Just set the camera on autofocus and everything in the picture will be in focus from infinity up to 1cm away from the lens.   No hunting with the camera to find a point of focus as happens in many underwater shots.  You will also get a vast depth of focus throughout the picture.

 The port is manufacturered with an internal curvature to suit the focal length of the lens in use.

 The camera is mounted on its tray in the housing in the best optical position. 

The Optolite Port is flat on the outside making it less vulnerable to damage. Many other ports such as domes are very easy to scratch and damage.

 Robustness

Having been in the diving business the manufacturers are aware that sub-sea is a hazardous environment. They realized some years ago that as their housings were being purchased by professional users and keen sport divers, that “Mickey Mouse” plastic was not the media for long term use. Aluminum was the material that would stand the harsh conditions. By machining the material, polishing, and anodizing against corrosion and then powder coating this produced a long life product for the diver.   They decided on a tube design because it could be adapted to suit any size video camera, including large broadcast cameras, and as cameras became obsolete or ended their life, the housings could be easily modified to fit different models.

 They were ready for re-cycling many years before the governments had thought about it!!

 In addition the weight factor of the aluminum body means the housings are virtually neutrally buoyant when used underwater. The operator can go straight into the water without having to add weight etc. to balance the housing.

 Tube design is not the most glamorous of shape but it has many advantages over molded housings which when the camera becomes obsolete the housing is useless.

 Controls

Seapro housings use the well tried method of controls, that means shafts operate directly through the body to the controls on the video camera, giving positive action. All controls are protected with quad X “O” rings as used in high pressure hydraulic lines, and can easily be replaced when needed.

 Manufacture

All parts of the SEAPRO HOUSINGS, except the stainless steel clips are machined and assembled “in house”, hence the manufacturers in the UK. Have complete control over the quality of the product.

 All bodies are machined from “aircraft grade” aluminum and other parts use the best grade stainless steel available. Double “O” ring seals safeguard any flooding problems.

 They have their own anodizing plant, powder coating bay and after assembly every housing has a water pressure test equivalent to 85meters submersion depending upon the housing requirements. They build special deep water units to 500 meters.

 

 Use by owners

To fit the video camera into the housing only the transparent back has to be removed by undoing 3 stainless steel clips.  The camera is fitted to its tray by screwing into the tripod fitting on the base, and the monitor screen on the side of the camera is opened. The tray is slid back into the housing leaving the monitor screen open, and the back replaced making sure the O ring on the back is sitting firmly in its groove, and the 3 clips closed.

 When the operator is ready to video, a control will switch on the camera and by looking through the transparent back  accurate. Framing of the subject is easy.

 Another control gives “video run” and another control gives “zoom”

 Any further controls can be fitted like “Single shot” upon request.

 Because the camera monitor screen is halfway down the housing body, there is no trouble with stray light making the image on the screen “blanked out”. The housing operates as its own monitor hood.

 Transporting

All the latest housings  in air weigh around 4-5 kilos, and the new models have been slimmed down as much as possible with due regard to safety.

 It is possible to have housings built in two halves at slight extra cost, meaning one part can be carried in one piece of luggage and the other half in another for air transport conditions.

 The manufactures supply a custom fitted carrying bag which most housings fit and then used as carry-on luggage.

 Servicing and Maintenance

The only maintenance the owner need do is to soak the unit in fresh water after sea use, and this means around 1 hour to dissolve the salt.

Silicone grease supplied should be smeared on each end of the control glands after every 4-5 dives to keep the O rings supple and the shafts smooth in use.

Spares kits of Orings are available for replacement in exceptional circumstances as replacing in the glands is a critical job.

 The manufacturers recommend that the housing be returned after around 3‑4 years for a complete strip and check. All O rings are replaced and control shafts that are worn are replaced and the housing pressure tested upon re‑assembly. 

This means it is as good as new again.

 Change of camera

We all know video cameras wear out and are improved all the time. Owners of SEAPRO HOUSINGS can return the unit with their new choice of video camera to the factory in the UK and it will converted to fit the new model.

 Yes, it can be recycled.

  The Manufacturers are:

 Greenaway Marine

Basset Down

Swindon

Wilts.      U.K.

SN4  9QP

 Tel      +44 (0) 1793  814992

 Fax     +44 (0)  1793  813973