Recsea RVH-AX100 SD User manual

SONY FDR-AX100 / HDR-CX900
Underwater Housings
Recsea RVH-AX100 SD
RVH-AX100 PRO*
MANUA
Please read this manual before use.
NTF CORPORATION UH Division
http://www.seatool.net

1: INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the RVH-AX100 Underwater Housing for SONY FDR-AX100 and
HDR-CX900 camcorders.
FEATURES OF THIS PRODUCT
※Compact, lightweight yet durable, CNC precision machined corrosion-resistant aluminum
housing ergonomically designed with maximum operating depth of 100 meters (328 feet).
※PRO Type includes a 4.3 inch external monitor.
※This manual for both the PRO and SD types, featuring images of only the PRO Type.
※This product is manufactured by machining methods. As a result, there may be minor
scratching or tool marks. These are a normal part of the manufacturing process, do not
effect operation of the housing or camera, and are not subject to warranty or any other
claims.
PACKAGE CONTENTS*
Before use please make sure the following accessories are included:
・Housing ・Simple Grip ・Reserve O-ring
・Camera Tray ・Allen Key ・O-ring Removal Pick
・Sony D Terminal Cable ・Wrist Strap ・O-ring Grease
Included with RVH-AX100 PRO Type (Separate box):
・RUWM-4.3i Monitor ・Ball Joint Base x 2 ・Reserve O-rings
・Monitor Hood ・Clamp

SPECIFICATIONS
Compatible Camera SONY FDR-AX100 / HDR-CX900
Maximum Depth 100 meters (328 feet)
Material Main Body: Corrosion-resistant aluminum, anodized
Control Grip: Corrosion-resistant aluminum, anodized
ever, Dials Buttons: POM, PC
ens: Hard Coat Acrylic
Screws, Springs: Stainless steel, galvanized / SUS
Coating: Zero VOC Gun Metallic
Size (Housing) Dimensions: Approx. W230mm x D248mm x H150mm
(SD Type without Simple Grip)
Weight: Approx. 3250g ( and ) / 580g (Freshwater)
(SD Type without Simple Grip)
Accessories Camera Tray, Wrist Strap, Reserve O-ring, O-ring Removal
Pick, O-ring Grease
* PRO Type Includes: RUWM-4.3i Monitor, Monitor Hood,
Ball Joint Base x 2, Clamp, Reserve O-rings
PRO Monitor High-definition 4.3 inches Monitor, Ratio 16: 9
Power: AA Battery x4, approximately 5 hours
WARNING!
※ Do not store or leave housing in reach of infants or small children. The strap may cause
chocking and suffocation, or small parts may be swallowed causing injury.
※ Please remove digital video camera from housing when not in use. Battery malfunction or
damage may cause fire.
※This housing is partially constructed of plastic resin. Please be careful of strong impact
which may cause damage and/or injury due to sharp edges.
CAUTION!
※Before using, please be sure the test the housing (without camera) in bucket or aquarium
if available.
※ To prevent water leakage and damage, DO NOT disassemble or modify this housing.
※ Do not store the housing in areas of high humidity, high or low temperatures, or areas of
extreme temperature fluctuation. Doing so may cause deterioration of parts.
※ When diving, use a method of water entry that protects the housing from shock, which can
cause water leakage. If at all possible have housing handed to you after entering the
water.
※ This housing is designed to withstand depths of 100 meters (328 feet). Using the housing
at deeper depths may cause damage and water leakage. Use caution and monitor depth.
※Remove O-ring or leave housing slightly open when transporting by plane. Pressurization
of a sealed housing during transport may cause damage or make it difficult to open.
※ When opening and closing the housing be mindful of dust and other contaminants which
may adhere to the to the O-ring, possibly causing water leakage and damage.
※ Always check O-ring prior to each use. Pay special attention to the grease condition and
that the O-ring is seated uniformly in the O-ring groove with no twists or bulges. Neglecting
to check the O-ring prior to each use may result in water leakage and damage.
※Please keep inside of housing dry. Humidity, environment and temperature difference may
cause condensation. To prevent condensation please use commercially available silica
gel packets.
※For replacement of consumable parts such as O-rings please contact your dealer or
Seatool/Recsea.

