Essential Tips for Maintaining and Protecting Underwater Camera Gear

 

Introduction:

Taking great photos underwater can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. It requires specialized equipment and careful maintenance. Whether you're using a big system with an SLR or mirrorless camera, a medium system like SeaLife, Olympus, or compact cameras, or even a cellphone in housing, it's important to take proper care of your gear to ensure it lasts and performs well. In this guide, you'll find essential tips for maintaining and safeguarding your underwater camera, housing, strobes, lights, strobe arms, and cables, tailored to different system sizes.

Large Systems (SLRs & Mirrorless)

1. Housing Maintenance

  • Post-Dive Rinse: Immediately after each dive, rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and debris. Pay special attention to buttons and O-rings.
  • Soaking: Soak the housing in fresh water for at least 15 minutes after every dive trip. This helps dissolve salt crystals that can damage the housing over time.
  • O-Ring Care: Regularly inspect and clean O-rings. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to keep them supple and ensure a proper seal.
  • Annual Service: Send your housing to the manufacturer or a certified service center for annual maintenance to check for leaks and overall integrity.

2. Camera and Lens

  • Desiccants: Use silica gel packets inside the housing to control moisture and prevent fogging.
  • Lens Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution to keep the lens port clean and clear.

3. Strobes and Lights

  • Battery Maintenance: After each dive, remove batteries to prevent corrosion and allow for drying. Recharge as needed.
  • Fresh Water Rinse: Rinse strobes and lights thoroughly with fresh water after each dive. Pay attention to connections and controls.
  • O-Ring Care: Like the housing, ensure O-rings on strobes and lights are clean and properly lubricated.

4. Strobe Arms

  • Check Joints and Clamps: Regularly inspect for wear and tear. Clean and lubricate joints to ensure smooth operation.

5. Cables

  • Rinse and Dry: Rinse cables with fresh water after each dive to remove salt and debris. Dry them thoroughly before storage.
  • Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, cuts, or corrosion on connectors.
  • Proper Storage: Coil cables loosely to avoid kinks and store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Frequency and Storage:

  • Pre-Dive: Inspect all seals, connections, and cables before every dive. Always use a flashlight to do the inspections. (See Expanded Pre-Dive Checklist for All Systems section below).
  • Post-Dive: Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly after every dive.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the housing slightly open to prevent compression of O-rings.

Medium Systems (SeaLife Olympus and Compacts)

1. Housing Maintenance

  • Rinse and Soak: Just like the large systems above, rinse and soak housings in fresh water after each dive.
  • O-Ring Care: Clean and lubricate O-rings regularly. Replace annually or if any damage is detected.
  • Silica Gel: Use desiccants inside the housing to prevent moisture build-up.

2. Camera Care

  • Battery and Memory Card: Remove and dry the battery and memory card after each dive to prevent corrosion.
  • Lens Cleaning: Regularly clean the lens port with a microfiber cloth.

3. Lights and Accessories

  • Fresh Water Rinse: Rinse lights and accessories with fresh water after each dive.
  • Battery Care: Remove and dry batteries after each use. Recharge as necessary.

4. Cables

  • Rinse and Dry: Rinse cables with fresh water after each dive to remove salt and debris. Dry them thoroughly before storage.
  • Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, cuts, or corrosion on connectors.
  • Proper Storage: Coil cables loosely to avoid kinks and store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Frequency and Storage:

  • Pre-Dive: Check all seals, connections, and cables before each dive. Always use a flashlight to do the inspections. (See Expanded Pre-Dive Checklist for All Systems section below).
  • Post-Dive: Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the housing slightly open to prevent O-ring compression.

Cellphones in Housings

1. Housing Maintenance

  • Rinse and Soak: Rinse the housing with fresh water after every dive. Soak occasionally to remove salt deposits.
  • O-Ring Care: Clean and lubricate O-rings regularly. Replace them if they show any signs of wear.
  • Desiccants: Use silica gel packets to manage moisture and prevent fogging.

2. Cellphone Care

  • Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the cell phone is dry before placing it in the housing. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens area.

3. Lights and Accessories

  • Rinse and Dry: Rinse lights and other accessories with fresh water after each dive. Remove batteries and dry completely.

4. Cables

  • Rinse and Dry: Rinse cables with fresh water after each dive to remove salt and debris. Dry them thoroughly before storage.
  • Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, cuts, or corrosion on connectors.
  • Proper Storage: Coil cables loosely to avoid kinks and store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Frequency and Storage:

  • Pre-Dive: Inspect seals, connections, and cables before each dive. Always use a flashlight to do the inspections. (See Expanded Pre-Dive Checklist for All Systems section below).
  • Post-Dive: Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the housing open to avoid compressing O-rings.

