Ikelite: How To Assemble a Complete Underwater Camera System

Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing for Nikon D780 DSLR Camera

A full-featured and durable waterproof housing for Nikon D780 DSLR cameras. Suitable for scuba, snorkel, surf, pool, and any application in or around the water.
 

Nikon D780 DSLR Camera

This powerful full-frame camera has a lot to love about it, with a 24-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor and Expeed 6 processor. Thought about low-light shooting? The camera's expanded ISO range tops out at an incredible 204,800. The D780 takes UHD 4K video at 30p and 1080 full HD video at 120p.

There's an improved 51-point autofocus system when shooting through the viewfinder plus a hybrid system for much faster performance when shooting in live view mode using the camera's rear 3.2" LCD screen. A CIPA battery rating of 2200 shots per charge makes it well suited for a full day of diving and more.
 

Lens Ports

This housing features Ikelite's robust Dry Lock (DL) port system. "Dry Lock" refers to the placement of the o-ring on the outside of the port mount. This improves visibility and reduces the chances of water dropping onto your precious camera sensor. DL ports are the lightest on the market, yet robust and capable of standing up to rough surf. Attachment is quick and secure. A system of extensions can accommodate a huge variety of lenses with ease.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using simple gearing that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch knob on the side of the housing makes fine-tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. Zoom gears sold separately.
 

Confidence

The unique rear seal design prevents accidental twisting or stretching of the o-ring for simple and confident assembly. Ikelite has eliminated the need for an o-ring groove or channel which can trap sand, dirt, or debris. Three double-passivated stainless steel locking lid snaps are simple to use and virtually unbreakable. The clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, watertight seal as it closes.
 

Vacuum Testing

A vacuum valve is installed standard on the side of the housing. The vacuum valve is designed to be low profile to avoid interference with controls. The optional Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011 allows you to draw a vacuum on the housing to check for leaks before entering the water.

Drawing a vacuum on the system also provides extra security at the surface of the water, especially important when using the housing in rough surf.
 

M16 Accessory Port

The spare M16 threaded accessory port provides an attachment point for third party accessories including HDMI bulkheads.
 

TTL Exposure

This housing supports your choice of shooting with manual strobe exposure or adding a TTL converter depending on your application. The flash bulkhead is located on the top of the case to keep cords out of your way and reduce strain on the cord end.

You can enjoy the fastest and most accurate TTL exposure on the market by adding the DL1 DS Link TTL Converter # 46056 and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. The DL1 supports rear curtain synchronization and exposure compensation can be added or subtracted in the camera.

Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the TTL hotshoe or carry back up parts when traveling to remote locations.

This camera does not feature a built-in flash. Fiber optic strobes are not compatible with this system.
 

Ergonomics

Good ergonomics are critical when you need to concentrate on composition, focus, and proper exposure. Large, curved control levers put the most important controls right where you need them: shutter and autofocus (via the AF-ON button). This combination allows you to shoot with or without back button focus, an advanced technique that is useful for tack sharp focus of super macro and fast-moving subjects. Each lever can be extended using the optional Trigger Extension # 4077.93 for perfect spacing when using a right-hand handle.

The rotating controls are all operated intuitively via premium soft-touch knobs. An oversized, lobed knob puts the zoom/focus knob at your fingertips while your left-hand stays on the handle. Stainless steel, direct-drive rotating controls are virtually fail-safe and user-serviceable and adjustable in a pinch.

All rear camera buttons are accessible by smooth action, hard-anodized aluminum push buttons for reliable performance and easy maintenance. These controls are clearly labeled by laser engraving on the back of the housing that never fades or falls off.
 

Set-Up

The camera mount is front-loading for easy installation and removal. A small mounting plate attaches to the bottom of the camera and secures in the front of the housing. The camera mounting plate does not need to be removed from the camera for surface use or when changing the battery or memory cards. The mounting plate features a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the bottom so that it can be attached to a tripod on the surface.
 

Viewfinders

The camera's rear LCD screen may be tilted when attached to the camera mount and installed in the housing.

The included SuperEye Viewfinder provides an enhanced view of the camera's electronic viewfinder when viewed through a dive mask. The viewfinder removes quickly and easily for the attachment of an optional Straight Magnified Viewfinder # 6890.2 or 45° Magnified Viewfinder (Type 3) # 6891.3.
 

Handling and Travel

The housing, tray, and handles have been optimized to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability. The Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 (sold separately) can be added or removed depending on your needs. The precision-machined aluminum base features 1/4-20 tripod mounting sockets and additional mounting locations for future accessories. The base and handle can be quickly removed when breaking down your system for travel.

A 1/4-20 threaded mounting point is located front and center on the housing above the lens port mount. This mount can be used to attach lightweight accessories like a focus light or a GoPro camera.