※A complete Housing overhaul is recommended once every year.
INSURANCE INFORMATION
※We strongly recommend insuring your camera. For more information please contact your
dealer.
2: O-RING GREASING & MAINTENANCE
CAUTION! DO NOT use silicone grease other than that provided by Seatool/Recsea.
1. Using the O-ring Removal Pick, remove Back Cover O-ring.
2. Clean sand, salt, other contaminants and old grease from O-ring.
3. Clean O-ring groove and O-ring contact surface using a clean cotton swab.
4. Visually and physically check O-ring by running it through finger tips, feeling for cuts,
cracks or any other defects that may cause leakage. Such defects will cause water
leakage, so be sure to replace defective O-ring. Be careful not to stretch or pull the O-ring
too much.
5. Squeeze a rice grain sized bead of silicone grease on your thumb and forefinger. Taking
care not to pull or stretch the O-ring too much, uniformly spread grease on each O-Ring.
Too little grease may cause an O-ring to twist in the groove, possibly causing water
leakage.
6. Place O-ring in the Back Cover O-ring groove, making sure that it is uniform, not twisted
or bulging out, possibly causing water leakage. When closing back cover, visually check
O-ring surface, tracing a finger over it making sure no hair, lint or other contaminants are
attached.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
※When Housing is not used for long periods, remove O-ring, place it in a plastic bags to
keep it free of dust and other contaminants and store in a place out of direct sunlight.
Please also be careful of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during use. The O-ring and
housing may become deformed, causing water leakage.
※After extended periods of non-use, soak empty Housing, with O-ring installed and Back
Cover properly attached, in lukewarm for half a day. Manipulate all buttons, dials, and
levers several times. Using a soft, dry cloth wipe away water.
CAUTION!
※The O-ring is an essential part of waterproofing for this housing. Not properly greasing the
O-ring as directed may cause the O-ring to twist in the O-ring grooves, possibly causing
water leakage.
※Always perform the above O-ring, O-ring groove and O-ring surface maintenance and
greasing every time you open/close the housing.
※Please pay close attention and make sure the O-Ring is not twisted or bulging, free of any
contaminants (dirt, hair, etc.), and that foreign objects do not obstruct proper closing of the
housing Back Cover.
※DO NOT clean the housing with volatile organic solvents or chemical cleaning agents such
as thinner, gasoline, and benzine, etc.
※Housing Monitor Window is manufactured using hard coat acrylic. When cleaning use a
clean soft cloth taking care not to scratch it.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION! Allowing saltwater and contaminants to dry on housing or monitor (PRO Type)
can damage functions and O-rings possibly causing water leakage. Clean with fresh water
only, using a soft, dry cloth to wipe away water.
1. After use in salt water, wash off salt and other contaminants by soaking empty housing
with Back Cover properly attached, thoroughly in a bucket of fresh water (lukewarm) for

10 to 20 minutes. Manipulate all buttons, dials, and levers several times. Using a soft, dry
cloth wipe away water.
2. Remove Back Cover and using the O-ring Removal Pick, remove the O-ring.
3. Clean O-ring groove and housing contact surfaces using a clean cotton swab. DO NOT
clean housing with volatile organic solvents or chemical cleaning agents such as thinner,
gasoline, and benzine, etc.
4. Perform O-RING GREASING & MAINTENANCE as instructed above before re-installing.
NOTE: Conduct same maintenance on PRO Type Battery Cover O-rings and contact
services.
3: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR RVH-AX100 HOUSING

