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Ewa-Marine Underwater Housings: CamerasAt the very least, be sure to study the passages printed in bold type to avoid improper handling and subsequent disappointment. 1. Unpacking Each housing is subjected to a strict quality inspection and is dispatched from our premises only after passing an exacting final inspection. Nevertheless, the flexible housing should still be checked very carefully after unpacking to ensure that it is in perfect condition, and the test (described in Section 3) should be performed. 2. Inserting the camera It is extremely simple to insert the camera. If the metal sealing bar was mounted prior to dispatch, it will be necessary to loosen the screws and remove the bar Carefully check that the front optical glass window is perfectly clean. Master Series M for manual 35mm SLR cameras This Ewa-Marine series of lightweight housings incorporates a rubber glove for the right hand to provide access from the outside to the aperture and focusing rings and the shutter release. The housing is supplied with several adapter rings. The adapter ring that is to be screwed into the lens filter is connected to the slotted outer ring in such a manner that the outer ring can be slightly pulled apart, so that it can be loosely rotated when it is placed around the adapter ring. (Please click for more information regarding the Ewa-Marine CA-system) The outer ring is then firmly pushed into the front window mount when the camera is inserted. The supplied focusing ring increases the ease with which the lens can be focused. It will fit all lenses with an outer diameter of 55 mm to 72 mm. An accessory AF lens attachment, ltem No. AV110, is available for AF cameras. (Please click for more information regarding the Ewa-Marine AV110 system) It provides contactless support of the lens with the front glass window thus allowing the lens to turn freely when the camera is used underwater. After the camera has been fitted with the adapter ring or AF lens attachment, it is inserted in the housing in such a manner that lens and viewfinder are correctly positioned between the front and rear windows. Depending upon the camera size (with or without winder), a foam cushion can be placed underneath the camera base so that the viewfinder is correctly positioned in front of the viewfinder window After the camera has been correctly positioned, the rear sealing bar with screws, is inserted from behind the camera through the retaining holes of the housing. The front sealing bar is then attached, and the knurled nuts are evenly, but not excessively, tightened. The quantity of air in the housing can be varied before final sealing. The air can be pressed out to achieve a small volume, or the housing can be expanded to increase the volume of air (buoyancy!). The Ewa-Marine housing is now ready for action, providing the camera with first-class protection. All important camera functions such as film transport, aperture setting, focusing and tripping the shutter can be activated through the integrated glove. Manual film advance is very simple if the film lever is first activated with the forefinger and then with the thumb. Use the other fingers to focus the lens by way of the attached focusing ring. A power winder is highly recommended for fast picture shooting under water. Master Series AF For 35mm SLR cameras with autofocuslenses The Ewa-Marine AF series of housings was specifically designed for simple, yet dependable underwater operation of cameras with AF lenses. These housings are fitted with an AF attachment that can be matched to the length of all customary lenses by adjusting the corresponding length of the spacing rods. (Please click for more information regarding the Ewa-Marine AV110 system) First, the AF attachment must be prepared in such a manner that the circular, interconnected rods are centered in position and height in front of the camera lens. For zoom lenses where their length is variable, it is first necessary to set the focal length with which the subsequent pictures are to be shot. Always select the shortest focal length, as this will produce the widest image angle and significantly improve the depth-of-field. Ideal are lenses with a fixed focal length of 24, 28 and 35mm or zoom lenses with a wide angle of 24 mm and up, with a shortest focusing distance of approx. 0.6 m. When these adjustments have been made, and the lens is free to turn right up to the front ring, the knurled screws are re-tightened so that the AF attachment becomes firmly secured. The camera is always inserted lens first into the prepared housing, also when using an on-camera flashgun. If the lens is located in the bellows section, and the camera correctly positioned, the AF front ring is pushed onto the outside of the disc mount until it is locked into position, thereby establishing a firm link. Reverse the procedure to remove the camera. The most successful underwater shots will be achieved with an AF camera if it is pointed at a high-contrast object in the background. This setting can then be held by lightly depressing the release so that the shutter can be tripped at the correct moment. For underwater photography zoom lenses should be adjusted to their wide-angle setting with a short focal length. The supporting cushion is intended to provide a firm seat for the camera. However it can be removed to accommodate larger cameras or to place the additionally available special lead weights under the camera. Should the bellows section of the AF housing lose its shape due to frequent use or prolonged storage, then its original shape can be restored by heating it with a hair dryer 3. Checking tightness A good way to familiarize yourself with the Ewa-Marine flexible underwater camera housing, and convince yourself that it is absolutely watertight, is to test the newly purchased housing in a closed condition, but without a camera, by submerging it in water for instance in the bath tub. No air bubbles should escape, even after light pressure is applied to the submerged housing. Make it a rule to check the tightness of the housing prior to each underwater venture, and observe it closely and regularly while swimming, snorkeling and diving! Occasional surfacing for an above-water check of the housing is recommended. Complete the final test before enjoying the pleasures of picture shooting: Press the camera in the lightweight housing under the water surface, and submerge wearing diving goggles. Wipe off any remaining air bubbles and watch the housing. There should be absolutely no rising air bubbles anywhere, you will see and hear them instantly! 