Quick-Release
Strobe
Mount
Main-dial
ISO
Lid
Flash Button
Mode-dial
Ikelite SLR-DC Housing
Snap
Zoom
Control
i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l
#6871.45 for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, 450D, Kiss Digital X2
#6872.10 for EOS Digital Rebel XS, 1000D, Kiss F Digital
IKELITE
Gear Sleeve
Drive Gear
Lens
Release
Rubber
Handle
Shutter
Release
Port
Opening
Lid
Snap
Lid
Snap
Strobe
Mount
Aluminum Tray
FRONT VIEW
Viewfinder Port
Shutter
Release
Zoom
Control
AEL/
AFL
Quick
Release
Button
A
B
C
D
E
F
Congratulations on your purchase of an Ikelite Digital Camera
Housing. Ikelite has over 45 years of experience in the underwater
photographic and lighting market. Our products are designed and
built in the USA by Ikelite for both the professional and amateur
photographer.
Lid
Snap
Lens
Release
H
I
G
The clear housing permits instant visual inspection of the camera
and all sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of controls
and camera LCD screens.
Ikelite Digital Housings are slightly negative in salt water for
stability. This housing has been water pressure tested at the
factory. Housing is pressure tested to 200’ (60m).
External Strobe Connector
and Waterproof Cap
[D] AF Point Button
[E] White Balance Button
[F] Cross keys (Arrow Pad)
[G] Playback Button
[H] Erase Button
[ I ] TTL Mode Buttons
[A] Menu Button
[B] Display
[C] Aperture +/- Button
BACK VIEW
2
Lid
Snap
ISO
Initial Camera Setup (cont.)
- Disable “Auto Lighting Optimizer”
- Set auto-focus mode to “One Shot”.
- Set “Hightlight Tone Priority” to “OFF”.
- Disable “Mirror Lock-Up”.
Main Dial
Mode Dial
AE Lock
Power
Switch
Optional
Port
Gear
Sleeve
Back O’ring
Disable LCD Auto Off Before Installing the Camera: XSi only
Shutter
Release
Camera
Tray
If the LCD Auto Off is Enabled, the LCD will turn Off when
the camera is installed in the housing. To use the LCD when
the camera is in the housing, go to the camera menu and set
LCD Auto Off to the Disable Mode.
Port
O'ring
Camera
Mounting
Bolt
SIDE VIEW
Opening the Housing
Push Forward
Lid Snaps have a Lock.
To open, push Lid Snap Lock
Initial Camera Setup
Lid Snap Lock
- Insert a fully charged battery
forward and lift as shown.
Keep pressure on the Lid
Snap so it does not fly open
- Insert memory card (1GB or greater capacity recommended)
- Set the mode dial to “M” manual
- Set shutter speed to 1/60th second or 1/125th second for fast
moving subjects.
- Set aperture to F8 for general photography or F22 for macro
photography (close-ups).
- Set image resolution to highest jpeg setting or RAW
- Set ISO to 100 and Meter to “center-weighted”
- Disable “LCD auto-off” in the camera menu settings
- If using auto-focus in “Live-View”, use “Quick-Mode”.
NOTE: Auto-focus will not be as good in “Live-View” mode.
Lift
quickly.
Some lid snaps have a lot of
spring tension once they go over center, so have a firm grip on
the lid snap. Lid Snaps may be opened one at a time.
.
3
4
Installing the Zoom Clamp & Gear Sleeve On the Type 1Lenses
Installing the Zoom Clamp & Gear Sleeve On Type 2 Lenses
Due to the larger diameter lens opening on Type 2 lenses, the
Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve need to be installed from the rear
(bayonet end) of the lens. Use the housing Lens Release Control
and remove the camera lens from the camera body after the
camera and lens have been installed in the housing.
The Zoom Clamp has springs so it can be expanded to fit over
the Zoom Ring of the lens as shown in (Fig. C). Install the Zoom
Clamp with the extension tabs toward the rear element of the
lens. After installing the Zoom Clamp and Gear Sleeve (Fig. D &
E)
, install the Lens Port and rotate the Zoom Ring on the lens.
