. f the color is missing you
cannot adjust it. f images are slightly underexposed, the color is there,
but it is just dark and you can adjust it to some degree. So, if you error
in exposure, it is better to have the image slightly underexposed rather
than overexposed.

17
Troubleshooting
Push buttons or
controls are sticky
and hard to operate
- Remove the camera and rinse the closed housing
in fresh water. Vigorously press each push button
in and out several times to release any trapped
saltwater or debris.
- Press a sticky push button all the way in and
place a small amount of lube on the small end of
the push button shaft at it’s base. Release and
operate the push button several times to distribute
the lube.
- f a control is sticky, grab the control knob, pull it
out, and then push back in. f still sticky, see the
Control Maintenance section - pages 13 & 14.
- Return housing to kelite for routine maintenance.
Problem Solution
Problem Solution
mage is over- or
under-exposed, or a
corner of the image
is dark
- Check that the camera flash is firing when taking
a picture. Camera flash should be forced “on.”
- Make sure the deflector is installed when you are
using an external strobe.
- Make sure the diffuser is installed when you are
NOT using an external strobe.
- When using an external strobe, make sure it is
turned on, set properly, and it’s battery is charged.
- Check all corded connection points.
- Change camera shutter speed or aperture.
- Move closer to or further away from the subject.

18
Camera does not
take a picture
- nstall a fully charged battery.
- Make sure the housing zoom control is centered
and not engaged.
- There is not enough available light for the camera
to properly focus. Add a focusing light or strobe
with a built-in focusing light to your system.
- Select macro mode when shooting close-ups.
Problem Solution
Problem Solution
Problem Solution
Fogging occurs on
the Lens Port
- Humid air is trapped inside the housing.
The camera produces heat and may condense
any trapped moisture forming fog on the lens port.
Close the housing in an air-conditioned room or
vehicle, or in front of an air-conditioner.
- The housing should not be direct sunlight for an
extended period of time.
- Purchase desiccant packs also known as
moisture munchers from a local camera store.
Place one or two packs in your housing before
each day of diving.
- f water droplets or moisture is present around the
controls or sealing areas, return the housing to
kelite for evaluation.
- Clean the main housing o-ring and sealing
surface of the housing.
- Make sure the camera is mounted properly on the
camera tray and housing controls are out of the
way .
Housing is hard to
close

19
Recommended and Related Accessories
External UR-Pro Color Filters
Color filters such as the UR-Pro
Filter replace some of the reds,
oranges and more natural tones
that would otherwise be lost
underwater. Effective in relatively
shallow, sunny conditions.
Available for tropical blue water
and green water settings. For
optimum results use in combination
with manual white balance. Check
your camera user guide for
information on this option (if available). Not recommended when using
external strobes.
UR-Pro Filter
Lens Port
UR/Pro Filter (Blue Water)
6441.46 (3.9” port)
The UR/Pro underwater color correcting filter is designed to restore
some of the warm colors filtered out by the water. For available light use
only. Not recommended for use with an external flash.
UR/Pro Filter (Green Water)
6441.86 (3.9” port)
Enhances contrast and alters the color of green water to give your
subject a rich, natural tone. For available light use only. Not
recommended for use with an external flash.

20
Pro-V8 LED Video Lite 6320
For additional lighting when using the
camera's movie mode and to aid in focus.
For use with or without a color filter.
For more information go to the following web
page:
http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/3prov8.html
IKELITE
LED
PRO-V8
Pro-V8 LED Video Lite 6320
AF35 Single Tray with Flex Arm Mount 9523.41
ncludes single tray, tray mount ball, thumbscrew, tray mounting
hardware, and four piece flex arm extension. Single tray required to
mount Pro-V8 Lite to housing.
AF35 Dual Tray with Flex Arm Mount 9523.42
ncludes dual tray, one tray mount ball, thumbscrew, tray mounting
hardware, and four piece flex arm extension. Dual tray required to mount
two Pro-V8 Lites, two AF35 strobes, or one of each.
Additional Tray Ball Mount 9573.5 required to mount two items.
AF35 Dual Tray included
with 9523.42