Digital Housing
i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l
f o r
Nikon
Coolpix 8400
H o u s i n g
#6194.84
CClloossiinngg tthhee HHoouussiinngg
FFllaasshh CCoonnnneeccttiioonn
1. Check to see that there is an o’ring
on the housing back and that it is
clean and in its proper location.
2. Guide the back onto the housing.
Take care to see that the TTL sync
cord does not obstruct the
housing back
External Strobe
Connection/
Waterproof
Cap
O'ring
Housing Back
installation. The o’ring should
touch the housing all the way
around. There should be an
even gap all the way around
between the housing and the
housing back.
o’ring
Camera Hot Shoe
housing
Housing Hot
Shoe Connector
3. Lift the lid snaps so they are
extended and place the lid snap
into the hook on the housing back.
4. To close the housing push
housing back
Camera
down on the lid snaps until
they snap into place. Lid
snaps on opposite sides of
the housing should be closed
at the same time. Be sure they
are down far enough to engage
the lock.
even gap
all 4 sides
When using an external strobe connect the housings Hot Shoe
Connector, slide the connector into the hot shoe of the camera
from the back as shown. Slide the connector forward until it
stops. This can be done after the camera is secured with the
mounting bolt.
o’ring
housing
Double chheck - Once the housing is closed, check the o’ring seal.
Check the gap between the housing back and the housing, it
should be even all the way around.
NOTE:
The housing’s External TTL Strobe Connector’s waterproof cap
should only be removed when connecting an external strobe
with a sync cord. If no sync cord is connected to the housing
the connector’s waterproof cap must be in place before using
the housing in the water.
Look through the clear plastic back at the o’ring. You should
see a darkened area where the o’ring is compressed against the
housing back. If you do not see an even black compression seal
all the way around the back, open the lid snaps, reseat the housing
back and close the lid snaps. Visually check the seal again.
5
6
CChheecckkiinngg CCoonnttrroollss
QQuuiicckk--RReelleeaassee BBaassee,, HHaannddlleess aanndd TTrraayy
Once the housing has been closed check to see that
the housing controls line up with the camera controls.
Quickk-Rellease Base
The Quick-Release Base is plastic.
Quick Release Base
A toggle lever located underneath
Slot
Turn the camera on and operate each of the housing controls
to get a feel for using the camera in the housing. Take a few
pictures with the camera in the housing.
the base allows the base to be
easily removed from the Tray.
Turn the housing upside down,
pull out on the toggle lever.
Rotate the lever 90° to remove
the base.
C A U T I O N :
Shutterr Release
Handless and Tray
The camera's shutter release button operates in two stages.
When depressed halfway it activates the camera's exposure
meter and autofocus. When depressed fully it takes the picture.
This half stop of the shutter release is more easily felt when
using the camera out of the housing. But with some practice
you can feel the half stop when the camera is in the housing.
The camera's shutter release requires only minimal pressure to
activate. With the additional leverage of the housing’s shutter
release control you can put undue force on the camera's shutter
release button. This can result in damage to the camera.
Digital cameras have a noticeable lag time between when you
push the shutter release button and when the camera starts to
do something. It is human nature to push harder when the
camera does not instantly respond. Take several pictures with
the camera in the housing, paying special attention to the feel
of the shutter release. It only requires a very light touch.
The handles on the housing are
Flip Quick Release
Lever Up
rubber and the tray is aluminum.
Their weight helps to offset the
buoyancy of the housing. The
complete assembly is slightly
negative underwater for better
control. The handles have a push
button release for easily
attaching and removing strobe
arms. The tray and handles can
be removed from the housing.
To remove the tray, the base
Rotate Quick
Release Lever
must be removed to gain access
to the nuts holding the tray on
the housing. Remove the 2 nuts,
washers and rubber spacers.
DO NOT
remove the bolts
protruding through the housing.
Remove Quick
Release Lever
and Base
7
8
LLuubbrriiccaannttss
UUssiinngg FFllaasshh
1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing.
We recommend that you use only Ikelite lubricant on Ikelite
products as some other brands may cause the o’ring to swell
and not seal properly.
UUssiinngg tthhee CCaammeerraa’’ss BBuuiilltt--iinn FFllaasshh..
If you do not have an external flash the camera’s built-in flash
can be used to illuminate subjects underwater. The housing has a
built-in Diffuser to aid in providing even illumination.
2. Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover control shafts
and o’rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Lubricant is not a sealant, it is used to reduce friction.
Excessive lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may
interfere with proper sealing.
EExxtteerrnnaall SSuubbssttrroobbeess
External strobes offer several advantages over using the
camera’s built-in flash. External strobes move the flash away
from the camera lens which helps reduce backscatter. They also
expand lighting options to achieve the best lighting for
different subjects and lenses. A strobe such as the DS51 is ideal
for use with macro and most standard camera lenses up to
28mm. When an optional wide angle lens is added a strobe such
as the DS125 is needed as it has a greater angle-of-coverage. A
second external strobe can be added to fill the shadows and
produce more realistic photographs.
