A whole new world of unique and interesting images awaits underwater photographers.
Exploring new surroundings can be a very compelling activity for many photographers, amateur and professional alike. A whole new ecosystem exists in the world's lakes and oceans, from the natural beauty of a coral reef to the unexplored shell of sunken ship. Underwater cameras and camera housings can be very expensive to purchase. If you are trying underwater photography for the first time, with a little bit of work you can easily construct a waterproof case for your digital camera.
Instructions
1. Select an airtight storage container usually used for storing food leftovers. Select a container as close to the size and shape of your camera as possible.
2. Cut a hole in the lid of the container for the lens, making sure the hole is larger than the diameter of the front of the lens housing. You will create a waterproof cover for this hole.
3. Cut a clear piece of plexiglass or plastic to cover the lens opening, ensuring it is larger than the lens opening.
4. Position the plexiglass over the opening. Using a 1/16-inch drill bit, drill one hole in each corner of the plexiglass, ensuring the drill bit goes through both the plexiglass and the container lid.
5. Cut the foam gasket to match the size of the plexiglass cover, and to match the lens opening.
6. Place the foam gasket over the lens opening. Place the plexiglass on top of the gasket, and screw from the inside of the lid to attach the pieces together. Fill the holes on the front of the plexiglass cover with a drop of bathroom silicone. Then seal the plexiglass cover by running a bead of silicone around the edges. Set it aside and let it cure according to the silicone instructions.
7. Mount the camera by cutting Styrofoam to match the base plate of the camera. Trim so the Styrofoam fits snugly into the container. Secure the camera in place by using two elastic bands over the top the camera and bottom of the Styrofoam base. Ensure the elastic bands do not come in contact with any of the camera's controls.
8. Place the camera, with fully charged or new batteries and a memory card, and Styrofoam assembly into the container. Trim a small tubular piece of cork to match the size of the shutter release. Mount the cork to the inside of the container using contact cement. You want the cork to be long enough to come in contact with the shutter release, but not to depress the release. Position and glue the cork, and test.
9. Attach the container lid, and seal the closure with bathroom silicone, letting it cure as per instructions. You're ready to use your new housing.
Tags: lens opening, plexiglass cover, bathroom silicone, come contact, come contact with
