How to Maintain Nauticam Lenses and Ports

After use in salt water, lenses and ports should be soaked and rinsed in clean fresh water, preferably demineralised water. This helps dissolve salt crystals and prevent corrosion. If only a limited amount of fresh water is available between dives, Nauticam advises using a plastic bottle with a small hole in the cap. Squeezing the bottle creates a jet of water for simple cleaning.

How do you rinse and dry lenses and ports?

After rinsing, excess water can be removed using the remaining air from the dive cylinder or an air pistol. Dry glass dome ports, lenses and viewfinders immediately with a microfibre cloth. Do not allow ports or other glass surfaces to dry with water marks on them. If immediate drying is not possible, allow them to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before fitting the caps.

How do you protect and store lenses and ports?

Fit the front and rear protective caps only when the surface is dry and free from marks. Use dry neoprene covers to prevent scratches on multi-coated surfaces. Inspect mounting threads and bayonet connections. For long-term storage, lightly apply Nauticam silicone grease to O-rings. Store lenses and ports in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

How do you transport lenses, ports and viewfinders?

Do not transport water-contact lenses or viewfinders while they are attached to the underwater housing. Store them separately in a padded bag or case. Viewfinders, water-contact lenses and dome ports need adequate protection during transport. Strong vibrations, for example during a bumpy journey to a dive location, can damage internal optical elements. Transport them carefully in suitable protective packaging.

Nauticam underwater housing

How do you maintain an angled viewfinder?

After each trip, soak and rinse the complete underwater housing with the viewfinder attached in clean, fresh demineralised water. Rotate the viewfinder three times or more while rinsing to flush out trapped sand and sediment. With continuous use, remove the viewfinder monthly to clean the collar and check for salt residue between the titanium and aluminium parts. After each dive trip, store the viewfinder separately from the underwater housing.

What should you use to clean lenses and ports?

Use clean fresh water, preferably demineralised water, for rinsing. Dry the surfaces with a clean, flat-weave microfibre cloth. Excess water can be removed using the remaining air from the dive cylinder or an air pistol.

  • Do not use window cleaner, bleach or vinegar.
  • Do not use paper towels, tissues or clothing fabric.
  • Do not use hot or boiling water.
  • Wash microfibre cloths without fabric softener.

When is servicing required?

A service is advised after 300 dives or 2 to 3 years by the manufacturer or an authorised service centre, like UWCameraStore.com. Both sides of a water-contact optical element can be repolished when scratches visibly affect photographs.

 

Nauticam care guide

 The complete Nauticam care instructions are available in the original English care guide. The PDF covers rinsing, drying, protection, transport, storage and servicing for lenses, ports and viewfinders.