Fantasea FFL 50 Flash Housing for the Olympus FL50 Flash
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GENERAL INFORMATION
FANTASEA FFL 50 FLASH HOUSING
Specifically designed housing for the Olympus FL50 Speedlight.
The FFL 50 provides full controls for all flash functions including TTL when used with the FE-330 Camera
Housing for the Olympus E330. Does not include 5 pin Nikonos type sync cord.
GENERAL FLASH HOUSING DESCRIPTION
The Fantasea FFL 50 is rated to a maximum working depth of 60m/200 ft. It is an injection molded plastic
housing, constructed to take the rigorous environments that underwater photographers and outdoor
photographers experience, and will protect the Olympus FL50 Speedlight in these demanding activities. The
housing offers push button controls which provide access to the all the important controls and features of
the flash.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Test Pressure
Closure Design
Body Material
Overall Size
Fantasea Housings are individually tested to 300 feet
Air Lock
Polycarbonate
180 x 110 x 210 mm (DxWxH)
Approximately 1 Kg (Housing only)
Total Weight
Buoyancy
(with camera)
Approximately neutral in salt water
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FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDED WITH THE HOUSING
FEATURES:
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Visible main gasket seal for final pre-dive check
Double O-ring design on all controls
Bulkhead and hotshoe plug for external TTL strobe
ACCESSORIES INCLUDED:
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Spare main gasket seal
Universal tool
Silicone O-ring grease
Cleaning Kit
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FUNCTION CONTROLS
1. Mode
To select the flash control mode and is shown on the control panel.
2. Zoom
This is to adjust the firing angle.
3. Test
Dual purpose for Auto Check and Test flash activation.
4. Power
Power button for Off and On.
5. Aperture
Mode A to select the set up mode. The guide number [GN] is also set up.
6. ISO
Mode B to select light intensity value.
7. Light
FIGURE 1: BACK OF HOUSING
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MAINTENANCE OF THE MAIN GASKET SEAL
Each housing is individually inspected and hydrostatically tested in the factory. The design of the main
gasket seal is among the most reliable in the industry and the watertight integrity is excellent. This special
gasket design provides a perfect seal even if there is any movement between the body and lid due to change
of ambient pressure.
WITH THIS IN MIND…
The gasket seal is the only barrier between the water outside and the air space within the flash. It is an
effective barrier only if the seal is properly maintained. The gasket seal should be inspected before every
dive. The following information is provided for your guidance in using and maintaining the gasket seal.
MAINTAINING THE GASKET SEAL
If the main body to lid gasket is not installed, install the gasket before diving. This is the only user
serviceable gasket. Its care and maintenance is critical to the watertight integrity of the housing. The gasket
should be replaced at the proper service interval (see Section on Service). If the gasket is contaminated, or
not already installed, inspect and install the gasket according to the following guidelines.
GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION, CLEANING AND RE-INSTILLATION OF THE GASKET
Materials Needed:
You will require a soft cotton cloth or q-tip. Make sure these are free of all chemicals or contamination such
as loose fibers You can moisten the cotton or cloth and wipe the surface of gasket clean—no silicon grease
or lubricant is necessary It is advised to carry out the following procedure on a firm clean level surface, e.g.
at a table), to prevent skidding. This is especially useful if you are doing this maintenance from your diving
boat as it moves.
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When to Maintain the Gasket Seal:
Remove the gasket periodically for inspection. It is not necessary to remove, clean and re-install the gasket
after every dive provided the gasket did not become contaminated. The flash housing may be required to be
opened between dives, to recharge the batteries. Before opening, make sure the outside of the housing is
thoroughly toweled dry. After removing the lid and servicing the flash, 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, etc. has fallen onto the gasket or its recess.
Procedure for Gasket Maintenance:
1.
2.
Place the lid on a firm non-slip level surface.
The gasket can be extracted using an gasket extractor tool (make sure the tool
has no sharp edges). Alternatively use the flat surface of your thumbs to gently
stretch the gasket on two faces [Figure 2] thus making a small loop protruding a
few mm. The loop can then be grasped between finger and thumb, to pull the
gasket over the lip.
FIGURE 2: PROVIDING A LOOP IN THE GASKET
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3.
4.
Clean the seal recess (the square groove where the gasket sits) with a cotton bud.
Inspect the gasket 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.
