Control Maintenance, On next | Ikelite A630, A640 manual

Maintenance

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.

1. Do Not leave the camera and housing in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Heat may damage the camera.

2. Do Not ship the camera in the housing.set 3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the

screw in each control knob.

Check each control gland 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 stretch the o'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 in fresh water after each salt water use. Dry with a soft cloth. Dry lens port to eliminate 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

Never use spray lubricants as the propellant ingredient can cause the plastic housing to crack.

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.

2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be

lubricate shaft

housing

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.

pull out to expose shaft

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.

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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)

A630, A640 specifications

The Ikelite A640 and A630 underwater housings are specifically designed to enhance and protect Canon's popular PowerShot A-series cameras. These housings are built to withstand the unique challenges posed by underwater environments, providing photographers with a robust solution for capturing stunning images beneath the waves.

One of the standout features of the Ikelite A640 and A630 housings is their depth rating. Both models boast a remarkable depth rating of up to 200 feet (60 meters), making them suitable for a wide variety of underwater activities, from snorkeling to deep-sea diving. The housings are crafted from durable polycarbonate material, ensuring their longevity while also allowing divers to clearly see the camera's controls.

The design of the Ikelite A640 and A630 housings incorporates large, easy-to-use controls. These controls are specifically designed to mimic the layout of the camera’s buttons, enabling users to effortlessly operate the camera while wearing diving gloves. This ergonomic design ensures that photographers can concentrate on capturing images rather than fumbling with complex settings.

An appealing aspect of the Ikelite A640 and A630 is the inclusion of an integrated TTL (Through The Lens) exposure system. This technology allows for automatic flash exposure, ensuring that users can achieve balanced lighting in their images without the need for complicated manual adjustments. This feature is particularly advantageous in underwater photography, where lighting conditions can be unpredictable.

Furthermore, the housings are equipped with a built-in flash diffuser that softens the flash output, helping to reduce backscatter, which can often mar underwater photographs. The capacity to attach additional lighting systems is also a remarkable characteristic. Both housings feature an accessory port for attaching external strobes, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in lighting setups.

The Ikelite A640 and A630 provide a clear view of the camera’s LCD screen through a large viewing window, enabling users to frame their shots accurately. This is particularly crucial in underwater photography, where visibility can be compromised by water quality and lighting conditions.

In summary, the Ikelite A640 and A630 underwater housings represent a fusion of durability, user-friendliness, and advanced technology, making them ideal companions for Canon PowerShot A-series camera users who wish to explore and capture the beauty of underwater worlds. Their reliable performance and thoughtful design features make them a must-have for enthusiasts and professionals alike.