IMPORTANT NOTE: RVH-AX100 housings delivered to international RECSEA dealers are

equipped with a IR Control Battery Box which requires a CR2032 3V battery to power the
housing Control Grip IR Remote. Prior to installing video camera into housing, install button
battery making sure the positive (+) side of the battery is visible.
※Please refer to camera manual for explanation of camera controls.
The Control Grip of both the PRO and SD Type housing rotate to three (3) positions. To
rotate grip, press Grip ock ever down. Release lever to lock grip in desired position.
NOTE: When transporting the housing do not apply excessive pushing force on the grip
towards the housing as this may damage the grip and housing attachment joint.
EAK SENSOR TEST
Please test eak Sensor to make sure it is functioning properly before using housing.
Testing Method:
1. Using the housing D Terminal Cable and Sony D Terminal Cable connect housing to
camera via the camera Multi/Micro USB Terminal. Pull camera viewfinder outward to
turn camera on.
2. Gently touch the eak Sensor located at the right-bottom-rear of the housing with a
damp finger, taking care not to dislodge the sensor.
3. If functioning correctly the ED light on the Control Grip will flash red.
4. Gently dry eak Sensor with a dry cloth or tissue, taking care not to dislodge the
sensor.
※Should the ED not flash red, gently wipe leak sensor with a dry cloth or tissue, taking
care not to dislodge the sensor, and try again.
REMOTE CONTRO GRIP COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
※Holes in the Control Grip Panel without buttons are for flushing salt and other contaminants
from the panel. Gently flush with fresh water.

・ON/OOFF Power On/Off (Camera only. Monitor power button is located on top of
the Monitor).
・T/W Power Zoom Buttons T/W (Velocity is constant)
・ENTER Press ENTER to access camera MENU and set selections
←→↑↓・Press Arrow Buttons to navigate MENU
(For MENU details, please refer to camera instruction manual)
・PHOTO Camera shutter button
・REC Video record start/stop Button
・Power Indicator ED
ON/Standby: Shines Green
Recording: Shines Red
eakage: Blinks Red ( eak Sensor function)
・IR Remote Indicator ED
When button is pushed shines Green
OTHER COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
External Monitor (PRO Type only)
・Monitor ON/OFF Button
Press to turn External Monitor On and Off.
NOTE: Camera’s built-in flash cannot be used with this housing.
HAND ING PRECAUTIONS
※When opening back cover after use in water, due to negative pressure there is the
possibility of water on the housing being sucked into the interior. Prior to opening back
cover it is strongly recommended to wipe all water off the housing using a soft, dry cloth.
In the unlikely event water sucked inside, please remove with a clean, dry cloth
※When opening housing or conducting maintenance please do so in a clean place with low
humidity and dust.
※ To help prevent condensation within the housing, it is recommended to conduct installation
of camera and O-ring maintenance in an air conditioned room. Silica gel pack(s) may also
be use placing them in a way as not to interfere with camera our housing functions.
※ Please be careful not to damage when moving during packing and transport.

※Remove O-ring or leave housing slightly open by placing a strip of paper between the
housing body and back cover when transporting by plane. Pressurization of a sealed
housing during transport may cause damage or make it difficult to open.
4: INS TA ING CAMERA IN HOUSING
※Please conduct the following operations in a clean place with low humidity and dust.
1. Remove camera lens cap, check camera settings, battery is charged and media
storage capacity is sufficient.
Using the camera's tripod mount screw hole, firmly attach Camera Tray to camera
as shown below making sure there are no gaps between the camera and the
Camera Tray.
2. Open back cover.
Press Grip ock ever down and rotate grip to the vertical position. Release lock
ever to lock grip in place.
3. To OPEN back cover, press ock evers (1) on both sides of the back cover while
pulling Secure- atch (2) away from the main body.
If the grip is not set in the vertical position as instructed above it will obstruct the
opening and closing of right side Secure- atch.
4. Using the housing D Terminal Cable and Sony D Terminal Cable connect housing to
camera via the camera Multi/Micro USB Terminal.

5. Making sure the D Terminal Cables and camera's Grip Belt do not cause an
obstruction, set camera (Camera Tray attached) into position lining up the Camera
Tray Posts with the grooves on the Camera Tray and slowly push forward into the
housing until it stops. Carefully tuck cables inside house the right of the camera.
6. Once the camera is sent the proper position, pull the camera's viewfinder out to turn
camera ON.
※When installing camera take care not to hit internal controls or terminal.
※Please be sure to pull out the camera viewfinder. If this is not done the camera will not be
turned ON and the IR Remote functions will not function.
※Camera will remain ON until using the remote Control Grip OFF Button to turn camera
OFF. Be sure to turn camera OFF.
7. Set the housing ND Filter (Auto/Manual Switch ever and ND Filter Switch ever to
the same position as that of the camera.
Adjustment of the position is possible even after closing the back cover. However to
do so the the levers must be first be fulled out and away from back cover.

