Isotta D780 User manual

Instructions for
Nikon D780
HOUSINGS and ACCESSORIES
for UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
www.isotecnic.it

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Nikon D780
Housing instructions
Thank you for your purchase of an Isotta Housing for your Camera.
We are condent that you will benet from the outstanding performance of our
product, manufactured using the most advanced technology available.
Isotta designs and crafts underwater camera housings and accessories for DSLR,
compact, mirrorless and action cameras (GoPro and ZCam).
100% Made in Italy, the company has been making high-end underwater camera
equipment since 1980 in Castelnuovo del Garda (Verona), Northern Italy.
Made in Italy stands for high quality of manufacturing and materials to provide long
lasting equipment for the demanding underwater photographer and a thorough
reproduction of all camera controls from outside for a comfortable and enhanced
performance underwater.
Each product is tested individually to ensure its quality, perfect functionality and
highest precision. Each single part of the housing is inspected and riexamined with a
manual process in all production phases, until the nal test in the hyperbaric chamber
with pressure depth to 100 metres. Our commitment to premium quality extends to
every level of the production process, from safety to performance.
Please read this manual carefully before using the housing, this will maximise its
performance as well as its lifetime. Below you will nd all the necessary information
for the use of this product.
The illustrations in this manual may differ from the actual product.

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Thank you for purchasing a product of the line ISOTTA.
We are condent that you will benet from the outstanding
performance of our product, manufactured using the most
advanced technology available.
You can also view all the products in the line including accessories
for the product purchased on the website at:
www.isotecnic.it
Our service goes wherever you go:
[phone]
[e-mail]

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Warranty .............................................................. pag. 06
Package Contents ............................................... pag. 08
Specications ..................................................... pag. 09
Precautions ......................................................... pag. 10
Quick start guide ................................................ pag. 11
Parts of the Housing .......................................... pag. 12
Opening and Locking the Housing .................... pag. 14
Installing the Camera ......................................... pag. 15
Changing the viewnder .................................... pag. 15
Mounting the Port .............................................. pag. 16
Using the Flash ................................................... pag. 18
Important notes using the Flash ...................... pag. 20
Troubleshooting .................................................. pag. 24
Warnings .............................................................. pag. 25
Care and Maintenance ....................................... pag. 26
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WARRANTY
This Warranty covers the replacement of parts recognized as defective for manufacturing
defects for a period of twenty four (24) months from the date of purchase.
For the purposes of the validity of your warranty you must ll in the Warranty Certicate
indicating the year, month and date of purchase proven by the corresponding original
invoice or purchase receipt issued by the authorized Isotta dealer and the serial
number of the product making sure to afx the stamp of the dealer on the certicate.
The Certicate of Warranty lled with information must be sent, together with a copy
of the invoice/receipt, no later than thirty (30) days from the date of purchase to:
Failure to send the completed, dated and signed Warranty Certicate within the 30
days timeframe will disqualify you from claiming under this Warranty.
This Warranty becomes void if falsication is made on the invoice or purchase receipt.
This Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Any defect that occurs due to mishandling or negligence by the purchaser, or due
to use outside the specied limits and in any case all the circumstances that can
not be attributed to manufacturing defects.
2. Any defect that occurs due to repair, modication, cleaning, etc. performed by
anyone other than Isotta or an Isotta authorized service provider.
3. Any defect or damage that occurs due to transport, a fall, shock, etc. after purchase
of the product.
4. Any defect or damage that occurs due to re and natural disasters, environmental
pollution and irregular voltage sources.
5. Any defect that occurs due to careless or improper storage and improper
maintenance.
6. Any defect that occurs due to exhausted batteries. Batteries are not guaranteed
as they are not manufactured by the company Isotecnic, this does not mean that
they are not sourced from the best brands on the market.
7. Any defect that occurs due to sand, mud, etc. entering the housing. Also, being
a product not sealed by the manufacturer, it is not guaranteed due to possible
ooding causes above-mentioned and not due to manufacturing defects.
[e-mail]

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Isotecnic Srl do not reimburse missed services, travel and transportation costs.
Any repair of the equipment under Warranty will always be made at the Isotecnic Srl
plant and the shipping charges will be paid by the customer.
This Warranty is void if the housing is damaged by interventions not carried out by the
staff of Isotecnic Srl.
To return your product for service, please contact your regional authorized service
centre(s). Please note that this warranty only applies when the product is purchased in
the territory where the service centre is located.
Any dispute relating to the application and/or interpretation of the above-mentioned
Warranty shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Verona, Italy.
8. Isotecnic Srl disclaims any liability for any damage that may directly or indirectly
be caused to people, pets or not, or things, caused by ooding due to incorrect
installation, use and maintenance of the product.

