Ikelite SP-500 General Tips, Photo Tips Cont, Ikelite Limited Warranty, email ikelite@ikelite.com

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.

5. If you use the housing Zoom control, make sure to move it back to the center position. If the housing Zoom control is pushing the camera zoom lever to either side the camera will not function. (See page 6)

NOTE

6. If you are shooting with the camera’s built-in flash at approximately 2 feet (0.6 m) or less, zoom the lens to maximum telephoto. The lens port on the housing blocks a portion of the light from the camera’s built-in flash when shooting close up. If you do not zoom to maximum telephoto, a shadow may appear in the lower left corner of close-up photographs. (You can test this above water)

To shoot wide angle photographs closer than 2 feet (0.6m), you need to use a preflash compatible external strobe such as the DS51 or DS125. With an external strobe you can position it so nothing blocks the light path between the strobe and the subject.

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Photo Tips Cont.

6. Using daylight or flash each person has their idea of what is the correct exposure. Since these opinions vary you may want to adjust your camera for what you like exposure wise. Many cameras allow you to adjust both available light and flash exposure with an EV control.

7. Many photographers transfer their images to the computer where they can fine tune the appearance of the image. Many of the image manipulation programs make you think you can magically correct any image taken and make a good picture. One thing to remember when using image manipulation programs, if the image is overexposed much of the color is missing. If the color is missing you cannot adjust it. If images are underexposed the color is 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 than over exposed.

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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 using 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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Ikelite Limited Warranty

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.

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.

Ikelite Underwater Systems

50 W 33rd Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA

317-923-4523

email: ikelite@ikelite.com

www.ikelite.com

Digital 6132.50-01-1205