Camera Housing – Model D80 (Nikon)
User Manual
Contents: 1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Set up Instructions
4. Function Controls
5. Use & Care of Housing
6. Service
7. Warranty
1. Introduction
10 BAR Underwater Housings are small, light and rugged enough to be used on every dive. Use
of clear polycarbonate allows for visual inspection of camera condition and the O-ring seal. 10 BAR
Housings are designed for the ever -increasing variety of models of digital still and video cameras.
Advanced computer aided design and CNC manufacturing technologies ensure precise dimensions. Each
housing body is first injection molded, and then machined to configure to individual camera model. A
range of lens ports and controls are fitted, to tailor the housing to your camera model.
3. Function Controls D80
1. Delete
2. Playback
3. Menu
4. Help / Protect
5. Thumbnail
6. Playback zoom / Image quality & size
7. AE lock / AF lock
8. 9. 10. 11. Multi selector
12. O.K.
13. Main command dial
14. Pressure release plug
15. Viewfinder eyepiece
16. Shutter
17. Sub-command dial
18. Zoom control dial
19. Focus mode selector
20. Power on / off
21. Metering mode
22. Exposure compensation
23. Single / continuous / timer / remote control
24. AF / Reset
25. Mode dial
26. Flashlight syn bulkhead
4. Set up Instructions
4.1 Air Lock:
The body and lid are designed with the Air Lock System “no clip” closure arrangement. Testing
has shown that this arrangement allow the water to exert an even pressure on the O-ring, Increase the
reliability of the watertight seal.
4.2 Pressure release plug
To open the housing, the pressure release plug must be first unscrewed and then
pulled out all the way (Counter-clockwise) (Fig 1). This provides a passage for the air to pass though
and eliminate the pressure different between the inside of the housing and the ambient. The plug consists
of an internal double O-ring seal on the stainless steel slide shaft.
These internal O-rings form the watertight seal. There is also a large outer O -ring under the
knob. This O-ring serves to prevent contamination of the slide shaft, with dirt, salt etc., and is not required
for watertight integrity. If this O-ring should become detached, it can simply be pushed back in place.
(Fig. 1) Open Housing Procedure
4.3 Opening levers:
After unscrewing and pulling out the pressure release plug, the lid can be opened. To overcome
the friction of opening, use lever (Fig. 2) to push against the lid with a cam action. Be sure they are
inserted all the way flat to the housing before turning to avoid damaging the protrusions on the lid. The
body has four holes on each corner edges for opening. Gently lever off the lid with the supplied opening
lever (Fig. 3) taking care not to twist the lid excessively. The lid should be opened keeping it
approximately paralleled to the body at all times, turn first one corner a little, then the other a little, and
repeat again until the lid is opened. Remember to unscrew and pull out the pressure release plug all the
way first, otherwise the air pressure will resist attempts at opening. Lay the lid on a flat stable surface
after opening.
(Fig. 2) D80 Opening Key / Lever
(Fig. 3) Turn to open
4.4 Special note on responsibility for watertight integrity:
Each housing is individually inspected and hydrostatically tested in the factory. The design of the
main piston O-ring seal is among the most reliable in the industry and the watertight integrity is excellent.
This special O-ring design provides a perfect seal even if there is any movement between the body and lid
due to change of ambient pressure. However please note that responsibility for ensuring the integrity of
the watertight seal lies entirely with the user. 10 BAR accepts no liability for damage to, or loss of any
equipment used with, or placed inside the housing. Users are highly recommended to carry out in-water
test of the housings without installing of the camera for their first dive after change of new ports or
alternation of any new configuration. The test can be carried out by lowering the housing with ballast to
the working depth or dive down to the safe diving range.
The O-ring seal is the main barrier between the water outside and the air space within the
camera. It is an effective barrier only if the seal is properly maintained. The O-ring seal
should be inspected before every dive. The following information is providedyou’re your
guidance in using and maintaining the O-ring seal.
4.5 Maintaining the O-ring Seal:
If the main body to lid O-ring is not installed, install the O-ring before diving. This is the only user
serviceable O-ring. Its care and maintenance is critical to the watertight integrity of the housing. The
O-ring should be replaced at the service interval (see section on service). If the O-ring is contaminated, or
not already installed, inspect grease and install the O-ring according to the following guidelines.