CCAAUUTTIIOONN
NNeevveerr uussee sspprraayy lluubbrriiccaannttss aass tthhee pprrooppeellllaanntt iinnggrreeddiieenntt ccaann
ccaauussee tthhee ppllaassttiicc hhoouussiinngg ttoo ccrraacckk..
LLeennss PPoorrtt
Treat the glass in the lens port as a camera lens. After use, rinse
and gently dry the lens port to avoid water spotting. To clean
use a mild soap solution or lens cleaner.
UUssiinngg aann EExxtteerrnnaall FFllaasshh wwiitthh SSyynncc CCoorrdd..
This camera and housing can use any Ikelite Substrobe, in the
Manual Mode when connected with a #4103.51 sync cord.
Substrobe 50
Do not use alcohol or window cleaner on the Lens Port.
Substrobe DS50
Substrobe DS51
Substrobe 100A
Substrobe DS125
Substrobe 200
Strobes do not work TTL with this housing.
9
10
UUssiinngg aann EExxtteerrnnaall FFllaasshh wwiitthh tthhee EEVV--CCoonnttrroolllleerr
This camera and housing can utilize the Ikelite EV-Controller with
any Ikelite DS Substrobe. The EV-Controller provides 10 manual
power settings in 1/2 stop increments when used with an Ikelite
DS Substrobe.
UUssiinngg FFllaasshh CCoonntt..
Using thee EV-Contrroller in SSlave Mode
This edge
against housing
A flash Deflector is provided
with the housing.
Deflector
material
When using an external flash
with the EV-Controller in the
slave mode the Deflector is
used to redirect the camera’s
flash to the sensor in the EV-
Controller which triggers the
DS Substrobe.
Using thhe EV-Coontrolller with
Sync Cordd #41003.51
The EV-Controller has a
bulkhead and can be
connected directly to the
housing with sync cord
#4103.51 eliminating the
need to use the camera’s
built-in flash.
Port Clamp
Spring
Instaallinngg Defleector
To install the Deflector
spread the port clamp at the
spring end and slide over the
lens port. The white plastic
should be placed in front of
Camera Mennu settttings
when ussing the
EV-Coontrooller with
a syncc cord.
Go to Speedlight
Spread to Install
the camera flash. The port clamp should be pushed back against
the front of the housing.
Options, Pop Up set to
Auto, Speedlight Control
set to Internal Off.
U
U
s
s
i
i
n
n
g
g
D
D
u
u
a
a
l
l
Substrobes
Substrobes
For dual strobes the #4103.52 dual sync cord can be used or the
second strobe can be slaved using the Ikelite Remote TTL Slave
#4100.5.
NOTE:
Ikelite Substrobes manufactured before June 1, 2001 require a
modification to be used in a two strobe set-up with a dual sync cord.
12
11
OOppttiioonnaall AAcccceessssoorriieess
MMaaiinntteennaannccee
The Ikelite Digital Housing should be given the same care and
attention as your other photographic equipment. In addition to
normal maintenance we recommend that the housing be returned
to Ikelite periodically to be checked and pressure tested.
BBaacckk OO''rriinngg ##110099
O'rings last for several years if properly maintained.
(See Maintenance) Always carry a spare o'ring in case
the housing o'ring becomes damaged or lost.
t leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight
1.
D
o
NNot
for prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.
Do
NNot
2.
ship the camera in the housing.
UURR//PPrr00 FFiilltteerr ##66444411..4411
3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness
s
et
sscrew
co
of the
Check each
in each control knob. (See page 17)
nt
r
o
l
ggland penetrating the housing
to make sure they are tight. There is a slight chance
that either could vibrate loose during travel.
4. Keep the back o’ring clean and lightly lubricated. To lubricate remove
the o’ring from the back. Put a small amount of lkelite lubricant on
your fingers. Draw the o’ring through your fingers to apply a light
coating of lubricant. Only apply enough lubricant to make the o’ring
feel slick.
Do
Not
st
r
etch
the
oo’ring. This light coating of lubricant
will help to keep the o’ring from drying out and will help to show
a dark sealing line when the housing back is properly sealed.
5. Keep the area where the o’ring fits and the sealing surface
of the housing clean.
6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate
water spotting.
After several uses in salt water soak the housing in a mild soap
solution, rinse and dry before storage. When storing the housing,
remove the back o’ring, lightly lubricate and place in a plastic bag.
Place the plastic bag with o’ring inside the housing for safe keeping.