Type 2 lens
If the Zoom Ring and Gear Sleeve do not mesh properly, install
the rubber strips (supplied) to the inside diameter of the Zoom
Clamp as shown (Fig. F). Two thicknesses of rubber strips are
provided. Start by installing the thinnest rubber strips. If the
Zoom Clamp still is not tight enough, use the thicker rubber
strips. Reinstall the Zoom Clamp, Sleeve, and Port.
zoom
ring
align
zoom clamp
extension
grooved
tabs with
gear sleeve
ribs
clamp
TOP OF HOUSING
Type 1 lens
gear sleeve
ribs
mounted
to camera
mesh
gear sleeve ribs
with black housing
drive gear
align with
groove in
zoom clamp
extension
tab
zoom
ring
NOTE:
Before installing the lens port and checking operation, make sure
the teeth on the Gear Sleeve mesh with the teeth on the housing
Drive Gear (Fig. G). When the port is installed, it will lock the
Gear Sleeve in place. After installing the port, rotate the housing
Zoom Control Knob to see that the Gear Sleeve is properly
rotating the lens Zoom ring.
Figure C
Figure D
Figure E
IKELITE
mesh
gear sleeve
with
apply
rubber strips
to inside of
clamp
black housing
drive gear
Figure G
Figure F
9
10
Installing the Port cont.
To Remove Port
Installing the Port
Port Lock
Release
Button
There are two port locks on
the front of the housing
(See housing front). Each
port lock has a Release
Button. Lift the release
button and slide each Port
Lock away from the port
opening. In the unlocked
position, the Release Button
will remain in the up
To remove the port, lift up on each Release Button and slide the
port lock away from the port.
Locked Position
Lift Release
Button to
Unlock
Port Seal Inside View
Fig. 1
If the port is installed before the
camera is inserted into the housing,
look from the inside of the housing
at the port seal. Check to see that the
o’ring is properly seated as shown in
Pull Back to
Disengage
Port
Unlocked Position
position as shown.
Fig. 2
figure 1and not extruded as shown
in figure 2.
To prepare the port for installation, remove the port o’ring and
lightly lubricate it. The port seal is a side-to-side seal and
requires the o’ring to be lightly lubricated for easy installation.
Put a small amount of lubricant on your fingers and pull the
o’ring through your fingers to lightly lubricate it. Do not stretch
the o’ring. Check that the lip of the port where the o’ring fits
and the sealing surface on the housing are clean. Place the port,
with o’ring, into the housing port opening. Press down on the
port firmly and evenly until you feel the port slide into place.
Continue to push down on the port and push each port lock
forward until it clicks into place. It may help to slightly rotate
the port as you push in on each port lock. When the port lock
clicks into place, the Release Button will drop down against the
port lock.
Caution:
After installing the port, turn the Zoom Control knob on the
housing. If the Zoom Control is difficult to turn, the gear sleeve
may be warped. If so reduce or omit any rubber installed on the
Zoom Clamp. (Fig.H on pg.11). If the Zoom Clamp is still warped,
use of the #5509.28 package may be required. (See page 8)
NOTE: (lens ports)
A lens port must be secured to the housing before entering the
water. Ikelite DSLR housings DO NOT come with a lens port. You
must select the correct port for each lens you will be using
underwater. For complete lens/port information and
Check around the perimeter of the port seal to see that the
o’ring is properly sealed and not extruded (Page 12 - Fig. 2).
12
11
Using External Strobes
Using External Strobes Cont.
This housing has Conversion Circuitry built into the camera
tray. When used with Ikelite DS Substrobes, the Conversion
Circuitry provides real Canon eTTL flash exposure with over and
under-exposure compensation of two f-stops in half-stop
increments.
The Consversion Circuitry also offers Manual exposure control
with 31/2 f-stops of under-exposure control in 1/2 stop
increments.
The Conversion Circuitry is powered by the Ikelite DS Substrobe
when connected to the housing with the #4103.51single or
#4103.52 dual sync cord.
Using the Conversion Circuitry (Set DS Substrboe to TTL mode)
• Mode and Compensation Buttons
See page 17 for DS Substrobe compatibility with the Conversion
Circuitry.
The Conversion Circuitry default is set to TTL. To switch between
TTL and Manual Modes, depress both Mode Buttons at the same
time and keep them depressed until you see the desired Yellow
LED Mode illuminate.
• TTL Mode
(indicated when the yellow LED directly below TTL is
illuminated). TTL Mode is the default setting. When the DS
Substrobe is powered ON, the yellow TTL LED will illuminate.