5.
IF THE GASKET IS DAMAGED OR SUSPECTED OF BEING DAMAGED,
DISCARD IT IMMEDIATELY. A spare gasket is supplied with your housing,
or a replacement gasket can be obtained from Fantasea. If the gasket 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 gasket
again.
6.
Replace the gasket into the groove; run a finger round the gasket to make sure it
is snugly seated in the groove.
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EXCLUSIVE PRESSURE RELEASE PLUG
The body and lid are uniquely designed with a "no clip" closure arrangement. Our testing has shown that
this arrangement allows the water to exert an even pressure on the O-ring, thus increasing the reliability of
the watertight seal. To open the housing, the pressure release plug must be first unscrewed and then pulled
all the way out. This provides a channel for the air to pass though and eliminate the pressure differential
between the inside of the housing and the ambient air pressure.
The plug consists of an internal double O-ring seal on a 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 [dirt or salt] of the slide shaft, and is not required for watertight integrity. If this O-ring
should become detached, it can simply be pushed back in place.
Before diving, make sure the pressure release plug is
pushed closed, and then screwed home, do not over tighten
this plug (finger tighten only).
Important!
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OPENING LEVERS
After unscrewing and pulling out the pressure release plug, the lid can be opened. To overcome the friction
of opening, two levers are used to push against the lid with a cam action. On some models these opening
levers are bolted to the body. On the other models, they are detachable levers.
Be sure they are inserted all the way flat to the housing
before turning to avoid damaging the protrusions on the
lid.
Important!
The body has two holes on opposite corner edges of the housing for opening. Gently lever off the lid with
the supplied cams taking care not to twist the lid excessively. The lid should be opened keeping it
approximately parallel to the body at all times. If using a single lever, turn first one side a little, then the
other an equal amount, 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.
Cam Levers
Cam Lever in Housing
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MOUNTING THE SPEEDLIGHT IN THE HOUSING
INSERTING
Since the Fantasea FFL 50 Flash Housing was specifically designed for the Olympus FL50 Speedlight,
insertion is a simple matter of placing the flash into the housing. Make sure the flash is properly aligned and
that it sits perfectly flat. There are no screws or mounts to worry about or any other alignments once the
flash is properly inserted.
Set the flashlight in an upright position. Slide the flashlight all the way into the hot shoe of the housing until
it stops
1. It is recommended first to attach the flash to the camera's
ꢀNotes:
hot shoe to determine if it is functioning properly.
2. Once this is determined, insert both into their respective
housings.
Turn the lock ring follow the direction “LOCK”. Take care not to excessively tighten the screw. Note: If
you find that control levers do not locate properly with the buttons, please check again that the flashlight is
properly seated to the limit of the guide rail.
FIGURE 3: SLIDE IN AND LOCK THE FLASHLIGHT
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FIGURE 4: REPLACE THE LID
CLOSE HOUSING
1. Place housing back over front and align the complete mating surface of the housing and the
gasket, forming a proper seal.
2. Ensure that the pressure release plug is pulled all the way out while closing, otherwise the air
cannot escape.
3. Squeeze the lid closed all the way, you will hear the hiss of air being expelled.
4. Screw home the pressure release plug; you need not excessively tighten this plug. The seal is
made by the internal O-rings. The O-ring on the underside of the plug is just to keep out dirt
and other debris. Plug is shown in Figure 4 above.
5. Inspect the gasket seal for proper closure. A complete seal can be visually confirmed by
looking for the black line made by the gasket around the complete circumference of the
housing.
After replacing the lid, make a final visual inspection of the main gasket for
Note!
contamination. The seal is made by the internal gasket.
FIGURE 5: INSPECTION OF O-RING
If the gasket is in good contact, a thin black line, about 0.5-1mm in
width should be visible where the gasket is in contact with the lid.
Follow this line all the way round the edge of the seal as a final check
Note!
that the seal is good. The housing is now ready for the dive.
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ATTACHING THE SYNC CORD
The sync cord is a 5 pin Nikonos type sync cord. The sync cord connects the flash to the camera housing.
Both ends of the cord are identical so either side can be inserted into the flash and camera housings.
When you insert the cord into the port you must exercise caution—the pins inside the cord are delicate and
must not be damaged.
1. Unscrew the port cover cap and store in a safe place. Gently and accurately attach the sync
cord to the port of the flash housing.
