Control Maintenance, General Tips, Photo Tips

Control Maintenance

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.

lubricate shaft

housing

pull out to expose shaft

Control Maintenance Cont.

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.

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.

control	housing	gland
control	housing	gland
shaft

Flat Tighten set screw down against this area when

replacing the knob. Lubricate end of shaft before reinserting into gland

Loosen set screw (allen wrench required)

General Tips

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.

2. Some cameras reset their flash to AUTO when the camera is turned on. If you prefer another setting be sure to select it.

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 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.

NOTE

5. If you are shooting with the camera’s built-in flash and the cameras lens set to widest angle you may need to zoom the lens slightly or a shadow may appear in the lower left corner of close-up photographs. The lens port may block some of the light. (You can test this above water)

To shoot photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), you need to use an external strobe such as the DS51 orDS125.With an external strobe you can position it so nothing blocks the light path between the strobe and the subject.

Photo Tips

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.

2. The camera’s built-in flash is very close to the camera lens. The flash can light up any suspended particles in the water and they can be recorded in your picture. This effect is called backscatter. To eliminate as much backscatter as possible, photograph close. Photograph in clear water; do not stir up the sand or silty bottom. If backscatter becomes a problem in the environment you are photographing, an external flash will help eliminate much of the backscatter.

3. 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.

4. 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 usin g the blue water as a contrasting background.

5. 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. If the camera’s flash is set to AUTO and the sun is behind your subject, the camera may see enough light that it does not fire the flash. With the sun behind the subject the subject is shaded (dark) and needs flash for a good exposure.

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DSC-W200 specifications

The Ikelite DSC-W200 is an advanced underwater housing designed specifically for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 digital camera. This device allows photographers to explore the captivating world beneath the waves while ensuring that their camera remains safe and functional in challenging aquatic environments.

One of the standout features of the Ikelite DSC-W200 housing is its rugged construction, typically made from robust materials such as ABS plastic. This ensures both durability and lightweight characteristics, allowing divers and snorkelers to easily maneuver their gear without feeling weighed down. The housing is also designed to withstand depths of up to 200 feet, enabling users to capture stunning images in the depths of the ocean, a swimming pool, or any other water body.

The Ikelite DSC-W200 offers easy access to all essential camera functions. The housing is equipped with precisely placed controls, ensuring that users can adjust settings like zoom, shutter, and playback without removing the camera from the housing. This accessibility is especially important for underwater photography, where every second counts, and conditions can change rapidly.

One of the most noteworthy technological advancements incorporated into the housing is its optical quality. Ikelite is known for its innovative dome ports which enhance image quality by providing a wider field of view and reducing distortion. The housing is compatible with various lens attachments, allowing photographers to adapt their images creatively, ranging from macro shots of tiny marine life to sweeping landscapes of coral reefs.

Another critical aspect of the Ikelite DSC-W200 is its ability to house the camera's built-in flash, which can illuminate subjects in low-visibility conditions. Additionally, the option to attach external strobes allows more control over lighting, ensuring that underwater photos pop with vibrant colors that highlight the underwater ecosystem.

The Ikelite DSC-W200 also features a secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental openings, ensuring that the camera remains safe from water exposure. Furthermore, the clear back design allows photographers to easily monitor the camera’s control settings and verify the presence of any leaks instantly, providing peace of mind during underwater expeditions.

In conclusion, the Ikelite DSC-W200 is an exceptional underwater housing solution for anyone looking to capture breathtaking underwater images without compromising the integrity of their camera. Its robust construction, ease of access, optical enhancements, and safety features make it an ideal choice for both amateur and professional underwater photographers seeking high-quality tools for their aquatic adventures.