1. Introduction
The Weefine WFH-TGS Camera Dive Housing is a high-quality underwater photography equipment designed to protect your Olympus TG7, TG6, or TG5 camera, allowing you to capture stunning images and videos up to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your dive housing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Setup
Before using your Weefine WFH-TGS housing, please follow these steps carefully:
- Inspect the Housing: Check for any visible damage, cracks, or debris on the housing body, O-rings, and lens port. Ensure all buttons and controls move freely.
- O-Ring Preparation: Carefully remove the main O-ring from its groove. Clean the O-ring and its groove with a soft, lint-free cloth. Apply a thin, even layer of the provided O-ring grease. Ensure no hair, dust, or debris is present.
- Opening the Housing: Locate the rotary lock on the side of the housing. Rotate the lock counter-clockwise to the 'OPEN' position, then unlatch the safety buckle and open the back door.
- Camera Insertion: Ensure your Olympus TG7/TG6/TG5 camera is turned off and free of any straps or accessories that might obstruct closure. Carefully slide the camera into the housing, ensuring it sits securely and aligns with all internal controls.
- Closing the Housing: Close the back door firmly. Engage the safety buckle and rotate the rotary lock clockwise to the 'LOCK' position. Double-check that the lock is fully engaged and the housing is sealed.
- Water Leak Test (Crucial): Before taking the housing underwater with your camera, perform a leak test. Submerge the empty housing in a shallow basin of fresh water for at least 15-30 minutes. Observe closely for any bubbles escaping from the seals. If bubbles appear, remove the housing, dry it, re-inspect the O-ring and sealing surfaces, and repeat the test. Do NOT proceed if leaks are detected.
3. Operating the Housing
The Weefine WFH-TGS housing provides access to all essential camera controls. Familiarize yourself with the button layout:
- Shutter Button: Located on the top right, this extended design allows for comfortable and easy activation of the camera's shutter.
- ON/OFF Button: Powers the camera on or off.
- Zoom Key: Controls the camera's optical zoom.
- Control Dial: Used for adjusting various camera settings.
- REC Button: Starts and stops video recording.
- INFO Button: Displays information on the camera screen.
- Play Button: Enters playback mode to review photos and videos.
- Arrow Pad: Navigates menus and selects options.
- MENU/Wi-Fi Button: Accesses the camera's menu system and Wi-Fi functions.
- OK/AFL Button: Confirms selections and activates autofocus lock.
- Trash Button: Deletes selected images or videos.
- Flash Window: Allows the camera's built-in flash to illuminate subjects.
- Ball Mount: For attaching external lighting or accessories.
- Tripod Seat: Standard 1/4-20 screw for mounting to trays or tripods.
The housing features high-strength double-sided coated optical glass for outstanding light transmission and excellent anti-glare performance.
4. Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and reliability of your dive housing.
- After Each Dive: Immediately rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water, paying special attention to buttons and seals, to remove salt, sand, or chlorine. Do NOT use hot water.
- Drying: Allow the housing to air dry completely in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight.
- O-Ring Care: Periodically (e.g., every 5-10 dives or if you notice any issues) remove, clean, and re-grease the O-rings as described in the setup section. Replace O-rings if they show any signs of cracking, stretching, or damage. Use only the provided O-ring grease or a compatible silicone grease.
- Lens Port Cleaning: Clean the optical glass lens port with a soft, lint-free cloth and a lens cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
- Storage: Store the housing in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is recommended to store the housing with the back door slightly ajar to prevent compression of the O-ring over long periods.
5. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Water Leakage:
Cause: Improperly seated O-ring, dirty O-ring/groove, damaged O-ring, debris on sealing surfaces, incorrect closure.
Solution: Immediately remove the camera (if safe to do so), dry the housing, re-inspect and clean the O-ring and sealing surfaces, apply fresh grease, and re-seal. Perform a water leak test without the camera. Replace O-ring if damaged. - Internal Fogging:
Cause: Humidity trapped inside the housing, temperature difference between inside and outside.
Solution: Use anti-fog inserts (desiccants) inside the housing. Ensure the camera and housing are dry before sealing. Avoid opening the housing in humid environments. - Buttons Sticking/Not Responding:
Cause: Salt or debris buildup, lack of lubrication.
Solution: Rinse the housing thoroughly after each dive. Gently press and release buttons underwater to flush out debris. If persistent, a small amount of silicone grease can be applied to the button shafts (externally) after cleaning. - Camera Not Fitting:
Cause: Obstruction, incorrect camera model.
Solution: Ensure no accessories (straps, large lens caps) are attached to the camera. Verify that your camera is an Olympus TG7, TG6, or TG5.
6. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications of the Weefine WFH-TGS Camera Dive Housing:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WFH-TGS |
| Compatible Cameras | OM system TG7/TG6/TG5 |
| Depth Rating | 100 meters / 330 feet |
| Body Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Surface Treatment | Hard anodised |
| Display Window | Abrasion resistant polycarbonate |
| Thread on Lens Port | M52 x 0.75 |
| Size | 158.9 x 104.9 x 92.2 mm |
| Weight (including camera) | 882.8g (land) / 295g (underwater) |
| Installation Method | Self-contained |
| Item Type | Underwater Lights (Note: This refers to the category, the product is a housing) |
| Is Bulbs Included | No |
7. Warranty and Support
The Weefine WFH-TGS Camera Dive Housing comes with a user manual and guarantee card. Please refer to the documentation included in your product packaging for specific warranty terms and conditions. For technical support or warranty claims, please contact the manufacturer or your authorized dealer.
8. User Tips
- Practice on Land: Before your first dive, practice inserting and removing your camera, and operating all buttons and controls on land to build muscle memory.
- Pre-Dive Checklist: Always perform a quick checklist before each dive: O-ring clean and greased, housing properly sealed, camera on and settings checked, anti-fog inserts in place, and a final visual inspection for any issues.
- External Lighting: For best results in underwater photography, consider using external strobes or video lights, as the camera's built-in flash may be limited underwater. The housing includes a ball mount for easy attachment of such accessories.
- Buoyancy: The housing is designed to be slightly negative underwater (295g). Consider adding buoyancy arms or floats to your setup if you prefer neutral buoyancy.
- Lens Port Protection: Always use a lens cap or protective cover when the housing is out of the water to prevent scratches on the optical glass.
