Ikelite AF35 AutoFlash User manual

AF35 AutoFlash
Instruction Manual
4035 - 4035.1
Thank you for your purchase of
Ikelite equipment. Before using
the AF35 AutoFlash, please read
this instruction manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.
Ikelite recommends becoming
familiar with the features and
functions of the AF35 AutoFlash
above water before trying the
camera and flash in the water.
We also suggest that you read
your camera’s owners manual as
well.
ikelite
35
AF
ikelite
AUTOFLASH

2
Housing Compatibility
The AF35 AutoFlash fits Ikelite
compact digital housing styles
DC100 and DC200, and most
compact digital housings
manufactured by Canon, Olympus,
Panasonic, and Sony.
AF35 AutoFlash Kit
includes:
- AF35 AutoFlash
- Flash Diffuser
- Flexible Arm
- AutoFlash Sensor
- Rubber Grip
- Tray (single or dual)
- Tray Inserts
- Mounting Hardware
AF35 Specifications
Firing Modes........Auto - 6 manual power settings
Energy Rating........35 watt-seconds
Coverage Angle........70° - 80° with diffuser
Guide # (ISO 100) feet........28 surface - 16 underwater
Guide # (ISO 100) meters........9 surface - 5 underwater
Color Temperature........5700° K
Power Source........4 “AA” alkaline, NiCad, NiMH
Flashes........300 full power
Recycle Time........2.5 seconds
Weight........0.6 kg - 1.3 pounds
Depth Rating........90m - 300 feet
CE - Compliant with applicable EU directives.
Complies with FCC part 15, subpart B, Section 15.109 for Class “B”
roducts.
ikelite
35
AF
ikelite
AUTOFLASH
AF35 AutoFlash
Pop-bead
Flex Arm
Sensor
Rubber Grip
Tray
Selector
Dial

3
roduct Registration
Please take a moment to fill out the online Ikelite roduct Registration
form at http://www.ikelite.com/forms/regForm.htm.
Battery Compartment
Opening - Always turn the AutoFlash OFF (as
shown) and dry the flash before opening the battery
door. To access the battery compartment, rotate the
knob counter-clockwise several turns and gently
remove the door. Tilt the back of the flash down while
removing the battery door to eliminate the possibility
of water droplets falling into the battery compartment.
Note: Do not remove the knob from the battery door.
Battery Compartment O-ring
Keep the o-ring and sealing surfaces
clean. ightly lubricate the exposed
portion of the o-ring with the Ikelite
silicone lubricant provided.
Changing the Batteries
Install four AA-cell batteries: alkaline, NiCad, or NiMH. Refer to the “+” and
“-” markings in the battery compartment to help properly install the batteries.
If the batteries are installed incorrectly it may damage the electronics.
Batteries should be replaced when the flash takes 15 seconds or longer to
recycle.
Closing the Compartment
Check that the o-ring and sealing surfaces are clean, the o-ring is lightly
lubricated and in its original position. Replace the battery door. Make sure it
fits into the recess around the battery compartment. Rotate the knob
clockwise several times and firmly hand-tighten to assure the proper o-ring
seal, otherwise the battery compartment may leak. Caution: Do Not use a
tool when tightening as it may damage the battery door. The o-ring seal is
visible through the battery door. Visually confirm that there is a solid
black line which indicates a seal all the way around the door.
AUTO
Mode Switch
O-ring Seal appears
as solid black line
when properly
sealed
Knob

4
AF35 Flash Settings
To use the AF35 AutoFlash in the Auto or Manual Mode the camera’s built-in
flash must be set to fire on every shot as it is used to trigger the AF35
AutoFlash.
OFF - Figure 1 shows the AF35 flash mode switch set to OFF. Always turn
the flash OFF when not in use for
prolonged periods or when changing
batteries.
AUTO - Figure 2 shows the AF35 flash
Mode Switch set to AUTO. From the
OFF position rotate the Mode Switch
clockwise to access the AUTO exposure
setting; the white indicator on the knob
aligns with AUTO. When taking pictures
with the Mode Switch in the Auto
position, the Auto Sensor automatically
controls the flash output of the AF35
flash.
See Auto Ex osure Selector Dial, age
6, for setu and additional information
when using the AF35 in the AUTO
mode.
MANUAL - Figure 3 shows the Mode Switch in the manual exposure mode
with the AF35 turned to the F (full power) position. Rotate the Mode Switch
clockwise to access the different power settings. Each power setting
clockwise from F reduces the light output of the AF35 in one-half f-stop
increments. When shooting in manual mode, it is suggested that you start at
F (full power). If the subject in the photo is underexposed (too dark) you
must move closer to the subject.
(Fig.1) (Fig.2)
(Fig.3) (Fig.4)
AUTO
AUTO
AUTO
AUTO

