Underwater photography is a thrilling pursuit, but protecting your valuable camera equipment is paramount. Water droplets clinging to your housing can significantly impact image quality, leading to blurry photos and distorted colors. This guide explores effective methods to ensure water beads roll right off, preserving the integrity of your underwater shots.
What Causes Water to Stick to Camera Housing?
Before diving into solutions, understanding why water adheres is crucial. The primary culprit is surface tension. Water molecules are attracted to each other, creating a film that clings to surfaces, especially those lacking hydrophobic properties (the ability to repel water). Dust, salt, and other contaminants on your housing's surface can also exacerbate the problem.
How to Make Water Roll Off Your Camera Housing
Several techniques can help achieve that crucial water-shedding effect. These range from simple preventative measures to specialized treatments:
1. Cleaning Your Camera Housing: The Foundation of Success
This is the single most important step. A clean housing is far more likely to repel water. Before and after every dive, meticulously clean your housing using these steps:
- Rinse thoroughly with freshwater: Immediately after each dive, rinse the housing with fresh, clean water to remove salt and debris. Use a gentle stream, avoiding high pressure that could damage seals.
- Mild soap and water: For a deeper clean, use a mild soap specifically designed for camera equipment (or a very dilute dish soap) and gently scrub away any stubborn residue. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Microfiber cloth: Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to dry the housing completely. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
- Inspect for damage: Carefully check the housing for any scratches or cracks that could compromise its water resistance.
2. Applying a Hydrophobic Coating: Enhancing Water Repellency
Hydrophobic coatings are designed to create a water-repellent surface. Many options exist, ranging from commercial sprays to DIY solutions.
- Commercial coatings: Various brands offer specialized coatings designed for underwater photography equipment. These often provide long-lasting protection. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- DIY solutions: Some photographers use silicone-based sprays or waxes, but these need careful application and are less durable than commercial coatings. Research thoroughly before applying any DIY solutions, ensuring compatibility with your housing material.
3. Maintaining Your Housing: Preventing Future Problems
Regular maintenance significantly extends the effectiveness of your water-repelling strategy.
- Proper storage: Store your housing in a dry, dust-free environment. A silica gel pack can help absorb moisture.
- Avoid abrasive materials: Always handle your housing with care, avoiding contact with abrasive materials that could scratch the surface and reduce its water-repelling properties.
4. What about Rain X? Can it be used on underwater camera housings?
While Rain-X is effective on car windshields, it's generally not recommended for camera housings. Its composition may not be compatible with the materials used in camera housings and could potentially damage seals or coatings. Stick to products specifically designed for this purpose.
Why is it Important to Keep Water Off my Housing?
Water clinging to your housing doesn't just affect aesthetics; it significantly impacts image quality:
- Blurred images: Water droplets can act as lenses, distorting light and creating blurry or out-of-focus images.
- Color distortion: Water droplets can alter the color balance of your photos, resulting in inaccurate color reproduction.
- Potential damage: While properly sealed housings are waterproof, consistently wet surfaces can increase the risk of long-term damage.
By following these guidelines, you'll significantly improve your chances of capturing crystal-clear underwater images without the hassle of water droplets interfering with your shots. Remember, consistent cleaning and preventative measures are key to maintaining a water-repellent surface on your camera housing.
