Canon Underwater Housing Proven Loser/Leaker

[Craigus]

That's a bummer, golfdiver! Good thing your camera wasn't damaged! We have a WP-DC300 and haven't had a problem with it. I suppose that not having a replacable O-ring on the function button is a function of paying a couple of hundred bucks for a housing as opposed to $800-$1000 for the housing. We'll definitely watch this critter. Thanks for the warning!

Let's get wet! almtree:
Eric.

 

[DesertEagle]

Everyone should consider taking their housing to a reputable shop for service at the right intervals. I think of it as if I am changing the oil in my car. My Aquatica housing goes in every year and all the o-rings are changed. Then the housing is pressure tested. It costs me about $150 but is cheaper than replacing the whole setup! Servicing one of the Canon or Oly PT housings costs a lot less and is a worthy investment.

 

[jhelmuth]

That's a bummer, golfdiver! Good thing your camera wasn't damaged! We have a WP-DC300 and haven't had a problem with it. I suppose that not having a replacable O-ring on the function button is a function of paying a couple of hundred bucks for a housing as opposed to $800-$1000 for the housing. We'll definitely watch this critter. Thanks for the warning!

Let's get wet! almtree:
Eric.

The Olympus PT-015 housing has replaceable button O-rings and I bought mine for $138. I'd avoid the cannon housings (or any housing which does not have that feature).

 

[jcclink]

I also have a WP-DC300. The control o-rings ARE replaceable (I just double checked). Someone just isn't looking close enough. They are assembled like the PT housings. A very small snap ring is located inside the housing just above the rubber tip on the control shaft. Remove tip & snap ring. Pull out shaft/button from the outside. The same company makes ALL of these acrylic housings, & should basically be assembled the same way. The hardest part is finding the correct size o-rings. They meet a Japanese specification (metric), different from standard US sizes. Should not replace with US sizes - dimension are not close enough to insure a proper seal.

 

[Groundhog246]

They meet a Japanese specification (metric), different from standard US sizes. Should not replace with US sizes - dimension are not close enough to insure a proper seal.

Metric is "European", although many other countries use it. Outside of the US, it is considered the standard. If you can't find metric O-rings in the US, they're easy enough to get next door in Canada.

 

[jcclink]

These o-rings meet a JIS spec (Japanese Industrial Standard). They are available in the US but supply is limited to a few vendors. Maybe in Canada, maybe not. They're just hard to find.

 

[shark50]

Dee, thanks a lot for the advice here! I know it may not seem like much to those of you with a lot of experience but I am a rookie dig cam owner and I can definitely file this away for later. Thanks again.

 

[Dee]

Dee, thanks a lot for the advice here! I know it may not seem like much to those of you with a lot of experience but I am a rookie dig cam owner and I can definitely file this away for later. Thanks again.

You're Welcome!

Those of us with experience were rookies once too, ya know. There were a couple of experienced photogs who helped me with all the same questions you're having, I'm just passing along the favor! Glad I could help.

 

[Saturation]

These o-rings meet a JIS spec (Japanese Industrial Standard). They are available in the US but supply is limited to a few vendors. Maybe in Canada, maybe not. They're just hard to find.

Thanks JC, but how to you replace them in the case?

 

[gulfdiver]

I also have a WP-DC300. The control o-rings ARE replaceable (I just double checked). Someone just isn't looking close enough. They are assembled like the PT housings. A very small snap ring is located inside the housing just above the rubber tip on the control shaft. Remove tip & snap ring. Pull out shaft/button from the outside. The same company makes ALL of these acrylic housings, & should basically be assembled the same way. The hardest part is finding the correct size o-rings. They meet a Japanese specification (metric), different from standard US sizes. Should not replace with US sizes - dimension are not close enough to insure a proper seal.

I tossed the letter from Canon USA that said the o-rings are not replaceable. Sorry. Interesting they don't know?

Did you mic the o-rings or just take one into to a fitting supply outlet to get the right ones?

Thanks,

gd