Ikelite CoolPix S500 User manual

Congratulations on your purchase of an Ikelite Digital Camera
Housing. Ikelite has over 40 years of experience in the underwater
photographic and lighting market. Our products are designed and
uilt in the USA y Ikelite for oth the professional and amateur
photographer.
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.
Ikelite Digital Housings are slightly negative in salt water for
sta ility. This housing has een water pressure tested at the
factory. Housing is pressure tested to 200’ (60m).
Ikelite Digital Housing
instruction manual
#6184.50 for Nikon CoolPix S500
2
P
Pl le ea as se e R Re ea ad d
We suggest that you read this instruction ooklet thoroughly
efore use. If you are new to underwater photography e sure
to read the General and Photo Tips.
We also suggest that you read the camera manual thoroughly
to have a full understanding of where each camera control is
located and what function each control provides.
PPlleeaassee RReeaadd IIff UUssiinngg aann EEVV--CCoonnttrroolllleerr
The EV-Controller used with Ikelite DS Su stro es have two
user settings. One setting is for stro e selection, the other is for
pre-flash or non pre-flash. T
Th hi is s c ca am me er ra a u us se es s p pr re e- -f fl la as sh h, thus the
EV-Controller should e set to the pre-flash position when used
with this camera.
3
Front View
Shutter
Release
Lid
Snap
Mode
Playback
Delete Menu
Multi
Selector/OK
Lid
Snap
Lens
Port
Back View
Zoom
Lanyard
Rotary
Multi
Selector
Thumb
Rest
Power
One-Touch Portrait
Anti-Shake
4
OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg
1. Lid Snaps have a LLoocckk.
To open, 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 they go over center, have a firm grip on the
lid snap. Lid Snaps may e opened one at a time.
IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa
Remove the ack from the housing. The mounting tray for the
camera is secured to the housing ack. Position the camera on
the tray and secure
it with the
mounting olt
which threads into
the camera’s tripod
socket. UUssee aa ccooiinn
oorr ffllaatt llaaddeedd
ssccrreewwddrriivveerr ttoo
ttiigghhtteenn tthhee
mmoouunnttiinngg oolltt ssoo
tthhee ccaammeerraa iiss ffllaatt
aaggaaiinnsstt tthhee ttrraayy..
CCAAUUTTIIOONN::
Some camera tripod socket threads are plastic. The mounting
tray olt is metal. Do not cross thread or over tighten as you
may damage the camera tripod socket threads.
Lift
Push Forward
Lid Snap Lock
CAMERA / MOUNT
Lid
Hook
O-Ring
Mounting Bolt
Mounting
Tray

8
Housing shown with
Diffuser installed.
Diffuser
UUssiinngg FFllaasshh
UUssiinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa’’ss BBuuiilltt--iinn FFllaasshh..
If you do not have an external flash the camera’s uilt-in flash
can e used. See Diffuser instructions.
DDiiffffuusseerr && DDeefflleeccttoorr IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
7
LLuurriiccaannttss
1. Ikelite provides silicone lu ricant with the housing. We recommend
you use only Ikelite lu ricant on Ikelite products as some other
rands may cause the o-ring to swell and not seal properly.
2. Use only enough lu ricant to lightly cover control shafts and
o-rings. Wipe off any excess lu ricant with a clean cloth.
Lu ricant is not a sealant, it is used to reduce friction. Excessive
lu ricant can collect sand and dirt which may interfere with
proper sealing.
CCAAUUTTIIOONN
NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluurriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaann
ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk..
5
C
Cl lo os si in ng g t th he e H Ho ou us si in ng g
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 ack and
that it is clean and in its proper
location.
3. Guide the ack onto the housing.
The o-ring should touch the
housing all the way around. There
should e an even gap all the way
around etween the housing and
the housing ack.
4. Lift the lid snaps so they are
extended and place the lid
snap into the hook on the
housing ack.
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 e closed at the
same time. Be sure they are down
far enough to engage the lock.
DDoouullee cchheecckk- Once the housing is closed, check the o-ring seal.
Check the gap etween the housing ack and the housing, it
should e even all the way around.
Look through the clear plastic ack at the o-ring. You should see
a darkened area where the o-ring is compressed against the
housing ack. If you do not see an even lack compression seal
all the way around the ack, open the lid snaps, reseat the
housing ack and close the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.
o-ring
housing bac
housing bac
housing
housing
o-ring
even gap
all 4 sides
6
C
Ch he ec ck ki in ng g C Co on nt tr ro ol ls s
Once the housing has een closed, make sure the housing controls
line up with the camera’s controls. If the housing controls are
misaligned slightly make sure the camera hold down olt has een
tightened down firmly so the camera is flat against the tray.