4. Using the flexible housing Initially, operation of the camera within the flexible housing may prove to be somewhat awkward, but a little practice is all that is needed to master the technique. Even experienced photographers have to adjust to the unfamiliar photography conditions. Standard and wide-angle lenses without filters are most suitable for underwater photography. It is easier to look through the viewfinder if goggles are used that fit closely to the eyes. The best results are obtained at short distances of between 0.5 and 2.0 m (20 in. - 6 feet). Particularly good pictures can be shot directly under the water surface, or underwater at an angle towards the surface. In general, the same aperture settings and films should be selected as for shots above water The camera's automatic exposure control functions just as effectively underwater except that, if possible, a shutter speed of 125th or 250th sec. should be selected. A flashgun is recommended at depths beyond 2 meters to obtain better colors. WARNING! On Ewa-Marine models featuring an integrated glove, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove the hand from the glove at greater depths because the compressed air causes the glove to cling firmly to the hand. This can increase "risk" in dangerous situations. 5. Protection against condensation The formation of condensation inside the housing can be effectively prevented by placing the supplied desiccant (silica gel) in the housing. Most housings are provided with a special pocket to hold the desiccant. Normally, condensation only arises when changing from a colder to a warmer environment. Fogging of the front window rarely arises in normal swimming temperatures. The desiccant should always be stored in the closed housing to retain its effectiveness. Cut open the welded plastic bag to remove the silica gel desiccant with color indicator and place it in the Ewa-Marine housing. The desiccant is blue when it is completely dry. It gradually turns pink as it absorbs moisture. However, it can be reactivated several times (on hot stones, in the sun, in an oven or with a hairdryer set at a maximum temperature of 80C). The sachet should be stored in a tightly sealed container For optimal moisture protection, for instance in a high humidity environment (in the tropics and at sea), keep the camcorder together with the desiccant in the Ewa-Marine lightweight housing. (Please click for more information regarding the Ewa-Marine CD-5 silica gel) 6. Diving Depth The actual diving depth achievable can be greatly influenced by changing the volume of air in the housing. The diving depth specified on the type plate is a tested value based on experience, but this value can be exceeded provided that all pre-diving preparations have been completed with the utmost care. Note: The more the air volume is diminished by pressing out the air before the housing is sealed, the less the diving depth. This does not give rise to any problems within the normal swimming depths. Operation is made even easier and buoyancy does not cause any trouble, or have to be compensated for with several lead weights. Some models are fitted with a valve through which air can be blown into the housing. The valve plug reliably seals the valve while diving. When prepared in this manner it will be possible to dive down to depths where the plastic housing sheet is pressed tightly against the camcorder but where individual air zones still remain visible. The tightness of the housing does not depend upon the diving depth and is always guaranteed if the tightness test has been completed and no air bubbles escape out of the housing. 7. Buoyancy - Diving weights Snorkeling and diving with the housing can be made much easier if you wear a 3-4 kg lead-weighted belt (available from any scuba diving shops or outlets). Please don't worry - you will not sink! The belt will give you added stability to swim smoothly underwater. The housing itself can be weighted with 1-2 lead weights (1-3 kg, depending upon the housing size). The weights are placed under the camera or, on some models, externally suspended from holding straps for buoyancy compensation. The increased stability achieved in this manner is a major factor contributing towards successful underwater picture shooting. If the housing is weighted with lead, then it should be supported with the hand and not carried exclusively by the strap. The special lead weights available from Ewa-Marine are softly coated to prevent scratches and abrasion. Carefully balance the volume of air in the housing and the number of attached diving weights in such a manner that the housing floats in the water The housing will only start to sink when diving at greater depths. To avoid all risks, attach an appropriate length of cord to the housing and secure it with a snap link to your diving weight belt. (Please click for more information regarding the Ewa-Marine camera weight BF1 and BV2 systems) 8. Filters Good results are achieved down to a depth of one meter with a normal skylight filter which slightly diminishes the blue tint. Our eyes can only see the breathtaking color and splendor of the underwater world down to a depth of approx. 