Ikelite SLR-DC 6812.31 User manual

Congratulations on your purchase of an Ikelite Digital Camera
Housing. Ikelite has over 45 years of experience in the underwater
photographic and lighting market. Our products are designed and
built in the USA by Ikelite for both 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
stability. This housing has been water pressure tested at the
factory. Housing is pressure tested and warranted to 200’ (60m).
IKELITE
2
Strobe
Mount
Rubber
Handle
Quick-Release
Strobe
Mount
Lid
Snap
Port Lock
Aluminum Tray
IKELITE
Gear Sleeve
Drive Gear
Port
Opening
Fn/DOF Preview
Power
Switch
Shutter
Release
Flash +/-
Zoom
Sub-
Command
Dial
Release Mode
Dial Lock Rel.
Focus Mode
Selector
Quick
Release
Button
Viewfinder Port
[D] Protect
[E] Ext. Strobe Conn.
& Waterproof Cap
[F] Playback Zoom-Out
[G] Playback Zoom-In
[H] OK Button
[I] AF-ON
[J] Main Command Dial
A
Lens
Release
AE-L
AF-L
[A] Playback
[B] Delete
[C] MENU
[K] Multi-Selector Button
[L] Multi-Selector Up
[M] Multi-Selector Left
Release
Mode
Dial
C
F
H
L
G
J
M
K
N
B
D
I
O
P
Q
R
S
[N] Multi-Selector Right
[O] Multi-Selector Down
[P] Flash Exposure/
Control Dial
[Q] Live View Button
[R] AF-Area Mode Selector
[S] Info Button
WB/ISO
QUAL
Mode
+/-
E
TTL
1
-1
-1
F
-2
-3
MAN
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
3
SIDE VIEW
Camera
Tray
Camera
Mounting
Bolt
Gear
Sleeve
Port
O'ring
Port Lock
Optional
Port
Lid
Snap
Back O’ring
AE-L/AF-L
Power Switch
Mode, +/-
Shutter
Release
OOppeenniinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg
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, so have a
firm grip on the lid
snap. Lid Snaps
may be opened
one at a time.
Lift
Push Forward
Lid Snap Lock
4
IInniittiiaall CCaammeerraa SSeettuupp
- Insert a fully charged battery.
- Insert memory card (1GB or greater capacity recommended).
- Set the mode dial to “M” manual.
- Set shutter speed to 1/60th second or 1/125th second for fast
moving subjects.
- Set aperture to F8 for general photography or F22 for macro
photography (close-ups).
- Set Image Quality to Fine or RAW.
- Set ISO to Lo1 (100) or 200.
- Set Meter to “center-weighted”.
- Set White Balance to “Auto” or “Flash”.
- Make sure Red-Eye Reduction is NOT enabled.
- Make sure AF-assist illuminator is NOT enabled.
- Set Focus-mode selector to “S” Single-servo.
Ikelite SLR-DC Housing
i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l
#6812.31 for Nikon D300s

CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg
1. Place housing face down in your lap.
2. Check to see that there is an o’ring
on the housing back that is clean
and in its proper location.
3. Guide the back onto the housing.
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 the 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 lid-snap lock.
DDoouubbllee cchheecckk- Once the housing is closed, check the o’ring seal.
Check the gap between the housing back and the housing, it
should be even all the way around.
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. 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 then close the lid snaps. isually check the seal
again.
o’ring
housing back
housing back
housing
housing
o’ring
even gap
all 4 sides
PPrreeppaarriinngg ttoo IInnssttaallll ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee
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. ((FFiigg.. 11)).
Type 2 Lenses have a lens
opening that IS larger in diameter than the zoom ring. ((FFiigg.. 22)).
ZZoooomm CCllaammppss && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevveess IInncclluuddeedd wwiitthh HHoouussiinngg
There are 2 different
Zoom Clamps and
Gear Sleeves
provided with the
housing. Start with
the suggested Zoom
Clamp and Gear
Sleeve depending
on the Type of
lens being used.