8. Closing the back cover.
Prior to attaching housing back cover please perform proper housing O-ring and
back cover contact surface maintenance.
Carefully place back cover onto housing main body.
Press Secure- atch on both sides of the back cover into place making sure the latch
on the underside is properly placed in the Secure- atch groove attached to the main
body. Push into the locked position. Double check to make sure it is firmly locked
into place.
※Once housing is properly closed perform Pre-Dive Check. Immerse Housing several times,
starting with short intervals, gradually lengthening time, checking for water leakage after
each intervals while testing camera and housing functions.
9. After conducting Pre-Dive Check be sure to turn camera power OFF.
※When entering water use a method of water entry that protects the housing from shock,
which can cause water leakage. If at all possible have Housing handed to you after
entering the water.

10. After use in salt water, wash off salt and other contaminants by soaking empty
Housing, with Back Cover properly attached, thoroughly in a bucket of fresh water
(lukewarm) for 10 to 20 minutes. Manipulate all buttons and dials several times to
flush out salt deposits and other contaminants.
※After use always conduct proper housing and O-ring and O-ring contact surface
maintenance.
※Please refer to 3: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR RVH-AX100 HOUSING above and camera
manual for explanation of camera controls.
5: REMOVING CAMERA FROM HOUSING
※After use in water, water will remain in gaps between housing, back cover and Secure-
atch. Wipe any water off housing with a soft dry towel to prevent water from falling on
camera. When when water remains, please be aware that there is a risk of it being drawn
in when opening the back cover.
1. Turn camera OFF and open back cover. Refer to 4: INSTA ING CAMERA IN
HOUSING, 2. Open back cover.
2. Slowly pull the camera from the housing taking care not to damage terminal cable.
3. Disconnect housing D Terminal Cable from Sony D Terminal Cable, and Sony D
Terminal Cable from camera.
CAUTION! Neglecting to wash salt and other contaminants from the housing may result in
damage to the housing body, grip, O-rings and other parts of the housing raising the risk of
leakage during future use. (Damages due to the the lack of proper cleaning and maintenance
is not covered under warranty.)
6: PRO TYPE EXTERNA 4.3 INCH MONITOR COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
※Only provided with PRO Type.
ATTENTION!
When recording movies using the SONY FDR-AX100 in XAVC S 4K format, video signals are
not output to external media (i.e. external monitors). This is clearly stated in the SONY
manual under RECORDING; Recording Movies. The only option when recording in XAVC S
4K format is to use the viewfinder.
SPECIFICATIONS
・4.3 inch monitor Aspect Ratio 16:9 480xRGBx272 Full Color TFT CD
・Power Supply 4 AA batteries Approximately 5 hours dive time (1.8W)
(Rechargeable batteries may be used but are not
recommended in low temperatures.)
・Battery Cover Double O-ring for 100 meter MOD
・Monitor Weight 920g ( and / Monitor only)
220g (Freshwater / with Hood, Batteries, EO Cable)
・Dimensions W130xH97xD52mm(Excluding protrusions)
・Depth Rating 100 meters (386 feet)

・Battery Cover Double O-ring and contact surfaces.
CAUTION! The O-rings are of different sizes. Take care when replacing
after conducting O-ring maintenance.
・Battery Cover ock Dial
CAUTION! Close Back Cover and be sure the lock is secured prior to
prior to submerging monitor in water.
・Battery Cover ock Dial ever
Push down and turn Battery Cover ock Dial to counter-clockwise to open
Battery Cover.
・POWER Power On/Off (Monitor only)
・Select Use to switch between brightness and contrast.
・-- + Use to adjust brightness and contrast.
MOUNTING MONITOR ON HOUSING
1. Attach Ball Joint Mount to housing.
2. Using the clamp provided attached monitor, set to desired position and tighten
clamp.

