The Ultimate Guide to Maintenance for Your Underwater Camera Gear

When you’re diving into the deep blue with your camera gear, the last thing you want to worry about is a flooded housing. That’s where O-rings come in. These small but mighty rubber seals are responsible for keeping water out of your housing and protecting your equipment. At UWCamerastore, we know how crucial it is to maintain your O-rings properly. So, we’ve put together this practical guide to help you keep your O-rings, housing, and camera in top shape for every dive.

Why O-Rings Matter

O-rings are the heroes of your underwater photography setup. They’re designed to create a waterproof seal around your camera housing, keeping water out and your gear safe. However, over time, O-rings can get damaged or degrade, especially if they’re not cared for properly. Regular inspection and cleaning before every dive is essential to avoid the dreaded “flood” and ensure your camera stays in working condition.

The frequency of maintenance is simple: you should always clean and inspect your O-rings before every dive, whether you're shore diving or diving from a boat. This ensures your O-rings are in top condition and prevents any risk of flooding.

Removing O-Rings the Right Way

The key to O-ring maintenance is removing them without causing any damage. Never use sharp tools like knives or picks to remove an O-ring. This can damage both the O-ring and the groove in the housing. Instead, use an O-ring removal tool or something like a plastic credit card edge.

You can also use your fingers: Place one finger on each side of the O-ring groove and gently press inwards. This will help pop the O-ring out of the groove. Once a section is free, carefully pull it out with your fingers. Easy and safe!

How to Clean Your O-Rings

To keep your O-rings in good condition, clean them regularly. Work in a clean, dry area to avoid sand, hair, and dust, which can cause a leak.

To clean the O-ring, simply rinse it with fresh water and gently slide it through with your fingers, checking for any debris. But be careful not to stretch the O-ring too much, as this can affect its fit.

O-Ring Lubrication: Less is More

When it comes to lubricating your O-rings, a little goes a long way. Over-greasing can attract dirt and debris, which can ultimately damage your seal. Apply a light coat of lubricant recommended by your housing’s manufacturer. The grease should create a thin, even layer. Not a thick coating! Many divers mistakenly over-grease their O-rings, thinking it’ll improve the seal. In reality, this can create more problems than it solves. Just a light sheen will keep your O-rings flexible and working as they should.

Cleaning Your Housing and Ports

O-ring maintenance doesn’t stop with the O-rings themselves. The grooves in your camera housing and on your ports also need attention. To clean the O-ring grooves, a cotton swab or lint-free cloth works best.

Once the grooves are clean, carefully inspect the O-rings for any hair, dust, or debris before reassembling the housing. Also, check the threads on the ports and clean them the same way to ensure a good seal.

Preventing Condensation in Your Housing

Condensation is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to underwater camera housing, especially when you move from a warm environment to a cooler one. If you’re diving in tropical waters, the sudden temperature shift when you enter the ocean can cause moisture to build up inside your housing.

To combat this, try to open and close your housing in an air-conditioned space before heading out. This helps stabilize the temperature difference. If you must open your housing outside, use dry air from a tank to blow out moisture before resealing it.

Polycarbonate housings are more likely to have condensation issues than aluminum ones, but if your system has a vacuum system, it’s a great tool for preventing moisture buildup and ensuring your housing stays watertight.

Strobe and Cord Maintenance

O-rings aren’t just on your camera housing. They’re also on your strobes and cords. Just like your camera housing, they need to be inspected and lubricated regularly to prevent leaks. Clean the threads of your strobes with a soft brush or cleaning cloth to remove salt and debris.

And remember, don’t leave your strobes and cords attached to your housing for the entire dive trip. Disconnect them when you’re not using them to avoid potential water ingress. Always check the connections before every dive to make sure everything is secure.

Rinse Tank Tips

While rinse tanks are handy for cleaning gear, they can also cause more harm than good if you’re not careful. Before your dive, a quick dunk can help you check for leaks, just look for any bubbles. But avoid leaving your gear in the rinse tank for too long after the dive, as other divers might accidentally place their equipment on top of yours, leading to potential damage.

A great alternative is using a soft-sided cooler as a personal rinse tank. These coolers are portable, and with a few inches of water, they’ll protect your camera gear while you transport it to and from the dive site.

Proper Care After Diving

Once you’re back home, it’s time for a more thorough cleaning session. Fill your bathtub or a large storage container with fresh water and let your camera gear soak. Move the controls, buttons, and dials around to loosen any salt buildup. Salt can be abrasive and damage your O-rings and seals, so it’s essential to rinse it off thoroughly.

If you’ve removed handles, trays, or strobe arms, clean those parts as well to prevent corrosion. Make sure everything is completely dry before storing it for the long term.

Storing Your Gear for Long Periods

If you're not diving for a while, it’s important to properly store your gear. Take everything apart and use old O-rings for storage. Keep a fresh set of O-rings in a zip-lock bag with a small amount of grease. This will keep them in good condition until you're ready for your next dive.

Traveling with Your Gear

When flying with your underwater camera setup, don’t seal your housing. Air pressure changes during flights can create a vacuum inside your housing, which can damage both the housing and your camera. If you’re storing your camera inside the housing, the bumps during travel could also cause harm. Always remove the O-rings, port, and leave the back door slightly open.

When to Service Your Camera Equipment

While regular maintenance is essential, you’ll also want to get your gear professionally serviced every couple of years. Depending on how often you dive and where you dive, you may need to service it sooner. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help you with any service questions you might have.

By following these O-ring maintenance tips, you’ll extend the life of your underwater camera gear and ensure it performs perfectly every time you hit the water. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for advice, parts, or servicing. Safe diving and happy shooting!