See ((FFiigg.. AA oorr BB))
Figure B-Type 2 Lens
Figure A-Type 1 Lens
lens
opening
zoom
ring
bayonet
mount
Type 1 lens Type 2 lens
(F gure 1) (F gure 2)
Figure G
Normally used with
Type 1 lens (Fig.1)
#9059.8 small diamete clamp:
Fo use with #0073 sleeve
+
#0073 sleeve: Use with
small diamete zoom clamp
#9059.8
F gure A
Normally used with
Type 2 lens (Fig.2)
#5509.28 Package
#9059.9 la ge diamete clamp:
Fo use with #0073.1 sleeve
+
#0073.1 sleeve: Use with
la ge diamete zoom clamp
#9059.9
F gure B
thick ribs thin ribs
wide
grooved
extension
tabs
narrow
grooved
extension
tabs
Figure F
78
I
In ns st ta al ll li in ng g t th he e C Ca am me er ra a
Remove the back from the housing. The mounting tray for the
camera is secured to the housing back. Position the camera and
lens on the tray, and
then secure it with the
mounting bolt which
threads into the
camera’s tripod socket.
Use a flathead screw-
driver (recommended)
or coin to tighten the
mounting bolt so the
camera bottom is flush
against the tray.
NNOOTTEE:: Conversion
Circuitry Strobe ID Switch is located on bottom of camera tray.
SSeettttiinngg tthhee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn CCiirrccuuiittrryy SSttrroobbee IIDD SSwwiittcchh..
On the bottom of the camera tray is a switch for setting the DS
Substrobe ID. Set the switch to the Model of DS Substrobe being
used.
• When using dual
strobes of different
models such as a
DS51 and a DS161,
set the ID switch to
DS51 or the smaller
strobe.
125
160/161
DS
DS
Set
DSSubstrobes
toTTLMode
50/51
200
80
Nikon
D300s
O‘ring
Mounting Bolt
Camera Tray
56
F
Fl la as sh h C Co on nn ne ec ct ti io on n f fo or r E Ex xt te er rn na al l S St tr ro ob be es s
When using an external strobe, connect the housing hotshoe
connector. Slide the connector into the hotshoe mount on the
camera from the back of the camera as shown. Slide the
connector
forward until it
stops. This can
be done before
or after the
camera is
secured with
the mounting
bolt.
C
Ca au ut ti io on n: :
Do not remove the External Strobe Connector’s waterproof cap
unless an external sync cord is going to be plugged in. Do not
remove waterproof cap or sync cord underwater.
I
In ns st ta al ll li in ng g C Ca am me er ra a i in n H Ho ou us si in ng g
Before installing the camera, pull out on the controls in the front
section of the housing. This will allow the camera to slide in.
Once the camera is installed and the lid snaps have been closed,
return the controls to their operating position.
O'ring
Housing Back
Hot Shoe
Connector
“slide forward
until it stops”
External Strobe Connector
and Waterproof Cap
Mounting
Tray

Type 2 Installation: Figure 1
TOP OF HOUSING
IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee OOnn TTyyppee 22 LLeennsseess
Due to the larger diameter lens opening on Type 2 lenses, the
Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve need to be installed from the rear
(bayonet end) of the lens. Use the housing Lens Release Control
and remove the camera lens from the camera body, after the
camera and lens have been installed in the housing.
Zoom Clamp
Type 2 lens
Lens Zoom Ring
Align
Zoom Clamp
grooved
tabs with
Gear leeve
ribs
IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee ZZoooomm CCllaammpp && GGeeaarr SSlleeeevvee OOnn tthhee TTyyppee 11 LLeennsseess
The Zoom Clamp has springs so it can be expanded to fit over
the Zoom Ring of the lens as shown in ((FFiigg.. CC)).
Install the Zoom Clamp with the extension tabs toward the rear
element of the lens. After installing the Zoom Clamp and Gear
Sleeve ((FFiigg.. DD && EE)), 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 ((FFiigg.. FF)).