Expanded Pre-Dive Checklist for All Systems

1. Housing Inspection

  • Visual Check: Inspect the housing for any cracks, scratches, or signs of wear. Ensure that all parts are intact and secure.
  • O-Ring Inspection: Remove the O-rings, clean them with a lint-free cloth, and apply a thin layer of silicone grease. Inspect for any signs of damage such as nicks or tears.
  • Button and Control Test: Check all buttons and controls for smooth operation. Ensure there is no resistance or sticking that could indicate potential issues underwater.

2. Camera Preparation

  • Battery and Memory Card: Ensure the battery is fully charged and the memory card has sufficient space. Carry spare batteries and memory cards in a waterproof case.
  • Lens Cleaning: Clean the lens and the inside of the lens port with a microfiber cloth to ensure there are no smudges or dust particles that could affect image quality.
  • Desiccant Packs: Place fresh silica gel packets inside the housing to prevent moisture and fogging.

3. Strobes and Lights

  • Battery Check: Ensure all batteries are fully charged. Carry spare batteries in a waterproof container.
  • O-Ring Inspection: Check the O-rings on strobes and lights. Clean and lubricate them as needed.
  • Function Test: Turn on strobes and lights to ensure they are working correctly. Test different power settings and make sure all controls are responsive.

4. Strobe Arms and Mounts

  • Joint and Clamp Inspection: Check all joints and clamps for signs of wear or damage. Ensure they are securely fastened and move smoothly.
  • Lubrication: Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the joints if needed to ensure smooth operation.

5. Cables

  • Visual Inspection: Check cables for any signs of damage such as cuts, abrasions, or corrosion. Ensure connectors are clean and free of debris.
  • Connection Test: Connect cables to strobes and cameras to ensure they are working properly. Test the connection in a dry environment to confirm functionality.

6. General Pre-Dive Checks

  • Leak Test: Perform a leak test in a controlled environment like a bathtub or pool. Submerge the housing without the camera to check for any signs of water ingress.
  • Spare Parts: Carry spare O-rings, silicone grease, and basic tools for emergency repairs.
  • Dive Plan: Review your dive plan, including depth, duration, and specific shots you aim to capture. Ensure your equipment is set up accordingly.

7. Final Assembly

  • Sealing the Housing: Carefully close the housing, ensuring the O-rings are seated properly and the latch is secure.
  • Re-check Connections: Verify all connections between the camera, strobes, lights, and cables. Ensure everything is firmly connected and functional.
  • Take a Test Photo or Video: Ensure, everything is working, including strobes/lights and memory card installed, lens cap off, proper initial ISO, Focus Mode, aperture, stobe settings, shutter speed, etc.

8. Pre-Dive Briefing

  • Review Settings: Double-check camera settings such as ISO, white balance, and shooting mode. Make any necessary adjustments based on the dive conditions.
  • Buddy Check: If diving with a buddy, perform a mutual gear check to ensure both sets of equipment are ready for the dive.

Proper pre-dive preparation is essential to prevent equipment failure and ensure a successful underwater photography session. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can dive with confidence, knowing that your gear is in optimal condition.


Additional Tips for All Systems

  • Regular Testing: Before each dive trip, test your equipment in a controlled environment like a pool to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Always take a Test Shot with all gear and cables connected to ensure everything is functional.
  • Lubrication: Use only the recommended silicone grease for O-rings. Over-lubrication can attract debris, while under-lubrication can cause drying and cracking.
  • Monitor for Leaks: Use a vacuum system, if available, to check for leaks before diving.
  • Avoid Over-Tightening: Do not over-tighten clamps and screws as this can damage the threads and compromise the seal.

Proper maintenance and care of your underwater photography equipment ensure its longevity and reliable performance. Regular checks and careful handling go a long way in protecting your investment and helping you capture stunning underwater images. Happy diving and shooting!


By following these guidelines, you can ensure your underwater camera system, regardless of its size, remains in top condition, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful underwater images without worrying about equipment failure.

I was taught early on in my underwater photography career that equipment failure or accidents will happen, it's just a matter of when. It happens to everyone and that's why having a good equipment insurance policy is worth it.

Stay tuned and "Follow" for upcoming blogs on underwater photography tips and tricks for more in-depth insights. Please leave your comments and suggestions. Enjoy your diving and shooting experience!

Allow me to assist you in your underwater photographic journey with my upcoming online training course, which I will be announcing soon. If you are keen on acquiring more knowledge about it, kindly email me at bob@robertherb.com. You can also visit my website (Robert Herb Photography) to view some of my exemplary work. 

I am eagerly anticipating your valuable feedback and suggestions. 
Sincerely, 

Bob Herb

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