Sealife SportDiver, Manual To Installation And Use

Page 1: ...derwater Photography for ReefMaster and SportDiver Film Cameras Great Pictures Made Easy Guide to Underwater Photography for ReefMaster and SportDiver Film Cameras Great Pictures Made Easy by Item SL240 Item SL240 ...

Page 2: ...11 External Flash SL960 for more colorful pictures Wide angle lens increases field of view by 50 SL970 4 Rechargeable Ni MH Batteries Size AA Nickel Metal Hydride SL191 Hard and soft carry cases 4 sizes available Camera Accessories For more information please visit the Sealife website at www sealife cameras com Popular ...

Page 3: ...ith your friends and family than by showing a picture This manual will teach you how to set up and care for your underwater camera to ensure years of trouble free operation You will learn the secrets on how to take great pictures Good and bad picture samples are included in this manual for you to compare and learn from your experience The rest of the adventure is up to you Please let us know if th...

Page 4: ...Re Winding the Film 16 e Insert SeaLife Anti Fog Desiccant 12 k Dry Storage 17 f Insert Inner Camera and close housing 13 V Tips for Great Picture 18 a Just Do It 18 h Distance Range for SeaLife Cameras 25 b Capture the Magic 18 i Pictures on Boats and Beaches 27 c The Great Hunt 19 j Catch Click and Release 27 d Great Effects 20 k Pictures on Land in Dry Conditions 28 e Key to Good Pictures 22 l ...

Page 5: ...Storage Cases 38 f Film Camera Models 39 g Digital Camera Models 40 VIII Trouble Shooting Guide 41 IX Service and Warranty 44 Warning Before operating the camera you must read and understand this manual For updates to this manual visit www sealife cameras com Send your suggestions regarding this manual to Pioneer Research Attn Sealife Manuals 97 Foster Rd Moorestown NJ 08057 service sealife camera...

Page 6: ... Latch Shutter Release Flash Main O Ring Don t remove or grease Keep Clean Opening Latch Power Switch and Lens Cover 2AA Batteries Flash Override ReefMaster RC only Viewfinder Window Flash Window Applies to SeaLife ReefMaster and Sport Diver II Film Rewind II Getting to Know Your Camera ...

Page 7: ...5 Sports Finder Color Coded Frame Counter Main O Ring Don t remove or grease Keep Clean Opening Latch Viewfinder Window Opening Latch Flash Window ...

Page 8: ...ow O ring care instructions on page 11 C After use and before opening immediately wash closed camera housing in fresh water and dry well It s normal for some water to become trapped between the ReefMaster armor and housing This will not cause any damage and eventually dry In addition periodically wash open housing without inner camera After washing dry well Clean lenses with cleaning pads lightly ...

Page 9: ... new SeaLife Camera Most important When opening the housing your hands arms head and the camera must be completely dry and clean of water sand and dust Always load your camera in an air conditioned or dry cool room Open both latches ...

Page 10: ...Inner Camera Remove the inner camera from the housing and insert fresh AA batteries Remove the inside camera Insert 2 fresh AA Alkaline batteries in film cameras SeaLife rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended ...

Page 11: ...housing Open the lens cover by moving the switch below the lens of the inner camera This will turn the power on Push the shutter release to test power without film Turn power ON by opening lens cover switch Open film door by sliding down latch on back of inner camera ...

Page 12: ... shutter until film engages Film should lay flat across film plane and sprocket teeth f Close film door If the film door is obstructed by film roll remove and re insert roll until film door closes without any obstruction g Push Shutter button to advance film to picture 1 in the frame counter window h You might advance film by one frame with the film door open to check proper advance and position o...

Page 13: ...h away any sand dirt hair etc from O ring Use the cleaning brush provided The O ring should never be greased or removed If the O ring shows signs of damage have it replaced by an authorized SeaLife Service Facility Ask your dealer or contact the SeaLife Service Center see back cover or your country s distributor Do not remove O rings Clean off O ring with brush provided ...

Page 14: ...enever possible load the camera in dry air such as in an air conditioned room Always take a good supply of Moisture Muncher with you when you go on vacation The larger 28 g 1 oz size is recommended to keep the inside of your airtight SeaLife Dive Travel and Accessory Case tools and batteries completely dry and free from mildew and corrosion SeaLife desiccant capsules and the larger Moisture Munche...

Page 15: ...fere with closing the housing Power save function The power will turn off automatically when the camera is not used within about 2 to 3 minutes and will turn on again by a light touch on the shutter release Hold the latch down deep inside the strike while closing Do not use force Take a test picture If film does not advance or FLASH READY light does not turn on see page 41 for Trouble Shooting Gui...

Page 16: ...hing is automatic h Checking the Battery Condition 2 Alkaline AA batteries normally last for about 8 rolls of film 1 If FLASH READY takes longer than 12 seconds to turn on after taking a picture your batteries are not in good condition and should be replaced Always take extra batteries along ...

