Sealife ReefMaster User manual

Fits all SeaLife
Film and Digital
Camera Models
EXTERNAL FLASH
200 feet (60 meters)

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Contents: I. SeaLife Flash Features and Benefits Page 3
II. Instructions For Use Page 5
III. Trouble Shooting Guide Page 17
IV. Film Selection Guide Page 19
V. Accessories and Related Products Page 22
I. SeaLife Flash Features
• Enhances color and brightness.
• Reduces backscatter (white spots in picture caused by small particles in water).
• Flexible arm allows for easy aiming at any angle.
• Automatic light sensors activate flash. No wires or connectors
• Two external flashes can be easily mounted to any SeaLife camera.
• Foam-covered arm allows for positive grip.
• All non-corrosive materials for long life.
• Approximately 100 flashes with 4 AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeables).
• Works with all SeaLife film or digital cameras.
For best results, also read the “Trouble Shooting Guide” on page 17.
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Sealife External Flash (Camera Not Included) Item # SL960
4 AA batteries
required
(not included)
Flash ON/OFF &
TEST switch
Threaded
insert for
future
accessories
Mounting
screw (secured
with O-ring.) Spacer ring can be removed to add
a second flash or other accessories
Removable
deflector
reduces
backscatter
Flash Head
Light Sensors
trigger Flash
Flash-to-arm
adapter
Flash Mounting
Bracket
6” flexible flash arm
with foam grip cover

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Main Benefits of SeaLife Flash
The main benefit of an external flash is more light
and brighter colors at a distance of 4 - 6 ft (1.2 m -
1.8 m) particularly at greater depths (below
60 ft / 18 m) or with little or no sunlight. Since the
flash is further away from the camera lens, you
will also reduce backscatter caused by small
particles in the water, like algae or plankton. For
even more light, and only in the clearest water,
the flash deflector can be removed adding extra
light from the camera’s built-in flash.
Another way to increase picture color and
brightness is to use two flash units mounted left
and right of the camera. This will also eliminate
shadows and extend the flash range to about 8 ft
(2.4 m). The ideal range is still about 5 ft (1.5 m).
Stretch out your fin to check your estimate of
the distance. Remember, your eye sees objects
33% closer than the actual distance.
NOTE: The light reflection from different fish or
objects varies greatly – from not reflecting any
light like dark coral to a mirror-like reflection of
certain fish.
Photo taken without External Flash
Photo taken with External Flash
II. Instructions For Use
How easy it is...
your new SeaLife Flash
1Prepare camera before attaching camera to
flash. For film cameras, insert two new AA
batteries and a roll of 35mm film. Any
speed film, slide or print, will work from
100 ASA to 800 ASA, although 200 ASA
film speed is recommended for darker
water conditions. Turn camera power on
and seal housing. Refer to camera
instruction manual “Great Pictures Made
Easy” for complete details.
For SeaLife digital cameras, set camera to
“External Flash” mode. Make sure to use
freshly charged Ni-MH batteries and insert
a blank memory card.
2Attach the camera to the flash mounting
bracket. Then tighten mounting screw
(finger tight only).
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Bottom Bracket
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Open latch as shown below
to access battery compartment.
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Important
Magnetic switch: The switch has a small magnet inside to
turn flash power ON/OFF and TEST. Keep away from compasses
and electronics to avoid magnetic interference. Do not force
switch beyond its stop point to avoid damaging the switch.
Sealing latch: Grab the sides of the latch for battery
compartment access. Make sure latch is properly closed
before each use. Do not apply external force to latch or
hinge area to avoid damage.