3m, and the same is true of the camera. The visible light becomes increasingly weaker due to scatter and absorption as the depth increases However, absorption does not affect all colors of the light spectrum in the same manner Red shades can no longer be seen at a relatively shallow depth of only 1.5m This problem of color loss can be overcome to a significant extent by the underwater colour correction filters UW-Color blue CC-B/N and UW-Color-green CC-G/N. UW CC-B/N limits and controls the wide blue segment of the light spectrum (tropical ocean), and UW CC-G/N the green segment of the light spectrum (lakes, Mediterranean). 49-72 mm dia. filters are available from dealers. 9. Useful hints When shooting at water level, i.e. half in and half out of the water coat some saliva on the outer surface of the window in front of the lens to temporarily prevent the formation of large water drops on the front glass. After the housing has been used in salt water, it should always be thoroughly rinsed on the outside with clean fresh water, and then dried. Never store the Ewa-Marine housing with other objects made of rubber (e.g. diving suit), and protect it against sharp-edged and pointed objects. Do not leave the housing with camera inserted for extended periods in direct sunlight because they will become excessively heated. If these few simple rules are observed, you will derive many years of enjoyment from your Ewa-Marine flexible housing. 10. Material Special double sheeting (resistant to temperatures of up to 70C 0), flat optical glass sealed with O-rings, PPO plastic welding, and anodized aluminium. Everything is completely seawater-proof and non-rusting material. The design of the Ewa-Marine housings, and the materials used in their manufacturing, have been exhaustively TUV tested (German Technical Inspectorate). They comply with the specifications and requirements for scuba-diving. Please observe the subsequent guarantee. GUARANTEE: "Ewa-Marine" lightweight housings meet all requirements for protecting still, and video cameras, both above and under water. The manufacturer guarantees, for a period of one year from the date of purchase, the quality of the material and workmanship of the housing and it's underwater pressure resistance down to the depth defined for the housing. The date of purchase must be substantiated by the dealer on the back of the operating instructions or by the dated purchase receipt. In the event of any defect during the guarantee period, the housing will be repaired or replaced. All other claims in connection with the use of the "Ewa-Marine" housing are herewith explicitly excluded. Please note that all materials used in manufacturing, as well as the assembly and welds, have been individually inspected so that the finished product was free of defects at the time of dispatch. In case of a complaint please send the "Ewa-Marine" housing directly to the manufacturer in Germany or, alternatively, please contact your local dealer or importer. The guarantee becomes null and void if the buyer or user completes repairs on the housing and changes it in any way. The housing must not be marked to indicate defects, nor must labels be stuck on the housing. In such an event the housing will not be repaired, and it will have to replaced at the expense of the person who returned the housing. The buyer is responsible for instructing a third person with regard to the "Guarantee" and the use of the housing, and for ensuring that these instructions have been fully understood so that proper handling is assured. GUARANTEE HINTS FOR THE USER: It is called to the user's attention that in spite of all the care taken hy the manufacturer, the possibility of the housing being damaged during shipment to the point of sale can not be excluded. Also, the user should he aware that the housing is made of foil. Even though the foils used are extremely tear-resistant and durable, they are from their very nature, sensitive to scratching or being pierced by sharp or pointed objects. Storing in a folded or compressed condition is just as likely to result in damage as over-stretching the welds when inserting or removing the camera. Care should also he taken that the housing, with the camera inserted is not dropped or allowed to bang against rocks or parts of the boat, as this may result in damage. Before inserting a camera, any sharp edges or corners should he covered with adhesive tape. It is to he noted, that in general, the user alone is responsible for correct handling and storage and is himself responsible for any damage resulting to the housing or the camera it contains when the hints and warnings given are not, or not properly, followed. To ensure that the housing is in perfect condition, a water-tightness test (as described in par. 3) must be made at the time of purchase and each time before use. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that special camera insurance policies can be taken out. Some insurance companies will insure cameras against loss and damage. Owners of expensive equipment are recommended to take advantage of such policies because the above manufacturer's warranty applies only to the Ewa-Marine housing and not to the camera used with it. All Ewa-Marine underwater housings are made in our "works" in Germany. All the materials used are completely recyclable and therefore environmentally friendly. For instance, all plastic residues arising during the manufacturing of the housings are used as raw material for other products. We wish you success in photography and many years of enjoyment with Ewa-Marine! |
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