2. While securing the position of the sync connector, screw it into the housing using the locking
screw of the sync cord.
LINE UP THE CORD TO THE HOUSING IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
On the side of the housing port notice a simple alignment indicator [dot].
The 5 pin cord contains a small channel [groove] between 2 of the female
Caution
pins of the cord.
You must insert the cord into the port so the groove is aligned with the
indicator of the housing. This assures proper alignment. Hold firmly in place
while fastening locking screw.
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ATTACHING FLASH HOUSING TO ARM
You can either use the Fantasea Flex or Ball and Joint Arms to attach the flash housing to the camera
housing.
Other arm systems can be used and Fantasea offers adapters to make this possible. Please check with
Fantasea or your dealer regarding compatibility issues.
Insert the flat rounded end of the arm into the housing clamp and align so the threaded stainless steel pin can
be inserted.
The pin goes through the non-threaded section of the clamp first and exits through the threaded section and
is secured. There is no need for the use of force. See photo below.
The other end of the arm attaches to the housing tray or atop the contoured handles of the Fantasea FE-330
camera housing.
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BATTERY LIFE
The Ni Cad and alkaline batteries used with the flash are very efficient and usually last for more than one
typical photo dive.
It is always wise to have backup batteries in case you do run out of power. The Ni Cad batteries can be
recharged many times and offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to one-use
disposable batteries. Check the users manual of the Olympus FL50 Speedlight for confirmation of
compatibility with other batteries.
CLEANING & STORAGE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The body and lid of the housing are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was selected for its outstanding
tensile strength, hardness, toughness and its crystal clear transparency/ high gloss surface. It has good
resistance to weathering, although long-term exposure to sunlight should be avoided. The normal operating
temperature range is from 3°C to 36°C [37-97°F]--Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C) [14-122°F]
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.
Polycarbonate may be harmed by some household chemicals--the
housing should never be exposed to the following classes of chemicals:
Important!
benzene, toluene, xylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, methanol,
any other solvents, strong acids and bases
FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE PLEASE REMOVE THE MAIN BODY TO LID GASKET.
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TRAVELING
When transporting by air, please ensure the housing is not sealed to allow the air pressure to equalize;
removing the gasket is recommended.
Please protect the housing during transportation by wrapping it in foam or other protective wrapping.
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 we can assess the course of
action to take to renovate the housing.
Always take the first dive without your flash in the housing just to make sure there is
no leakage from damage to the housing. During the dive—especially at the beginning
of descent—take special care to look at the housing to make sure no bubbles are
Note!
escaping from it and that no water is entering. Generally, if there is a problem with the
seal, you will discover it in the first seconds of the dive.
SERVICE
It is recommended to have annual maintenance of all Fantasea housings. It is likewise recommended to use
an authorized Fantasea Service Center for this purpose. Please contact Fantasea Line by email:
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 gasket seals.
Hydrostatic pressure test
Note: the replacement of damaged components (except replacement gasket) may require additional cost.
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WARRANTY
FANTASEA HOUSINGS ONE YEAR CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY
In order to receive warranty service register your Fantasea Housing you must present your proof of
purchase, indicating the date on which the purchase was made.
This product is warranted by Fantasea Line to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of purchase. During this period, if the product is found to be defective in its
materials or workmanship, Fantasea Line or its authorized service facilities will [at its option] either repair
or replace this product without charge. The following conditions apply:
1. This warranty extends to the original purchaser only. It is not assignable or transferable.
2. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, negligence, or accidents.
Proper maintenance of the Housing is the responsibility of the owner.
3. The warranty does not cover damage directly or indirectly resulting from the use of unauthorized
replacement parts or service performed by unauthorized facilities.
4. This warranty does not cover any damage to a camera, lens or any other product used in conjunction
with the Fantasea Housing, and resulting from any defect in the Housing materials or workmanship.
5. The warranty does not cover any incidental damages resulting from any defects in the product.
This expressly includes any travel reimbursements or any other costs associated with the purchaser
optional use of the product.
The conditions of this warranty are expressly in lieu of all other expressed warranties, including the
payment of consequential or incidental damages for the breach of any warranty. The duration of this
warranty is for one year from the date of purchase.
Please refer to the Fantasea web site for contact information for additional service and maintenance
information.
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