Control Dial
Mode Dial
Depth-of-Field Preview
Ikelite SLR-DC Housing
Quick-Release
Strobe
Function
Zoom
Control
Mount
i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l
AEL (AE-Lock)
#6841 for Sony DSLR-A100
Quick
Release
Button
Port Lock
Shutter
Release
Gear Sleeve
Drive Gear
Rubber
Handle
Port
Opening
Strobe
Mount
Aluminum Tray
FRONT VIEW
Function
Zoom
Lid Snap
Viewfinder Port
Lens
Release
AEL (AE-Lock)
◆
A
B
G
Quick
Release
Button
◆
C
D
E
F
Congratulations on your purchase of an Ikelite Digital Camera
Housing. Ikelite has over 40 years of experience in the underwater
photographic and lighting market. Our products are designed and
built in the USA by Ikelite for both the professional and amateur
photographer.
H
TTL
-1
F
1
Focus
Mode
-3
I
-2
-1
MAN
Lid Snap
Lid Snap
J
The clear housing permits instant visual inspection of the camera
and all sealing surfaces as well as complete monitoring of controls
and camera LCD screens.
Ikelite Digital Housings are slightly negative in salt water for
stability. This housing has been water pressure tested at the
factory. Housing is pressure tested to 200’ (60m).
External Strobe Connector and Waterproof Cap
[A] Function
[B] Power
[C] Menu
[D] Display
[E] Delete
[F] Playback
[G] Exposure
[H] Multi Selector
[I] Steady Shot
[J] Flash Compensation
2
BACK VIEW
Opening the Housing
Push Forward
Mode Dial
Depth-of-Field Preview
Control Dial
Lid
Snap
1. Lid Snaps have a Lock. To open,
push Lid Snap Lock forward and lift
as shown. Keep pressure on the Lid
Snap so it does not fly open quickly.
Some lid snaps have a lot of spring
Lid Snap Lock
Port Lock
Lift
Optional
Port
AEL (AE-Lock)
Back O-ring
Gear
Sleeve
tension once they go over center, have a firm
grip on the lid snap. Lid Snaps may be opened one at a time.
Shutter
Release
Installing the Camera
O-ring
Camera
Tray
Remove the back from the
housing. The mounting tray
for the camera is secured to
the housing back. Position
the camera with lens on the
tray and secure it with the
mounting bolt which threads
into the camera’s tripod
Port
O-ring
Camera
Mounting Bolt
Lid Snap
SIDE VIEW
Note:
socket. Use a tool or coin
to tighten the mounting
bolt so the camera bottom is flush against the tray.
MONITOR DISPLAY
Camera Tray
Mounting Bolt
Before installing the camera in the housing we recommend
setting the camera’s Monitor Display function to Manual.
If the camera’s eyepiece sensor, located below the camera’s
viewfinder, is set to Automatic the sensor will detect the
housing and turn the Monitor Display off. See camera
instruction manual.
Setting the Conversion Circuitry Strobe ID Switch.
Inside the housing back, on the
DS
125
200
DS
50/51
80
black panel covering the conversion
circuitry, is a switch for setting the
DS Substrobe ID. Set the switch to
the Model of DS Substrobe being
used, SD125/DS200 or DS51.
FLASH CONTROL SETTING
We recommend setting the camera’s Flash Control to the
PreFlash TTL mode. See camera instructions.
DS50 / DS51 / DS80
DS125 / DS200
• When using dual strobes of different
models such as a DS51and a DS125, set the ID switch to DS51.
3
4
Installing the Port cont.
Using External Strobes
This housing has Conversion Circuitry built into the housing.
When used with Ikelite DS Substrobes the Conversion Circuitry
provides real Sony TTL flash exposure with over and under-
exposure compensation from +11/3to - 11/3f-stops in 1/3stop
increments.
To prepare the port for installation, remove the port o-ring
and lightly lubricate it. The port seal is a side-to-side seal and
requires the o-ring to be lightly lubricated for easy installation.
Put a small amount of lubricant on your fingers and draw the
o-ring through your fingers to lightly lubricate it. Do not
stretch the o-ring. Check that the lip of the port where the
o-ring fits and the sealing surface on the housing are clean.
Place the port, with o-ring into the housing’s port opening.
Press the port firmly and evenly into the port opening while
slightly rotating the port until you feel the port slide into place.
Continue to push down on the port and push each port lock
forward until it clicks into place. It may help to slightly rotate
the port as you push in on the port lock. When the port lock
clicks into place the Release Button will drop down against
the port lock.
Note: Flash Exposure Compensation set in the camera will be
added or subtracted from the compensation set on the
housing conversion circuitry in TTL.
