Checks on a second hand housing

[Paul S]

Hi all,

I'm starting out. I've had fun with photography on land with my Nikon D50, and when I saw a housing for it on eBay that'll get me in the water for about the same price as a high end P&S I went for it.

Now I'm the proud owner of a Fantasea FD-50 and FSB-800. Putting them all together last night the scale of the setup suddenly hit me, and I'm realising I've got some learning to do.

So first things first. What would people suggest I need to do to make sure that everything is in good working order? What do I need to inspect, lube, etc?

After that I'll probably ask more questions about using the thing, but let's start on dry land.

Paul

[DDT uk]

First of all stick it in the bath for a while and use all of the controls. That should show any problems. You are more likely to get a leak in very shallow water.

Then, whenever you are using it, make sure that you lube all of the user lubricated o-ring with the right grease. Difference o-ring use different types.

[TimIngmire]

Agreed. Make sure you leak test it in shallow waters before every dive - especially the first. This is just dipping the camera into the water carefully and watching for any bubbles. If there aren't any then move the camera around to see if there is any air escapaing from any part of all the seals. If there aren't any then you should be good to go. Note, if you do this without a camera then open the housing to add the camera, you should do the leak test again just to be sure no stray hair has crept across the main o-ring.

Also, get used to the housing and controls on land before taking underwater cos as sure as eggs is eggs, you will forget what each button if is for if you don't and you really don't want to waste half your dive figuring out what each button, knob, dial does. If you can try taking photos on land with your dive gloves on. The more you can acquant yourself before you dive the better you will be with it UW.

Hope that helps.

Tim