RRoottaarryy MMuullttii SSeelleeccttoorr CCoonnttrrooll
The camera’s rotary multi selector is made up of the rotating ring
and the OK utton. When selecting menus or pictures, you can
either press the rotating ring up, down, left, or right or rotate it.
When choosing from numerous menu items or pictures, rotating
the ring is recommended for easy scrolling, and faster operation.
The housing’s rotary multi selector control uses a paw to turn the
rotating ring. Note that the white dot on the face of the housing’s
control kno indicates the paw location. When underwater the
water pressure will push the housing’s rotary multi selector in and
make contact with the camera’s rotating ring if the paw is over the
ring. It is recommended that the paw e turned to the 3 o’clock
position when not eing used so the paw is Not in contact with
the rotating ring. To use the housings rotary multi selector control
underwater you will need to pull out on the control, locate the
paw over the camera’s rotating ring, push in and rotate the ring.
You may have to do this several times depending on the length of
the camera menu. It is recommended you practice using this
control a ove water.
TTuurrnn CCaammeerraa OOnn
Turn the camera on and operate each of the housing controls to
get a feel for using the camera in the housing. Take a few pictures
a ove water with the camera in the housing.

12
9
D
Di if ff fu us se er r a an nd d D De ef fl le ec ct to or r c co on nt t. .
A diffuser and deflector are
included with the housing. The
diffuser is white transparent
plastic. The deflector is also
white ut is not transparent.
To install the diffuser or
deflector spread the port clamp
at the spring end and slide over
the lens port. The white plastic
should e placed in front of the
camera flash. The port clamp
should e pushed ack against
the front of the housing.
DDiiffffuusseerr
The diffuser should e installed when using the camera’s uilt
in flash. When shooting with the camera’s uilt-in flash at
approximately 2 feet (0.6 m) or less, the lens port on the
housing may lock a portion of the light from the camera’s
uilt-in flash, creating a shadow in the lower left of the photo.
If this occurs, zoom the lens slightly to eliminate the shadow.
(You can test this a ove water)
DDeefflleeccttoorr
The deflector should e installed when using an external stro e
such as the DS51 or DS125 Su stro e and EV Controller. The
deflector will redirect the camera’s flash to the EV Controller
which controls the external stro es output.
Diffuser/Deflector material
Port Clamp
Spring
Spread to Install
Substrobe
DS51
EV Controller
Ball Soc et
Arm
OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess
SSuussttrrooee DDSS5511 PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..5544
The Su stro e DS51 package includes
the Su stro e DS51, the EV
Controller and all socket arms. The
EV Controller provides 10 manual
power settings in 1/2 stop
increments. An external stro e
offers several advantages over using
the camera’s uilt-in flash. External
stro es move the flash away from
the camera lens which helps reduce
ackscatter. They also expand
lighting options to achieve the est
lighting for different su jects. A
second external digital stro e
package can e added to fill the
shadows and produce more realistic
photographs.
The Su stro e DS51 covers the
equivalent of a 28mm lens. It is the
ideal choice when using only the
camera lens or the camera lens with
a macro accessory lens.
If an accessory wide angle lens wider
than 28mm is used, the ideal
lighting choice is the Su stro e
DS125, which covers 100 degrees, or
two Su stro e DS51’s can e used.
NNOOTTEE::
Optional Tray and
Release Handle
required to mount
Su stro es.
10
L
Le en ns s P Po or rt t
Treat the glass 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.
The Lens Port will accept (2) Wide-Angle Adapters. The Wide-
Angle Adapter #9306.80 which is required to mount the Inon
UWL-150AD Bayonet style wide-angle lens. The Wide-Angle
Adapter #9306.81 is required to mount the #6420 Ikelite W-20
Wide-Angle Lens and other manufacturers (67mm) screw
thread style wide-angle lenses.
These lenses can e secured onto the Wide-Angle Adapter
a ove or elow water as they are designed to have water
etween the front of the port and the accessory lens. Make sure
no air u les are trapped etween the port and the accessory
lens. Any vignetting that occurs can e eliminated y zooming
the camera lens slightly. The camera’s uilt-in flash cannot e
used with wide angle
lenses. The front of the
lenses are so large they
lock the camera’s flash.
To properly light su jects
when using a wide angle
lens an external stro e
should e used. Due to
the wide-angle of
coverage of these lenses,
the DS125 Su stro e is
recommended or two
DS51 Su stro es.
Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-Angle Adapter
11
OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess
BBaacckk oo--rriinngg ##00110099
O-rings last for several years if properly maintained. (See
maintenance) Always carry a spare in case o-ring ecomes
damaged or lost.
WWiiddee--AAnnggllee AAddaapptteerr ##99330066..8800
Required to mount Inon UWL-150AD Bayonet style wide-angle lens.
WWiiddee--AAnnggllee AAddaapptteerr ##99330066..8811
Required to mount Ikelite W-20 and other Screw Thread
(67mm) style wide-angle lenses.
UURR//PPrroo FFiilltteerr ((BBlluuee WWaatteerr)) ##66444411..3322
The UR/Pro underwater color correcting filter is designed to
restore some of the warm colors filtered out y the water. For
availa le light use only, not recommended for use with flash.
GGrreeeenn WWaatteerr FFiilltteerr ##66444411..7722
Enhances contrast and alters the color of green water to
give our su ject a rich, natural tone. For availa le light
only, not recommended for use with flash.
TTrraayy wwiitthh RReelleeaassee HHaannddllee ##99552233..3311
Tray and Release Handle is required
to mount external Su stro es.
IIkkeelliittee WW--2200 WWiiddee--AAnnggllee LLeennss ##66442200
Wide-Angle lenses allow you to capture more of the scene and
get closer to your su ject which results in clearer images and
more vivid color. Can e installed or removed underwater for
maximum versatility. (Note: some housings may require an
adapter, see instructions.)

16
CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee CCoonntt..
3. Some of the controls have a short shaft and cannot e pulled
out exposing the shaft for lu rication. In the unlikely event one
of these controls sticks or ecomes difficult to operate you can
remove the control from the housing and lu ricate it, or return
the housing to Ikelite for maintenance. To remove the control,
loosen the set screw in the kno (allen wrench required);
remove the kno . If there is salt or dirt uild-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
lu ricate the shaft, including the end of the shaft. Slide the
shaft ack into the control gland and gently slide it ack and
forth a few times without fully removing the shaft from the
gland. Replace the kno , NOTE the flat area on the shaft, the
set screw in the kno should tighten down against the flat area
on the control so the kno does not turn on the shaft.
Loosen set screw
(allen wrench required)
Flat
Tighten set screw down
against this area when
replacing the nob.
housing gland
control
shaft
Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland
15
CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee
Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of relia le service
with minimal maintenance.
1. Push utton controls require no maintenance other than rinsing
in fresh water after saltwater use. If a push utton control
ecomes difficult to push or if it sticks when depressed, soak the
housing in luke warm fresh water. After a few minutes operate
the push utton. If this does not correct the pro lem, return the
housing to Ikelite for maintenance.
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can e
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see drawing).
To lu ricate the control, gently pull on the kno until the
stainless steel shaft is exposed. Lightly lu ricate the shaft, then
move the shaft in and out several times. This will lu ricate the
x-ring in the Ikelite control gland. This should e done efore
using the housing after a prolonged storage period, or once a
week when the housing is in use.
housing
lubricate shaft
pull out to
expose shaft
13
Substrobe
DS125
EV Controller
Ball Soc et
Arm
O
Op pt ti io on na al l A Ac cc ce es ss so or ri ie es s
SSuussttrrooee DDSS112255 PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..7777
The Su stro e DS125 package
includes the Su stro e DS125, the
EV Controller, all socket arm and
charger. The EV Controller provides
10 manual power settings in 1/2 stop
increments. An external stro e offers
several advantages over using the
camera’s uilt-in flash. External
stro es move the flash away from
the camera lens which helps reduce
ackscatter. They also expand
lighting options to achieve the
est lighting for different su jects.
A second external digital stro e
package can e added to fill the
shadows and produce more
realistic photographs.
The Su stro e DS125 covers the
equivalent of a 18mm lens, 100
degrees. It is the ideal choice when
using accessory wide angle lenses
greater than 28mm.
NNOOTTEE::
Optional Tray and Release
Handle required to mount
Su stro es.
14
M
Ma ai in nt te en na an nc ce e
The Ikelite Digital Housing should e given the same care and
attention as your other photographic equipment. In addition to
normal maintenance we recommend that the housing e returned
to Ikelite periodically to e checked and pressure tested.
1. D
Do o N No ot tleave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for
prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.
2. DDoo NNoottship the camera in the housing.
3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the sseett
ssccrreewwin each control kno .
Check each ccoonnttrrooll ggllaannddpenetrating the housing to make sure
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vi rate
loose during travel.
