Product Description

Proven Aquatica Performance
Everything manufactured by Aquatica is given the same hand crafted care and attention to detail that is common to fine precision instrument. Precise shaping is achieved through laser cutting tools, controls shafts are double O-ring sealed, push buttons have Quad-ring seals, and every shaft and push button are manufactured from stainless steel to a mirror smooth surface to meets our strict tolerance standards. These strict tolerance means that we can provide a depth rating of 90 meters as standard, which is actually upgradeable to 130 meters.

Over 30 years of experience is poured in this housing, experience that not only comes from our design and manufacturing team, but also from you the end users. The wisdom to listen, the experience to share and the knowledge to accomplish are virtues Aquatica considers essential in this industry.

Aquatica carefully paid attention to the requirements of the underwater photographers, and in the end, blended in this vision with their own. As a result, this housing was thoughtfully designed to be uncluttered by allowing easy access to the controls in both the warmest and coldest of diving environment. The rear button array on the left hand side is angled at 15 degrees for ease of access, and the Multi Controller assembly has been redesigned to feel more natural. This very important control is accessed via 5 individual buttons on the camera body, giving the user an intuitive feel when going through menus or when reviewing images. Frontal controls benefit from a newly designed 3 spring arrays, ensuring smooth precise operation of the crucial shutter release, video record and exposure compensation levers. Transmission of the aperture value is through an accurate belt system.

No matter what the diving conditions are, you remain in control of the situation with the Aquatica AD600. The thickest of cold water gloves or the smallest of bare hands will not be hindered by the layout. All functions are clearly identified with permanent pad printed paint for quick visual identification and to eliminate the frustration of searching for relocated controls.

Dual optical strobe connectors come standard with the housing, and can fit the popular optical cords available on the market. Connecting any S-TTL is a breeze and will give spot on TTL exposure via the cameras built in flash circuitry. Even with the compact size of this housing, Aquatica has managed to build in a quick access, internal flash control that brings the camera built-in flash up and down. This allows for quickly alternating between strobe illuminated and ambient light photography.

Strobe Connections and Housing Configurations
Aquatica has the most comprehensive selection  of easily interchangeable strobe connectors in the industry. The AD600 may be purchased factory fitted with one of the following strobe connection configurations. Even afterwards, it is possible to change the configuration by purchasing required connection items. Bulkheads are replaceable in the field (or by Cerella Oy) without the need for specialized  tools. All configurations support manual flash. TTL functionality requires TTL compatible strobes and might require an external TTL converter.

The 20072-NK configuration of the AD600 housing has  two of the classic 5 pins Nikonos connectors. It is possible to connect one or two popular strobes having Nikonos type sync cords and/or a third-party TTL converter with Nikonos type cord on camera end. By default, all Aquatica housings are delivered in this configuration unless otherwise specified.

The 20072-KT configuration of the AD600 housing is supplied with one  time-proven 5 pins TTL type Ikelite connector. This connector can only be used with the Ikelite #4301 TTL converter. Up to two Ikelite strobes can be connected using an appropriate dual sync cord. TTL functionality is available by using the Ikelite #4301 TTL converter and a dual sync cord.

S-TTL is also available with the 20072-OPT  through optical connectivity with either of the supplied Sea & Sea and Inon  type adapters. This housing has two optical connectors. You can connect up to two Sea&Sea or two Inon strobe optical sync cords. S-TTL functionality requires S-TTL compatibility from strobes as well.

Lastly the 20072-HYB hybrid configuration offers both a (1) classic Nikonos and an (1) optical connector giving the housing the ultimate choice in strobes selection. Included are adapters to attach one Sea&Sea or two Inon type strobes.

FEATURES:

• Optical Fiber Strobe Connections: Options include optical ports for Sea & Sea® or INON® type connectors.
• Internal camera flash access: A flash up button on the housing is provided to release the flash and a lever to set it back down. This allows the user to quickly shutdown the internal flash for ambient light images and easily returns to flash photography with the push of a button.
• Classic electrical connections: Option includes the Nikonos ® or Ikelite ® standard connectors.
• In essence, as far as underwater strobe connectivity, this housing is the most flexible in the industry. It will accept the largest variety of strobe on the market and dedicated housing for flashes and radio transmitter such as the Water Wizard.
• Bayonet Port: A positive four point bayonet mounting and a locking mechanism leaves no doubt that your ports and extension rings are secured in place and are water tight on the housing. Larger dome port can benefit of the extra security provided by the #18469 Extension To Port Locking Collar. The bayonet system dome ports, macro ports, and extension rings offer a fast and efficient access to the lens for changing without having to remove the camera from the housing. This housing allows use of lenses from a 4.5mm/180 degrees fisheye lens to a 200mm macro lens. Accepting teleconverter and diopter is also possible due to Aquatica’s flexible Port Extension system.
• Controls & Menus: The housing provides access to all the camera menus and video controls including On-Off, Live View mode, Record On/Off, ISO lever, Exposure Mode, Bracketing, Meter positioning and focus control, and AF activation and lock. Access to all of the menu’s features include enlarge and delete, histogram and internal SLR preferences, and a quick access and conveniently angled review button. Buttons on the left hand side have been angled 20 degrees and are extended where necessary for better ergonomics. Knobs are grooved and knurled for optimum operation when wearing thick gloves and the multi controller pad of the camera has been reproduced for faster and easier handling.
• Hydrophone: The housing can be equipped with a unique hydrophone for recording ambient sound underwater when shooting in the video mode.
• Viewing Eye Piece: The most critical aspect of underwater SLR photography is the viewing system. In this aspect Aquatica’s housing uses a viewfinder that shows the biggest and the brightest image possible with full frame view. Two accessory Aqua View Finders are also available, giving the user unparalleled viewing of the camera’s viewfinder for sharp focusing and exact composition.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Depth rating: 90 meters (upgradeable on request to 130 meters)
• Precision machined from a single aluminum block. Fully anodized to military specifications and Powder coated with robust wear resistant coating.
• All function labels are clearly and permanently pad printed to prevent peeling off or fading.
• Accurate ergonomic design and excellent underwater balance – all controls including the video activating controls are within easy reach.
• The housing is supplied with replaceable sacrificial anodes to protect the housing from electrolysis.
• The Aquatica AD600 is a compact and lightweight housing: Width: 345mm (with grip attached), Height: 180mm (including optical bulkhead), Depth: 152mm, Weight: 2.75 kg

INCLUDED IN THE BOX:

• Grips, (left and right hand)
• Hexagonal head bolts (quant.:2)
• Hexagonal (Allen) key
• Owner manual
• Spare main O-ring
• Container of O-ring lubricant

MAINTENANCE
The recommended servicing procedures of the products are outlined in the manuals supplied with the product. The outside of the housings and the accessories should be rinsed in fresh water after every dive. The handles should be removed after use otherwise if they remain attached to the housing for any length of time they may bind to the housing and be extremely difficult to remove. We suggest that the main O rings be lubricated regularly and all of the O rings be checked annually.

Additional Information