Ikelite viewfinder is a bit foggy

[D200]

The viewfinder on my d200 housing (a few years old) is a bit foggy now, making it difficult to frame perfectly. It's hard to see if this is caused by contamination within the viewfinder or degradation of the outer surface(s). Is it possible to disassemble the viewfinder to clean/polish the lenses/elements? The ring on the outside of the viewfinder has two slots which implies that it is to turn the ring, but is that to install the viewfinder itself into the housing or to remove that element of the viewfinder? Without a cross-section of the viewfinder it is impossible to tell.
Can someone clarify (sorry for the pun) how the viewfinder is assembled and if it can be disassembled for cleaning?

Many thanks

 

[blibecap]

The slots on the outside are to remove the viewfinder from the housing back. The glass and the (2) optics are held in by o-rings. How handy are you and do you feel lucky? I don't know if Ikelite services the viewfinder but if they don't what have you got to loose?

 

[D200]

thank you Bill

Is the viewfinder assembly bonded to the housing or just gasket/o-ring sealed? Don't suppose anyone has a photo of one out and disassembled (long shot I know)? I'm all for knowing as much as possible before I attempt anything.
I've been a mechanical design engineer for about 20 years and I'm quite handy.

Thanks

Andrew

 

[Ikelite Staff]

The viewfinder is not sealed from the inside of the housing, so in certain situations water could penetrate and cause fogging. We can definitely disassemble and service the viewfinder for you. I don't recommend attempting to disassemble yourself as it can be very difficult to get back together. We have specially made tools here specifically for the assembly of that piece.

If you really don't want to send it in, you can order a replacement viewfinder through Cameras Underwater in the UK. The viewfinder for the D200 housing is #9335.23.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[D200]

Thanks Jean

Yes sending back to the US from the UK just for that would be rather expensive. I'll get a price for a viewfinder from Cameras Underwater thanks for the part no.

Andrew

 

[blibecap]

The viewfinder is sealed to the case with a single o-ring. When you unscrew the viewfinder it will be very apparent.

I don't have one dissembled but do have one removed.

 

[D200]

Right, I've removed it from the housing and had a close look at it.

Ok, if I was mad enough to try and disassemble it I presume I need to remove the big o-ring around the outer lens, say with a thin plastic tool... corner of a credit card or similar?

 

[blibecap]

Yes you can try that, a guitar pick (a thin plastic triangle) works good. You can also use a safety pin to pierce the o-ring and help it out. The next two are a little harder, as it is hard to reach them.

Bill

Right, I've removed it from the housing and had a close look at it.

Ok, if I was mad enough to try and disassemble it I presume I need to remove the big o-ring around the outer lens, say with a thin plastic tool... corner of a credit card or similar?

 

[D200]

Thanks Bill... wish me luck

 

[blibecap]

No Problem, don't scratch or break the glass, you can buy new replacement o-rings if you have to. Glad to help