R R E E C C O O M M M M E E N N D D A A T T I I O O N N S; Visual Inspections; M M A A I I N N T T E E N N A A N N C C E - Ikelite DS51 User Manual

R R E E C C O O M M M M E E N N D D A A T T I I O O N N S S
V V I I S S U U A A L L I I N N S S P P E E C C T T I I O O N N S S
Visual inspections are important. Take the time to examine the entire assembled
setup (strobe, camera housing, arms, etc.) above water. An improper seal or loose
connection can cause a lot of damage. Always check for leaks once you place the
equipment in the water.
I I N N S S U U R R A A N N C C E E
It is recommended that you add an a a l l l l - - r r i i s s k k f f l l o o a a t t e e r r to your homeowner's and/or
renter's insurance policy to cover your equipment against loss or damage. While the
Ikelite DS51 Substrobe has a limited warranty against manufacturing defects, it does
not cover customer neglect.
T T I I P P S S
• Photograph through as little water as possible; move in close. Maximum
recommended shooting distance underwater is 1 .8m (6').
• Use the diffuser for softer lighting or a coverage angle between 70° and 80°.
• If possible, measure the light with a meter and set the camera aperture
accordingly. For balanced lighting between your subject and the background,
meter the available light and set the camera aperture accordingly. Using a narrower
aperture darkens the background. A wider aperture lightens the background and may
over-expose the photograph.
• More natural looking photos can be achieved through the addition of a second
external strobe. The Ikelite EV Manual Controller #41 00.6 works well with a
second strobe when you plan on using manual exposure.
• Always carry spare batteries. Weak batteries are the cause of many strobe and
camera problems; check the voltage with a meter. N N o o t t e e : : it's possible to buy bad
"new" batteries.
• D D o o n n o o t t fire the strobe more than 1 5 times in rapid succession. If this does happen,
allow the DS51 to cool off for at least 1 0 minutes before resuming photography.
L L U U B B R R I I C C A A N N T T
• Use only Ikelite brand silicone lubricant with Ikelite brand o-rings; other brand
lubricants can cause the Ikelite o-rings to swell in size.
• D D o o n n o o t t use spray lubricant; it can crack the plastic parts of the strobe.
• Ikelite brand silicone lubricant is provided for the sync cord stem o-ring and the
bulkhead connector threads. Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the area
being applied; wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
• Lubricant only reduces friction; it is not a sealant.
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M M A A I I N N T T E E N N A A N N C C E E
Your Ikelite DS51 Substrobe should be given the same care and attention as your
other photographic equipment. After using your strobe in water, please follow these
instructions to insure the DS51's longevity and good working order.
C C L L E E A A N N I I N N G G A A N N D D S S T T O O R R A A G G E E
C C a a u u t t i i o o n n : : Make sure the DS51's battery door is on and tightened down before
exposing the strobe to water. Ideally, water should never enter the battery
compartment. If this does occur, see "Battery Compartment Flooding" on page 16.
1 . Always rinse the exterior of the DS51 with fresh water after use, especially after
exposure to salt water. While rinsing, turn the mode switch to free salt or debris
that might have accumulated in the DS51 's recesses during the dive.
2. Dry the DS51 thoroughly.
3. Check the battery door's o-ring and sealing surfaces for any debris and gently
wipe it away with a soft, lint free cloth. Lightly lubricate the exposed part of the
door's o-ring.
4. Check the DS51 's bulkhead connector threads for debris. Gently wipe away with
a soft, lint free cloth or a cotton swab to clean the threads. Afterwards, lightly
lubricate them.
5. Remove the batteries and store the DS51 with the battery door lightly screwed
on; this will allow any hydrogen/air mixture to escape the battery compartment
and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the o-ring that could cause it to flatten.
In addition to these procedures, it is strongly recommended that this strobe be
returned to Ikelite periodically for inspection and water pressure testing. Ideally your
DS51 should undergo this process every two years or 1 00 dives, whichever comes first.
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