The Conversion Circuitry also offers Manual exposure control
with 3 1/2 f-stops of under-exposure control in 1/2 stop
increments.
The Conversion Circuitry is powered by the Ikelite DS Substrobe
when connected to the housing with the #4103.51single or
#4103.52 dual sync cord.
Check around the perimeter of the port seal to see that the
o-ring is properly sealed and not extruded.
To Remove Port
Note:
See page 12 for DS Substrobe compatibility with the Conversion
Circuitry.
To remove the port lift up on each Release Button and slide
the port lock away from the port.
Port Seal Inside View
If the port is installed before the camera
is inserted into the housing, look on the
inside of the housings at the port seal.
Check to see that the o-ring is properly
sealed as shown in figure 1and not
extruded as shown in figure 2.
10
9
Using External Strobes Cont.
NOTE: DS Substrobe Up-date may be required.
DS50 Substrobes
Using the Conversion Circuitry (Set DS Substrobe to TTL mode)
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number below 63,850 can not
be updated to operate with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS50 SubStrobes with a Serial Number between 63,850 and
69,999 operate with the Conversion Circuitry, but require update
to provide optimum performance.
• DS50 Substrobe with a Serial Number of 70,000 or higher or
with one of the two following labels in the battery compartment
provide optimum performance with the Conversion Circuitry.
• Mode and Compensation Dial
Note that the TTL
TTL Scale
compensation values
are located in the
yellow band. Manual
compensation values
are located in the
black band. Rotate
the Dial to switch
between TTL and
Manual Modes.
(yellow)
(1/3 stops)
Setting
Indicator
DIAL
DS125Substrobes
• DS125Substrobes with a Serial Number below 2,500 must be
updated to operate correctly with the Conversion Circuitry.
• DS125Substrobes with a Serial Number between 2,501and
4,900 operate with the Conversion Circuitry but require update
to provide optimum performance.
Manual Scale
(black)
• TTL Mode
TTL Mode
(1/2 stops)
compensation values
• DS125Substrobe with a Serial Number of 5,000 or higher or
with one of the two following labels in the battery compartment
provide optimum performance with the Conversion Circuitry.
are indicated in the yellow band.
Place the Setting Indicator to TTL for NO Compensation.
Rotate the Dial either direction to select +/- compensation.
Place the Setting Indicator to the desired compensation value.
Note TTL compensation values are in 1/3f-stops.
For Substrobe Up-Date:
Contact Ikelite for information.
• Manual Mode
Manual Mode compensation values are indicated in the black
band. Rotate the Dial to place the Setting Indicator to the desired
compensation value. Note Manual Mode compensation values
are in 1/2 f-stops from (F) full power to -3f-stops.
(Set DS Substrobe to TTL mode)
ikelite
Substtrobe
MOD-NC
serial number
serial number
11
12
Using External Strobes Cont.
Pre-Dive Your System
It is recommended that you take the complete system into
a swimming pool before use in open water. This will give you
a chance to become familiar with the handling and operation
of your housing and strobe(s).
Using Ikelite Non-DS Substrobes (Substrobe 50, 100A,
200, 400) with this Housing.
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used with
a Non-DS Substrobe. These Substrobes can be used in their manual
mode utilizing any power settings provided on the Substrobe.
Optional Accessories
Lead Weight #0906.58
Using Non Ikelite Strobes with this Housing.
The Conversion Circuitry is automatically disabled when used
with a Non Ikelite Strobe. Non Ikelite strobes can be used in their
manual mode utilizing any power settings provided on the strobe.
The buoyancy of the system will depend on the size and
number of strobes used as well as the weight of the camera.
Ideally the system should be slightly negative in the
environment in which it will be used. If you need to add weight
to the system, an optional lead weight is available. To add the
lead weight remove the (2) screws from the bottom of the
aluminum tray. Place the lead weight into the pocket of the
aluminum tray and reattach.
Strobe Arms
This housing offers two types of arm mounting systems. The
top of the rubber handles utilize Ikelite’s Quick-Release Arm,
available with the SA-100R Arm system.
The bottom of the rubber handles have a wing nut that accepts
the Ikelite Tray Mount. The Tray Mount comes with the Ikelite
SA-125 Arm system and the SA-100T Arm system.
Ikelite Lube #0184.1
Port o-ring #0105
Lubricants
Housing Back o-ring #0132.61
1. Ikelite provides silicone lubricant with the housing. We
recommend that you use only Ikelite lubricant as some other
brands may cause the o-ring to swell and not seal properly.
2. Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover control shafts and
o-rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Lubricant is not a sealant, it is used to reduce friction. Excessive
lubricant can collect sand and dirt which may interfere with
proper sealing.
While both the Port and Back o-rings should last quite some time
it is best to carry a spare in case one becomes damaged or lost.
