Ikelite 6843.72 User manual

Underwater TTL Housing for Sony Alpha a7 II,
a7R II, a7S II
Product Number 6843.72
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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION .................................................P. 3 - 4
INCLUDED in the BOX...........................................................P. 5
SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed ................................P. 5
PREPARATION.......................................................................P. 6
Parts of the Housing - Side View.............................................P. 6
Parts of the Housing - Front View............................................P. 7
Parts of the Housing - Back View ............................................P. 8
HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS..............................P. 9
STEP 1 - Initial Camera Settings.............................................P. 9 - 10
STEP 2 - Opening the Housing ...............................................P. 11
STEP 3 - Install Camera in Housing........................................P. 11 - 12
STEP 4 - Attach Hotshoe.........................................................P. 13
STEP 5 - Closing the Housing.................................................P. 14
STEP 6 - Final Check ..............................................................P. 14
STEP 7 - Housing Usage ........................................................P. 15
STEP 8 - Entering the Water ...................................................P. 15
Removing the Camera from the Housing ................................P. 15 - 16
STROBE COMPATIBILITY and CONNECTION.....................P. 16
Strobe Compatibility ................................................................P. 16
Housing Conversion Circuitry..................................................P. 16
Attach Ikelite Sync Cord to the Housing and Strobe ...............P. 17
ZOOM CLAMP and GEAR SLEEVE INSTALLATION ...........P. 18 - 20
Manual Focusing .....................................................................P. 20
LENS PORTS..........................................................................P. 21

3
Table of Contents - continued
Installing the Lens Port............................................................P. 21 -22
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES and ATTACHMENTS .....P. 23 - 24
SPARE PARTS .......................................................................P. 25
MAINTENANCE......................................................................P. 25 - 30
PHOTO TIPS...........................................................................P. 31
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................P. 32 - 34
CUSTOMER SUPPORT..........................................................P. 34
LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................P. 35
RETURNING PRODUCTS FOR SERVICE.............................P. 35
PRODUCT REGISTRATION...................................................Back Page
IMPORTANT HOUSING INFORMATION
- Your housing is setup to accept the Sony a7R II and a7S II camera models.
If you are using the a7 II model, remove the existing camera tray marked
a7R II and replace it with the camera tray marked a7 II. Also, remove the
adhesive backing from the thin foam frame (included in box) and place the
frame over the existing foam frame on the housing back. Lastly, remove the
washer from under the knob for the Mode Dial control, page 7.
- Due to differences in lens and control placement, this housing is only
compatible with the newer “Mark II” version Alpha 7 series cameras.
This housing requires the addition of a compatible Lens Port for waterproof
operation. Lens Port not included. Go to ikelite.com for Lens Port options.

IMPORTANT HOUSING INFORMATION - continued
- This housing features an integrated TTL circuit that is automatically
powered by any DS-series strobe. Only Ikelite DS strobes are capable of
powering the circuitry. Exposure compensation in TTL mode is supported
using the camera’s built-in control. For manual ash operation, move the
switch on the back of the housing Tray Mount to the left or “M” position, as
noted above the switch.
SEA&SEA, INON, and Nikonos strobes must be used in manual exposure
modes only.
- We recommend turning the camera on BEFORE placing it in the housing.
To turn the camera on AFTER it is placed in the housing, lift and rotate the
housing ON/OFF knob, so the White Dot is in the 9 o’clock position from
the back of the housing. Push the knob back down and rotate clockwise to
turn on. The White Dot will line up with the 2 small dots on the top of the
housing as the camera is activated. DO NOT continue rotating knob once
the camera has been activated; doing so could damage the camera switch.
To turn the camera off AFTER it is placed in the housing, lift and rotate the
housing ON/OFF knob so the White Dot is in the 1 o’clock position. Push
the knob back down and rotate counter clockwise to turn camera off. The
White Dot will line up with the 2 small dots on the top of the housing as
the camera is being deactivated. DO NOT continue rotating knob once the
camera has been deactivated; doing so could damage the camera switch.
- The external housing tray may be easily removed for transport, cleaning or
storage. Use a at head screwdriver to remove the 2 screws at the base of
the housing to detach the tray. We recommend removal and rinsing after
each dive trip to avoid corrosion associated with saltwater.
4

