Useful tip for condensation in housings !!

[daz]

Might be of use to some of you,  I have heard that if you have problems with condensation forming in a housing then if you have room in the housing a pack of silica gel can help.  Not earth shattering I know but a very good cheap alternative is a tampon.  (Probably won't cope with a flooded housing though ;))

Also I have heard of people putting a metal disc in polycarbonate housings to act as a attraction point for condensation rather than say the lens.

Finally always when possible aclimatise your housing in a dry environment before moving between environments.   I always leave my housing open in an air conditioned environment for a couple of hours before sealing it up in the air conditioned environment.

Apologies for those who I am teaching to suck eggs but some of this maybe useful for someone.

If nothing else it gives us a valid excuse why we as divers need to carry KY jelly and tampons. ;)

Daz

[clive francis]

for the oly housings, they come with silica packs, if you ring cameras underwater they should be able to supply replacement ones

[Jay]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (daz @ Jan. 30 2003,16:23)]I always leave my housing open in an air conditioned environment for a couple of hours before sealing it up in the air conditioned environment.

You got air conditioning Daz?? Flash git! Its a good tip though - I've been getting condensation in my housing recently and not noticed till I've gone through nearly a full roll of film. From now on I'll leave the casing open in my car on the way to the dive site with the air con on for a bit then seal it before getting out.

Regarding the silica gel packs, anyone know where you can order them from? I used to have loads but threw them all away (Doh!)

[Andy Phillips]

I will bring a load to Anglesey

Andrew

[Jay]

That'd be cool - unfortunately I'm not going but you could give them to Dave to pass on to me! Cheers again

[daz]

<font color='#000080'>Web site for silica gel sachets.

http://www.keene.co.uk/system/keene.htm

As an aside, &nbsp;aparently defogging solution on the lens can also help &nbsp;(You remember defogging solution ? &nbsp;The stuff we used to use in our masks when we started diving, before our spit evolved to the point where it was more effective &nbsp; )

Daz