DIGITAL PRO FLASH Instruction Manual http://www.sealife-cameras.com/service/manuals.
Contents: I. Safety Warnings...........................................................3 II. Introduction ................................................................4 III. Preparing your camera ................................................5 IV. Preparing your flash ....................................................6 V. Testing your camera and flash ...................................21 VI. How to adjust your camera and flash........................22 VII.
I. 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.
II. Introduction 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.
III. Preparing your camera Become familiar with how to operate your camera. Refer to your camera instruction manual for information on how to adjust the settings described in this manual. Here is the basic camera set-up for SeaLife and most other popular digital cameras and their housings. 1. Insert blank memory card. It’s good practice to regularly format memory card, but be careful, because this will erase all images on the card. 2.
IV. 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.
Insert 4 new or freshly charged AA batteries. Open the battery compartment cover and insert batteries according to the polarity markings above the battery compartment.
Set the Pre Flash switch to the “0” position for all SeaLife cameras. For non-SeaLife digital cameras, set switch to the #4 position to start. More information about finalizing the Pre-Flash setting for NON-SeaLife cameras is provided on page 19 of this manual. What is a Pre-flash? Most digital cameras have one or more pre-flashes to assist in autofocus/auto-exposure setting of the camera. The Pre-Flashes occur before the camera’s primary flash fires.
Pre-flash cancellation settings (continued): Switch position 0 Description of setting Cameras with no pre-flash For all SeaLife cameras [Camera set to Ext Flash mode] 1 Camera with 1 pre-flash [and cameras with rapid-fire pre-flash*] 2 Camera with 2 pre-flash 3 Camera with 3 pre-flash 4 Camera with 4 pre-flash *Note: The #1 pre-flash setting works with cameras that use 1 pre-flash or a rapid-fire pre-flash system because it has a built-in 50 millisecond delay between the first pre-flash and the pr
Set the Auto mode switch to the “1” position for all SeaLife cameras and “4” position for all Non-SeaLife digital and film camera’s. More information about the Auto mode setting for your NON-SeaLife camera is provided on page 20 of this manual. What is the Auto mode? Auto mode will automatically control the brightness of the external flash and help you to achieve optimal image exposure.
Close and seal the waterproof door. Make sure the O-ring is perfectly clean and undamaged. Carefully close the waterproof door to make sure nothing gets trapped near the o-ring and make sure o-ring slips into position and does not get pinched. Make sure the waterproof door is completely closed. Lock the latch by sliding the safety lock upwards. Important: Refer to Maintaining a Waterproof Seal in section VII of this manual on how to inspect the O-ring for cuts, tears, dirt or other damage.
Attach camera (housing) to the flash’s mounting base. Carefully hand-tighten the mounting screw. Do not over tighten! Important: Only attach the flash to cameras/housings with minimum thread depth of 0.250” (6.4mm) and using standard 1⁄4-20 tripod type thread. Never force or over-tighten the screw, or you may damage the housing seal and threads.
Attaching camera/housing to two flashes. You can easily add up to two flashes to your underwater camera. Using dual flashes helps avoid shadows and will further intensify brightness and color. Remove the smaller mounting screw (0.625” / 15.9mm, item #SL96025) from each flash unit. Attach the larger mounting screw (1” / 25.4mm, item #SL96022 - not included) through both flash mounting trays and into the camera housing. Rotate each flash head so they are aiming in the forward direction as shown.
Connecting Flash Link optical cable to the external flash The Digital Pro Flash includes the Flash Link optical cable (item #SL962). The optical cable is used to transmit the light from the camera to the light sensor under the external flash head. The external flash will fire when the light sensor detects light coming from the end of the cable. The external flash should come with the optical cable already attached to the flash head, but it is good to know how the cable can be removed and attached. 1. 2.
Connecting Flash Link optical cable to SeaLife cameras For SeaLife cameras: Attach the other end of the optical cable to the camera adapter included with your SeaLife camera. The following example shows the optical cable being connected to the SeaLife DC800/DC1000 camera adapter. 1. 2. 3. 1. Push the optical cable into one of the grooves so it’s locked firmly into position. The end of the cable must be directed at the camera’s flash but should not stick out beyond the adapter.