None of the Red LEDs will illuminate. This indicates that no (+)
plus or (-) minus compensation is selected. Depress the Mode
buttons to select +/- compensation. Note that the TTL +/-
compensation values are in the yellow bar with the heading TTL.
• Manual Mode (indicated when the yellow LED directly below
the M is illuminated). When the Manual Mode is selected, the
Red LED directly below the F (full power) will illuminate. Note
that the Manual minus (-) compensation values are in the black
bar with the heading M. (Set DS Substrboe to TTL mode)
13
14
NOTE: DS Substrobe Update information
Ikelite Substrobe DS-51
DS50 Substrobes
The compact, lightweight and affordable
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number below 63,850 can not be
updated to operate with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number between 63,850 and
69,999 operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.
• DS50 Substrobes with a Serial Number of 70,000 or higher, or
with one of the two following
ikelite
Substrobe DS-51is well suited for general
and macro photography. This strobe can
easily switch between TTL/Auto and any of
the six (6) manual power settings for
complete control over lighting the subject.
DS
ikelite
Ikelite Substrobe DS-160
labels in the battery
The SubStrobe DS-160 recycles virtually instantaneously when
fired at a fractional power -- whether in TTL or manual mode --
and still in a quick 1.5
compartment provide
Substrobe
MOD-NC
optimum performance with
the Conversion Circuitry and
do not need an update.
serial number
seconds from full discharge.
TTL
Enjoy perfect TTL
Test
Ready Light
automatic exposure and an
-3
On
DS125Substrobes
increased number of flashes
per full charge. When used
in manual settings, the DS-
160 offers 10 powers in
• DS125Substrobes with a Serial Number below 2,500 must be
updated to operate correctly with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS125Substrobes with a Serial Number between 2,501and
4,900 will operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require an
update to provide optimum performance.
half-stop increments for
precise control over your exposure.
• DS125Substrobes with a Serial Number of 5,000 or higher, or
with one of the two
following labels in the
battery compartment,
provide optimum
performance with the
Conversion Circuitry and do
not need an update.
Strobe Arms
This housing offers two types of arm mounting
systems. The top of the rubber handles utilize
Ikelite’s Quick-Release Arm, available as the
recommended SA-100R Arm system.
Substrobe
MOD-NC
serial number
The bottom of the rubber handles have a wing
nut that accepts the Ikelite Tray Mount. The
Tray Mount comes with the Ikelite SA-125 Arm
system and the SA-100T Arm system.
To Update Your Substrobe:
Send to the Ikelite address on the back page of this manual or
contact Ikelite for more information.
15
16
Using External Strobes Cont.
Pre-Dive Your System
It is recommended that you take the complete system into a
swimming pool before use in open water. This will give you a
chance to become familiar with the handling and operation of
your housing and strobe(s).
Using Ikelite Non-DS Substrobes (Substrobe 50, 100A,
200, 400) with this Housing.
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used
with a Non-DS Substrobe. These Substrobes can be used in their
manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the
Substrobe.
Optional Accessories
Lead Weight #0906.58
Using Non Ikelite Strobes with this Housing.
The buoyancy of the system will depend on the size and
number of strobes used, as well as the weight of the camera.
Ideally the system should be slightly negative in the
environment in which it will be used. If you need to add weight
to the system, an optional lead weight is available. To add the
lead weight, remove the (2) screws from the bottom of the
aluminum tray. Place the lead weight into the pocket of the
aluminum tray and reattach.
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used
with a Non Ikelite Strobe. These strobes can be used in their
manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the strobe.
Lubricants
1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We
recommend that you use only Ikelite lubricant. Other brands
may cause the o’ring to swell and not seal properly.
Ikelite Lube #0184.1
2. Use only enough Ikelite lubricant to lightly cover control shafts
and o’rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Lubricant is not a sealant and is used to reduce friction.
Excessive lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may
interfere with proper sealing.
Port O’ring #0105
Housing Back O’ring #0132.59
While both the Port and Back o’rings should last quite some time
it is best to carry a spare in case one becomes damaged or lost.
Storing the Housing
Note: Lubricant is not needed on the main housing o’ring to
maintain a housing seal, however, lightly lubricating this o’ring
can extend it’s life and aid in seeing a good housing seal. Too
much lube can attract debris increasing the potential for a leak.
