Camera Housing – Model 450D (Canon)
User Manual
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Function Controls
4. Set up Instructions
5. Use & Care of Housing
6. Service
7. Warranty
1. Introduction
10BAR Underwater Housings are small, light and rugged enough to be used on every dive. Use of a
clear polycarbonate allows for visual inspection of camera condition and the O-ring seal. 10BAR
Housings are designed for the ever -increasing variety of models of digital still and video cameras.
Advanced computer aided design and CNC manufacturing technologies ensure precise dimensions. Each
housing body is first injection molded, and then machined to configure to individual camera model. A
range of lens ports and controls are fitted, to tailor the housing to your camera model.
4. Set up Instructions
4.1 Air Lock:
The body and lid are designed with the Air Lock system “no clip” closure arrangement. Testing has shown that this
arrangement allow the water to exert an even pressure on the O-ring, increasing the reliability of the watertight seal.
4.2 Pressure release plug
To open the housing, the pressure release plug must be first
unscrewed and then pulled out all the way (Counter-clockwise)
(Fig 1). This provides a passage for the air to pass though
and eliminate the pressure different between the inside of the
housing and the ambient. The plug onsists of an internal
double O-ring seal on the stainless steel slide shaft.
These internal O-rings form the watertight seal. There is also a
large outer O-ring under the knob. This O-ring serves to
prevent contamination of the slide shaft, with dirt, salt etc., and
is not required for watertight integrity. If this O-ring should
become detached, it can simply be pushed back in place.
4.3 Opening levers
After unscrewing and pulling out the pressure release plug, the lid can be opened. To overcome the friction of opening,
use lever (Fig. 2) to push against the lid with a cam action. Be sure they are inserted all the way flat to the housing before
turning to avoid damaging the protrusions on the lid. The body has four holes on each corner edges for opening. Gently
lever off the lid with the supplied opening lever (Fig. 3) taking care not to twist the lid excessively. The lid should be
opened keeping it approximately paralleled to the body at all times, turn first one corner a little, then the other a little,
and repeat again until the lid is opened. Remember to unscrew and pull out the pressure release plug all the way first,
otherwise the air pressure will resist attempts at opening. Lay the lid on a flat stable surface after opening.
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4.4 Special note on responsibility for watertight integrity:
Each housing is individually inspected and hydrostatically tested in the factory. The design of the main piston O-ring seal
is among the most reliable in the industry and the watertight integrity is excellent. This special O-ring design provides a
perfect seal even if there is any movement between the body and lid due to change of ambient pressure. However please
note that responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the watertight seal lies entirely with the user. 10 BAR accepts no
liability for damage to, or loss of any equipment used with, or placed inside the housing. Users are highly
recommended to carry out in-water test of the housings without installing of the camera for their first dive after change
of new ports or alternation of any new configuration. The test can be carried out by lowering the housing with ballast
to the working depth or dive down to the safe diving range.
The O-ring seal is the only barrier between the water outside and the air space within the camera.
It is an effective barrier only if the seal is properly maintained. The O-ring seal should be inspected
before every dive. The following information is provided for your guidance in using and
maintaining the O-ring seal.
4.5 Maintaining the O-ring Seal:
If the main body to lid O-ring is not installed, install the O-ring before diving. This is the only user serviceable O-ring.
Its care and maintenance is critical to the watertight integrity of the housing. The O-ring should be replaced at the service
interval (see section on service). If the O-ring is contaminated, or not already installed, inspect grease and install the
O-ring according to the following guidelines.
4.6 Inspection, cleaning and re-instillation of the O-ring:
Tools:
A soft cotton bud or sponge applicator, make sure these are free of all chemicals or contamination such as loose fibers,
and the tube of silicone grease supplied with the housing are required. Note other types of silicone grease specifically for
use with underwater camera equipment can usually also be used. It is advised to carry out the following procedure on a
firm clean level surface, (e.g. at a table), to prevent skidding especially useful to have when diving from a boat.
When to maintain the O-ring seal:
Remove the O-ring periodically for inspection. It is not necessary to remove, clean and re-install the O-ring after every
dive provided the O-ring did not become contaminated. As a rule of thumb set up the camera and housing before a day’s
diving. If the housing is required to be opened between dives for changing memory card or re-charging batteries, make
sure the outside of the housing is thoroughly toweled dry before opening up. After removing the lid and servicing the
camera, replace the lid straight away, rather than leaving it lying around. Before replacing the lid, make sure that no
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contamination such as dust, hair, salt, sand etc. has fallen onto the O-ring or O-ring recess, as a precaution we
recommend to inspect the O-ring every time the lid is opened and to carry out the maintenance if necessary.
Procedure:
•
•
Place the lid on a firm non-slip level surface.
The O-ring can be extracted using an O-ring extractor tool (make sure the tool as no sharp edges). Alternatively use
the flat s of the thumbs to gently stretch the O-ring on two faces (Fig. 4) thus making a small loop protruding a few mm.
The loop can then be grasped between finger and thumb, to pull the O-ring over the lip.
•
•
Clean the O-ring recess (the square groove where the O-ring sits) with a cotton bud.
Inspect the O-ring all the way round its surface for damage such as cuts tears or contamination. This should be done
visually and also by feeling the surface texture between finger and thumb.
•
IF THE O-RING IS DAMAGED OR SUSPECTED OF BEING DAMAGED, DISCARD IT
IMMEDIATELY. A spare O -ring is supplied with your housing, or a replacement O-ring can be obtained from 10
BAR. If the O-ring is contaminated or suspected of being contaminated, clean it with a cotton cloth that is free of all
chemicals or contamination. After cleaning inspect the O-ring again.
