The marine environment is a tough one – not just for us humans, but for our equipment. Underwater cameras and video equipment undergo plenty of wear and tear, thanks to high pressure at depth, the presence of salt, exposure to chemicals and other substances, and other factors. Protecting expensive equipment makes it last longer, as does maintaining it properly. Here are some valuable tips for ensuring your underwater camera and video equipment last – and work properly throughout their life spans.
The Importance of Maintenance
Maintaining camera equipment involves properly preparing it for use, cleaning it after every dive, and packing and storing it appropriately. Without appropriate maintenance, your camera equipment is at risk of becoming damaged.
Before using a new piece of camera equipment, be sure to read the manual. While this can be tedious, this little booklet contains all the information you need to know about how to use and properly maintain your investment. If the camera or accessory comes with an informational disc, be sure to review it, too.
Pre-Dive Camera Care
Before each dive, check your camera and accessories, just as you check each and every piece of scuba gear that goes underwater with you.
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Check for leaks – Any leak in your camera’s housing can be a death sentence. Checking for leaks is simple: All you’ve got to do is dip the empty housing in a bucket or bathtub filled with water and watch for any bubbles emerging from it. After dipping, inspect the housing for any traces of water that has made its way inside. Be sure to dry it carefully before putting your camera inside.
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Take care of the O-ring – Carefully remove the O-ring from its groove, using a blunt object if needed. Check for any dirt particles trapped around the ring or down in the groove, and clean both the O-ring and the groove with a soft cloth. Check for damage or cracking, then apply a tiny bit of silicone lubricant to the ring. Ease it back into position and ensure it is lying flat.
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Use desiccant – Desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air. You’ll find it online and at camera stores, as well as at many dive shops. Place a package into the housing with your camera, ensuring it is not obstructing the lens or any moving parts. This will help to prevent damage, and it will prevent fogging.
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Consider the weather – Attempting to take photos when conditions aren’t right can lead to accidents – both for you and your equipment. If you are new to underwater photography, only take your camera out when conditions are calm.
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Take a test photo – Take a test photo before getting into the water to ensure that your camera is functioning properly. Use different settings, if appropriate, to be sure your equipment will work the way you want it to once you reach depth.
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Double-check – Always double-check each piece of photo equipment before diving. Strobes focus lights, and other accessories should be mounted securely, and sync cords should be completely screwed into place.
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Have your camera handed to you – If at all possible, have someone hand your camera to you once you’re in the water. This further decreases the likelihood it will suffer from an accident.
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If water starts to leak into the housing during a dive, don’t panic. Instead, angle the housing so water accumulates in just one corner. Safely make your way back to the surface and get your camera out of danger.
Post-Dive Camera Care
After each dive, take a few minutes to care for your camera and/or videography equipment.
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Hand it up – If at all possible, hand your equipment off to someone else before climbing aboard the dive boat. When shore diving, take extra care as you come back through the surf zone.
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Clean the housing – If the dive happened in salt water, soak the housing in fresh water and operate all the movable parts while the camera is submerged, which will aid in the removal of sand and any other particles. After this, dry the housing and rub any smudges away with a soft cloth. If you’re not able to clean the housing immediately after your dive, you can prevent scratching by keeping it wrapped in a damp cloth. If any salt residue does form, use extreme care in handling your housing, ensuring all the salt dissolves before you make any rubbing motions.
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Open with care – Open the housing carefully, and only do so after drying the exterior. Immediately after opening, check for any particulate matter inside the housing, and remove it. In addition, remove any particles that might be clinging to the O-ring.
Basic Maintenance
Besides conducting pre-dive checks and caring for your camera after every dive, there are some additional steps you can take to ensure your equipment lasts.
- Try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly in hot weather.
- Have your camera equipment serviced annually if required. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and if anything seems to be not quite right, have it checked out by a pro.
- Use your lens cap when the camera is not being used.
- Close your housing even when it is empty. Store it in an area where no dust will accumulate on it.
- When transporting camera equipment in a car, keep it securely padded and protect it from heat. You can store your equipment inside a cooler to prevent it from overheating and to protect it from prying eyes.
- Clean and maintain every bit of equipment before putting it away. Use small camera cleaning brushes to clear tiny bits of debris from moving parts, and be sure to clean lenses with a soft cloth that you reserve for that purpose alone. Use lens cleaner if you like, but don’t use any other chemicals on your camera. Remember to be very gentle when cleaning and maintain your photo equipment – the moving parts cameras and lenses contain are quite delicate and are very easy to damage inadvertently.
Incorporate these simple steps into your routine, and soon enough they will seem completely effortless. By following these simple steps, you will protect your underwater photography and videography equipment so it gives you many years of service.