FOCUSING MODE
NOTE : Select the proper focus mode (AF or M) with the focus mode
selector (key # 18) and pressing button (key # 20) on the housing to
access the pattern options (AF-A, AF-S, AF-C) with the main command
dial (key # 3) or AF pattern (3D, AUTO, single point, 9, 21 or 39 points)
mode by rotating the sub command knob (key # 2). For more detailed in
-
formation concerning the operation of the different focus modes con-
sult the Nikon® instruction book for the D800. (Also see shooting tips
#5 as it make operating the AF mode & Pattern button much easier).
Taking full advantage of the AF-E/AF-L & AF-ON button with the housing
dedicated lever (# 30) can also greatly contribute to the performance of
the autofocus performance of the camera underwater.
USING THE HOUSING
Whenever changing ports or O-rings, it is highly advisable to perform
a simple seal test without the camera inside. Strapping a weight to the
housing and lowering the unit to a depth of 30 to 50 feet of water for at
least 10 minutes will assure you that the seating of the new port or O-ring
is proper. This test, though time consuming and often considered
unnecessary, may save your camera equipment from irreparable water
damage. Once this test is performed the housing is now ready for the
dive.
CAUTION:
Never jump into the water with the housing. It is best to have
the system handed to you after you have made your entry, or have it
lowered to you on a rope. Make certain that ropes of other equipment
stay clear of the system.
When photographing, be sure to respect the environment. Avoid
damaging marine life or manipulating sea creatures to obtain a pleasing
photo. The housing is slightly negatively buoyant so that you can lay it
down on the bottom, but avoid laying it on living coral or other delicate
marine life.
CHANGING THE MEMORY CARD
Always take care to thoroughly dry the housing before opening it to
change memory card. Wipe the housing off with a dry towel. If possible it
is suggested that the housing be blown dried by directing a low pressure
air nozzle around the main o-ring before opening.
Rest the housing on its front with the port facing down, be careful to protect
the port lens surface, release the two side latches simultaneously. Lift
the rear part of the housing and place it in a secure location. This minimizes
the possibility of any residual water falling into the housing and on to the
camera when the housing is opened or damage to the sealing surface.
TRANSPORTING THE AQUATICA HOUSING
Store the AQUATICA Digital housing in a sturdy, shock proof container.
When travelling by air, remove the port. This allows for equalization of
the air pressure inside the housing to the external air pressure. Failure
to do so may cause serious damage to the ports by dislodging a sealing
O-ring or window. Avoid travelling with the camera mounted inside the
housing, while the housing is quite rugged, it is nonetheless not padded
and any impact is likely to be transmitted to the cameras delicate
components.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Of the housing:
After each and every salt water dive, your housing system should be
soaked or rinsed in fresh water. The housing system should soak in
fresh water for at least 30 minutes. During this soaking period reach into
the water and operate all the controls several times.
Be sure to inspect the housing’s main o-ring and clean it after every use.
Refer to Maintenance: Of the O-rings. To ensure that the hand grips
won’t fuse on to the housing due to the exposure to salt water, it is also a
good practice to occasionally remove the hand grips. Clean and lubricate
the bolts with a small amount of WD-40 or add a touch of grease.
WARNING: Use WD-40 carefully, sparingly and only on metal to metal
surfaces. WD-40 can damage the acrylic on the ports, the optical surfaces
on lens as well as the O-rings.
Of the Ports:
Care should be taken with the Dome Port and Macro Port to avoid
scratches on the lens surface. The acrylic port is softer than glass so
minor exterior scratches are often unavoidable. However, since
the indices of refraction for acrylic and water are almost equal the
scratches, if minors, should not seriously impair image quality. Internal
scratches (air side) must be avoided as they do not fill in with water and
will affect the quality of the image.
Clean the dome using only recommended products for cleaning the
dome surface: For acrylic use a soft lint free cloth and plastic or acrylic
approved polish. In the case of glass surface use approved glass lens
cleaning solution with a soft lint free cloth. Dust on the interior surfaces
of the port can be removed with a soft camel hair brush or a blower
brush. Caution must be taken when using aerosol devices as not to
spray the lens material with the liquid propellant as this may seriously
affect the optical properties of the port. Use of pressurize air from a dive
tank is not recommended, the force of the air stream may easily dis-
lodge a port lens or O-ring, It is advisable that ports should be removed
inspected and O-ring properly lubricated serviced before every dive.
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