Two thicknesses of rubber strips are provided. 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, Sleeve, and
Port. Mesh Gear Sleeve teeth with Black Housing Drive Gear
(Fig. G-Page #12)
10
NNOOTTEE::
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 ((FFiigg.. GG))..When the port is installed, it will lock the
Gear Sleeve in place. After installing the port, rotate the housing
Zoom Control Knob to see that the Gear Sleeve is properly
rotating the lens Zoom ring.
IKELITE
F gure G
Mesh
Gear leeve
teeth with
Black Housing
Drive Gear
9
Type 1 Installation: Figure A
Figure A
Type 1 Installation: Figure B
Figure B
Type 1 Installation: Figure C
Figure C
F gure C
F gure D
F gure E
Type 1 lens
mounted
to camera
Align with
Zoom Clamp
grooved tabs
apply
rubber strips
to inside of
clamp
zoom
ring
F gure F
11 12
Gear leeve
TTyyppee 11 LLeennsseess ((ccoonnttiinnuueedd))
Gear leeve
ribs
MMaannuuaall FFooccuussiinngg NNoottee::
Ikelite DSLR housings are designed for auto-focus DSLR
cameras and lenses. Manual focusing is not recommended. If
you desire to manually focus a lens, the zoom clamp must be
moved onto the lens Manual Focus Ring and you must use the
housing zoom control knob to manually focus. This will result in
loss of zoom capability.
Lens Manual
Focus Ring

15 16
14
I
In ns st ta al ll li in ng g t th he e P Po or rt t c co on nt t. .
TToo RReemmoovvee PPoorrtt
To remove the port, lift up on each Release Button and slide the
port lock away from the port.
PPoorrtt SSeeaall IInnssiiddee iieeww
If the port is installed before the
camera is inserted into the housing,
look from the inside of the housing
at the port seal. Check to see that the
o’ring is properly seated as shown in
figure 1 and not extruded as shown
in figure 2.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
C
Ca au ut ti io on n: :
After installing the port, turn the Zoom Control knob on the
housing. If the Zoom Control is difficult to turn, the gear sleeve
may be warped. If necessary, reduce or omit any rubber installed
on the Zoom Clamp (Fig.F on pg.10).
If the Zoom Clamp is still
warped, use of the #5509.28 package may be required. (See page
#8)
NNOOTTEE:: ((lleennss ppoorrttss))
A lens port must be secured to the housing before entering the
water. Ikelite DSLR housings DO NOT come with a lens port. You
must select the correct port for each lens you will be using
underwater. For complete lens/port information and
compatibility with your Ikelite system, go to wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm
I
In ns st ta al ll li in ng g t th he e P Po or rt t
There are two port locks on
the front of the housing
(See housing front). Each
port lock has a Release
Button. Lift the release
button and slide each Port
Lock away from the port
opening. In the unlocked
position, the Release Button
will remain in the up
position as shown.
To prepare the port for installation, remove the port o’ring and
lightly lubricate it. The port seal is a side-to-side seal and
requires the o’ring to be lightly lubricated for easy installation.
Put a small amount of lubricant on your fingers and pull the
o’ring through your fingers to lightly lubricate it. Do not stretch
the o’ring. Check that the lip of the port where the o’ring fits
and the sealing surface on the housing are clean. Place the port,
with o’ring, into the housing port opening. Press down on the
port firmly and evenly until you feel the port slide into place.
Continue to push down on the port and push each port lock
forward until the lock fully engages. It may help to slightly
rotate the port as you push in on the port lock. isually inspect
the port lock and confirm that the Port Lock Release Button is
seated flush against the Port Lock Body. Do not rely on an
audible "click" to indicate that the lock is engaged.
Check around the perimeter of the port seal to see that the
o’ring is properly sealed and not extruded ((PPaaggee 1144 -- FFiigg.. 22))..
13
Port Lock
Release
Button
Lift Release
Button to
Unlock
Pull Back to
Disengage
P
ort
Locked Position
UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbeess
This housing has Conversion Circuitry built into the housing.
