A Q U A S H O T

Frequently Asked Questions

Compatible cameras:

Due to the innumerable changes in disposable cameras since the introduction of this system, we are no longer able to recommend any compatible cameras.

An extremely out-dated listing of usable cameras can be found here.

Update to the current Auto 35 system:

Since the Auto 35 system was discontinued in 2006, the update of older Aquashot housings is no longer available.

Should I use flash or non-flash cameras?

Flash model cameras are definitely preferred for underwater photography to illuminate the colors. The AquaShot will accept non-flash model cameras, but the pictures will be blue, green and "blah" without flash. Remember to set the camera positioning tabs inside the housing front for the correct camera model. The correct position choices are printed inside the housing body.

Why does it look like snow in my pictures?

The first precaution is to avoid stirring up the silt with your fins. This "snow" is particles suspended in the water that have been illuminated by your strobe.

The camera lens is looking through these illuminated particles, accentuating the problem. Fewer particles will be illuminated by moving the strobe farther from the lens. This is the advantage of using the optional Substrobe AQ/S. It comes with a shield that blocks the flash on the camera, redirecting it to trigger the Substrobe AQ/S which is mounted away from the camera on an arm.

Why doesn't the camera flash work sometimes?

Failure to turn the film advance knob slightly in the wrong direction after advancing the film may keep the strobe in some Kodak cameras from firing.

Can a cracked lens be replaced?

Lens failure seldom happens, but a replacement lens will be installed no charge if you return the housing. Pressure will not cause this failure; the best explanation is some "built-in" stress in the special tempered glass.

Can I use my AQ/S slave strobe with my new digital camera?

The Substrobe AQ/S is NOT compatible with digital cameras. The strobe is triggered by the camera's pre-flash and unable to recycle quickly enough to fire properly for the actual image. Digital systems require the use of a "DS" digital Substrobe. Refer to our Strobe Index for information on our newest digital Substrobes.