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• Isotta-D780 housing
• Spare O-ring Set
• Lubricant
• Instruction manual
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Remove the shoulder strap clips prior to inserting the camera into the housing!
ATTENTION

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All housings are made entirely of Isotta’s signature red-colored anodized aluminum
which is anti-corodal with depth rate to 330ft/100m.
With double O-Ring seals on each button and on all removable parts to make it extra
safe against leakages, every housing has clearly labeled camera controls and is closed
with Isotta’s single handed one-turn knob to be operated with ease.
There are several parts composing the housing.
Understanding how to use them is key to a correct performance underwater.
Body: hard anodized aluminum
Display window: abrasion resistant polycarbonate
Grip handles: hard anodized aluminum
SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
> Width: 240 mm
> Height: 130 mm
> Depht: 190 mm
> Weight: 2.130 grams (handles included)
> Buoyancy: slightly negative
> Depth: rated to 100 metres
> Port mount: -B120 mm
> Compatible Camera: Nikon D780 Camera
> Compatible viewnders: INON X-2 compatible;
external viewnders can be mounted ON REQUEST.
FEATURES
> Moisture Alarm: acoustic warning signal and visible red LED signal light, with battery
easily replaceable by the user.
> Safety Measure: double O-ring on each movable and removable part.
FLASH CAPABILITY
> OPZIONAL: TTL converter electronics for automatic ash control included
> Two ber optic connectors
OPTIONAL
> Two Nikonos or S6 electric bulkheads

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1. A water-tight test without the camera inside the housing is highly recommended
when using the system for the rst time and after the changing of port and O-Ring(s).
2. O-rings should be kept clean and lubricated at all times. Discontinue use immediately
should you notice any leakage. Do not use lubricants from other brands with the
silicone rubber O-ring on this housing, only use the lubricant provided by ISOTTA.
After checking the O-ring to make sure that there are no scratches, dust, or debris,
apply a light coating of silicone grease to the entire O-ring with your nger.
Applying too much grease will make it easier for dust and debris to adhere to the
O-ring, and could cause ooding.
3. When tting the O-ring into the O-ring groove, insert it straight into the groove; do not
bend or twist it.
4. Store the housing in a robust, shock-proof container during transportation; avoid
transporting with any equipment, such as a camera, inside the housing, to avoid breakages.
5. When travelling by air, please remove the port from the housing as this may lead to damages.
6. Do not open the housing in a sandy environment. Protect the interior from moisture and
debris in order to prevent malfunction or leakage.
7. Do not store the housing in an environment of high humidity.
8. Do not leave the housing and the camera in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
9.
Do not store the housing in high temperature environment as in the car cockpit under the sun.
10. Keep out of reach of children, failure to do so could result in injury.
11. Always dry the front port, the lens, the ash window or the nder using a soft cloth
to prevent stain or salt residue from marring the glass surface. Do not use solvent or
alcohol to clean the port, viewnder or LCD window.
12. When not in use the case for long time O-rings should be removed and stored sepa-
rately. Replace the O-rings once a year for a secure watertight.
Use only Isotta O-rings.
13. Rinse the product with fresh water, after underwater use. Ensure that the product is
waterproofed before rinsing. After each dive it is recommended to remove the port
from the housing in order to avoid the possibility that the port gets stuck. Storage of
the housing is possible only after cleaning and drying its surface.
14. Unauthorized disassembling and/or modication could result in malfunction or
ooding, and void product warranty. Take the product to a ISOTTA authorized reseller
for repair or inspection.the housing is possible only after cleaning and drying its surface.
PRECAUTIONS