When used with Ikelite DS Substrobes the Conversion Circuitry
provides real Nikon iTTL flash exposure with over and
under-exposure compensation from +1 1/3 to - 1 1/3 f-stops in 1/3
stop increments.
NNOOTTEESS::
-- FFllaasshh EExxppoossuurree CCoommppeennssaattiioonn sseett iinn tthhee ccaammeerraa wwiillll bbee
aaddddeedd oorr ssuubbttrraacctteedd ffrroomm tthhee ccoommppeennssaattiioonn sseett oonn tthhee
hhoouussiinngg ccoonnvveerrssiioonn cciirrccuuiittrryy iinn iiTTTTLL..
-- BBaallaanncceedd FFiillll FFllaasshh ccaannnnoott bbee uusseedd..
-- DDoo nnoott uussee rreedd--eeyyee rreedduuccttiioonn sseettttiinngg..
The Conversion Circuitry also offers Manual exposure control
with 3 1/2 f-stops of under-exposure control in 1/2 stop
increments.
The Conversion Circuitry is powered by the Ikelite DS Substrobe
when connected to the housing with the #4103.51 single or
#4103.52 dual sync cord.
See page 19 for DS Substrobe compatibility with the Conversion
Circuitry.
UUssiinngg IIkkeelliittee NNoonn--DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbeess ((SSuubbssttrroobbee 5500,, 110000AA,,
220000,, 440000)) aanndd NNOONN--IIkkeelliittee SSttrroobbeess wwiitthh tthhiiss HHoouussiinngg..
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used
with a Non-DS or Non-Ikelite Substrobe. These Substrobes can be
used in their manual mode utilizing any power settings provided
on the Substrobe.
UUssiinngg tthhee CCoonnvveerrssiioonn CCiirrccuuiittrryy ((SSeett DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbee ttoo TTTTLL mmooddee))
•• MMooddee aanndd CCoommppeennssaattiioonn DDiiaall
Note that the TTL
compensation
values are located in
the yellow band.
Manual compensation
values are located in
the black band.
Rotate the Dial to
switch between TTL
and Manual Modes.
•• TTTTLL MMooddee
TTL Mode
compensation
values are indicated in
the yellow band. Place
the Setting Indicator
to TTTTLL ffoorr NNOO
CCoommppeennssaattiioonn. Rotate
the Dial either
direction to select +/- compensation. Place the Setting Indicator
to the desired compensation value. Note that in TTL
compensation values are in 1/3 f-stops.
•• MMaannuuaall MMooddee
Manual Mode compensation values are indicated in the black
band. Rotate the Dial to place the Setting Indicator to the desired
compensation value. Note that in Manual Mode compensation
values are in 1/2 f-stops from (F) full power to -3 f-stops.
((SSeett DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbee ttoo TTTTLL mmooddee))
UUssiinngg EExxtteerrnnaall SSttrroobbeess CCoonntt..
TTL
1
-1
-1
F
-2
-3
MAN
DIAL
TTL Flash Scale (yellow = 1/3 stops)
Manual Flash Scale (black = 1/2 stops)
Setting
Indicator

NNOOTTEE:: DDSS SSuubbssttrroobbee UUppddaattee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn
DDSS5500 SSuubbssttrroobbeess
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number below 63,850 can not be
updated to operate with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number between 63,850 and
69,999 operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.
• DS50 Substrobes with a Serial Number of 70,000 or higher, or
with one of the two following
labels in the battery compart-
ment provide optimum
performance with the
Conversion Circuitry and do
not need an update.
DDSS112255 SSuubbssttrroobbeess
• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number below 2,500 must be
updated to operate correctly with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number between 2,501 and
4,900 will operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.
