Difference between revisions of "SeaLife Underwater Light and Flash Operating Guide"

Revision as of 13:42, 26 March 2013

Optional reading: SeaLife Underwater Photo-Video Light Instruction Manual and SeaLife Digital Pro Flash Instruction Manual.

Safety Warnings

Avoid using light above water for prolonged periods of time. The light is designed for underwater use to help displace heat. Turn light off if any parts of the light become hot to the touch. If water has entered the light, immediately turn off power and discontinue use. Remove batteries and allow the inside to dry. Contact the SeaLife service center for repairs. Use new or freshly-charged AA batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries together. Remove batteries from light before transporting, traveling or long periods of storage. Do not expose light to heat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Observe all SCUBA dive safety rules and control your buoyancy at all times. Consult your dive instructor for dive safety questions. Visit www.sealife-cameras.com for updates to this manual and underwater photography tips

(digital pro flash)

Safety Warnings

Always discharge flash before opening the waterproof door, by moving the power switch to the “TEST” position, and then to the “OFF” position. This will discharge the high-voltage electricity stored in the flash. If foreign objects or water has entered the flash, discharge and turn off flash. Continued use in this state may cause fire or electrical shock. Contact the SeaLife service center for repairs. Do not attempt to access the electronic circuitry for any reason. The internal electronics uses high-voltage components that may result in severe electrical shock. The On/Off/Test switch contains a powerful magnet. Keep away from compasses and electronics to avoid magnetic interference. Do not expose flash to heat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Observe all SCUBA dive safety rules and control your buoyancy at all times. Consult your dive instructor for dive safety questions. Visit www.sealife-cameras.com for updates to this manual and techniques on underwater photography. Check out the online guide called Great Pictures Made Easy.

Introduction

(digital pro flash) Thank you for purchasing the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash. Novice and experienced divers alike know that the deeper you dive, less light penetrates the water. While this descending drama adds to your excitement as a diver, you will find that it also challenges you as an underwater digital photographer. The water filters out red and yellow so everything looks blue. The fact is that reefs and fish are bursting with color. A powerful underwater flash system is the best way to restore the lost colors. Without Digital Flash With Digital Flash This instruction manual will guide you through all the essential information on how to operate and care for your flash, and tips on capturing some of the best underwater pictures of your life.

All the Pieces

Batteries

(Pro-Video Light:) IV. Loading batteries 1) Unscrew the battery cap 2) Remove the battery holder 3) Insert 4 new or freshly charged AA batteries into holder. 4) Make sure each battery is installed correctly according to the polarity markings on the battery holder. 5) Make sure O-ring and sealing surfaces are perfectly clean and undamaged. 6) Screw on battery cap (hand tighten – don’t use tools)

Preparing your flash

Unlock the latch by sliding down the safety lock. Lift the latch and open the waterproof door to access the battery compartment, pre-flash setting, and auto mode setting. Important: • Make sure the flash and you are perfectly dry before opening the waterproof door. • Open the waterproof door with the door pointing down, so any water trapped around the o-ring does not drip inside the flash.

Operating the Light

(Pro-Video Light:) 1) Push and hold the mode button for 1 second to power ON the light. 2) Push the mode button to change between the following light modes: 100% ➜ 50% ➜ 25% ➜ Blinking ➜ SOS ➜ 100%........ 3) Push and hold the mode button for 2 seconds to power OFF the light.

Maintaining a waterproof seal (Before your dive)

(Pro-Video Light:) 1) The light uses two O-rings to maintain a waterproof seal. 2) Every time you open the battery cap make sure the O-rings and sealing surfaces are clean, undamaged and lubricated. 3) Dampen a clean cotton cloth and wipe it around the o-ring and o-ring contact surfaces to remove any hair, sand or debris. 4) Carefully inspect the o-ring for cuts, tears or other damage. Replace o-rings immediately if damaged. 5) Lube O-rings if dry. Apply a small amount of silicone lube on your finger tip and wipe it around the O-rings. Wipe off excess lubricant. The o-ring should appear wet.

Care and Maintenance (After your dive)

(Pro-Video Light:) 1) After each dive, soak the sealed light in fresh water for about 15 minutes to remove any residual salt, sand and dirt. Never allow the saltwater to dry on the light. 2) Push the mode button about 10 times to clean any saltwater or sand trapped under the button. 3) Let the water drain out of the two small holes located at the bottom of flexible arm (under the tray) 4) Dry off the light with a towel. Make sure you and the light are dry before opening the waterproof battery cap. 5) Remove batteries before storing the light. 6) Allow light to thoroughly dry before storage. 7) Never use any detergents, cleaners, solvents or chemicals to clean the light. 8) Insert a fresh Moisture-Muncher capsule (item #SL911) inside the battery compartment during storage to help keep the inside dry and free of corrosion or mildew during storage.

Replacing the O-rings

(Pro-Video Light:) Replace the two O-rings if damaged or at least once per year. 1) Use the O-ring Remover tool provided to lift and remove the O-ring. 2) Carefully clean O-ring grooves and O-rings before installation 3) Install O-rings by stretching and lifting O-ring into the groove. Do not roll the O-ring or allow it to twist. 4) Apply a small amount of silicone lube on your finger tip and wipe it around the O-rings. Wipe off excess lubricant. The o-ring should appear wet.

Attaching light to underwater camera

(Pro-Video Light:) Important: Only attach the light to cameras/housings with minimum thread depth of 0.250” and using standard 1/4-20 tripod type thread. Don’t over-tighten screw or you may damage the housing and threads. 1) Align the underwater camera to the light’s mounting screw and hand-tighten. Use small screw provided for mounting one light. 2) To attach two lights (or a combination of one light and one SeaLife Digital Pro Flash), use longer screw

Are your pictures or videos too red?

(Pro-Video Light:) GOOD: White balance set to Cloudy BAD: White balance not set to Cloudy

Aiming and releasing the light

(Pro-Video Light:) The flexible flash arm is fully adjustable to allow quick and easy aiming of the light. Check the camera display to make sure the light is aimed at the subject before taking a picture. You can remove the light from the arm, by pushing the release button located on the side of the grip. Note: The flexible arm consists of seven 1-inch (2.5cm) links covered by foam rubber sleeve. You can bend the flexible arm in any direction, but if you force it beyond the point of resistance, the links will separate. If the links separate, you can reconnect it by pushing the links together until they snap in.

Advanced Settings

(Pro-Video Light:) Customized Light Modes You can select between 8 different light mode settings: • Flash Cancellation ON or OFF: When ON, the light dims for 2 seconds when detecting external flash. • Light Power Levels: Single power (100%) or 3 power (100% ➜ 50% ➜ 25%) or 3 power plus signal (100% ➜ 50% ➜ 25% ➜ Blinking ➜ SOS) • Power Overdrive: Increase light power to 600 lumens for 2 minute. To change the light mode setting, remove the battery cap and holder. On the bottom of the battery compartment you will see 3 small toggle switches. Use a pen or similar object to adjust the switches. See next page for light mode settings. 3 small toggle switches located inside the battery compartment