ikelite A640/630 shutter release question

Greetings,

I just received a not-well packed (evidently returned) "new" ikelite A640 housing from B&H. All the packing issues aside, I have a question about the shutter release mechanism the answer to which is going to determine if I keep this housing, return for a new replacement, or get another brand housing (Canon's).

Here is the problem: The entire camera moves noticeably as the shutter is released with the ikelite shutter release lever! (See picture below.) Note that when the shutter lever is activated, the small rubber boot does not contact the shutter button, instead the end of the metal return spring contacts the outer edge of the shutter button and acts it to release the shutter. It also seems the spring is actually dragging the shutter button, and the camera, away from the back of the housing as the shutter is activated. Shouldn't the rubber boot actually make contact with the button, and in the center, and vertically? Or is what I'm experiencing normal? The camera is firmly attached to the base plate.

If anyone who owns this housing could carefully inspect the pictures below, and take a look at their housing, and then let me know if this is normal, I'd really appreciate it. THANKS!

Leon

Leon,

That's not a normal control spring configuration. Looks like someone tried to re-bend it. Either send it in to Ikelite or if you feel handy with a pair of sturdy needle nose pliers try pulling it back a bit on the shaft so only the rubber tip contacts the shutter release.

I've had many customers I put in Canon A630 / 640 housings and have not seen one like this.....The Canon brand housings fit the camera tighter, and thus are more prone to fogging with even a teeny bit of humid air in them if not sealed in A/C and kept out of the sun. Plus the buttons are not anywhere near as robust as on the Ikelite housings.

Good luck!

dhaas

www.haasimages.com

Leon,

 

That's not a normal control spring configuration. Looks like someone tried to re-bend it. Either send it in to Ikelite or if you feel handy with a pair of sturdy needle nose pliers try pulling it back a bit on the shaft so only the rubber tip contacts the shutter release.

 

I've had many customers I put in Canon A630 / 640 housings and have not seen one like this.....The Canon brand housings fit the camera tighter, and thus are more prone to fogging with even a teeny bit of humid air in them if not sealed in A/C and kept out of the sun. Plus the buttons are not anywhere near as robust as on the Ikelite housings.

 

Good luck!

 

____________

 

THANKS for your reply! I'll send it back first thing in the morning and ask for a new one. I couldn't believe that the operation is normal, and unless I've no other choice, I'd just as soon start with it as it should be, especially since there are other aspects about the housing (assorted smudges, scratches, ...) that really ought not be there.

 

Leon

The Canon brand housings fit the camera tighter, and thus are more prone to fogging with even a teeny bit of humid air in them if not sealed in A/C and kept out of the sun. Plus the buttons are not anywhere near as robust as on the Ikelite housings.

 

Good luck!

 

dhaas

www.haasimages.com

just a note on the canon housings.. I have had a Canon s45 for about 5 or 6 years and used it underwater many times in the canon housing. No problems at all with construction or leaks.. just be real vigilant about cleaning and lubing the o-ring. As to fogging it is a problem but I found a solution that works great all the time. Get one of the silica packs that electronic equipment come packed with. one of the smaller ones will fit between the camera and the housing in a out of the way place. It will keep the housing from fogging up. I have even used some of the silica beads just loose in the bottom of the case out of one of the bigger silica packs that wouldn't fit in the housing with the camera.

I will be getting a canon housing for my new a640 based on my experience with the canon housing for the s45.

No problems with anything suggested so far.... Most of my diving with Ike and Canon hosuings have been in tropical locations and I found that if I leave the housing and camera, security permitting, outside I have had no problems. I read posts about the use of silica packs and have never needed them. If security permits leave your camera and housing outside or in un-AC'd areas and you should be fine.

YMMV

Jeff