underwater Photo Course :: (3) Diving with a Camera :: Strategy :: Checking for Leaks

The first thing to do on entering the water is to check for leaks. This is the critical moment for flooding. What many people do when they get in is to submerge their camera and watch for external telltale bubbles. This is not reliable though, as there is always an air trap somewhere on your camera, which makes it look as though it is leaking.

With a Nikonos the bubble strategy is irrelevant as once you identify a leak the water is in and you've already got problems! You can only rely on your skill in putting your camera together (and your insurance).

There are a few tricks you can employ with a housingA casing or box with waterproof seals designed to contain a camera or other equipment in such a way that it can be used underwater....

• Perspex housings are at an advantage to be able to visually detect leaks as they happen and, if not too severe, you may be able to turn it so that the water doesn't touch the camera. But then, perspex housings do have a tendency to leak more than other housings in the first place!

• With aluminum housings dip them in for a few seconds with the port lowermost, and lift out in the same attitude. Any water finding it's way in will collect there. If there's a problem get out, work out what it is, fix it, and proceed. Alternatively, hold it above your head and look up into the port as you descend.

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