5
If the subject is overexposed (too light), then you can rotate the mode
switch clockwise to reduce the light output of the flash until the desired
exposure is obtained. The AF35 provides five reductions in power in 1/2
f-stop increments from the full power setting. Figure 4, page 4, for example,
shows the mode switch set to minus 1-1/2 f-stops. When the AF35 is in any
manual setting the Auto Exposure Selector Dial setting has no effect on the
flash output.
Switch the AF35 between Auto and Manual settings at any time.
AF35 Flash Ready Light
The Ikelite AF35 Flash features a ready/confidence
light at the rear of the flash that glows when the
flash has recycled and is ready to fire. When the
recycle times range between 10 and 15 seconds it
is recommended that fresh batteries be installed.
NOTE: The AF35 flash will most likely recycle
faster than the camera’s built-in flash. Since the
camera’s built-in flash is required to trigger the
AF35 flash, make sure the camera’s built-in flash
has recycled and is ready to fire before taking a
picture.
Ready Light in Auto Mode
When the AF35 fires in the Auto Mode and enough light reaches the subject
for proper exposure the ready light will glow green for about 2-3 seconds,
then glow red. If the ready light does not glow green, but glows red
immediately after taking a picture, not enough light reached the subject for
proper exposure. Move closer to the subject and take another picture and
check the ready light.
AUTO
AF35 Flash Settings continued
Ready
ight

6
Setting the Auto Exposure Selector Dial
On the side of the Auto Sensor is the Auto
Exposure Selector Dial. Different cameras may
require different exposure values. Once the
correct exposure value is determined for a
particular camera, no further adjustments should
be necessary to obtain acceptable flash
exposures of varying subjects within
normal shooting ranges.
To determine the camera’s optimum Exposure Value we recommend the
following procedure. This procedure can be done above water.
Make sure the camera’s battery is fully charged and the AF35 flash has fresh
batteries. Assemble the AF35 flash and camera housing with the flash
deflector installed on the housing. Make sure the camera’s built-in flash is set
to fire on every shot and is fully charged. Turn the AF35 flash mode dial to
AUTO. Set the Auto Exposure Selector Dial to 5 as shown above. Position the
camera and flash approximately 1m (3 feet) from a colorful subject. Subject
should not be all white or black. Take a picture, review the picture, if the
picture is overexposed (light), turn the Auto Exposure Selector Dial down to 4,
if the picture is underexposed (dark) turn the Auto Exposure Selector Dial up
to 6. Repeat this procedure until the optimum exposure is obtained. Once the
optimum Auto Exposure Value has been determined for that camera, use that
value anytime that camera is used with the AF35 in the Auto Mode. Re eat
this rocedure anytime a different camera is used with the AF35 AutoFlash.
For advanced users, the Auto Exposure Selector Dial can be used for
exposure compensation while remaining in the automatic mode. When the
AF35 Autoflash is set in the Auto Mode the Auto Exposure Selector Dial can
be used to increase or decrease the flash intensity in difficult lighting
conditions.
Ikelite
MADE IN THE USA
2
4
6
8
1
3
5
7
9
10
Auto Exposure
Selector Dial

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AF35 Flash Diffuser
The flash diffuser adds 10° to the angle-of-coverage of the flash. The diffuser
is usually not required unless a wide angle lens is being used. The white
diffuser features two protruding tabs for use in installation and removal. The
tabs on the diffuser should be
positioned away from the flash.
Place the diffuser over the front
of the flash. Spread the two tabs
apart, insert the diffuser into the
recessed front, and then rotate
the diffuser until it locks into
position.
To remove the diffuser, bend
one tab out towards the edge
while lifting simultaneously.
A lanyard can be attached to
the diffuser by threading it
through the two holes.
Setting the Auto Exposure Selector Dial (continued)
Using Dual AF35 AutoFlashes
When using dual AF35 AutoFlashes, determine the optimum Auto Exposure
Value for one AF35 Autoflash as described on page 6, then set the same Auto
Exposure Value on the second AF35’s selector dial.
Tab
Push and ift
to Remove
Holes for anyard
Tab