Housing Back o-ring & Port o-ring Kit #5512.69
CAUTION: Never use spray lubricants as the propellant
ingredient can cause the plastic housing to crack.
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14
Ports Continued
Port Information
While we have included a list of our ports and a short list of Lenses
and port recommendations we suggest visiting our web site for the
latest information on lenses and port recommendations.
FLAT PORT
For standard, macro, and telephoto lenses.
Due to refraction flat ports reduce the angle-of -coverage of a lens
and at the same time enlarge the image. This makes the flat port
ideal when using standard, macro or zoom lenses to shoot small
subjects. Note that if a port is long enough to accommodate the
full length of a 1:1macro lens, the lens may vignette when used
at infinity. If access to the lens' full range is desired, then select
a dome port instead.
• With the lens on the camera extended
to full length, measure from front of
camera to face of lens.
• Select the appropriate port based on
the lens type and length.
• Maximum lens diameter accommodated
is 8.4cm (3.3")
• Maximum lens diameter when using
zoom or focus clamp 7.1cm (2.8")
Measure
FLAT PORT
#5501............Lens up to 6.3cm (2.5")
#5502............Lens 6.3-8.9cm (2.5-3.5")
#5502.41.......Lens 7.9-10.4cm (3.1-4.125")
#5505............Lens 8.9-11.4cm (3.5-4.5")
#5505.45.......Lens 10.4-13cm (4.1-5.125")
#5505.46.......Lens 105 Macro (4.1-5.125")
#5505.5.........Lens 11.4-14cm (4.5-5.5")
#5505.58.......Lens 13-15.5cm (5.1-6.125")
Choosing a Port
DOME PORT 6”
#5503............Wide angle 28mm to 17mm
......................or lens up to 7.6cm (3") in length
#5503.20 ......Nikon 18 & 20mmD lenses
#5503.50 ......Lens 7.6-10.1cm (3-4")
#5503.55 ......Lens 8.9-11.4cm (3.5-4.5")
#5503.80 ......Lens 10.1-12.7cm (4-5")
#5503.81 ......Nikkor 28-105mm lens only
#5503.85 ......Lens 12.7-15.2cm (5-6")
FLAT PORT WITH FOCUS
For long lenses whose focus collar extends beyond the housing
focus. Telephoto lenses longer than 135mm are not recommended.
#5506............Lens 8.9-11.4cm (3.5-4.5")
#5506.5.........Lens 11.4-14cm (4.5-5.5")
#5507............Lens 14-16.5cm (5.5-6.5")
#5508............Lens 16.5-19cm (6.5-7.5")
#5508.05......Nikor 105mm lens only
SUPERWIDE DOME PORT 6”
#5503.15........Lens up to 6.3cm (2.5")
DOME PORT 8”
Dome Port (see lens & port recommendations, page 17)
Some zoom lenses may require the addition of a +diopter close-up lens.
(Available from camera store).
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16
Lens&Port Recommendations
Lens&PortRecommendations (continued)
(**) Recommended. Dome assembly required for 8" Port Body #s
For the latest information on Lens & Port recommendations visit
(*) Zoom Lenses require addition of a +4 diopter close-up to the lens for
full range operation underwater behind a dome port.
Sony..........................................................6” Dome..Flat Port..Flat(w/focus) ..8” Dome
*18-70mm f3.5-5 ......................................5503.50 ................................................5510.16
18-200mm.........................."Throw" of lens prevents proper operation in port system.
100mm Macro f2.8 ..................................................5505.58 (1) .......................................
(?*)This zoom lens will focus close enough that adding a +diopter close-up
to the lens is NOT required. Longer port may be required to stack filters
or close-up lenses.
SIGMA AF (Sony)....................................6” Dome..Flat Port..Flat(w/focus) ..8” Dome
14mm f/2.8 EX & SM..............................5503.50 ................................................5510.16 **
15mm FE ..................................................5503......................................................5510.10 **
50mm Macro ............................................................5505.................................... (2)
70mm f/2.8 EX DG macro ........................................................5508.70 ............ (2)
105mm (3) f/2.8 EX DG Macro ................................5505.58 .............................. (2)
105mm (3) f/2.8 EX macro ......................................5505.58 .............................. (2)
10-20mm 1:4-5.6 EX DC HSM ................5503.51(4) ..........................................5510.16
?*12-24mm 1:4.5-5.6 DG HSM...Lens diameter is too large to operate in port system.
?*15-30mm 1:3.5-4.5 DG.............Lens diameter is too large to operate in port system.
