Gates HC7 Housing

I've recently acquired the Gates HC7 housing and have a couple of technical questions. First, when using the manual focus, I set the adjustment to what I thought was infinity and it appears that most of my long shots came out blurred. I typically set my zoom to its widest point and leave it there when I shoot. obviously this didn't work. I guess my question is whether I should leave the auto-focus engaged and not rely on the manual infinity setting?

My second question pertains to the red filter arm in the housing, which periodically seems to get caught up on the upper or lower edge of the port lip leaving it partially obstructing the lense. Is this normal and if so any ideas on how to adjust the arm so that it doesn't get caught would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kent B

I've recently acquired the Gates HC7 housing and have a couple of technical questions. First, when using the manual focus, I set the adjustment to what I thought was infinity and it appears that most of my long shots came out blurred. I typically set my zoom to its widest point and leave it there when I shoot. obviously this didn't work. I guess my question is whether I should leave the auto-focus engaged and not rely on the manual infinity setting?

If you are shooting Wide Angle (meaning not zoomed) and manual you should not be setting the focus to infinity, it should be shorter (meaning you want the reef and things right in front of you.) Cannot find the thread, but there was a good one discussing how to set the WA. I think shawnh mentioned .3m or so and Drew mentioned something in the area due to depth of field. Think it was about shooting sharks

My second question pertains to the red filter arm in the housing, which periodically seems to get caught up on the upper or lower edge of the port lip leaving it partially obstructing the lense. Is this normal and if so any ideas on how to adjust the arm so that it doesn't get caught would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Kent B

One thing to do is tilt the camera up (so the port is upwards) which seems to make it slide easier. You may also need another spacer inside the housing if it is real tight (and not just a little tight). Just went though the same thing myself a couple of weeks back.

Appreciate the quick response - will try these recommendations.

BTW which port are you using with that housing.

I've had similar experience with my WP25 fathoms dome port. Better to lock focus on your fins or some coral in medium range given the physics of cameras behind dome ports.

My filter arm will retract fully but I can feel a slight resistance at that point you are referring to. Maybe take it up with Gates or the dealer.

I agree with the spacing, and making sure the screw is really tight (I think this may be your problem). I've removed the red filter arm entirely to use some larger diameter filters, and have to make sure that the arm is screwed in really tight or it will rub. I believe there are 4 washers, so you might be able to play around with those to give the proper amount of spacing.

Make sure your camera is seated on the tray correctly and firmly too. The Gates housings are machined so precisely that there is very little margin for error. That allows the camera to sit so close to the lens for the best optics. When i have had the flip filter jam, it has always been because i didn't have something aligned properly. Double check everything.

yep, .2 or .3 m works pretty well for long shots

Put a small piece of black electrician's tape where it makes contact. I won't bore with long story but it makes sense.

Craig

Yes if I'm going manual focus for wide shots then I focus on some reef or something a few metres away, or a fin if I'm out in the blue. On my Bluefin this gives me around 0.3m, but not always, and your port will probably give a different reading.

However when I shoot closer stuff with that setting it is not quite in focus, so because I'm lazy I still use auto focus a lot unless I'm doing mantas or something where I expect the camera might hunt. For macro with a flat port I am constantly switching between auto and manual. If you go auto then keep everything absolutely spotless or the camera will occasionally focus on the dust/scratches etc. on your port.

Regarding the sticky filter you should definitely raise that with Gates. They are very fast and helpful.