8
Mounting Ikelite Housings to the Tray
A lies to Single or Dual Tray.
NOTE: The AF35 AutoFlash can ON Y be mounted to Ikelite Compact
Digital housing models DC-100 and DC-200.
Turn the housing so the tray mounting inserts on the bottom of the housing
are facing up. Place the tray across the bottom of the housing and align the
two outer holes in the tray with the mounting inserts in the bottom of the
housing. Insert the two mounting bolts as shown below and tighten the bolts
firmly to secure the tray to the housing.
Note: Your mounting hardware includes 2 12-24 thread and 2 1/4-20 thread
size screws. Make sure you use the correct thread size screws with your
housing. Do Not cross-thread the Mounting Inserts.
Ikelite DC-100 UltraCompact Housing
Mounting Bolts
Single Tray
Mounting Insert

9
Canon, Olympus, anasonic and Sony Tray Inserts
A lies to Single or Dual Tray.
Non-Ikelite housings are mounted to the tray with a single bolt. To keep the
camera housing from rotating on the tray, a Tray Insert must be installed.
Note that there are 3 Tray Inserts included with the AF35. Select the Tray
Insert for the corresponding camera housing being installed. Note: See
s ecial Sony instructions, age10.
CANON A
OLYMPUS
SONY B
SONY A
CANONB
Panasonic
CANON
CANON
CANON
Installation
1. The Tray Insert has an adhesive coating on the side opposite the
lettering. Remove the protective backing to expose the adhesive.
2. Align the Tray Insert with the Tray Recess, the arrows on the Tray Insert
should be pointing toward the holes in the tray.
3. Place Insert into Recess and push down to secure Insert to tray.
Tray Insert
Tray Recess
Protective
Backing
Mounting Holes
Tray Insert

10
Sony Housing Tray Insert Installation
A lies to Single or Dual Tray.
Sony housings have 2 different size Base Plates. The Tray Insert marked
Sony has 2 different cut-outs. To determine the correct cut-out, place each
of the Sony Tray Insert cut-outs against the Sony housing Base Plate as
shown below. Use the cut-out that fits snug around the Base Plate. When
the correct cut-out is determined proceed with the installation.
See page 9 for drawings of the following procedure.
1. The Tray Insert has an adhesive coating on the side opposite the
lettering. Remove the protective backing to expose the adhesive.
2. Align the Tray Insert with the Tray Recess, the arrows on the Tray Insert
should be pointing toward the holes in the tray.
3. Place Insert into Recess and push down to secure Insert to tray.
4. See page 11 for mounting the Tray to the housing.
SONY B
SONY A
Base Plate Tripod Mount
Tray Insert

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Mounting Canon, Olympus, anasonic & Sony Housings
to the Tray
A lies to Single or Dual Tray.
After the proper Tray Insert is installed, the housing can be mounted to the
AF35 tray. Turn the housing so the Tripod Mount on the bottom of the
housing is facing up. Place the tray across the bottom of the housing. A lign
the center hole in the tray with the hole in the Tripod Mount on the bottom of
the housing. Insert the mounting bolt with lock washer as shown below and
tighten the bolt firmly to secure the tray to the housing. Check that the
Tripod Mount aligns correctly with the Tray Insert restricting the housing
from rotating on the tray.
Canon, Olympus, anasonic, or Sony Housing
Mounting Bolt
Single Tray
Tripod Mount
ock Washer
Tray Insert