Connecting Flash Link optical cable to NON-Sealife cameras For NON-SeaLife cameras: Attach the other end of the optical cable to the universal camera adapter provided as shown below. 1. 2. 1. Remove the tape backing of the hook-and-loop tape provided. 2. Stick the tape over the flash window of your camera housing.
Connecting Flash Link optical cable to NON-SeaLife cameras (continued) 3. 4. 5. 3. Loosen the set screw of the universal adapter with the small Allen wrench provided. 4. Insert the optical cable into the hole as shown above and push the cable as far as possible without the cable sticking out on the other side of the adapter. 5. Carefully tighten the set screw until 6. you feel it makes contact with the cable then give it another 1⁄4 turn. Gently pull at the cable to make sure it is secure.
Secure the Flash Link optical cable to the flash arm Use the two Velcro ties provided to secure the optical cable to the top and bottom of the flash arm.
Finalize Pre-Flash setting for non-SeaLife digital cameras Follow these steps to determine the correct Pre-Flash setting for your non-SeaLife camera: 1. Set the pre-flash setting to #4. 2. Power on the camera and flash. a. Make sure the camera settings are set as described in section III of this manual. b. Turn the flash brightness power knob on the back of the flash to 9 or 10 position. (Not Auto position) 3. Wait for the red flash-ready light to turn on. 4.
Finalize Auto mode setting for non-SeaLife digital cameras Follow these steps to determine the correct Auto mode setting for your camera: 1. Set the Auto mode setting to #4. 2. Power on the camera and flash. a. Make sure the camera settings are set as described in section III of this manual. b. Turn the flash brightness power knob on the back of the flash to the for Auto. (All the way counter-clockwise) 3. Wait for the red flash-ready light to turn on. 4.
V. Test the camera and flash [above water] Now that you have made all the correct settings to your flash and camera, take a few more test pictures to make sure the camera and external flash fires together. 1. Power on the camera and flash. a. Make sure the camera settings are set as described in section III of this manual. b. Turn the flash brightness power knob on the back of the flash to the for Auto. 2. Wait for the red flash-ready light to turn on. 3.
VI. Adjusting your camera exposure and flash brightness This section will show you to make quick and easy adjustments to your camera and flash for achieving the best picture color and brightness. Make sure you become familiar with these basic adjustments before you dive with your new external flash. Overexposed picture Contrast and Colors are washed out Properly exposed picture Good contrast with vibrant colors.
Camera adjustments: First, let’s learn about the different types of camera adjustments you can make. Scene modes Most digital cameras offer a variety of “Scene” modes which presets the camera’s controls depending on the type of picture you want to take. For SeaLife digital cameras, set the scene mode to Ext Flash (or Ext Flash Auto mode). For information on how to set your SeaLife camera’s scene mode, please refer to your SeaLife camera instruction manual.
is pre-programmed to automatically select the optimal ISO value for underwater flash pictures. For non-SeaLife cameras, select a lower ISO, like 50 or 100, because the picture will be sharper and less grainy. EV Compensation Your camera’s EV (Exposure Value) Compensation setting works very much like the ISO setting - Increase EV value to brighten images, and decrease EV value to darken pictures. Just like ISO, higher EV values will result in more grainy pictures.
Camera’s flash setting Almost all digital cameras allow you to select the flash setting to Auto, Force ON, Force OFF or Red-Eye Reduction. For SeaLife cameras, set the camera to Ext Flash mode (or Ext Flash Auto mode). The SeaLife External Flash mode is a special underwater program that synchronizes the camera's exposure program, color balance and internal flash to the Digital Pro Flash. The camera's flash will always fire in Ext Flash mode. For non-SeaLife cameras, select FORCE ON.
External Flash adjustments: Now that you are familiar with camera adjustments that effect picture color and brightness, this section will describe how to adjust the external flash. Flash Brightness control You can manually or automatically control the external flash brightness by adjusting the brightness control knob located on the backside of the flash head. Take some test pictures and experiment with the effect of the brightness control.
Aiming the external flash The flexible flash arm is fully adjustable to allow quick and easy aiming of the flash. Make sure the flash head is directed at the subject before taking a picture. If the flash is not aimed correctly the image may appear underexposed (darker). Remember that subjects appear closer underwater than they do on land, so direct the flash a little over the intended target to compensate for this underwater effect. Note: The flexible arm consists of seven 1-inch (2.