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NB: *Remove any straps and eyelets from the camera as seen on page 8
1. REMOVE THE BACK FROM THE FRONT
Apply a slight upward pull to the locking knob and rotate anticlockwise until the
pin is visible. Slightly lift the Back until it comes out from the guide pin on the knob.
Remove the Back slantwise, paying attention to the two pins on the opposite side.
2. It is very important to lift the SELECTOR AF/M on the right of the housing before
placing the camera inside.
3. Put the camera on the slide tray and screw it unto the try until it is steady.
Insert the camera attached to the slide into the interior of the housing.
Run the slide on the guides from the front up to the stop.
4. Insert the hotshoe contact before closing the housing.
N.B.: Check that the hotshoe contact cable is inside the housing and is NOT
caught between the Back and the Front.
6. CLOSE THE BACK.
Check that the O-rings seals are in place, intact, clean and properly lubricated.
Insert the two lower pins of the bottom in the specic slot; Insert the pin in the guide
of the closing knob; turn the knob until the closure is done and snap the safety by
pressing it slightly down.
7. Reposition the SELECTOR AF/M.
QUICK START GUIDE

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All camera controls are external and are laser-engraved with the symbols for the
camera functions.
Please refer to the Identication of Parts Manual to see all controls of the housing.
All key Nikon D780 camera controls can be accessed.
The front ends with the port/lens mount hole that allows to mount different ports.
Removable port -B120mm bayonet.
On top of the housing there are 2 ber optic connectors and/ or (optional) 2 electrical
sync cord bulkheads. Two M16 hole for installation of accessories, e.g. vacuum valves
or monitors is also available.
Above, the single-hand closing knob for closing/opening the housing and detach the
back completely. M8 hole located on upper side of the housing for various accessories
such as focus lights, etc.
On both sides you can nd ergonomic side handles, adjustable (via optional accessory).
Wide, rubber covered feet on the bottom for solid footing.
Two M6 holes located on the bottom of the housing front side can be used for different
accessories such as brackets for strobes or tripods.
PARTS OF THE HOUSING
An easy and quick release camera mounting plate allows the camera positioning and
a lever locks the tray inside the housing. The tray is made of plastic material and is
provided with a not removable screw to x it on the housing.
A lever lock on the tray secures the camera when inserted. Insert the camera through
the two integrated guides of the plate support. Slide the lever to the right to lock the
camera on the plate; to release it slide it to the left.
Dual high-quality O-Ring seals on every movable
part protect and ensure a perfect and secure
watertight.
INTERIOR
OFF ON
FRONT
OPZIONAL: on the upper side the hotshoe
features the battery powered TTL electronic
trigger to be connected to the hotshoe of the
camera. A special internal slot located on the
right top of the housing interior allows you to
lock the hotshoe when not in use.

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The back door features all key/main camera controls by means of clearly labelled
laser-engraved longlasting buttons.
It has a large window anti-scratch polycarbonate for a ne camera display view and
optical viewnder view. External viewnders can be mounted ON REQUEST, INON X-2
compatible.
On the left of the back door there is a leaking acoustic LED alarm.
This component acts as an alarm in case of moisture inside the housing. An internal
sensor will turn on the LED red: in the event that this happens consult the section
CORRECTION OF PROBLEMS.
Both LED and audible sensor are powered by an internal battery that is replaceable by
the user. The alarm system is protected by a cover.
The back of the housing is entirely detached from the front body to make easier the
camera tting. To separate the Back from the housing is necessary to rst disable the
safety. This is done by applying a slight upward pull to the locking knob located on
the upper part of the housing. You can then proceed with the removal of the back by
turning counterclockwise the knob. Turn the back until the locking pin is visible. At this
point proceed pulling out slightly the back and extracting on the opposite side the two
pins at the bottom from their seat.
The back door is equipped with two O-ring seals. We recommend to pay particular
attention to them: they must be kept clean, intact and properly lubricated.
The handles of the DSLR housing are removable and adjustable in distance from the
housing via optional handles extensions. Depending on the need they extend the space
between the handles and the housing’s body to improve their use even with gloves on.
It is also possible to use the T-socket present on the handles to attach various accessories.
BACK
HANDLES