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Close and seal battery compartment as shown.
Make sure O-ring is perfectly clean.
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Turn flash ON. TEST flash when
flash-ready light is on.
Important: Do not force switch beyond stop point
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8 9

Bend flash head in the direction
of your subject.
4If used with the SeaLife Macro 3X
close-up lens, direct the flash head
to a point about 3 ft (1m) in front of
the camera; without close-up lens,
to a point about 5 ft (1.5m) in front of
the camera. Position the flash so
one of the light sensors is to the side
or above the camera (fig. A) and that
the shine of the camera’s built-in
flash can trigger the sensor. The
Flash Sensors on the bottom of the
External Flash should not be
positioned behind the camera (fig. B).
The reflection of the camera’s built-
in flash must hit one the sensors at
the bottom of the flash head. This
will trigger the flash. There should
be no obstruction on this path, such
as your hand.
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Do not position flash
sensor behind the camera.
Tip: The light from the camera’s
built-in flash must hit one of the
sensors in the external flash.
Position sensor
to the side or above
camera flash.
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Test and prepare flash
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Turn ON/OFF switch on top of flash to “ON” (When orange flash-ready light is on,
turn switch to TEST. This will test fire the flash. Count the seconds from firing to
when the flash-ready light comes on again. If more than 15 seconds passes,
replace the batteries. Keep the O-rings absolutely clean and dry. (Regular
Alkaline 4 AA batteries will yield about 100 flashes.)
To replace batteries, remove battery compartment cover as described on page 6.
Replace all 4 batteries with Alkaline or NiMH type batteries. NiMH recycle time
and life depends on mAh rating of the battery. A 1600 mAh battery will last longer
and recycle faster than a regular Alkaline battery. There are also newer high-
energy Alkalines available that will have longer battery life than regular Alkalines.
Always keep the compartment cover O-ring clean, dry and free of obstructions.
Make sure to re-attach the black spacer piece inside the compartment. Tightly
fasten the cover screw.
NOTE: Do not use O-ring grease. Clean with water and mild detergent and allow to dry.
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Inserting a Moisture Muncher
desiccant packet helps
extend the life of batteries
and electronics.
A removable flash deflector
covers the built-in flash
15 The built-in flash of the camera is covered by a
removable flash deflector. Keep the deflector in
place to prevent unwanted backscatter of light from
small particles floating in front of the camera lens.
In very clear water, the flash cover may be removed
by pulling it out of the bottom bracket. This will
intensify the light and avoid shadows.
16 After use, flash and camera (the closed camera
housing), must be soaked in fresh water
immediately. Never use detergents or cleaners to
clean the flash. Let the water drain out of the flash
arm (which has small drainage holes) and let it dry
thoroughly before storage. Flash arm links can be
separated to remove excess water (see page 14). It
is best to hang it up in a well-ventilated place,
similar to drying your wet suit. For long-term
storage, remove the batteries. Extend the life of
batteries and electronics by inserting a small
1.5-gram Moisture Muncher desiccant capsule (item
# SL911) in the battery compartment of the flash
head (same as used in camera).
Tip: Also use Moisture Muncher (1-oz/28g bag)
when storing your spare batteries in a closed
container. (see page 23)
The flexible arm consists of eight 1-inch (2.5 cm) links covered by a foam
rubber sleeve. You can bend the flexible arm in any direction, but do not force
it beyond the point of resistance (or the links will separate). If you want to take
the arm off or apart, you can bend it beyond the point of resistance, until the
links separate. The links can easily be re-connected by pushing them together
until they snap in. In the same way, you can connect the optional 3” (8cm)
FLASH EXTENSION ARM (item #SL965) available from your local dive shop.
6 Before diving, take a test picture in a darker area (the flash may not fire in
direct sunlight). Check that both the green flash-ready light of the camera and
the orange-ready light of the flash comes on in less than 15 seconds.
7The maximum reach of the flash depends on the reflection, angle, color of the
object, visibility, and the amount of ambient sunlight. The brightness of the
flash has been set for the shooting distance of the camera. The best pictures
are taken with a close-up lens from 2 - 4 ft (60cm - 1.2m). Good pictures
without a close-up lens are taken from 4 - 6 ft (1.2 - 1.8m). The most common
error is over-flashing on bright, close-by objects. The optimal reach of the flash
has been set to 6 ft (1.8m) in very clear water and depths below 40 ft (12m). It
is not intended to illuminate the background, or seascapes, beyond 8 ft (2.4m).
Tip: From time to time, check that the flash head is aimed in the proper direction.
