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How to add a flash cable to your underwater camera housing
If you're a diver, and have an underwater camera housing, you'll probably want a strobe (underwater flash) at some point. But a lot of the cheaper housings don't have the capability to accept an optical sync cable for a flash. Never fear! You can add one with a couple of packets of Sugru.
Kit
- 2-3 packets of Sugru
- Something to sculpt with (plastic knife, tooth pics etc)
- Your chosen optical sync cable
- Non acetone nail varnish remover
- Razor blade / craft knife
- Former for the socket
Step 1
Clean the exterior surface of the housing with the nail polish remover to get rid of any grease or dirt that might prevent the Sugru from adhering to the case. Make sure it's non acetone based, as acetone may damage the plastic.
Step 2
Open a packet of Sugru, and work it into a rough pyramid shape. Stick this to the top of the case near where the camera's internal flash would be. Flatten off the top and smooth the sides down with your tools and some soapy water.
Step 3
You will now need to make a hole in the top centre of the pyramid, all the way down to the plastic casing. It needs to be the same size as the cable's plug or the cable if it's a bare fibre at the end. I happened to have drill bit the same diameter as my plug, so used that as the forming tool. Use soapy water to stop the sugru from sticking to the former.
Make sure you can see the clear plastic at the bottom (remove any Sugru). The flash needs to be visible through the hole when it goes off.
Step 4
Leave the Sugru to cure overnight, and once it's hardened you can check the fit.
Step 5
Now we have to block the camera's inbuilt flash from the front, to prevent back-scatter in your photos (this is where light bounces off particles in the water).
Take another packet of Sugru, and after kneading it mould it onto the housing around the socket you already formed, and down the front to cover where the flash would normally exit the housing.
Step 6
The next step isn't strictly neccessary, but it helps keep the sync cord tidy.
Make two rough cylinders of Sugru, and then place them at the top and bottom of the housing, moulding them to the shield you made in the last step so they stand out from the surface. Punch holes through them from top to bottom, then leave to cure.
Once set, slice into the cylinders making a cut that meets up with the holes formed in them. This will allow you to 'clip' the cord into the cylinders and keep it from flapping about.
Step 7
Enjoy your dive, and take lots of pictures!