5
SPECIFICATIONS - no camera installed
• 200 ft (60m) depth rating
• All important camera functions are accessible
• Controls are not provided for AF/MF/AEL switch lever, Control wheel, or
Diopter Adjustment Dial
• Ikelite bulkhead connector with integrated TTL circuitry
• Near neutral buoyancy in freshwater. Actual buoyancy varies depending on
choice of lens and port
• Weight 5 lb (2.3 kg) not including tray + handles
• Dimensions 9.1 x 7.1 x 6.1 inches (230 x 180 x 150 mm)
INCLUDED in the BOX
• Housing
• Aluminum tray
• Left-Hand Quick Release Handle with rubberized grip
• Port hole cover (installed)
• Waterproof bulkhead cap (installed)
• 5509.27 Universal zoom set up to 2.8-inch diameter
• 5509.28 Universal zoom set 2.8 to 3.0-inch diameter
• Silicone lubricant 1cc tube
• Micro-ber lens cloth
• Sony a7 II conversion package

6
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 32.
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 31.
Parts of the Housing - Side View
Lid-Snap
External Tray Mount
Finger Grip
Shutter Button
C1 Button

Parts of the Housing - Front View
IKELITE
7
Front
Dial
ON/OFF Switch
Mode Dial / Lock Button
Zoom Knob
Bulkhead Connector
1/4-20 Light Accessory Mount
Quick
Release
Push
Button
Exposure Compensation Dial
C2 Button
Accessory
Port
Lens Release
Button

8
Parts of the Housing - Back View
1
2
3
1110
6
4
8
9
12
13 14
MENU START/
STOP
Fn
C3
DISP
5
7
ISO
1. MENU BUTTON
2. Super-eye Viewnder
3. C3 (Custom 3) Button
4. Rear Dial
5. AF/MF / AEL Button
6. Movie START/STOP Button
7. Fn Button
8. DISP Display Button
9. Self-Timer/Down Cursor
10. SET Button
11. ISO / Right Cursor
12. Down Cursor
13. Playback Button
14. Delete Button
Accessory
Port
Bulkhead Connector

9
HOUSING and CAMERA SETUP STEPS
Step 1 - Initial Camera Settings
- Insert a fully charged battery.
- Set Mode Dial to “A” Aperture Priority. Manually adjust aperture setting
to achieve the best exposure for your shooting conditions. The shutter
speed will be locked at 1/30th-1/60th second. If a faster shutter speed is
desired or you are NOT using an external strobe, set Mode Dial to “M”
Manual mode to manually adjust both aperture and shutter speed settings.
- In MENU settings:
Set Image Size to highest preferred setting.
Set Drive Mode to “Single Shooting” and Flash Mode to “Fill-ash.”
Set Red Eye Reduction to “Off.”
Set Focus Mode to “Single-shot AF” and Focus Area to “Center.”
Set AF Illuminator to “Off” and ISO to “200.”
Set Metering Mode to “Center” and White Balance to “Auto AWB.” Always
use auto white balance (AWB) when using a strobe/ash. When recording
video or still photos without a strobe, AWB can still be used, but for more
accurate and consistent colors we recommend setting Custom manual
white balance for each working depth. Custom manual white balance is also
recommended when using a color lter and no ash.
Set DRO/Auto HDR, Center Lock-on AF & Smile/Face Detect to “OFF.”
Set SteadyShot to “On” and Steadyshot Adjust. to “Auto.”
- In CUSTOM MENU settings,
Set Auto Review to “5 Sec.”
Set Eye-Start AF to “Off.”
Set FINDER/MONITOR to “Monitor”. 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 transferring picture view to the optical
viewnder.

