Underwater housing care

The only thing that separates the camera from the water is the housing. No wonder that care should be taking during use and maintenance to prevent flooding. Here are a number of good practices that will help reduce the risk of damage.

Preparation

Proper preparation prevents problems. Assemble the housing therefore in peace and ample time before diving. Use a clean, dry workspace with enough room for all the equipment.

Check the camera for full batteries, a storage card with enough free space and if the correct (preset) settings are enabled. Also do not forget to remove the lens cover.

Check the housing on dirt, damage, functioning of the lock and controls. The o-ring requires special attention. Make sure there is no dirt on it, that it is sufficiently greased and that it is not damage (see also Maintenance below). Confirm that the o-ring is completely in the right place on the housing.

Try to avoid heat and humidity in the housing as this may cause moisture forming when the housing cools down.

Test the set after locking it for leaks in for example a washbasin. Do not only look at bubbles, but also on possible drops in the housing after taking it out.

Store the set ready for use in a safe place until the dive.

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Diving

Check if the housing is still properly closed and everything is functioning in time before the dive. If there are problems, ask yourself if it is still possible to fix it before the dive. It is always better to leave it above water than having a soaked camera because of rushing things!

The manufacturer did not specify the maximum depth for fun. Although going deeper will not be fatal instantaneously, do keep this depth in mind during planning and diving.

Watch for signs of moisture in the housing during the dive. A small amount of it can fog up the lens (see photo) or even lead to drops on the camera. When in doubt: end the dive.

Rinse the set directly after the dive using fresh water. On boats there is usually a special bucket available (if not, ask for it). Wipe the set dry and put it in a safe place, out of the way of dive tanks and other destructive material.

Keep the set out of direct sunlight, as this may cause moisture again. Only open the set at home or in a dry place. If you do have to open it beforehand, make sure everything (including yourself) is completely dry. A drop of salt water from your hair may be enough to cause damage.

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Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life of the housing and prevents leakage. But do not overdo it: excessive removal of the o-ring may cause deformation and wear it out. So check whether full maintenance is actually required.

Clean the housing using warm water and a clean piece of cloth. Do not use any aggressive detergents that could damage the material. Look for salt residue, if this is not removed promptly it may render the moving parts of the housing useless.

The o-ring deserves the most attention during maintenance. Apply silicone grease regularly to keep it lubricated and prevent perishing.

Carefully remove the o-ring using a smooth plastic object. Check for dirt, damage, discoloration and hardened spots. Clean the o-ring using a clean cloth (e.g. micro-fiber).

Apply silicone grease evenly, do not use too much as this may attract dirt and prevent stretching of the o-ring during handling.

Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations: not all o-rings are fabricated by the same material and they require the appropriate type of grease. If in doubt of the o-ring's state: replace it immediately.

Store the housing in safe place till the next dive.

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