CAUTION
CAUTION
N
N
e
e
v
v
e
e
r
r
u
u
s
s
e
e
s
s
p
p
r
r
a
a
y
y
l
l
u
u
b
b
r
r
i
i
c
c
a
a
n
n
t
t
s
s
a
a
s
s
t
t
h
h
e
e
p
p
r
r
o
o
p
p
e
e
l
l
l
l
a
a
n
n
t
t
i
i
n
n
g
g
r
r
e
e
d
d
i
i
e
e
n
n
t
t
c
c
a
a
n
n
c
c
a
a
u
u
s
s
e
e
tthhee
p
p
l
l
a
a
s
s
t
t
i
i
c
c
h
h
o
o
u
u
s
s
i
i
n
n
g
g
t
t
o
o
ccrraacckk..
13
14
CCoonnttrrooll MMaaiinntteennaannccee
Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service
with minimal maintenance.
lubricate shaft
housing
1. Push button controls require no maintenance other than rinsing
in fresh water after saltwater use. If a push button control
becomes difficult to push or if it sticks when depressed, soak
the housing in lukewarm fresh water. After a few minutes
operate the push button. If this does not correct the problem,
return the housing to Ikelite for maintenance.
pull out to
expose shaft
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see drawing).
To lubricate the control, gently pull on the knob until the
stainless steel shaft is exposed. Lightly lubricate the shaft, then
move the shaft in and out several times. This will lubricate the
x’ring in the Ikelite control gland. This should be done before
using the housing after a prolonged storage period, or once a
week when the housing is in use.
3. Some of the controls have a short shaft and cannot be pulled
out exposing the shaft for lubrication. In the unlikely event one
of these controls sticks or becomes difficult to operate you can
remove the control from the housing and lubricate it, or return
the housing to Ikelite for maintenance. To remove the control,
loosen the set screw in the knob (allen wrench required); remove
the knob. If there is salt or dirt build-up on the exposed control
shaft, clean the shaft. Open the housing and gently slide the
control shaft out of the control gland. Clean and lightly lubricate
the shaft, including the end of the shaft. Slide the shaft back into
the control gland and gently slide it back and forth a few times
without fully removing the shaft from the gland. Replace the
knob, NOTE the flat area on the shaft, the set screw in the knob
should tighten down against the flat area on the control so the
knob does not turn on the shaft.
housing
gland
control
shaft
Loosen set screw
(allen wrench required)
Flat
Tighten set screw down
against this area when
replacing the knob.
Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into gland
15
16
PPhhoottoo TTiippss
GGeenneerraall TTiippss
1. The number one rule in underwater photography is
eliminate as much water between camera and subject as
possible. Get as close as you can to the subject, then use the
zoom. If you are using flash, subjects beyond 6 feet (1.8m)
will not have much color.
1. Due to the power required to operate the camera, flash,
and LCD screen it is a good idea to start each dive with a
fresh set of batteries. Use NiMH or LITHIUM-ion batteries
(see camera manual).
2. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed.
2. Digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you
press the shutter release button and the camera actually takes
the picture. Hold the camera steady a second or two after
pressing the shutter release button.
3. Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face
of the lens port. If there are, take your finger and remove them.
If there are bubbles on the lens port they can produce soft focus
spots in your photographs.
3. Do not shoot down on subjects as they will quite often blend
into the background and be difficult to see in the photograph.
Shoot subjects straight on or shoot up at a slight angle using
the blue water as a contrasting background.
4. Due to the light sensitivity of digital cameras they may
overexpose close-up photographs when using an external flash.
If close-up photos are constantly overexposed, use the camera
menu and change the external strobe exposure to -1 or higher.
Shoot a few test photographs, changing the strobe exposure
compensation until you are satisfied with the results.
4. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors
filtered out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject.
When photographing underwater, set the camera to use flash
on every shot.
5. Shoot with the smallest aperture possible when shooting
close-up with flash.
6. Use the macro mode for close-up photographs.
7. Shoot pictures at the highest resolution. Several printing
methods require high resolution. It is easy to reduce the size
and resolution, but almost impossible to increase size and
resolution from a small file and obtain a satisfactory result.
17
18
IIkkeelliittee LLiimmiitteedd WWaarrrraannttyy
All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing
defects for a period of one (1) year from the 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.
RReettuurrnniinngg PPrroodduuccttss ffoorr SSeerrvviiccee
Ikelite is most interested in performing any service to assure
that all products perform as intended. For repair or service, return
the product to the address below with your name, address, phone
number and a brief description of the problem. Evidence of
purchase date must be provided to obtain warranty service.
Ikelitte Underrwater SSystems
50 W 33rdd Street
Indiannapoliiss, IN 462208 USA
317-9223-4523
email: iikelitee@ikeliite.com
Digitaal 61944..84-v011-0205
#
#
|