D90 Shutter Release Button Breaking Off

[VinoBambinos]

My wife has an Ikelite DSLR housing for her Nikon D90, last year during a trip the shutter release button snapped off during a dive. We sent it back to Nikon for repair, last week while diving in Utila the same thing happened on the second day of a week long dive trip.

This is very frustrating, one of our Dive masters carries two D90 bodies for that very reason.

Does Ikelite have a fix for this, as it seems the release arm is torqing the button as opposed to pressing straight down?

Vino

 

[Ikelite Staff]

My wife has an Ikelite DSLR housing for her Nikon D90, last year during a trip the shutter release button snapped off during a dive. We sent it back to Nikon for repair, last week while diving in Utila the same thing happened on the second day of a week long dive trip.

This is very frustrating, one of our Dive masters carries two D90 bodies for that very reason.

Does Ikelite have a fix for this, as it seems the release arm is torqing the button as opposed to pressing straight down?

Vino

Vino,

The high grade stainless steel shafts used for housing controls are designed to be bent and adapted to specific camera controls as needed. It sounds like you need a slight adjustment to the end of the control shaft. Remove the rubber tip on the control shaft end. Using pliers, bend the end of the shaft up or down slightly and replace the tip. Install the camera in the housing and retry the shutter control. Repeat this process until you feel the rubber tip is centered on the camera shutter button, when in use.

If you would prefer, you can send the housing to the Ikelite Service Department at the following address, and we can make the adjustment for you. Make sure to include a cover letter stating the problem or a printed copy of this forum thread.

Ikelite Underwater Systems
Attn: Service Dept.
50 West 33rd St.,
Indpls., IN 46208

Best Regards,

Brett Foster - Ikelite

 

[weeksd]

My dive buddy had the same happen in an aquatica housing. Aquatica did release a different part to replace the original design. Its only on the nikon d90 cameras as my d40x camera in the aquatica housing is fine. With the new part from aquatica he has had no problem with the button. Over 4000 pictures after new shutter button design and no problem. Ikelite should know about this problem with the d90 button design and build a new shutter part as aquatica did.

 

[VinoBambinos]

Vino,
If you would prefer, you can send the housing to the Ikelite Service Department at the following address, and we can make the adjustment for you. Make sure to include a cover letter stating the problem or a printed copy of this forum thread.

Ikelite Underwater Systems
Attn: Service Dept.
50 West 33rd St.,
Indpls., IN 46208

Best Regards,

Brett Foster - Ikelite

Brett, I am not sure I want to be bending anything on the housing...what will the charge be for having Ikelite make the adjustment? And would I need to send the camera?

Thanks,
Vino

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Brett, I am not sure I want to be bending anything on the housing...what will the charge be for having Ikelite make the adjustment? And would I need to send the camera?

Thanks,
Vino

Vino,

No problem at all. There will be no charge for the adjustment and it is not necessary to send in your camera, as we have one.

Best Regards,

Brett Foster - Ikelite

 

[Diver Dave1]

This issue has happened to many people and many housings with the D90, myself included. I had my Nexus housing modified to correct the issue as well.
A temp. field fix that works is to tape the button back in place with duct tape. The button will still be in the housing when it breaks. Taping it works, which is what I did. This lasted without problems for 24 dives during a dive vacation. I sent it back to Nikon to have it fixed when I returned.
After the housing modification, no more trouble.
duct tape is easy to take with you, just wrap some around a pencil for transport on vacations.

The real issue is the Nikon design. The shutter release is not metal, its plastic with a very thin connection under the button - far to easy to break. The D70 shutter release is a far better design.

 

[VinoBambinos]

Brett,

Any idea how long it will take to get back? We are heading to Bonaire on April 13th...can I expect it will be back before then if I ship tomorrow?

Thanks,
Vino

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Brett,

Any idea how long it will take to get back? We are heading to Bonaire on April 13th...can I expect it will be back before then if I ship tomorrow?

Thanks,
Vino

Vino,

Normally we have a 2 week turnaround time, so shouldn't be a problem for your trip.

Best Regards,

Brett

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Brett,

Any idea how long it will take to get back? We are heading to Bonaire on April 13th...can I expect it will be back before then if I ship tomorrow?

Thanks,
Vino

Vino,

Could you please contact the Ikelite Service Department with your contact information? Our Service Dept. received your equipment, but does not have the necessary return information. You can send it to repair@ikelite.com or call 1-317-923-4523 M-F from 9-3pm EST.

Best Regards,

Brett

 

[VinoBambinos]

Brett,

I called today to give them return information, thanks again for all your help on this.

Vino