?*17-70mm Macro ..................................5503.80 ................................................5510.24
?*18-50mm 1:3.5-5.6 DC..........................5503.55 ................................................5510.24
*24-70mm F3.5-5.6 HF............................5503......................................................5510.16
*28-70mm F2.8-4 ....................................5503......................................................5510.16
*28-70mm (1) 1:2.8 D EX DF..................5503.80 ................................................5510.24
*28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Aspherical Macro HF ......5503.50 ................................................5510.16
*28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Mini Zoom Macro Aspherical 5503.50..............................................5510.16
*28-105mm AF ........................................ 5503.80 ..............................................5510.24
*28-135mm (1) F3.8-5.6 Aspherical AF macro 5503.80 ..............................................5510.24
dSLR housings are supplied with two size zoom sleeve and clamp sets:
Standard zoom sleeve & #9059.8 clamp set and #5509.28 zoom & clamp
set for larger diameter lenses.
Lenses indicated with a (1) require the #5509.28 set. Lenses without this
designation will operate with the standard set. Zoom sleeves and clamps
are NOT interchangeable between sets.
(1) Requires #5509.28 zoom and clamp set that is now included with all
dSLR housings.
(2) Flat port recommended for macro lenses.
(3) Auto Focus only.
(4) No Zoom control provided. Lens must be used at fixed focal length.
TAMRON (Sony) ....................................6” Dome..Flat Port..Flat(w/focus) ..8” Dome
*19-35mm 1:3.5-4.5 AF ............................5503......................................................5510.16
*28-75mm (1) 1:2.8 XR DI CD IF ............5503.80 ................................................5510.24
*28-80mm................................................5503.50 ................................................5510.16
90mm Macro 1:2.8....................................................5505.58 .............................. (2)
Storing the Housing
When the housing is going to be stored for a prolonged period
the exterior of the housing should be soaked in a mild soap
solution, rinsed and dried thoroughly. Then remove the back and
port from the housing. Remove the back and port o-rings, lightly
lubricate them and place them in a plastic zip-lock bag. Place the
plastic bag inside the housing for storage.
continued on next page
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17
Maintenance
Control Maintenance
The Ikelite 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.
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.
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.
2. Some of the controls have long shafts. These controls can be
3. Before using the housing, always check the tightness of the
set screw in each control knob.
lubricate shaft
Check each control gland penetrating the housing to make sure
they are tight. There is a slight chance that either could vibrate
loose during travel.
housing
4. Keep the back and port 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
pull out to
expose shaft
Do Not stretch
enough lubricant to make the o-ring feel slick.
pulled out, exposing the shaft (see drawing).
the o-ring
. This light coating of lubricant will help to keep the
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.
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 clean.
6. Rinse the housing exterior thoroughly in fresh water after each
salt water use. Depress push buttons several times during rinse.
Dry with a soft cloth. Dry port to eliminate water spotting.
After several uses in salt water soak the housing in a mild soap
solution, rinse and dry.
CAUTION: Never use spray lubricants as the propellant
ingredient can cause the plastic housing to crack.
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19
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.
General Tips
1. You should completely assemble and test your set-up in a
swimming pool before using it in openwater.
2. It is a good idea to start each photo dive with a fully charged
battery(s) in the camera and strobes.
3. Before entering the water and 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
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. Set Image Resolution to the Highest JPG format available or
RAW. Higher resolution setting are required for printing. High
resolution images can easily be reduced in size with software
and retain their original quality. A Low resolution image can be
enlarged with software but much of the quality will be lost.
housing
gland
control
shaft
6. Digital images are usually transferred to the computer where
their appearance can be fine tuned. Many of the image
manipulation programs make you think you can magically
correct any image taken and make a good picture. One thing to
be aware of is that if an image is overexposed that some of the
color information in the file is missing. If the color is missing
you cannot adjust it. If images are underexposed the color and
detail may be 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 overexposed.
Loosen set screw
(allen wrench required)
Flat
Tighten set screw down
against this area when
replacing the knob.
Lubricate end of shaft
before reinserting into
gland
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22
Photo Tips
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.
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. Digital cameras have a slight lag time between when you press
the shutter release button and the camera actually takes the
picture. It only takes a slight amount of pressure to trip the
shutter, if the shutter doesn’t trip immediately don’t push down
harder on the shutter control as you may damage the camera.
Hold the camera steady a second or two after pressing the
shutter release button.
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.
3. 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.
4. Underwater flash is used to restore the warmer colors filtered
out by the water as well as to illuminate the subject.
Ikelite Underwater Systems
50 W 33rd Street
5. For balanced lighting meter the background and set the camera
aperture accordingly. Use TTL, adjust the strobe’s power
settings, or move the strobe closer or farther away to properly
expose the subject with the chosen camera aperture.
Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
317-923-4523
email: [email protected]
Digital 6841-01-0207
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