If you're shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.07 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.

Adding a dedicated focus light to your top mount or strobe arm is highly recommended for more accurate autofocus in low light settings.
 

Durability and Corrosion-Free Performance

Ikelite's gray ABS-PC blend housing provides strength and corrosion-free performance year with minimal maintenance. ABS-PC is lighter than aluminum for convenience during travel and less drag underwater. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light color provides superior contrast for an enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.
 

Made in the USA

Ikelite products are designed, built and tested in the USA. Ikelite uses locally sourced, top-grade materials. Ikelite's housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit and function. Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m). Ikelite backs its products with over 50 years of experience and the best reputation for service within the dive industry.
 

Camera Compatibility

This housing is only compatible with Nikon D780 cameras as shipped by the manufacturer. Unless otherwise noted, this housing does not accommodate the use of add-on grips, battery grips, eyepieces, LCD covers, or other accessories.

Differences in lens and control placement prevent other Nikon camera models from being used in or adapted to this housing. Ikelite is not aware of any other models which may be used in or adapted to this particular housing.
 

Ikelite DS Strobe Compatibility

Any Ikelite DS strobe may be used in manual exposure modes by attaching one or two with a compatible electrical sync cord. Current model DS strobes may be used in TTL exposure mode by adding the optional DL1 DS Link TTL Converter and an electrical sync cord.
 

Non-Ikelite Strobe Compatibility

SEA&SEA, INON, and Retra strobes with an electrical connection can be triggered in manual exposure modes using an electrical sync cord. Strobes without an electrical sync cord connection cannot be attached to this system unless slaved off of a hard-wired strobe.
 

Ikelite Non-Digital Strobe Compatibility

Older non-digital strobes featuring an ICS-5 electrical sync cord bulkhead can be used with this system in manual exposure modes.
 

Fiber Optic Compatibility

Strobes which are only capable of being triggered fiber optically are not compatible with this housing.
 

Remote Triggering Compatibility

Strobes with remote slave capabilities may be triggered off of a flash attached to the housing by electrical sync cord. Ikelite DS strobes support remote triggering using the Optical Slave Converter # 4405 or the Water Wizard system (manufactured and sold by Aquatica).
 

Specifications

• 200' (60m) depth rating
• Compatible with DL system lens ports
• Controls are provided for all camera functions except: Diopter adjustment control; Focus selector lock; Fn button; Pv button; Release mode dial / Release mode dial lock release; Focus mode selector
• 1/4-20 thread base mounts with 3.5" spacing
• Slightly positive buoyancy in freshwater
• Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
• Housing 4.68 lb (2125 g)
• Tray with left handle 11 oz (312 g)
• 9 x 7 x 6.25" (229 x 178 x 159 mm)
• Vacuum valve included (pump sold separately)
• Included Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead connector with manual hotshoe for reliable electrical triggering of underwater strobes; Optional DL1 DS Link TTL Converter and NT3 TTL Hotshoe provide automatic exposure with compatible Ikelite DS strobes
• ABS-PC construction is fundamentally corrosion-resistant
• Made in the USA; Individually inspected for fit and water pressure tested to depth
• 2 year limited warranty

In the Box

• Housing
• Rear O-ring # 0132.59 (installed)
• Front O-ring # 0132.45 (installed)
• Zoom Gear Retainer # 75900 (installed)
• Port Hole Cover # 0200.92 (installed)
• Waterproof Bulkhead Cap # 9104.7 (installed)
• Base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.67 (installed)
• Tool for Zoom Gear Retainer # 0945.06
• .050" Hex Key # 0945.11
• 1/16" Hex Key # 0945.16
• Silicone Lubricant 1cc Tube

Optional Accessories

• Spare Rear O-Ring # 0132.59 Carry a back-up in case the original seal becomes damaged.
• Spare Front O-Ring # 0132.45 Carry a back-up in case the original seal becomes damaged.
• Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011 Pressurize the housing to check for leaks before entering the water.
• Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 Makes a double tray for easier handling and a second attachment point for strobes or lights.
• Trigger Extension # 4077.93 Recommended if using the Right-Hand Quick Release Handle. Brings shutter or AF-ON lever out to handle for more comfortable use (requires 2 to extend both controls).
• DL1 DS Link TTL Converter # 46056 Fast, accurate, automatic TTL strobe exposure when used together with compatible Ikelite DS strobes.
• 45º Magnified Viewfinder (Type 3) # 6891.3 Brighter, larger, and more ergonomic positioning when shooting underwater. Rotates for landscape or portrait shots.
• Cable Top Handle Grip # 4080.07 The most convenient way to carry the system when shooting with two strobe arms.