Abstract: The invention comprises an underwater camera housing having a body and handles on the body. The body also carries a pad positioned on the body so that the pad is accessible for use by a user substantially without the user being required to remove a hand from the most adjacent handle. The pad is able to be pressed at any point of its periphery and links mounted on the body between the pad and, in use, a position adjacent the controls of a camera are such that by pressing the pad the camera controls can be operated. The links comprise a compound lever system which in use extend between the pad and the multi selector of the camera when positioned within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an underwater camera housing includes a shaft adapted to allow in use the shaft to pass through the wall of the underwater camera housing. A sealing element on the shaft allow in use the shaft to be sealed to the underwater camera housing in a substantially waterproof manner. A first pressure device is mounted on the shaft and positioned in use outside the underwater camera housing, and a second pressure device is associated with the shaft and positioned in use within the underwater camera housing. A torque adjustment element is provided between the first pressure device and the second pressure device such that in normal use any feel of resistance to movement of the second pressure device is increased when felt on the first pressure device.

Abstract: An adjustment device including an enhanced underwater viewfinder having, in use, a substantially watertight body and including a plurality of prisms within the body, at least one of the prisms being moveable by element of a control mechanism operable from a position exterior of the body.

Abstract: The device includes a lens port (1) for underwater photography attachable in use to housing. The port (1) has a control element which includes a knob (2) operable externally of the port (1) to engage and disengage a ring forming part of a camera lens positioned, in use, within the port (1). The construction will operate even if there is some misalignment between the port (1) and the lens during insertion of the lens into the port (1).

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an underwater camera housing includes a shaft adapted to allow in use the shaft to pass through the wall of the underwater camera housing. A sealing element on the shaft allow in use the shaft to be sealed to the underwater camera housing in a substantially waterproof manner. A first pressure device is mounted on the shaft and positioned in use outside the underwater camera housing, and a second pressure device is associated with the shaft and positioned in use within the underwater camera housing. A torque adjustment element is provided between the first pressure device and the second pressure device such that in normal use any feel of resistance to movement of the second pressure device is increased when felt on the first pressure device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of and apparatus for coupling a lens port to a housing for an underwater camera. The method comprises the steps of providing an inwardly castellated ring and a co-operating outwardly castellated ring, the rings comprising part of or being positioned one on the housing and the other on the lens port. At least one of the rings is rotatable and the outwardly castellated ring can be passed through the inwardly castellated ring. Rotating at least one ring holds the outward castellations against the inward castellations to thereby hold the lens port to the housing.

Abstract: A positioning device for a reference surface within a lens port having a longitudinal axis, where a reference surface element able to be extended substantially transversely across the port and withdrawn from the extended position are provided. A transverse movement element to effect such extension and withdrawal of the reference surface are provided and the transverse movement element is operable from a position external of the lens port. The device further includes a camera or camera housing with a reference element of this type associated therewith. The invention finds particular use in the field of underwater photography.

Abstract: The invention resides in a positioning device for a reference surface within a lens port having a longitudinal axis. A reference surface element able to be extended substantially transversely across the port and withdrawn from the extended position are provided. A transverse movement element to effect such extension and withdrawal of the reference surface are provided and the transverse movement element is operable from a position external of the lens port. The invention also includes a camera or camera housing with a reference element of this type associated therewith. The invention finds particular use in the field of underwater photography.