Page 17: ...roughly in fresh water Never let salt water dry on the camera or the housing Dry with a clean towel Salt crystals will damage the O ring and lens and attract humidity Never let water drops dry on any lens Wipe it dry with a soft lens cleaning tissue Allow camera to dry completely before storage ...

Page 18: ...he inner camera to rewind the film When the film is completely rewound and winder has stopped open the back cover and put your film in a marked dry container and store it cool When taking your film to the lab remember to request sample prints called index print See page 33 letter e ...

Page 19: ... you buy the case as an optional accessory pick pluck foam lets you customize it The large knob below the handle is a pressure equalizing valve Turn this open after being in an airplane or at high altitude The SeaLife Dry Box has enough space for optional accessories close up lens extra film batteries and perhaps even your spare parts See Spare Parts list on page 38 Rechargeable NiMH batteries can...

Page 20: ...nning pictures Put the good ones in an album But keep one bad shot of each typical error After a while you will achieve good control and even perfection The best pictures are taken with a close up lens which also acts as an underwater filter The SeaLife 3X Close Up Lens has a distance range from 2ft 4 ft 60 120 cm In lower water visibility the SeaLife Close Up Lens is a must The key to good pictur...

Page 21: ...see a part of our world which is essential to our survival And we hope that you will enrich and enlighten your life by capturing valuable impressions in the underwater world with your SeaLife Camera c The Great Hunt While you hunt for a big strange fish or a good shot of your buddy with a stingray always include the underwater magic in your pictures Get a mystic blue background an interesting litt...

Page 22: ...th a local dive master to select chum that does not endanger the fish Be very calm and patient and let that curious fish get closer and closer There are two ways of using current to your advantage 1 Drift motionless along with your camera in ready position 2 Stay in a camera ready waiting position approach your subject facing the current Always take notes of your pictures and mark your films It is...

Page 23: ...ook for rich color contrasts Use the Sealife External Flash to add color and brightness To really illuminate coral or any area further than 5 ft you cannot just increase the power of your flash but you must position one or two external flashes sideways of your lens and direct it at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees at the object If the water is not as clear as you may wish choose closer objects Use 1 f...

Page 24: ... Pictures Crystal clear water For film cameras shooting distance u w 4 ft to 5 ft 1 2 to 1 5 m Better 2 to 4 feet and 3X macro lens FLASH READY light on Be calm and patient and move very slowly Hold camera steady External flash es always get you the best pictures especially below 30 feet 10 m or in darker light Shoot the same scene several times with different distances Maximum depth ratings ReefM...

Page 25: ...ing it directly to your mask or learn to aim with stretched out arms The ring in the center must appear as a circle not as an oval The optical viewfinder looking through the camera housing is intended only for a rough check on your framing Press the shutter release swiftly and completely down not in a slow motion holding the camera firm and steady Let the trigger come up swiftly as well don t keep...

Page 26: ...ces up to 5 ft 1 20 m The orange Coral Flash of the ReefMaster RC will help to avoid the U W blue effect of near by objects Always wait until the green FLASH READY light on the back of the camera turns on before taking a picture about 10 sec Tip Measure your closest distance Chin to Fin on land Once you have determined a length of 5 ft 1 5 m stretch out your legs under water and test your distance...

Page 27: ...the 3X Macro lens The 8X and 16X Macro lens come with the practical Macro Wand which gives you an exact distance The SeaLife Wide Angle lens expands the picture frame by 50 h Distance Range for SeaLife Film Cameras LENS UNDERWATER ON LAND inches cm inches cm Standard 48 120cm 48 120cm Macro 3X 24 48 60 120cm 10 14 25 36cm Macro 8X 14 16 36 41cm 4 5 10 13cm Macro 16X 8 9 20 23cm 2 3 5 8cm Wide Angl...

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Page 29: ...es in any humid sandy or hazardous environments The tough housing is not only a good protection against moisture but also against sand as well as shocks and bumps on adventurous trips j Catch Click and Release Sport fishermen can rely on their SeaLife Camera to capture the image of that trophy fish before it s released ...

Page 30: ...ral rule On land or in shallow water in bright light you may also use ISO 100 film instead of ISO 200 Slides ISO 200 slide film can be used for diving but in bright snorkel or beach conditions ISO 100 or 64 should be used l Using the Flash The built in flash in film cameras is automatic on land and underwater and will fire in dark light conditions The ReefMaster RC allows manual override for a fil...

Page 31: ... should be your constant companion as well as this manual Keep it inside your SeaLife Dry Box The best book however is the one you yourself compose n An U W Photo Course can be very enjoyable Ask your dive instructor Your dive store also offers a variety of trips with Underwater Photo Safaris to the world s most beautiful reefs in good company and with a knowledgeable guide Truly colorful pictures...

Page 32: ...s better picture Distance 3 ft 90 cm with MACRO 3X close up lens Distance 6 ft 1 80 m regular lens shallow sunny VI Examples of Good Bad Pictures a Stay Within the Ideal Distance FPO FPO FPO FPO FPO 2 ft too close for film camera use 3X Close Up lens 30 ...