• DS125 Substrobes with a Serial Number of 5,000 or higher, or
with one of the two follow-
ing labels in the battery
compartment, provide opti-
mum performance with the
Conversion Circuitry and do
not need an update.
ikelite
SubstrobeSubstrobe
MOD-NC
TToo UUppddaattee YYoouurr SSuubbssttrroobbee::
Send to the Ikelite address on the back page of this manual or
contact Ikelite for more information.
ikelite
Substrobe
MOD-NC
ikelite
SubstrobeSubstrobe
MOD-NC
ikelite
Substrobe
MOD-NC
serial number
serial number
19
Test
Off
On
On
w/Lite
TTL
Full
Fuel
Guage
ReadyLight
3
2
1
-2
-3
-4
-1
DS
DS
161
MOVIE
DDSS116611 ((ccoonnttiinnuueedd))
The DS161 flash covers
the equivalent of an
18mm lens or 100
degrees w/diffuser
installed. It is the ideal
choice when using
wide angle lenses
greater than 80 degrees.
It also features a 1.5
second recycle time and
225 flashes per full
charge.
A-100 Ball/ ocket
Arm #4086.61
#9571.3 Extended
tem Mount (included
with A-100
Ball/ ocket arm)
ikelite
18
DS161 Mov e Substrobe
Actual ize
9.6 cm dia x 17.9 cm
3.75" dia x 7"
ikelite
SUBSTROBE
DS
51
ikelite
SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511
The DS51's intensity and angle of coverage make it equally suited
for macro and general photography. The strobe's wide-angle
diffuser increases the angle-of-coverage up to 80 degrees, softens
the light and helps to reduce backscatter.
U
Us si in ng g I Ik ke el li it te e D DS S D Di ig gi it ta al l S St tr ro ob be es s
For the best underwater photographic results, we recommend
adding an external DS-digital strobe connected to the housing with
a #4103.51 TTL Sync Cord and a SA-100 Ball/socket arm ((PPaaggee ##1188)).
Ikelite DS series Substrobes are industry favorites for their warm,
even coverage and lightning fast recycle time. Being farther from
the camera lens, the optional DS Substrobe aids in reducing the
illumination of particles in the water and helps to eliminate
backscatter.
17
Substrobe DS51
Actual ize
8 cm dia x 12 cm
3.2" dia x 4.7"
DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee
The DS161 Movie Substrobe combines all of the functionality of our
renowned DS160 with a powerful 500 lumen LED video light.
Three super-bright LEDs are arranged behind a special optical
element to provide 45 degrees angle of coverage free of hotspots.
RReeccoommmmeennddeedd SSttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggeess
DDSS5511 SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..5511 includes #4086.61 SA-100 Arm
System with Ikelite TTL sync cord.
-- AAdddd aa sseeccoonndd SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS5511:: ##33994444..5522 includes #4086.61 SA-100
Arm System with Ikelite dual TTL sync cord.
DDSS116600 SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..9900 includes #4086.61 SA-100 Arm
System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with Ikelite TTL sync cord.
-- AAdddd aa sseeccoonndd SSuubbssttrroobbee DDSS116600:: ##33994444..9922 includes #4086.61 SA-
100 Arm System and Ikelite dual TTL sync cord.
DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994455..0011 ((RReeccoommmmeennddeedd))includes
#4086.61 SA-100 Arm System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with
Ikelite TTL sync cord.
-- AAdddd aa sseeccoonndd DDSS116611 MMoovviiee SSuubbssttrroobbee:: ##33994455..0022 includes
#4086.61 SA-100 Arm System and dual Ikelite TTL sync cord.
DDSS220000 SSuubbssttrroobbee PPaacckkaaggee ##33994444..6600includes #4085.26 Arm
System and 1.5 hour Smart Charger with Ikelite TTL sync cord.
CCoommpplleettee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg IIkkeelliittee pprroodduuccttss aanndd ooppttiioonnaall
aacccceessssoorriieess aavvaaiillaabbllee aatt wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm
PPlleeaassee RReeaadd IIff UUssiinngg aann EE--CCoonnttrroolllleerr
TTTTLL ffllaasshh ccoonnttrrooll iiss nnoott aavvaaiillaabbllee wwhheenn uussiinngg aann EE--CCoonnttrroolllleerr,,
aanndd tthheerreeffoorree aann EE CCoonnttrroolllleerr iiss nnoott rreeccoommmmeennddeedd ffoorr uussee
wwiitthh tthhiiss hhoouussiinngg..