•
Once the O-ring has been inspected and verified fit for use, apply a SMALL amount of silicone grease to the O-ring.
The silicone grease must be evenly distributed round the O-ring
•
Replace the O-ring into the groove; run a finger round the O-ring, to make sure it is snugly seated in the groove.
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4.7 Mounting the flashlight in the housing
Remove the lens cap and wrist strap. The pressure release plug should be pulled out before inserting the camera. Attach
the plastic slide tray to the camera¡s tripod mounting fixture with a coin, screwdriver or the end of the universal tool
supplied (Fig. 5). Take care not to excessively tighten the screw. Slide the camera into the body along the guide rail (Fig.
6). Make sure the camera body reach the limit and test the function of the on/of button on the body of the housing. Slide
the hot shoe plug into the hot shoe (Fig. 7) Note: If you find that the buttons do not align properly with the controls,
please check again that the camera is properly seated to the limit of the guide rail.
Replace the lid (Fig. 8). Remember to ensure the pressure release plug is pulled all the way out while closing, otherwise
the air cannot escape. Squeeze the lid closed all the way with the hissing of expelled air. Screw home (CLOCKWISE)
the pressure release plug (Fig. 9). There is no need to excessively tighten this plug. The seal is made by internal O-rings.
The O-ring on the underside of the plug is just to keep out dirt.
After replacing the lid, make a final visual inspection of the main O-ring for contamination (Fig. 10).
Note: If the O-ring is in good contact, a thin black line,
about 0.5-1mm in width should be visible, where the
O-ring is in contact with the lid. Follow this line all the
way round the edge of the seal, as a final check that the
seal is good. The housing is now ready for the dive.
Important !!! Before diving, make sure the pressure
release plug is pushed back inside and then screwed
home, do not over tighten this plug (finger tight only).
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5. Use & Care of Housing:
5.1 Pre Dive Function Check.
Just before entering the water, make a habit of reviewing the proper steps to close the housing and
connect the bulkhead. Make a visual check of the O-ring seal. It is also useful to switch on the camera,
and check that controls e.g. on/off, zoom, shutter functions operate normally.
l
l
l
l
l
Check housing is closed
Check O-ring is in the groove between housing and Acrylic
Check battery and memory card status on the LCD display
Check control knob and zoom function
Check the Bulkhead is properly connected or blanked.
Always avoid submerging the housing in hot water for a prolonged time or a cleansing tank where
the water may be heated up by the sun.
5.2 General Operation.
The control levers and push buttons consist of internal double O-ring seals on a stainless steel shaft. This
arrangement is very reliable, however as a precaution, when operating the controls, avoid excessively rapid
movements, as this may distort the O-ring. Also please allow for the fact that the camera takes a few
seconds to power on. If the camera does not appear to respond to a control action, make sure that no other
controls are pressing on the camera, i.e. locking out further actions.
Wear the wrist strap; it is easy to inadvertently let go of the housing, especially if you are distracted.
5.3 Cleaning & Storage.
The body & lid of the housing are made of 6061 Aluminum and Acrylic respectively. 6061 Aluminum is
selected for its outstanding strength stiffness, hardness and toughness, While Acrylic for its crystal clear
transparency and high gloss surface. Both of them have good resistance to weathering, although
long-term exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Normal operating temperature range is 3°C to 36°C
(Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C)
It is good practice to rinse off your housing with fresh water after every dive. Avoid to exposure to fine
sand. After a series of 10 or more dives, e.g. after a dive holiday, it is recommended to immerse the
housing for 2-3 hours in warm water to dissolve any salt deposits that may have built up. No chemical
cleaners should be used.
Important!!! For long term storage please remove the main closure o-rings from body.
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5.4 Transportation.
Please protect the housing during transportation. It is recommended to remove the handle, and shutter
extension, and wrap the camera in foam or bubble wrap.
5.5 Accidents.
The impact resistance of the housing is excellent. However after an accident the alignment of the housing
may have been altered. Therefore in the event of your housing suffering an impact force, e.g. being
dropped, it is essential that you do not use the housing for diving. Please return the housing immediately
for service and put a note inside to indicate the nature of the accident, so that the severity can be assessed.
6. Service
To ensure the continued performance of your housing, it should be serviced every year, or after every 200
dives whichever is earlier. Please note the terms for servicing the housing posted at our website. A full
service will include:
l
Inspect all components for wears or damage (report if repair necessary),
l Clean all sealing surfaces,
l Replace all O-ring seals,
l Hydrostatic pressure test to 10 Bar.
Note: Replacement of damaged components may require additional cost.
7. Warranty
The warranty is valid within two years from the date of first purchase. The warranty applies only
to the housing itself. 10BAR does not accept any liability either implicit or otherwise for
any equipment housed inside, or used together with the housing. In the event of the
housing flooding within the period of warranty, 10BAR will repair or replace the housing. Please
note that disassembly of the housing will invalidate warranty. Please fill in the information below,
and return a copy to 10Bar Underwater Housing at the address below, to validate the warranty.
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(Copy to be retained by user)
Housing Type
Serial Number :
(Labelled inside
housing)
Date of Purchase
Dealer :
Owner’s Name :
Owner’s
E-mail :
Tel :
Address:
Fax :
Office & Showroom:
Unit C, 2/F., Wing Hin Factory Building, 31-33 Ng Fong St.,
San Po Kong, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2573 3228 Fax: (852) 2811 9180.
Please keep this document for future reference
(Note: due to continuous improvement the latest model housing may differ slightly form those described in this
document)
(Copy to be returned to 10 Bar Underwater Housings)
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