Some Cautions on Underwater Photography and Equipment

The skin or scuba diver who is contemplating underwater photography must consider the effect of his photographic equipment on his underwater mobility. The weight of sea water is about 800 times that of air. While the diver with any experience has adapted himself to this medium, he may not realize the extra “drag” of his camera against the water. Even a fairly small camera housing with a flat surface will slow down his underwater progress considerably. In fact, many professional and semiprofessional underwater photographers use power packs to compensate for the drag of their photographic equipment. At any considerable depth the extra exertion required to move the camera through water may exceed the amount of air that can be provided by the aqualung or other breathing device. A smaller streamlined camera housing may be considered in place of a larger rectangular model. Another inherent hazard is found in the plastic bag-type housings which may “explode” if carried down too deep.

Some earlier camera housings were provided with neck straps to allow the diver-photographer freer use of his hands, but it was found that this was potentially dangerous, as the straps could interfere with the hoses, and even the pressure of the case against the diver could be hazardous. The safest types are those with a set of handles and slight negative buoyancy. For adequate safety, the camera housing should have a working pressure of about 100 pounds per square inch and a test pressure of 200 to 300 per square inch.

All equipment used under water should be free from any sharp projections or corners that could cut the diver or tear his suit. The knobs and levers on the camera housing should be large enough to be manipulated under water, and so designed that they cannot snag the diver’s underwater gear or cut him.

An underwater writing slate is a handy accessory to make a notation as each picture is taken, to obtain an idea of the limitations and best operating situations for the camera being used. In scuba diving with camera, one of the greatest risks is becoming so involved with picture taking that you lose track of the time spent under water. Adherence to the diving tables is vital, and keep in mind the additional burden of the camera.

Tags: water sports

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