Subal ND70 quirks

All,

I recently upgraded to an ND70 and have been thrilled with the ergonomics (size, weight, shutter and AF-lock controls). The ease of the AF-Lock was really useful in improving chances of an in-focus shot in the fast-moving action // murky setting of the sardine run.

The two things I'm not thrilled with are:

1. The on/off switch is hard to align and (generally) not reliable as I am setting the camera/housing up. As a result, I just leave the camera on, which has been fine so far. Any similar experiences or (better yet) solutions?
   
2. The subcommand dial. As serviced by Backscatter, this has no spring on it (unlike the way they serviced the command dial). I often can't get traction on the subcommand dial, but always can on the command dial. I called, and they said there's not supposed to be a spring here. Any tips to get the subcommand dial to work better? It would make use of manual (or exp com in S or A) much easier.
   

Thanks for any help!

All the best,

Chris

Generally it is better to have both the camera and the switch both "On" when putting your Nikon inside a Subal housing. Although on most you can still reallign the switch once the camera is in - as long as you have not locked the camera tray in place with the metal catch.

You can make the rubber of the command dial grip better by slightly scouring the surface of the rubber with a knife. Alternatively just try moving the right rear of the camera back slightly on the mounting tray - this is usually enough to insure a reliable contact.

Alex

Alex,

Thanks for the speedy reply.

I put the D70 in as you suggest, but I still have intermittent problems with the switch. Fortunately, the D70 "idles down" to negligible battery consumption and this doesn't seem to be a problem -- I will probably continue to load it "on" with a fresh battery each day and just not use the switch.

I tried your suggestions for the subcommand dial and they do help (but do not altogether solve) the problem. The subcommand response still ain't anywhere near as sure as the command dial.

I take it you have no springs on the posts that hold the subcommand controls? Anyone else?

Thanks again,

All the best,

Chris

Alex,

 

Thanks for the speedy reply.

 

I put the D70 in as you suggest, but I still have intermittent problems with the switch. Fortunately, the D70 "idles down" to negligible battery consumption and this doesn't seem to be a problem --

That's what my wife and I used to do, then I handed the cameras over to Ryan for about 5 minutes, he did some adjusting and the on/off switch works just like advertised. Don't have to worry about charging the battery every day now. Ryan knows how to pimp our dives.

Tony