DC 1000 issues (Shutter release)

[gutholmj]

I can only add that you are not alone here. I'm on my 3rd housing. My opinion is that the housing is defective by design. Specifically, the way the shutter button on the housing is offset from the position on the camera, the housing shaft has a sideways force applied to it causing it to stick. It's pretty easy to see this by pushing down the button on the housing outside and then use your finger on the inside of the housing to push up on the arm where the camera button would contact it. The other buttons on the back that have offsets are designed differently. The housing will work fine when new and then start sticking. I have about 5000 photos on the 3 housings. I spend a lot of time using the shutter half-presses to focus and compose and I'm sure this exacerbates the problem but the housing should be able to handle the use. My housing is starting to stick again so now it's time to go back and try to get it fixed again but I'm not hopeful. My latest housing is 6 months old and I've only had the whole package for about 9 months. To the credit of the Sealife support staff, they've been great about replacing the housings but this is not sufficient to rectify the problem.

 

[danny.l]

It keeps wondering me that sealife doesn't come with a solution!
It's not normal we all have the same problem and sealife is keeping changing houses.
They better came with a root cause, and give their customers a good solution!

Why don't they . . . . ? ? ? ?

 

[jackswr]

I think after 4 new housings....I've found the solution. I got upgraded to the DC 1200. Just got it in the mail Friday. Haven't used it yet, but looking at it, It looks like it will be great.

Talk to a rep and see if they'll upgrade you to the 1200.

 

[rob1967]

Yep, same problem here. The shutter release started sticking at depth when the camera was a few months old. Got a new housing, was fine for a few months, now, the last 3 dives, same problem, it keeps sticking at depth. Very annoying. Does anybody know of a fix? I tried putting silicone lube on it, no help.

I guess I will just have to go back to the dive shop and beg for a new 1200.

 

[danny.l]

Look Here
I found a solution on a forum in the netherlands.
They modified the piece inside.
Stronger and holes in it . . . .
Joe, do you know more of it????



I went to my dealer and I get the message that Sealife is working on a solution.
Next week I hope to hear what it can be.

 

[P Stickman]

I am having the same issue with my dc800. I have sent it in for a full maintenance check and waiting for it to come back. After reading this I am not to optimistic. I would have thought that a stiffer spring is all it would have taken. Hmmm.

 

[applecorps]

I've used my DC1000 housing without problems for two years. Yes, after each use (saltwater at depth) I rinse well in freshwater combined with some salt dissolving solution as is common with flushing saltwater outboards. Even, so, after it dries, ALL the buttons will stick lightly before loosening up. Wiping a very small amount of silicone on the outside and inside surfaces of the buttons solves and preserves the part surfaces and, so far, has eliminated any inability to use all the buttons, including the shutter, while diving. While Sealife may not be emphatic about proper care of the housing buttons, saltwater residue cannot be ignored and proper care should permit successful use of the housing for a long time - providing there is no true manufacturer's defect.

While Sealife is specific about NOT putting silicone on the O-ring of the housing, cleaning it after each use will likewise go a long way to avoiding flooding problems due to damage or improper placement.

 

[Sask Diver]

I just picked up the 1000 elite the other day, I wish I would have read this thread first.

 

[danny.l]

Because of this problem I changed to DC1200

 

[AfterDark]

I think after 4 new housings....I've found the solution. I got upgraded to the DC 1200. Just got it in the mail Friday. Haven't used it yet, but looking at it, It looks like it will be great.

Talk to a rep and see if they'll upgrade you to the 1200.

What are you doing to recharge the battery? I had the same issue and received a DC1200 replacement for my DC1000. I don't see a port to plug the charger into.