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5Use of a second External SeaLife Flash.
10 In order to avoid shadows and to further intensify
brightness and color, you may mount a second
identical flash. Remove the attachment knobs from
both flashes. Place the attachment knob through
both base mounting brackets and into camera.
Make sure all set pins and holes are lined up.
Rotate both flash heads to point in the direction of
the subject. This double-flash system can also be
used with the SeaLife Macro lenses at a distance of
8” to 48” (20 cm - 120 cm). At closer distances or
with ambient sunlight, you may overflash. Avoid
reflective, bright objects. A good way to avoid this
is by illuminating the background with the second
flash (aim behind the subject), while the first flash is
aimed directly at the subject.8
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This double-flash system
can also be used with the
Macro 3X Close-up Lens
Attaching two external flash
units is easy and pictures will
be even more colorful!
17 III. Trouble Shooting Guide
1Flash does not fire when switch is turned from “ON” to “TEST”.
aWait until the orange flash-ready light is on. If it does not turn on, check that
batteries are inserted correctly.
bTest or replace batteries.
cIf a and b above do not correct the problem, send to SeaLife Service Center.
2Flash fires as tested above, but does not fire when triggered by camera.
aTurn camera power on and wait until green flash-ready light in camera
comes on, and orange flash-ready light of flash is on.
bIf green camera light does not come on, check camera batteries and instructions.
cIf built-in camera flash does not fire, despite correctly inserted, fresh
batteries (also test the camera without housing in a dark place), send
complete camera, housing and flash to SeaLife Service Center.
dIf built-in camera flash does fire, but external flash does not work, check if
switch on flash is set to ‘ON’ and if orange light is on.
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eCheck if there is a direct unobstructed path between the built-in camera flash and
the sensor at the bottom of the flash head. Adjust flash head position to make sure
the deflected light from the camera’s flash hits the sensor at the bottom of the flash
head. There should be no obstruction in this path (like your hand or glove).
fRepeat this in a dark place. Direct sunlight can prevent the flash from firing.
gIf flash still does not work, send complete unit, camera and flash to SeaLife
Service Center.
3Dark areas in your picture
aDirect the flash head to the center of your object to have an even light coverage.
bAreas which are further away from the camera appear darker than closer
objects. Measure a distance by stretching out your fin (“Chin to fin” =
approximately 5 ft), or stretch out your hand (approximately 3 ft) to check if
your estimate of distance is correct.
cThe reflection (color) of objects also determines their brightness in the
picture. A bright fish or a white rock may cause a very bright reflection,
while a black coral or dark fish may reflect very little light.
d4
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dThe further the flash head is away from the camera lens, the bigger will be
the shadows. The closer it is, the more backscatter you may have from small
particles in the water. If you have absolutely clean water without plankton or
sand, you should move the flash head closer to the camera lens. If you want
to eliminate shadows, you may remove the flash deflector or even use a
second external flash.
Flash arm is loose and does not maintain correct aiming position.
aSoak the arm in warm fresh water and flex arm until all links are clean and
free of detergents or lubricants. Never use detergents when cleaning the
flash arm.
bTest flash arm flexibility underwater, not above water. Flash arm becomes
stiffer underwater, since flash head is positively buoyant.
IV.Film Selection Guide
* Use any 24 to 36 exposure slide or print film.
* We recommend ASA 200 speed film for most applications, but you may find any
film speed will work from 64 to 800.
* Use ASA 50 to 100 speed film for very bright conditions or macro pictures.
* For excellent, professional UW pictures, use 1 or 2 external flashes with the
Macro 3X, 8X or 16X Lenses and 50-100 ASA speed film.
*Always keep film in a cool place. Avoid exposing film to x-rays in airport
security equipment.
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Item No. SL966
Buoyancy
Control Weight
The small 13-ounce rubber-armored lead weight attaches to the bottom of the
ReefMaster camera or slips inside the battery compartment of the SeaLife
External Flash.
The weight fits inside the battery compartment of the
external flash. It may also be attached underneath the
flash mounting base using the 1” mounting knob
(#SL96022).
Weight also attaches directly under
ReefMaster camera using the 3/4”
mounting knob (#SL96025).
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CLOSE-UP LENS & U/W FILTER
For incredible underwater shots at a
comfortable range of 2 - 4 ft, snap on the
MACRO 3X Close-Up Lens. This color
corrected lens is designed for magazine
quality pictures in diving and snorkeling
adventures. Fits ALL SeaLife Cameras!
Item #SL951
Available at your local dealer.
WITHOUT MACRO 3X C
LOSE
-U
P
L
ENS
WITH MACRO 3X C
LOSE
-U
P
L
ENS