Step 1 - Initial Camera Settings - continued
- In SETUP MENU settings:
Set Pwr Save Start Time to “5 min.”
* Allothercamerafunctionsnotmentionedshouldbesettotheuser’s
preference.
10

11
Step 2 - Opening the Housing
Lid Snaps have a Lid Snap 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.
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 12. 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
Lift
Lid
Snap
Lock

12
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. TURN CAMERA ON.
6. Gently slide the camera with Mounting Tray back into the Mounting Plate,
Diagram C, page 13. 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.
Wi Fi
Diagram B
Tighten here
Mounting
Tray Tab

Step 4 - Attach Hotshoe
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.
Turn Hotshoe Rotary Lock at hotshoe base clockwise to tighten to camera
mount.
Make sure hotshoe cord does not interfere with controls or the housing back
when closing the housing.
13
Wi Fi
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
Hotshoe
Rotary
Lock

14
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 cord 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 11. The o-ring seal should now appear as a solid
black line when viewed from the back of the housing.
5. ATTACH Base + Release Handle to Housing bottom, page 23.
Lid Hook
O-ring
Even gap on
all 4 sides
Lid Snap
Step 6 - Final Check
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 acrylic 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.

15
Step 7 - Housing Usage
Turn the camera on and operate each of the housing controls to get a feel
for using the camera in the housing.
Step 8 - Entering the Water
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.
Removing the Camera from the Housing
1. Thoroughly dry housing.
2. Remove the housing back, see Step 2, Opening the Housing, Page 11.
3. Remove the Hotshoe from the camera mount.
4. Pull back on both sides of the camera to begin releasing the Tray from the
Mounting Plate. Slowly and gently pull the camera backward to separate
from housing, Diagram D, Page 16. 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, place in a small plastic bag.
Place the bag inside the housing and reattach the housing back.
Note: Camera must be removed from housing when changing a camera
battery or SD card.

16
Removing the Camera from the Housing - continued
Wi Fi
Remove Hotshoe. Grab and gently
pull backward on the camera and
Mounting Tray to remove from
housing.
STROBE COMPATIBILITY and CONNECTION
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
• Fiber Optic......................... not compatible
• Use built-in camera ash... no
Diagram D
Housing Conversion Circuitry
This housing has Ikelite designed and patented Conversion Circuitry built
right in. The Conversion 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.

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
17
Diagram E
Knurled Nut
Ikelite 5-pin
Sync Cord
Bulkhead Cap
Housing or Strobe
Bulkhead
Sync Cord O-ring
Sync Cord Pin

18
ZOOM CLAMP and GEAR SLEEVE INSTALLATION
Determine the type of lens being used on the camera.
Type 1 lenses have a lens opening that is NOT larger in diameter than
the zoom ring. The zoom clamp and sleeve can be attached over the lens
opening with the lens attached to the camera in the housing, Diagram I,
page 20
Type 2 lenses have a lens opening that IS larger in diameter than the zoom
ring. The zoom clamp and sleeve must be attached from the bayonet mount
end of the lens. The lens must then be attached after the camera has been
secured in the housing, Diagram J, page 20.
Type 1 Lens Type 2 Lens
Lens opening
Zoom ring
Bayonet mount
There are 2 different sets of Zoom Clamps and Gear Sleeves provided with the
housing. Both sets look similar, but are NOT identical. DO NOT mix the pieces
from both sets. Use the suggested Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve for your lens.
Go to ikelite.com for a complete list of compatible lenses.
The Zoom Clamp has springs so it can be expanded to t over the Zoom Ring
of the lens. Install the Zoom Clamp with the extension tabs toward the rear
element of the lens. After installing the Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve, install
the Lens Port and rotate the Zoom Ring on the lens. If the Zoom Ring and Gear
Sleeve do not mesh properly, install the rubber strips (supplied) to the inside
diameter of the Zoom Clamp as shown in Diagram H, page 19.

19
Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve Installation - continued
Zoom set 5509.27 Zoom set 5509.28
Narrow grooved
extension tabs
Wide grooved
extension tabs
0073
Gear
Sleeve
Lenses up to 2.8 in. diameter Lenses 2.8 - 3.0 in. diameter
0073.1
Gear
Sleeve
9059.8
Zoom
Clamp
9059.9
Zoom
Clamp
Two thicknesses of rubber strips are
provided with each Clamp. Start by
installing the thinnest rubber strips. If
the Zoom Clamp still is not tight enough
and meshes improperly with the Gear
Sleeve, use the thicker rubber strips.
Reinstall the Zoom Clamp and Sleeve.
Before installing the lens port and
checking operation, make sure the teeth
on the Gear Sleeve mesh with the teeth
on the housing Drive Gear, Diagram K,
page 20.
Long post Short post
Diagram F Diagram G
Diagram H
Apply rubber
strips to inside of
clamp as needed