How To Look After An Underwater Camera

Ten Tips For The Care And Maintenance Of A Scuba Diving Camera

Nov 9, 2008

An underwater camera needs to be well maintained as a small lapse in maintenance can result in the significant costs of a flooded camera.

The underwater camera has opened up a new field for sportdivers. The memories a underwater camera can provide are an important record of the dive. Memories of dives many years ago can be recalled and shared with family and friends. But this is only possible if the camera is well maintained.

The underwater world, with its high pressures, poses a huge risk for taking sensitive electronic equipment, like today’s cameras, underwater. With even the most basic underwater photography set-up costing a significant amount it is worth looking after.

The following ten tips can help ensure an underwater camera will provide many years of faithful diving service.

1) Always rinse the camera in fresh water as soon as possible after every dive. At the end of the diving day, soak the closed camera in lukewarm water for a few hours turning the controls occasionally. This dissolves all the salt crystals.

2) Before opening the camera ensure the camera is dry. Open it in such a way that any water will not fall back into the camera.

3) When stored for a month or longer, remove any batteries. They could leak and damage the internals.

4) Keep cameras in a safe secure place when divers and their equipment are moving around, for example on boat dives or gearing up for shore dives.

5) Never jump into the water holding the camera as the sudden splash in the water could force water past the O rings. Have someone reliable pass the camera over the side of the boat or from the shore. Also, at the end of the dive, pass the camera to someone reliable before exiting.

6) If possible, use a lens filter or lens protector while diving. A smashed lens underwater will ruin both the camera and the lens.

7) Check the user serviceable O rings every time the camera is opened. Check for sand, dirt, or other foreign matter on the O ring or on the mating surfaces. The tiniest spec of hard material can result in water passing the O ring and getting into the camera. A cracked, perished or damaged O ring should be replaced before using the camera underwater.

8) The camera should be regularly serviced by a qualified technician. Among other things, this is to check the O rings that cannot be accessed by the user.

9) If the camera floods, even a small amount of water, send it to a qualified repairer immediately.

10) The camera straps should be secure. A loose strap could result in a camera and strobe falling into a watery abyss.

For other scuba diving articles that may be of interest, refer to The Scuba Dive Plan.

The copyright of the article How To Look After An Underwater Camera in Scuba Diving is owned by Bruce Iliff. Permission to republish How To Look After An Underwater Camera in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.