Help before its too late...

[Mercury]

I am new to underwater photography I just got a G9 with the housing that Canon makes for it, and i am gonna take it with me next weekend. I know how to take care of the main o-ring (much help I found in the site) but how about the rest of the buttons and mechanical swithes that are on the case. A guy that has same experience with Ikelite told me that have to be cleaned and maintained properly or they will leak, but I have no idea how. I have Aquaseal silicon spray, would it be a good idea to spray some on the small axels, springs and o-rings? Is it true that to much silicon grease makes the o-ring to deteriorate?
Finally I am going to take the camera near its depth limit, 40m,
Is there anyone with Canon housing that took it to this depth? Did it stay dry inside?
Thats all for the moment guys, Thanks.

 

[scottg541]

I put about 100 dives on a couple different canon housings and just rinsed and occasionally soaked the buttons (pressing them in while rinsing)... both eventually became a bit sticky, but the housings had put in a good amount of dives by then. I didn't stay right on top of this, i might have only done a thorough job soaking once every 20, but tried to rinse well after each time.

Scott

 

[TaoH]

I think with buttons/controls, the proper way would be to disassemble and replace all seals. Canon does not mention this but I wouldn't be surprised if their o-rings go flat.

There's a shop I know of in Monterey that will service the seals on camera housings, but I don't know if they will do Canon housing: Backscatter Underwater Camera Service & Repair

I've had my Canon housing for 2-3 years now and I soak for a few hours in lukewarm water after use and operate all controls while submerging the housing. I've never had my seals serviced, but I've only taken my housing as far as 20 meters.

If your seals don't leak past the depth limits, you might find that your buttons will be held down by the pressure at depth.

 

[txdano]

Good advice from all above. I like to give my housing a good soaking and push the buttons/turn the dials a lot to get any sand or salt crunchies out. One other tip, if you have not got your housing wet yet, it is not a bad idea to drop in a pool or something with a weight inside first before you chance your camera. This helps make sure that things are not defective and that you assembled it correctly.

 

[Mercury]

Thanks to all. I think its good advice to pressure-test it first without the camera and thats what Im gonna do. Thanks

 

[bowlofpetunias]

I've been diving with the same housing for 150 dives or so. After the dive I always rinse immediately with fresh water before I put it in the dive tub. At home I soak it in warm water with my regs and press buttons turn dials. It doesn't take long to do it every time if you just make it a habit from the start.
I also put a very small packet of silicate crystals in the housing with the camera for the dives to absorb any moisture that may get into the housing. I've never had problem with fogging lenses or anything this way. Just be careful of the size and location of the packet of crystals so it doesn't interfere with the camera. Have fun... cameras add so much to the dive experience.

 

[Adriaan557]

I would definately not use the silicone spray!!! I've heard that it is best to use only Canon silicone grease on canon o-rings since some other makes can deterioate the o-ring.... how true that is I don't know but to be safe I stick the canon supplied grease or one of the brands that specificaly state that they are suitable for Canon. When I bought my strobe a few months back sales person specifically told me not the use the strobe o-ring grease on the canon housing.

Maybe someone of the experts here on SB can shed some light on the subject?

 

[fugu42]

Do NOT use spray silicone. May cause damage to plastics.

If you wish to extend life of a plastic housing rinse, then soak, in clean water after dives, working each button.

If you wish to "grease" controls you'll need the correct silicone O-ring grease and a small wood toothpick. Once a year is probably enough.
Fully depress each control and from the INSIDE of the housing dab a tiny amount of grease on each shaft. Let the button retract and work the control to get the grease up into the O-ring.

If this camera cannot be replaced then let a UW photo-repair-shop do it. They have the tools to remove and replace the tiny circlips that capture the control shafts & buttons and a supply of the clips & springs that may be lost or damaged.