12
Installing Housing Deflectors
Installing a Deflector in front of the camera’s built-in flash will block the
camera’s flash from going forward and lighting the particles in the water;
helping to reduce backscatter, it will also deflect the light back toward the
AF35 Sensor used to trigger the AF35 Flash.
Ikelite Housings
Deflectors are supplied with Ikelite housings, see housing instructions for
installation.
Non-Ikelite Housing Deflector Installation
Most Canon, Olympus and Sony digital camera housings have a flash
diffuser built on the housing to which the deflector can be attached, see
drawing, page 13. If the housing does not have a flash diffuser pick a spot
on the outside of the housing in front of the camera’s built-in flash to mount
the deflector.
Deflector Kit includes:
1 strip of hook material, 1/4” wide x 6” long
1 strip of loop material, 2” wide x 3” long
1. The loop material (deflector) is white on one side and black on the other
side. The white side will go against the housing as it has loops that will
stick to the hook material once it is secured to the housing.
2. Using a piece of paper, cut a template to fit on the outside of the housing in
front of the camera’s built-in flash. Trace the template on the loop material
and cut it out. Test fit the loop material (deflector) on the housing and trim
as necessary.

13
Non-Ikelite Housing Deflector Installation (continued)
3. Position the loop material (deflector) on the housing to determine where to
locate the 2 strips of hook material to secure the deflector to the housing.
Cut 2 strips of the hook material to fit on each side or on the top and
bottom of the deflector. Peel the adhesive backing from the hook material
strips and press them onto the housing. The loop material (deflector) can
now be secured or easily removed from the housing.
Non-Ikelite Housing Front
Non-Ikelite Housing Front
Non-Ikelite Housing Front
Flash
Diffuser
Deflector Hook Material
Deflector Material
Cut-out
Cut-out Deflctor
Material
Port
Port
Port

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Connecting AF35 Handle to Tray (single or dual)
The base of the Handle that slides over the tray mount has a nylon screw.
Note that the tray has a notch for the nylon screw to fit into when the handle
is mounted to the tray and the nylon screw is screwed down. Back the
screw out far enough to slide the handle base onto the tray mount. Align the
handle mount with the tray mount as shown, push the handle mount onto
the tray mount and secure with nylon screw. Reverse this procedure to
remove the handle.
Tray Mount
ocking Groove
Secure Handle to Tray
with Nylon Screw
Handle Mount
Nylon Screw

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Flex Arm
The AF35 Flex Arm is quite versatile, it allows the flash head to be placed in
many different positions for optimal lighting. The flash head is connected to
the sensor with a sync cord that runs through the center of the flex arm. If
the flex arm is bent too far it may separate from the top bead on the sensor
body. The flex arm and flash will still be connected to the sensor and handle
by the sync cord, DO NOT put undue force on the sync cord. If the Flex Arm
separates from the top of the sensor, position the bottom bead of the Flex
Arm over the bead on the top of the sensor body and push down to reinstall,
Figure 1. The flex arm should snap back into position, Figure 2.
ikelite
35
AF
ikelite
AUTOFLASH
ikelite
35
AF
ikelite
AUTOFLASH
Align arm pop-beads
and push down on
sensor base to rejoin
Figure 1 Figure 2

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Lubricant
- Use only Ikelite brand silicone lubricant with Ikelite brand o-rings; other
brand lubricants can cause the Ikelite o-rings to swell in size.
- Do Not use spray lubricant; it can crack the plastic parts of the Kit.
- ubricant reduces friction and prolongs the life of o-rings, it is not a sealant.
Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the area being applied; wipe off
any excess with a clean cloth.
Maintenance
Your Ikelite AF35 AutoFlash Kit should be given the same care and attention
as your other photographic equipment.
Routine Cleaning
Caution: Make sure the AF35’s battery door is on and tightened down
before exposing the flash to water. Ideally, water should never enter the
battery compartment. If this does occur, see “Battery Compartment
Flooding” on page 17.
1. Always rinse the exterior of the AF35 with fresh water after use,
especially after exposure to salt water. While rinsing, turn the mode
switch to free salt or debris that might have accumulated in recesses
during the dive.
2. Dry the AF35 thoroughly.
Long Term Storage
- Make sure the battery door is on and tightened down firmly.
- Soak the Kit in a mild soap solution, operate the mode switch to free salt
or debris, rinse and dry before storage.
- When storing the Kit, remove the batteries from the flash. ightly lubricate
the exposed part of the door’s o-ring and store the AF35 flash with the
battery door lightly screwed on, this will allow any hydrogen/air mixture to
escape the battery compartment and avoid unnecessary pressure on the
o-ring that could cause it to flatten.

