Strobe Servicing

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

northdavid@hotmail.com - 28 Jun 2005 13:01 GMT

Guys

Further to my recent posting on strobe batteries (I have just taken
delivery of a present, a Nikonos V, 35mm lense, plus Sea & Sea YS50
strobe plus Ocean Optics close up lens).

Its all in great cosmetic condition, however has not been used in last
3yrs so my first plan is to get it serviced.

Now I know the camera can/should be serviced, but should/can the strobe
be serviced also, or is it just a matter of replacing/greasing the any
O-rings around the batter compartment?

I am planning on using 400ASA print film for my first efforts, in order
to give me max exposure latitude and max depth of field, reducing the
need to focus so accurately!(using smaller appertures) - does this seem
logical for my first efforts?

I have many other questions but will search the groups rather than bore
you all - I have bought a Jim Church book too!

Regards

David

Reply to this Message

ben bradlee - 28 Jun 2005 13:52 GMT

> Its all in great cosmetic condition, however has not been used in last
> 3yrs so my first plan is to get it serviced.

Good idea for the camera and lens.

> Now I know the camera can/should be serviced, but should/can the strobe
> be serviced also, or is it just a matter of replacing/greasing the any
> O-rings around the battery compartment?

Yes. Test fire the unit to be sure it works. Clean and grease.

> I am planning on using 400ASA print film for my first efforts, in order
> to give me max exposure latitude and max depth of field, reducing the
> need to focus so accurately!(using smaller appertures) - does this seem
> logical for my first efforts?

No. Use the film you plan to use permanently or experiment with films
you've tried before. You're going to find photography devilishly tricky
while swimming and adjusting knobs on the lens. You need to develop this
skill and there is no reason not to reduce the variables in this exercise.
If you plan to use 100 ASA speed start with that. By the way, there is
nothing wrong with 400 ASA speed film. Years ago it was more grainy but
today the quality is excellent. Even the 800 ASA isn't bad.

> I have many other questions but will search the groups rather than bore
> you all - I have bought a Jim Church book too!

You can learn much from a book. All you need to do is read it.

When I bought my V the seller had taken good care of the equipment. I used
it for a couple years without service. The second time I had it serviced it
leaked the first dive. The leak was because of service and not at an
operator-responsible point of entry so the inside of the camera was replaced
under warranty. You just never know when or what will happen. I tried many
speeds and types of film and seemed to get better results color wise with a
low-cost Fuji film. The film helped to reduce the green color in the lakes.
Happy shooting.

Reply to this Message

northdavid@hotmail.com - 28 Jun 2005 14:37 GMT

Thanks Ben,

I will get the camera/lense in this week for a service and stick a new
battery in etc.

Not sure what film I will use ultimately, I guess 10x8" prints are the
biggest I will want, in which case I guess 400ASA will suffice these
days, and also yield aperture/dof/focus benefits.

........unless someone tells me that 200 will be a better all round
film to get used to!

David

Reply to this Message