3. Insert EO cable male plug into into EO bulkhead hole.
USING THE MONITOR
※Test monitor prior to use in water.
1. Properly install camera in housing.
2. Turn camera and monitor ON. If monitor is operating normally you will see the
subject in the monitor.
※Menu including Battery, Record Time Remaining, Iris (Aperture), Gain (ISO), Shutter
Speed are not readily to displayed by the camera. Please refer to METHOD OF
OPERATION below.
※If there is a problem such that the video is not displayed is , please try again to confirm※
the capacity of the battery.
ATTENTION: If the monitor is bright but no picture, or if the monitor flickers, it is possible that
the batteries are low on charge. Please replace with new batteries.
METHOD OF OPERATION
1. With camera and 4.3i monitor ON, using the Control Grip press the ENTER Button
three (3) times to display the Menu.
2. Press eft Arrow button twice to select Camera/Mic Menu.
3. Press ENTER Button.
4. Press Down Arrow to Spot Meter/Fcs or Spot Focus (not White Balance).
5. Press ENTER Button.
6. Once Spot Meter/Fcs or Spot Focus have been entered the overly will contain:
X Spot Meter/Fcs or X Spot Meter (To exit whichever has been chosen) Battery Iris
(Aperture) Gain (ISO) Shutter Speed Auto.
Camera ON and Monitor ON
Press ENTER
3 times
Menu Display will appear

USING THE VIEWFINDER
The housing Viewfinder is interchangeable with INON NON 45°Viewfinder Unit, no
modification or adapter required.
AFTER-SA E SERVICE
Warranty period is one (1) year from purchase for general users, ninety days for commercial
or industrial users. Seatool/Recsea will repair manufacturing defects free of charge during
the warranty period when product is used in accordance with this manual. This warranty is
only valid in Japan. Damage due to customer used, and for any consumable parts, the
repairs will be charged at normal rates. Shipping costs to and from Japan shall be born by
the customer for warranty and all other cases. This warranty does not cover any damage to
digital camera for any reason, including damage caused by water intrusion. Please obtain
insurance for all your equipment. Any repairs due to the following will be charged at normal
rates:
1) Repaired, modified or dissembled by person or company other than Seatool/Recsea;
2) If damaged in fire, natural disaster such as earthquake, flood, lightning, etc.;
3) Damage caused by dropping, impact, vibration;
4) When returned for warranty service not accompanied with Warranty Information copy, or if
Warranty Information is altered.
※Warranty does not cover any losses resulting from inoperability of this product, including
those related to lost profits or any related expenses.
※Recsea will stock parts necessary for repair for five (5) years from stop of production.
※This product uses some degradable parts, such as buttons and O-Rings. Recsea
recommends overhauling the housing once per year, more frequently if used often.
Overhaul service is charged at normal rates.
OPTIONS
The following items are optional. Please contact Seatool/Recsea or your local dealer if you
wish to purchase.
・Dome Port OP-DPAX100-FE181 For Raynox DCR-FE181 PRO HD ens
・INON 45°Viewfinder Unit
・Fresh/Green Water Color Filter Pink
・Salt/Blue Water Color Filter Orange
・eft-hand Single Grip & Tray STG-05 2V
・eft-hand Grip & Tray STG-05 2V
・Ball Joint Base SBB-M10
・Tray Knurled Knob Screw
・Replacement O-ring
・Seatool O-ring Grease 3 ml Tube

MEMO

MEMO

MEMO

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Warranty Period One year from purchase
Purchase Date Year Month Day
Product Name SONY FDR-AX100/HDR-CX900 Waterproof Housing
Product Number □ RVH-AX100 SD □ RVH-AX100 PRO
Dealer Name
Serial Number
※Dealer: Stamp your company name and contact information, purchase date, model and serial
number.
Seatool/Recsea Manufacturing & Sales
NTF CORPORATION UN Division
390-1 Mii, Midori-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi
Kanagawa 252-0151, Japan
T: [phone] F: [phone]
http://www.seatool.net E-mail: [e-mail]