Page 33: ...Up lens 3X lens 2 4 ft 8X lens 14 16 36 cm to 41 cm 16X lens Visibility better than 50 ft 15m horizontally gives you the best pictures Shoot at the ideal range 4 to 5 ft 1 2 to 1 5 m or even closer with a macro lens Good Bad Pictures b Crystal Clear Water No matter what equipment you use good underwater pictures require crystal clear water It is important to remember that the human eye can see mor...

Page 34: ...ng range inside 8 ft 2 5m not to illuminate objects at longer distances FPO FPO FPO The MACRO lens uw filter corrects color and moderates the flash 2 ft 60cm Overflash on close object regular lens ext flash also aimed too high use Diffuser SL968 Distance 4 ft In dark cave regular lens double ext flash 32 ...

Page 35: ...d Below 30 ft 10 m most yellow and red is absorbed by the water leaving only blue Interesting Coral Shapes with regular lens Great shot but poor contrast Good contrast with MACRO 3X close up lens e Color Correction UW filter macro lens special processing or editing are ways to increase yellow and red Request to see sample prints at your photo lab called index prints FPO FPO FPO FPO FPO ...

Page 36: ... Pluck Foam Insert Many SeaLife dealers carry spare parts Ask your local dive dealer If you purchased your ReefMaster in the United States you can also order replacement or spare parts from Optic Options orders only 800 872 0273 information only 765 538 3484 Not available seek authorized service Not available seek authorized service Not available seek authorized service Not available seek authoriz...

Page 37: ... includes all above 3 items Macro 8X 14 16 36 41 cm Macro Set Macro 16X 8 9 20 23 cm Macro Set Macro Wand Distancing tool for 8X 16X retracts and extends folds sideways when not in use and attaches to the flash mounting bracket 8X and 16X Filters Macro 3X Item SL951 2 4ft 60 120 cm Item Wideangle Lens increases frame by 50 distance 2 ft 60 cm infinity Item SL970 35 FPO ...

Page 38: ...ontinued c External Flash Item SL960 External flash adds color and brightness to your pictures It also helps reduce backscatter Two external flashes can be mounted for maximum brightness color and to eliminate shadows ...

Page 39: ...nside closed hard cases d Care and Maintenance Items SeaLife Moisture Muncher Anti Fog Desiccant NiMH Battery Charger SL190 4 Rechargeable Ni MH Batteries Size AA Nickel Metal Hydride SL191 3 Foreign Plug Adapters included with SL190 Flash diffuser SL968 prevents over exposing close up pictures within 2 1 2 of shooting distance ...

Page 40: ...tra film Soft Case for UW Camera Item SL945 Soft Case for UW Camera and External Flash Item SL946 Soft Case for UW Camera and 2 External Flash Units and Macro Set Item SL63001 FPO SeaLife Dive Travel Accessory Case Unbreakable airtight case with pick pluck foam and air release valve for camera Item SL930 ...

Page 41: ...with MACRO 3X Close Up Lens and Dive Travel Hard Case Item SL511 SeaLife SportDiver II Clear Lexan housing f 5 6 1 125 sec depth tested to 164 ft 50m Item SL545 ReefMaster RC Pro Set ReefMaster RC with External Flash MACRO 3X Close Up Lens and soft carry case Item SL560 FPO ...

Page 42: ...s Instant Gratification Review your picture on the color LCD If you don t like it delete it Keep only the best pictures Sharing Your Pictures You can share your pictures with others between dives or later that day It s easy to download pictures to your computer and email the best ones to your friends and family Expandable Accessories All SeaLife camera accessories for film cameras will adapt to an...

Page 43: ...utions Keep the proper shooting distance see chart on page 26 Problem Blue pictures Reasons Too far not enough light Solutions Use macro lens and or external flash Tell lab that you have underwater pictures and that they should make color corrections Increase red and yellow With digital pictures you can try to balance the color on your PC However it is not possible to increase red and yellow objec...

Page 44: ...sing must be perfectly dry Use SeaLife Anti Fog Desiccant page 12 set up camera in an air conditioned room and rub a drop of antifog lotion on the inside of the port lens If you still experience fogging you may have a leak Problem Housing leaks water Reason O ring does not seal properly Solutions 1 Hold the camera steady so that small amounts of water can stay in a corner of the housing and surfac...

Page 45: ...ater spots indicating a leak Problem Glare or reflection appears in picture Reason Improperly attached macro lens Solutions The close up lens must be completely pushed on the housing and sit flat Make sure your hand does not push on the macro lens or pull on the safety lanyard of the lens Or have a new docking port ring attached to your camera at a SeaLife service center Problem Flash does not fir...

Page 46: ...ase date Excluded are any consequential damages cosmetic damages damages to products which show abuse non conformance with the instructions particularly water damage due to a damaged O ring or removed O ring or any particles wedged between the housing and the O ring or tampering and attempted repair of the product Excluded are scratches on lenses or damaged lens coatings Products used in rental op...

Page 47: ...Pioneer Research 97 Foster Rd Moorestown NJ 08057 Rev 11 04 Copyright 1997 2002 2004 ...