4.6 Inspection, cleaning and re-instillation of the O-ring
Tools:
A soft cotton bud or sponge applicator, make sure these are free of all chemicals or
contamination such as loose fibers, and the tube of silicone grease supplied with the housing. Note other
types of silicone grease specifically for use with underwater camera equipment can usually also be used. It
is advised to carry out the following procedure on a firm clean level surface, (e.g. at a table), to prevent
skidding especially useful to have when diving from a boat.
When to maintain the O-ring seal:
Remove the O-ring periodically for inspection. It is not necessary to remove, clean and
re-install the O-ring after every dive provided the O-ring did not become contaminated. As a rule of thumb
set up the camera and housing before a day’s diving. If the housing is required to be opened between
dives for changing memory card or re-charging batteries, make sure the outside of the housing is
thoroughly toweled dry before opening up. After removing the lid and servicing the camera, replace the lid
straight away, rather than leaving it lying around. Before replacing the lid, make sure that no
contamination such as dust, hair, salt, sand etc. has fallen onto the O-ring or O-ring recess, as a
precaution we recommend to inspect the O-ring every time the lid is opened and to carry out the
maintenance if necessary.
Procedure:
• Place the lid on a firm non-slip level surface.
• The O-ring can be extracted using an O-ring extractor tool (make sure the tool as no sharp edges).
Alternatively use the flats of the thumbs to gently stretch the O-ring on two faces (Fig. 4) thus making a
small loop protruding a few mm. The loop can then be grasped between finger and thumb, to pull the
O-ring over the lip.
• Clean the O-ring recess (the square groove where the O-ring sits) with a cotton bud.
• Inspect the O-ring all the way round its surface for damage such as cuts tears or contamination. This
should be done visually and also by feeling the surface texture between finger and thumb.
• IF THE O-RING IS DAMAGED OR SUSPECTED OF BEING DAMAGED, DISCARD IT
IMMEDIATELY. A spare O -ring is supplied with your housing, or a replacement O-ring can be obtained
from 10 BAR. If the O-ring is contaminated or suspected of being contaminated, clean it with a cotton
cloth that is free of all chemicals or contamination. After cleaning inspect the O-ring again.
• Once the O-ring has been inspected and verified fit for use, apply a SMALL amount of Silicone grease to
the O-ring. The silicone grease must be evenly distributed round the O-ring
• Replace the O-ring into the groove; run a finger round the O-ring, to make sure it is snugly seated in the
groove.
(Fig. 4) Stretch the O-ring
4.7 Mounting the camera in the housing:
Remove the lens cap and wrist strap. The pressure release plug should be pulled out before
inserting the camera. Attach the plastic slide tray to the camera’s tripod mounting fixture with a coin,
screwdriver or the end of the universal tool supplied (Fig. 5). Take care not to excessively tighten the
screw. Slide the camera into the body along the guide rail (Fig. 6). Make sure the camera body reach the
limit and test the function of the on/of button on the body of the housing. Slide the hot shoe plug into the
hot shoe (Fig. 7) Note: If you find that the buttons do not align properly with the controls, please check
again that the camera is properly seated to the limit of the guide rail.
(Fig. 5)
(Fig. 6)
(Fig. 7)
(Fig. 8)
(Fig. 9)
Replace the lid (Fig. 8). Remember to ensure the pressure release plug is pulled all the way out while
closing, otherwise the air cannot escape. Squeeze the lid closed all the way with the hissing of expelled air.
Screw home (CLOCKWISE) the pressure release plug (Fig. 9). There is no need to excessively tighten
this plug. The seal is made by internal O-rings. The O-ring on the underside of the plug is just to keep out
dirt.
After replacing the lid, make a final visual inspection of the main O-ring for contamination (Fig. 10).
(Fig. 10)
Note: If the O-ring is in good contact, a thin black line, about 0.5 to 1mm in width should be
visible, where the O-ring is in contact with the lid. Follow this line all the way round the edge
of the seal, as a final check that the seal is good. The housing is now ready for the dive.
Important !!! Before diving, make sure the pressure release plug is pushed
back inside and then screwed home, do not over tighten this plug (finger
tight only).