4. Keep the ack o-ring clean and lightly lu ricated. To lu ricate
remove the o-ring from the ack. Put a small amount of lkelite
lu ricant on your fingers. Draw the o-ring through your fingers
to apply a light coating of lu ricant. Only apply enough
lu ricant to make the o-ring feel slick. DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhee
oo--rriinngg. This light coating of lu ricant will help to keep the
o-ring from drying out and will help to show a dark sealing
line when the housing ack 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 fresh water after each
salt water use. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate
water spotting.
After several uses in salt water soak the housing exterior in a
mild soap solution, rinse and dry efore storage. When storing
the housing, remove the ack o-ring, lightly lu ricate and place
in a plastic ag. Place the plastic ag with o-ring inside the
housing for safe keeping.
CCAAUUTTIIOONN
NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluurriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaann
ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk..

17
G
Ge en ne er ra al l T Ti ip ps s
1. Due to the power required to operate the camera, flash, and
LCD screen it is a good idea to start each dive with a fresh set
of atteries.
2. Some cameras reset their flash to AUTO when the camera is
turned on. If you prefer another setting e sure to select it.
3. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed.
4. Next, check to see if there are any u les on the face of the
lens port. If there are, take your finger and remove them. If
there are u les on the lens port they can produce soft focus
spots in your photographs.
NNOOTTEE
5. If you are shooting with the camera’s uilt-in flash and the
cameras lens is set to the widest angle you may need to zoom
the lens slightly or a shadow may appear in the lower left
corner of close-up photographs. The lens port may lock some
of the light. Installing the flash diffuser will help to eliminate
the shadow.
(You can test this a ove water)
To shoot photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), you need to
use an external stro e such as the DS51 or DS125. With an
external stro e you can position it so nothing locks the light
path etween the stro e and the su ject.
18
P
Ph ho ot to o T Ti ip ps s
1. The num er one rule in underwater photography is eliminate
as much water etween camera and su ject as possi le. Get
as close as you can to the su ject, then use the zoom. If you
are using flash, su jects eyond 6 feet (1.8m)will not have
much color.
2. The camera’s uilt-in flash is very close to the camera lens. The
flash can light up any suspended particles in the water and they
can e recorded in your picture. This effect is called ackscatter.
To eliminate as much ackscatter as possi le, photograph close.
Photograph in clear water; do not stir up the sand or silty
ottom. If ackscatter ecomes a pro lem in the environment
you are photographing, an external flash will help eliminate
much of the ackscatter.
3
. Digital cameras have a slight lag time etween when you press
the shutter release utton and the camera actually takes the
picture. Hold the camera steady a second or two after pressing
the shutter release utton.
4. Do not shoot down on su jects as they will quite often lend
into the ackground and e difficult to see in the photograph.
Shoot su jects straight on or shoot up at a slight angle using
the lue water as a contrasting ackground.
5. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out y the water as well as to illuminate the su ject. When
photographing underwater, set the camera to use flash on
every shot. If the camera’s flash is set to AUTO and the sun is
ehind your su ject, the camera may see enough light that it
does not fire the flash. With the sun ehind the su ject the
su ject is shaded (dark) and needs flash for a good exposure.
19
PPhhoottoo TTiippss CCoonntt..
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. Many cameras allow
you to adjust oth availa le light and flash exposure with an
EV control in the camera’s menu.
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.
One thing to remem er when using image manipulation
programs, if the image is overexposed much of the color is
missing. If the color is missing you cannot adjust it. If images
are slightly underexposed the color is there, it is just dark and
you can adjust it to some degree. So if you error in exposure it
is etter to have the image slightly underexposed than over
exposed.
IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd WWaarrrraannttyy
All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing defects
for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Defective products
should e returned prepaid to Ikelite. Ikelite will, at its discretion,
repair or replace such products, and will return to customer prepaid.
All other claims, of any nature, including ut not limited to ul
failure are not covered. Except as mentioned a ove, no other
warranty expressed or implied, applies to this Ikelite product.
RReettuurrnniinngg PPrroodduuccttss ffoorr SSeerrvviiccee
Ikelite is most interested in preforming any service to assure that
all products perform as intended. For repair or service, return the
product to the address elow with your name, address, phone
num er and a rief description of the pro lem. Evidence of
purchase date must e provided to o tain warranty service.
IIkkeelliittee UUnnddeerrwwaatteerr SSyysstteemmss
5500 WW 3333rrdd SSttrreeeett
IInnddiiaannaappoolliiss,, IINN 4466220088 UUSSAA
331177--992233--44552233
eemmaaiill:: iikkeelliittee@@iikkeelliittee..ccoomm
wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm
DDiiggiittaall 66118844..5500--0011--00660077