Nikon L3, L2 manual Checking the Gasket, Gasket Info

Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flash mode to the flash always setting to insure they always have a flash with every exposure. It is also wise to set the focus mode to allow the lens to focus in the macro range for capturing great images of the tiny and exotic subjects that you can find underwater.

Checking the Gasket:

Prior to each closure of the housing the gasket seal should be visually inspected. If there is any debris present, including dirt, sand, dust, hair, grease or other matter, it must be cleaned to insure a proper watertight seal. Cleaning the gasket is a simple matter of wiping it with a damp, soft cloth to remove the foreign matter. Be careful the cloth you use does not leave any of its own material behind as this can also affect the effectiveness of the gasket. It is not necessary to remove the gasket for cleaning unless visual inspection determines that there is foreign matter underneath the gasket as well. If this occurs, be sure the surface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any debris.

Gasket Info:

Since the gasket on the Fantasea FL-3 and FL-4 are face- to-face/compression sealed, and is not subject to friction as it is closed, there is no need to lubricate it. Grease or any other form of lubrication does not help seal the housing. It only reduces friction, which is commonly present if the housing has an O-ring seal. Lubricating the gasket before use could cause it to slip out of its groove, and not form a proper seal: therefore no silicon or other lubricants should be used.

The gasket should also be checked visually for any cracks or perforations. If any part of the gasket shows signs of wear or damage, it is imperative that it be changed before going into the water.

If the gasket is removed from the channel groove it sits in, be sure to get it completely back into place so it is properly seated. Starting at one corner, press the gasket with your finger and feel it seat into its channel groove. Then continue this procedure continuously in one direction, round its perimeter, until the entire gasket has been pressed flat into place. Go over it a second time to be sure it is properly in place. Then you are ready to clean it, give it a final visual inspection, and close the housing.

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