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IV. Accessories and Related Products
MACRO Set
MACRO LENSES &
MACRO WAND
Sealife Macro lenses give you the
best colors and the sharpest pictures.
The multicoated lenses automatically
tune the flash intensity to the correct
brightness for the shooting distance.
The Macro Wand is a practical
distance measuring device that
extends easily or folds sideways
when not in use.
8X Lens - 14 to 16 inch shooting distance.
16X Lens - 8 to 9 inch shooting distance.
Macro Wand - Distance measuring device.
Folds sideways when not in use.
Adjustable from 8 to 16 inches.
Neoprene Lens covers.
Fits all ReefMaster Cameras.
Item SL959
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Don’t Forget Me!
Anti-Fog Silica Gel
Make sure you bring along plenty of Moisture Muncher.
Moisture Muncher will prevent fogging of the lens and protect the
electronics from humidity. The small 1.5-gram capsules fit inside
the flash battery compartment (see page 15). Moisture Muncher
should also be used inside the SeaLife camera housing (see
camera instruction manual). Moisture Muncher 1.5-gram is sold in
packs of 10 (item #SL911). Also available are larger one-ounce
packets for dry-storing valuables in airtight cases (item #M101).
See your local scuba dive retailer to order.

Service:
After going through the Trouble Shooting Guide and if you cannot find a solution for a problem:
Call an underwater photography expert at Pioneer Research or send the housing with the
camera to an authorized SeaLife service facility. Include U.S. $10.00 for handling and return
shipment (domestic only); your daytime phone number and return address (No P.O. BOX
please); a clear written description of the problem. Ship prepaid to:
Pioneer Research, 97 Foster Road, Suite 5, Moorestown, NJ 08057 USA
Phone: 856-866-9192 • Fax: 856-866-8615.
Or contact the SeaLife distributor in your country.
Limited Warranty.
This product will be replaced or repaired free of charge within 1 year from the purchase date in the case of a
manufacturing defect, if the complete defective product is sent freight prepaid at the sender’s risk with prepayment
for handling and shipping of U.S. $10.00 to: Pioneer Research, 97 Foster Road, Suite 5, Moorestown, NJ 08057, or
to the importer in a different country. The shipment must include an original purchase receipt or proof of purchase
with the purchase date. Excluded are any consequential damages, cosmetic damages, damages to products which
show abuse, non-conformance with the instructions, particularly water damage due to a defective O-ring or
removed O-ring or any particles wedged between the housing and the O-ring, or tampering and attempted repair of
the
product. Excluded are scratches on lenses or damaged lens coatings. Flashes used in rental operations are excluded
from this warranty and have a special service support program (Contact SeaLife / Pioneer Research).
revised 1/1/02
Other manuals for ReefMaster
1
Other Sealife Camera Flash manuals