VII. Maintaining a waterproof seal The flash uses an o-ring to maintain a waterproof seal and a gasket to prevent sand and debris from reaching the o-ring. Every flash is depth tested to ensure a waterproof seal. It is your responsibility to regularly inspect the o-ring and sealing surfaces and maintain this waterproof seal. Always perform these inspection procedures before using underwater. Removing the O-ring and Gasket 1. Grab white cable adapter and pull up to unplug the cable from the flash.
Inspecting and Cleaning the O-ring, Gasket and contact surfaces 1. Carefully inspect the O-ring and Gasket for cuts(A), tears(B). Replace O-ring and Gasket if damaged. 2. Carefully inspect O-ring contact surfaces and groove for scratches or other damage. It is normal to see molding “seams” near the hinge and latch area. Contact the SeaLife service center in your country if the contact surfaces or groove are damaged. 3.
flash must be dry before opening the waterproof door. 4. Do not expose flash to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. 5. SeaLife recommends replacing the O-ring and Gasket every year. 6. The O-ring and Gasket set (SL96114) is available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer or online at www.sealifepartsdirect.com. VIII. Pre-dive check list 1. Insert new or freshly charged batteries into your camera and flash. 2.
IX. After each dive 1. After your dive and before entering the dive boat, hand the camera to someone on the boat. 2. Soak the sealed flash and camera in fresh water to remove salt, sand and dirt. Most boats have a fresh water tub intended for underwater cameras. Never allow the saltwater to dry on the camera or flash. 3. After the camera and flash have been rinsed off, let the water drain out of the flash arm (which has small drainage holes at the bottom) and dry the sealed camera and flash with a towel. 4.
XI. Great pictures made easy There are plenty of challenges that photographers face in the underwater world. Please take some time to review SeaLife’s online guide called Great Pictures Made Easy by visiting www.sealife-cameras.com. The guide is located under the Technical Support menu. The following information summarizes the basic principles of underwater photography. 1. Crystal clear water Clear water is essential for good underwater pictures.
3. Move calmly and control your buoyancy Control your buoyancy at all times and set yourself up in the ideal position before taking a picture. This allows you to hold the camera steady and control your shooting distance. Good buoyancy control will help you avoid stirring up the sandy bottom which will cloud-up the water and cause backscatter. Controlling your buoyancy is very important for your diving safety so don’t take a picture until your buoyancy is under control. 4.
b. Get the entire subject into your picture frame. Don’t cutoff the hands, fins or head of your subject. You can always crop you image later on your computer if you want. c. Learn the compositional rule of thirds. The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equallyspaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph.
XII. Troubleshooting Guide 1. Digital Pro Flash does not fire when switch is turned from “ON” to “TEST.” a. Wait until the red flash-ready light turns on. If the ready light does not turn on, make sure the battery polarity is correct and battery contacts are clean. b. Check the battery power. Replace or recharge batteries, if necessary. c. If above does not correct the problem, contact your local SeaLife dealer or SeaLife Service Center in your country. For a list of dealers, please visit www.
e. Check that the Flash Link optical cable is attached correctly in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual. 3. Flash fires sometimes but not all the time. a. This is normally caused by a damaged Flash Link optical cable or if the optical cable is not set-up correctly. Inspect the optical cable for damage and make sure the cable is attached and secured in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual. b. Check that your camera settings are correct. i.
5. Dark areas in your pictures. a. This is mostly likely caused by not aiming the flash at the subject or if the flash is somehow obstructed. b. Areas further away from the camera will appear darker than closer objects. Maximum shooting distance is 6ft/1.8m to 8ft/2.4m depending on water visibility and the reflectivity of your subject. c. Check the brightness control setting. Turn counterclockwise to increase flash brightness. Turn clockwise to decrease flash brightness. d.
XIII. Specifications: Guide Number: Power adjustment range: Power switch: Coverage angle: Color temperature: Power source: Battery life: Recycle time: Buoyancy: Housing material: Hardware: Flash arm: Flash Base: Weight: Dimensions: Watt seconds: SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (item # SL961) 20 (meters on land) at full power setting: 1.
Parts and Service SeaLife warrants the original purchaser of this product, for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, that the product is free from defects in workmanship and materials. For a detailed warranty statement, please refer to the warranty information included with the product. In the event the original purchaser believes there is a defect in a product, it is recommended that the purchaser first visit www.sealife-cameras.
Item #SL96154 Revised October 2012