When the housing is going to be stored for a prolonged period,
it should be soaked in a mild soap solution, rinsed, and dried
thoroughly. Remove the back and port from the housing.
Remove the back and port o’rings, lightly lubricate them, and
then place them in a plastic zip-lock bag. Place the plastic bag
inside the housing for storage. Operate the push buttons
periodically.
CAUTION: Never use spray lubricants as the propellant ingredient
can cause the plastic housing to crack.
17
18
Maintenance
Control Maintenance
Your Ikelite Housing should be given the same care and attention
as your other photographic equipment. In addition to normal
maintenance, we recommend your housing be returned to Ikelite
(every 2-3years or 50 dives), to be checked and pressure tested.
Ikelite controls are designed to provide years of reliable service
with minimal maintenance.
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 luke warm fresh water. After a few minutes
operate the push button. If this does not correct the problem,
return the housing to Ikelite for maintenance.
Do Not
1.
leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for
prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.
Do Not
2.
ship the camera in the housing.
set
3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the
screw
in each control knob.
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
control gland
Check each
penetrating the housing to make sure
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
loose during travel.
lubricate shaft
housing
4. Keep the back and port 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. Pull the o’ring through your
fingers to apply a light coating of lubricant. Only apply enough
pull out to
expose shaft
Do Not stretch the o’ring
lubricant to make the o’ring feel slick.
.
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.
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see drawing).
5. Keep the area where the o’ring fits and the sealing surface clean.
6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Depress push buttons several times during rinse.
Dry with a soft cloth. Dry port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in salt water, soak the housing in a mild soap
solution, rinse, and dry.
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 constant use.
7. Although not recommended, if it is necessary to remove a
Do Not
housing push button,
re-use the E-clip. Contact Ikelite
for replacement E-clips (part #0319.12).
CAUTION: Never use spray lubricants as the propellant
ingredient can cause the plastic housing to crack.
19
20
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, noting 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.
General Tips
1. You should completely assemble and test your system in a
swimming pool before using it in openwater.
2. It is a good idea to start each photo dive with a fully charged
battery in the camera and strobe(s).
3. As soon as you enter the water, take a moment and check the
housing to see that it is properly sealed.
4. Next, check to see if there are any bubbles on the face of the
port. If there are, take your fingers and remove them. If there
are bubbles on the lens port they can produce soft focus spots
in your photographs.
5. Set Image Resolution to the Highest JPG format available or
RAW. Higher resolution settings are required for printing. High
resolution images can easily be reduced in size with software
and retain their original quality. A Low resolution image can be
enlarged with software but much of the quality will be lost.
housing
gland
control
shaft
6. ISO 100 and “center-weighted averaging” metering are
recommended.
7. Digital images are usually transferred to the computer where
their appearance can be fine tuned. Many of the image
manipulation programs make you think you can magically
correct any image taken and make a good picture. One thing to
be aware of is that if an image is overexposed, some of the
color information in the file is missing. If the color is missing
you cannot adjust it. If images are underexposed, the color and
detail may be there, it is just dark, and you can adjust it to some
degree. So if you error in exposure it is better to have the image
slightly underexposed rather than overexposed.
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
21
22
Photo Tips
Ikelite Limited Warranty
All Ikelite products are warranted against any manufacturing
defects for a period of one 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.
1. The number one rule in underwater photography is to 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, regardless of the strobe’s power.
2. Many digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you
press the shutter release button and when the camera actually
takes the picture. It only takes a slight amount of pressure to
operate the shutter. If the shutter doesn’t trip immediately,
don’t push down harder on the shutter control, as you may
damage the camera. Hold the camera steady a second or two
after pressing the shutter release button.
Returning Products for Service
Ikelite is most interested in preforming 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.
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. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject.
Ikelite Underwater Systems
50 W 33rd Street
5. For balanced lighting, meter the background and set the camera
aperture accordingly. Use TTL, adjust the strobe’s power
settings, or move the strobe closer or farther away to properly
expose the subject with the chosen camera aperture.
6. Avoid shooting into the sun. This can cause unwanted reflections
or underexposed subjects.
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
When sending products to Ikelite, send
at the above address “attn. Repair Dept.”.
email: [email protected]
317-923-4523
Digital 6871.45/6872.10-02-09-08
23
|