5. Use & Care of Housing:
5.1 Pre Dive Function Check.
Just before entering the water, make a habit of reviewing that you have carried out the
proper steps to close the housing. and the pressure release plug screwed home. Make a
visual check of the O-ring seal. It is also useful to switch on the camera, and check that
controls e.g. on/off, zoom, shutter functions operate normally.
ꢀ Check housing is closed.
ꢀ Close pressure release plug
ꢀ Check battery and memory card status on the LCD display.
ꢀ Check control knob and zoom function.
If there is a large change of temperature and the housing is not opened for maintenance
between dives, it is recommended to equalize the possible pressure difference between the
inside of the housing and the ambient by opening the pressure release plug and close it
firmly subsequently. Always avoid submerging the housing in hot water for a prolonged time
or a cleansing tank where the water may be heated up by the sun.
5.2 General Operation.
The control levers and push buttons consist of internal double O-ring seals on a stainless steel
shaft. This arrangement is very reliable, however as a precaution, when operating the controls, avoid
excessively rapid movements, as this may distort the O-ring. Also please allow for the fact that the camera
takes a few seconds to power on. If the camera dose not appear to respond to a control action, make sure
that no other controls are pressing on the camera, i.e. locking out further actions. Wear the wrist strap; it
is easy to inadvertently let go of the housing, especially if you are distracted.
5.3 Cleaning & Storage.
The body & lid of the housing are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was selected for its
outstanding strength stiffness, hardness and toughness. As well as its crystal clear transparency and high
gloss surface. It has good resistance to weathering, although long term exposure to sunlight should be
avoided. Normal operating temperature range is 3°C to 36°C (Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C) It is
good practice to rinse off your housing with fresh water after every dive. Avoid exposure to fine sand.
After a series of 10 or more dives, e.g. after a dive holiday, it is recommended to immerse the housing for
2-3 hours in warm water to dissolve any salt deposits that may have built up. No chemical cleaners should
be used. Mild detergents e.g. shampoo and soap based cleaners are permitted.
Important !!! Some household chemicals may harm Polycarbonate; the
housing should never be exposed to the following classes of chemicals:
benzene, toluene, xylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, methanol, any other solvents,
strong acids and bases.
For long term storage please remove the main o-ring from body.
5.4 Transportation.
When transporting by air, please ensure the housing is not sealed, to allow the air pressure to
equalize. Either remove the O -ring (recommended), or open the pressure release port (a spacer is
provided to keep the pressure plug in the open position, please make sure there is no bending of the plug
while open). Please protect the housing during transportation. It is recommended to remove the handle,
and shutter extension, and wrap the camera in foam or bubble wrap.
5.5 Accidents.
The impact resistance of the housing is excellent. However after an accident the alignment of
the housing may have been damaged. Therefore in the event of your housing suffering an impact force,
e.g. being dropped, it is essential you do not use the housing for diving. Please return the housing
immediately for service. Please put a note inside to indicate the nature of the accident, so that the severity
can be assessed.
6. Service
To ensure the continued performance of your housing, it should be serviced every year, or after
every 200 dives. Please note the terms for servicing the housing posted at our website. A full service will
include:
• Inspection of all components for wears or damage (report if repair necessary)
• Cleaning of all sealing surfaces, and replacement of all O-ring seals.
• Hydrostatic pressure test to 10 Bar.
Note: the replacement of damaged components (except replacement O-rings) may require
additional cost.
7. Warranty
The warranty is valid within two years from the date of first purchase. The warranty
applies only to the housing itself. 10 BAR does not accept any liability either
implicit or otherwise for any equipment housed inside, or used together
with the housing. In the event of the housing flooding within the period of warranty, 10
BAR will repair or replace the housing. Please note that disassembly of the housing will
invalidate warranty. Please fill in the information below, and return a copy to 10 Bar
Underwater Housing at the address below, to validate the warranty.
Housing Type :
Date of Purchase :
Serial Number : (Labeled inside housing)
Dealer :
Owner’s Name :
e-mail :
Address:
Tel :
Fax :
Office & Showroom:
Unit C, 2/F., Wing Hin Factory Building, 31-33 Ng Fong St.,
San Po Kong, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852) 2573 3228 Fax: (852) 2811 9180.
Please keep this document for future reference
(Note: due to continuous improvement the latest model housing may differ slightly form those described in this
document)
(Copy to be returned to 10 Bar Underwater Housings)
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