NNOOTTEE::The E -Controller cannot be used as a slave. If hard-wired
to the housing, set the E -Controller to Non pre-flash.
20
SSAA--110000 BBaallll//SSoocckkeett AArrmm
The SA-100 system #4086.61
with its 1" diameter ball is ideal
underwater. The #9571.3
extended stem mount allows
easy attachment of the E
controller or flashlight mount,
and drops right into the release
handle. The arm system allows
easy strobe placement from
macro close-up to wide angle.
The complete system removes
with a push of the handle
button.

23
CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee
Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service
with minimal maintenance.
1. Push button controls require no maintenance other than rinsing
in fresh water after saltwater use. If a push button control
becomes difficult to push or if it sticks when depressed, soak the
housing in luke warm fresh water. After a few minutes, operate
the push button. If this does not correct the problem, return the
housing to Ikelite for maintenance.
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see Diagram B on page #24).
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 Ikelite 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. In 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 Ikelite for maintenance. To remove the control
(see Diagram A on Page #24), loosen the set screw in the knob
(allen wrench required); remove the knob. If 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.
24
CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee CCoonntt..
4. 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.
housing
lubricate shaft
pull out to
expose shaft
D agram B
Loosen set screw
Tighten set screw down
against this flat area
when replacing the knob.
housing gland
control
Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland
D agram A
PPrree--DDiivvee YYoouurr SSyysstteemm
It is recommended that you take the complete system into a
swimming pool before use in open water. This will give you a
chance to become familiar with the handling and operation of
your housing and strobe(s).
O
Op pt ti io on na al l A Ac cc ce es ss so or ri ie es s
LLeeaadd WWeeiigghhtt ##00990066..5588
The buoyancy of the system will depend on the size and
number of strobes used as well as the weight of the camera.
Ideally the system should be slightly negative in the
environment in which it will be used. If you need to add weight
to the system, an optional lead weight is available. To add the
lead weight remove the (2) screws from the bottom of the
aluminum tray. Place the lead weight into the pocket of the
aluminum tray and reattach.
While both the Port and Back o’rings should last quite some time, it
is best to carry a spare, in case one becomes damaged or lost.
##55551122..6699 OO--rriinngg KKiitt ((RReeccoommmmeennddeedd))
##55551122..6699 OO--rriinngg KKiitt iinncclluuddeess::
IIkkeelliittee LLuubbee ##00118844..11
PPoorrtt OO’’rriinngg ##00110055
HHoouussiinngg BBaacckk OO’’rriinngg ##00113322..6611
SSttoorriinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg
When the housing is going to be stored for a prolonged period it
should be soaked in a mild soap solution, rinsed and dried
thoroughly. Remove the back and port from the housing.
Remove the back and port o’rings, lightly lubricate them and
place them in a plastic zip-lock bag. Place the plastic bag inside
the housing for storage. Operate the push buttons periodically.
22
21
L
Lu ub br ri ic ca an nt ts s
1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We
recommend that you use only Ikelite lubricant. Other brands
may cause the o’ring to swell and not seal properly.
2. Use only enough Ikelite lubricant to lightly cover control shafts
and o’rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Lubricant is not a sealant and is used to reduce friction.
Excessive lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may
interfere with proper sealing.
NNoottee::Lubricant is not needed on the main housing o’ring to
maintain a housing seal, however, lightly lubricating this o’ring
can extend it’s life and aid in seeing a good housing seal. Too
much lube can attract debris increasing the potential for a leak.
CCAAUUTTIIOONN:: NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieenntt
ccaann ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk..

