Care & Maintenance
•
Before a dive:
o
Protect the FD-50N from sun and heat. This will reduce the
possibility of fogging due to condensation of the warm,
moist air inside the housing when immersed in the colder
water. It also reduces the possibility of sun damage to the
polycarbonate. An insulated camera bag is a good means of
protection from overheating.
o
Protect the FD-50N from accidental impact damage. Secure
the housing and camera in a safe location on the boat or in
any vehicle, so it does not bounce around or bump into
other cameras and housings. The insulated bag mentioned
above should be padded for this reason. Do not leave the
camera and housing in a camera rinse tank or bucket on the
boat in route to the dive site. Rough conditions can cause
impact damage and photo gear can often get tangled if too
many systems are together in the tank.
o
Inspection of all user serviceable gaskets and O-rings
should be a routine pre-dive check. Required maintenance
for the main gasket involves cleaning only (if there is no
damage requiring replacement). O-rings may require
lubrication. Use the silicone grease supplied with the
housing. Use only enough grease to lightly cover the O-ring
to reduce friction as it is put into its place and the seal is
made. Over-lubrication should be avoided and can result in
debris accumulating on the O-ring, and compromise the
seal.
o
It is highly recommended that the housing be immersed in
the rinse tank or in shallow water before every dive and all
its controls operated to visually confirm that it is watertight
before descending to depth.
•
After a dive:
o
Rinse the housing with a strong stream of fresh water. Let it
soak for about 20 minutes to allow the water to dissolve
any salt residues under the controls or in tight spaces.
o
Operate all the controls while the housing is soaking to help
dislodge any salt residue that may be caught under or
around the controls.
o
Dip the housing vigorously several times to agitate the final
remains of salt from the narrow areas or around the controls.
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