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Opening and closing the housing:
1. To open the housing place it on a at surface, standing upright.
2. It is very important to lift the selector AF/M on the right of the housing before
placing the camera inside.
3. The housing can be opened and closed by operating with only one hand.
When opening, pull the opening knob, then turn the knob counter-clockwise until the
back housing opens.
4. Remove the back of the housing by pulling it slightly upwards to release the two
pins. In this way, it will be possible to separate completely the back housing from the
front housing.
5. The camera is placed easily into the housing on a sliding tray that keeps the
camera robustly in place. Switch the lever to lock the tray safely inside the housing.
6. To close, insert the two pins in their slots, insert the pins in the space on the
opening knob, screw the knob until the end, and push it downwards to secure it
safely. If you have not closed the back properly you may feel resistance when turning
the knob. Open it again and check that camera is properly inserted, pins are in their
slots, verify the shoulder strap clips have been removed and try again.
7. When closing, make sure there is nothing caught between the closing surfaces of
the two halves of the housing and check that O-rings are clean.
IMPORTANT NOTE: if you do not close the back housing correctly or there is
something preventing the correct closure of the housing, the camera controls cannot
work properly.
OPENING AND LOCKING THE HOUSING

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NB: *Remove any straps and eyelets from the camera before inserting it inside the
housing as seen on page 8.
1. Turn the locking lever on the tray to the left to unblock it.
2. Remove the camera tray from the housing by sliding it outwards.
3.
Attach the tray to the camera by tightening the screw to the tripod socket of the camera.
4. Install the camera by sliding the attached saddle along the rail in the housing until
it cannot go in any further.
5. Lock the camera into place by turning the sliding lever to the “lock” position.
6. For removal of the camera from the housing, reverse the above procedures.
7. Close the housing as described in section “Opening and Closing the Housing”.
INSTALLING THE CAMERA
The viewnder which comes with this housing is designed so that it can be removed
and re-installed by following the simple steps described below. INON X-2 viewnders
are compatible with this housing.
To remove the viewnder:
- Remove the retainer ring of the viewnder inside the rear half of the housing by
making use of the recess on the ring. If you encounter resistance insert small Allen
keys into the holes to gain more leverage;
- gently push the viewnder from the inside of the housing.
To re-install the viewnder:
- lightly coat the O-rings on the outer part of the viewnder with lubricant;
- push the viewnder from the outside of the housing until it cannot go in any further;
- place the retainer ring of the viewnder back from inside the housing and x the
ring with Allen key or similar device.
CHANGING THE VIEWFINDER

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MOUNTING THE PORT
Please refer to the ISOTTA PORT CHART for a range of compatible ports: the housing is
supplied without ports that have to be purchased separately depending on the lens used.
IMPORTANT: ports needs to be mounted above water in dry conditions.
1. Inspect the O-rings for any damage and lightly coat them with ISOTTA lubricant
before placing it back into its groove.
2. Verify that the porthole of the housing is clean and free from foreign material.
3. The port is inserted and removed through a bayonet mount. The port can be locked
to the housing with a safety latch. Before inserting the port make sure lever is on OPEN.
4. Align the mounting indicators (white circles) on both the port and the housing.
5. Gently push the port into the opening of the housing, until it cannot go in any
Further. Check all around the port to see if it is fully inserted
6. Screw port clockwise with both hands (to the right) by applying a light pressure
on the housing until the port is in nal position. Lock the port with port lock lever on the housing.
7. To remove the port unlock it by turning the lever to OPEN and unscrew the port
counterclockwise (to the left) until the mounting indices of the port and the
housing are aligned and gently extract the port.
It is recommended to replace the port above water in dry environment after the all
water droplets on the surface of the housing have been removed.
It is possible to mount ports of different brands - adapter rings can be ordered from Isotta.
When using the adaptor rings the safety lock feature is not working.
NOTE. The rst few times there may be resistance when turning the port.
Make sure O-rings are well lubricated. Double O-rings might generate resistance when new.
If you cannot turn the port, check that both O-rings are inserted and in place and that the
port is attached entirely to the housing. If so, hold rmly the housing, while you turn the
port with both hands to turn the port.
- The ports must be replaced above water and in dry environment.
Housing should be dry and user should have dry hair (to avoid drops entering the housing).
- Do not leave ports mounted for long periods of time.
- If port is stuck due to ight or long inactivity the best way to release the port is by:
a) having another person hold the housing with two hands;
b)if an extension ring is stuck it is easiest to mount a dome port and use it to twist the
extension ring counter-clock wise.
- Best performance and seal is achieved by using Isotta ports.
- Do not use solvents on the port. To clean them you should use microber cloth or Q-Tips.
If necessary, you can use mild soap only on the outside.