27
PPhhoottoo TTiippss
1. The number one rule in underwater photography is to eliminate
as much water between camera and subject as possible. Get
as close as you can to the subject, then use the zoom. If you
are using flash, subjects beyond 6 feet (1.8m)will not have
much color, regardless of the strobe’s power.
2. Many digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you
press the shutter release button and when the camera actually
takes the picture. It only takes a slight amount of pressure to
operate the shutter. If the shutter doesn’t trip immediately,
don’t push down harder on the shutter control, as you may
damage the camera. Hold the camera steady a second or two
after pressing the shutter release button.
3. 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.
4. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject.
5. For balanced lighting, meter the background and set the camera
aperture accordingly. Use TTL, adjust the strobe’s power set-
tings, or move the strobe closer or farther away to properly
expose the subject with the chosen camera aperture.
6. Avoid shooting into the sun. This can cause unwanted reflections
or underexposed subjects.
2625
G
Ge en ne er ra al l H Ho ou us si in ng g M Ma ai in nt te en na an nc ce e
Your Ikelite Housing should be given the same care and attention
as your other photographic equipment. In addition to normal
maintenance, we recommend your housing be returned to Ikelite
(every 2-3 years or sooner with continuo us use), to be 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 knob.
Check each ccoonnttrrooll ggllaannddpenetrating the housing to make sure
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
loose during travel.
4. Keep the back and port 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. DDoo NNoott ssttrreettcchh tthhee oo’’rriinngg.
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 clean.
6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Depress push buttons several times during rinse.
Dry with a soft cloth. Dry port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in salt water, soak the housing in a mild soap
solution, rinse, and dry.
7. Although not recommended, if it is necessary to remove a
housing push button, DDoo NNoottre-use the E-clip. Contact Ikelite
for replacement E-clips (part #0319.12).
CCAAUUTTIIOONN::
NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt
iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaann ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk..
GGeenneerraall TTiippss
1. You should completely assemble and test your system in a
swimming pool before using it in openwater.
2. It is a good idea to start each photo dive with a fully charged
battery in the camera and strobe(s).
3. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed. Next, check to see if
there are any bubbles on the face of the port. If there are, take
your fingers and remove them. If there are bubbles on the lens
port they can produce soft focus spots in your photographs.
4 Set Image Resolution to the Highest JPG format available or
RAW. Higher resolution settings are required for printing. High
resolution images can easily be reduced in size with software
and retain their original quality. A Low resolution image can be
enlarged with software but much of the quality will be lost.
5. ISO 100 and “center-weighted averaging” metering are
recommended.
6. Digital images are usually transferred to the computer where
their appearance can be fine tuned. Many image manipulation
programs make you think you can magically correct any image
taken and make a good picture. One thing to be aware of is that
if an image is overexposed, some of the color information in the
file is missing. If the color is missing, you cannot adjust it. If
images are underexposed, the color and detail may be there,
however it is just dark, so you can adjust it to some degree. if
exposure error occurs, it is better to have the image slightly
underexposed rather than overexposed.
DDiiggiittaall 66881122..3311--0011--11110099
IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd WWaarrrraannttyy
All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing
defects for a period of one year from the original date of purchase.
Defective products should be 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 are not
covered. Housing is pressure tested and warranted to 200’ (60m)
maximum underwater depth. Except as mentioned above, 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 below with your name, address, phone
number and a brief description of the problem. Evidence of
purchase date must be provided to obtain warranty service.
Normal service turnaround time is approximately 2-3 weeks.
IIkkeelliittee UUnnddeerrwwaatteerr SSyysstteemmss
5500 WW 3333rrdd SSttrreeeett
IInnddiiaannaappoolliiss,, IINN 4466220088 UUSSAA
WWhheenn rreettuurrnniinngg pprroodduuccttss,, sseenndd ““aattttnn.. RReeppaaiirr DDeepptt..””
331177--992233--44552233
““ggeenneerraall qquueessttiioonnss”” ee--mmaaiill:: iikkeelliittee@@iikkeelliittee..ccoomm
wwwwww..iikkeelliittee..ccoomm