underwater Photo Course :: (2) Equipment Guide :: Underwater Camera Housings :: Underwater camera O-rings

Newsflash! Underwater cameras never let in water, it is o-rings that cause floods!

The seal between mating surfaces on your kit is made by o-rings (soft rubber rings that flatten out under compression to fill the gaps). You will find o-rings on the main seal, the port/lens and on all control shafts.

To maintain user serviceable o-rings you should...

• remove them (without using sharp tools that might damage them)
• clean the o-ringThe rubber ring that seals underwater camera equipment. groove
• inspect them for damage
• grease them lightly with approved silicon grease by running them through your fingers (without stretching them)
• only grease them till they shine, do not use excess grease (it just collects dust)
• replace the ring, check for hairs, dust, and other material that may bridge the seal
• close the mating surfaces together
• open and check again!
• don't open the seal again before you dive!

Control shaft o-rings are not user serviceable and it is easy to forget them because you can't see them. The problem with control shaft o-rings is that, inevitably, crystals will form as seawater dries out, and these can abrade the o-ring when you next operate the lever. If your controls become 'sticky' i.e. do not spring back into position when operated this is indicative of an o-ring problem! Take your 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. to a repairer.

Soak, Dry, Store, Maintain!