17
Battery Compartment Flooding
The battery compartment is separate from the AF35’s factory sealed
electronics. Should the battery compartment flood, remove the batteries,
flush the compartment with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Determine the
cause of the flooding to the best of your ability. Send the AF35 kit to Ikelite
for inspection and testing as soon as possible.
Often, divers find themselves in remote locations for extended periods
without access to multiple flashes. If the flash with the flooded battery
compartment is the only one available to you at the time and you’re
desperate to continue shooting, please follow these instructions for a
temporary fix:
1. Open the battery compartment, remove batteries and water. Blow out as
much water as possible with a blow dryer or air from a scuba tank.
2. Wash out the battery compartment with alcohol. Blow dry the battery
compartment again with a blow dryer or air from a scuba tank.
3. Caution: Replace all batteries after battery compartment flooding. Never
re-use batteries that have been wet. The water could cause an internal
short circuit in the flash at some later date, potentially causing an
explosion.
4. Reassemble the AF35 with fresh batteries.
5. After returning from your trip, send the AF35 Kit to Ikelite for inspection
and testing.

18
roblem Solution
Strobe will not Fire - Check the AF35 ready light. Turn the flash mode
switch to OFF and then back to Auto. Make sure
the switch has actually clicked into position.
- Check that the batteries are inserted according to
the “+” and “-” markings. Note: it is possible to buy
bad “new” batteries; check the voltage output with
a meter. If using rechargeable batteries make sure
the charger is working properly and that the
batteries are fully charged.
- Check that the camera’s built-in flash is turned on
and is set to fire on every shot.
Troubleshooting
Flex Arm NOTE:
Your AF35 Flex Arm utilizes a pop-bead system which allows easy
repositioning of the strobe while underwater. After extended use, the
pop-beads will loosen slightly and may no longer hold the strobe in a fixed
postion above water. This should not be a problem underwater.
ro-V8 LED Lite
The Pro-V8 ED ite is an easy and affordable way to add light for shooting
video and night diving. See website for details and mounting options:
www.ikelite.com/web-pages/3prov8.html

19
Recommendations
- Take the time to examine the entire assembly setup above water. An
improper seal can cause a lot of damage. Always check for leaks once
you place the equipment in the water.
- Photograph through as little water as possible; move in close. Maximum
recommended shooting distance for good lighting is 1.8m (6’).
- Use the AF35 diffuser for softer lighting or wider coverage.
- Always carry spare batteries. Weak batteries are the cause of many flash
and camera problems; check the voltage with a meter. Note: it’s possible
to buy bad “new” batteries.
- The AF35 has a flexible arm for positioning the flash. Check that the flash
is aimed at the subject being photographed.
- When taking pictures in rapid succession, note that the AF35’s flash will
recycle much faster than the camera’s built-in flash. Since the camera’s
built-in flash is used to trigger the AF35 you must wait for the camera’s
built-in flash to recycle.
- Make sure the flash deflector is installed in front of the camera’s built-in
flash. This not only helps direct light to the sensor but also aids in
reducing backscatter in photographs.
Ikelite Limited Warranty
Ikelite Substrobes and the AF35 AutoFlash are warranted against any
manufacturing defects for a period of two (2) years 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, including but
not limited to bulb failure are not covered. Except as mentioned above,
no other warranty expressed or implied, applies to this Ikelite product.
Ikelite Technical Support
Email: [email protected]
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

Ikelite Underwater Systems
50 West 33rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
4035_4035.1_AF35_AutoFlash_04-0511
Returning roducts for Service (outside the United States)
For the separate international customs documentation form that you
complete to accompany the shipment, please state or designate that the
enclosed products were originally manufactured in the USA and are being
returned to the manufacturer for repair service. Value of the equipment listed
for customs purposes should be zero.
Returning roducts for Service
Ikelite is most interested in performing any service to ensure that all
products perform as intended. Evidence of purchase date must be provided
to obtain warranty service.
No prior authorization is required. You may return directly to us or through
your dealer. Please include a brief description of the problem, any relevant
e-mail correspondence, and/or instructions on what you want us to do.
Always include name, shipping address, e-mail address, and phone number
inside of the package. Send postage paid to:
Ikelite Underwater Systems
ATTN: Service Dept.
50 West 33 Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
No reimbursements for postage paid will be issued.
You may also want to insure the package.