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Optional
ZOOM or
FOCUS GEAR
(optional)
PORT
Bayonet
CAUTION
DOME PORT MAXIMUM DEPTH
Spherical Dome Port 4,5” Crystal -B120 100 metres
Spherical Dome Port 6” Polycarbonate -B120
100 metres
Spherical Dome Port 6,5” Crystal -B120 70 metres
Spherical Dome Port 9” Crystal -B120 60 metres
*IMPORTANT*: when using Aquatica or Hugyfot ports with Isotta extension rings
please pay attention when using a sheye lens (with a eld of view of 180°) as there
might be a slight vignetting. With Sea & Sea, Subal and Seacam ports with Isotta ex-
tension rings this does not happen as the extension to the port is at the same distance.

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USING THE FLASH
You can use the external ashes with the following modalities:
With OPTICAL FIBER
Two ber optic connectors are present on the housing top with standard “Sea & Sea”
tting. In this case you have to use the bushings for optical ber placed on the top.
Pass the optical ber cable of the ash in the specic space on the bushing.
With Optical Fiber you have to use pull up ash of the camera.
Manual TRIGGER Flash control
The ash operates via the cameras hot-shoe. The battery should last for approx.
60.000 ash triggers.
1. Switch from the [OFF] (A) position to the [ON] (B) position.
At this stage the Trigger and the Moisture Sensor are not yet on / working.
2. Insert the camera on the tray.
Slide the camera directly into the internal part of the housing until the end.
Move the safety slider to the right to lock the machine on the plate.
3. Insert the Hot Shoe on the camera to allow the Trigger to work (C).
The LED will start to ash. The following situations may occur:
• green light ( ) signal, 8 ashes: charged battery, trigger is working;
• red light ( ) signal, 8 ashes: low battery, reduced autonomy;
• red light ( ) signal, 3 ashes: battery completely unloaded and to be
replaced.
4. Switch on the camera and Test the ash by pressing the shutter release button
of the housing: the LEDs in the front should ash instantaneously.
You can see this through the optical bulkheads.
5. To detach, reverse the above steps.
CAUTION: if you insert the Hot Shoe while the camera is ouside the housing,
the trigger and the humidity sensor will not work (D).
Please NOTE: if the housing is not used for a long time or during the set up of the
camera, it is advisable to keep the Trigger on the [OFF] position.

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N.B. If you normally use the optical ber cable we recommend to keep the trigger
always in the [ON] position. This avoids the necessity to switch on the trigger once in
water (the trigger does not consume his battery).
(A) (B)
(C) (D)

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When using Sea & Sea Strobe YS-D2
Please see also Sea & Sea Instruction manual for
further details.
To work in manual mode with TTL trigger you have to
change the code on the strobe.
Set the Mode selector to [OFF] (the ash must be off)
(gure 01). To set the mode switch to Manual, start
with Light Level Control Dial on 0 and 5.6 (gure 02) to
adjust the light amount.
Then while pressing the Target LIGHT switch button
(gure 03) and holding it down for 3 seconds turn the
Mode switch from [OFF] to rst Manual mode [ ]:
(-
gure 04) : the TTL/Ready lamp will turn blue (gure 05) .
After this adjust the light amount on the Light Level
Control Dial on -1 and 2 (gure 06).
Then press again the LIGHT Central button (gure 07)
and the TTL/Ready lamp will turn green (gure 08)
for a couple of seconds and emit an acustic signal.
Then turn off the ash (putting the Mode selector on
[OFF]. If the green light does not appear, it might be
that the ash is already set in the correct way.
In any case, please repeat the above passages to
ensure it works.
In this way the strobe is set to work in Manual mode,
even if with the trigger in TTL, but it is necessary to put
the Mode selector on the rst position [ ].
Push
01
02
03
04
05
IMPORTANT NOTES USING THE FLASH