Are you ready to take your photography to the next level and explore the mesmerizing world beneath the waves? The Olympus PT-059 underwater housing is your gateway to capturing stunning images and videos while keeping your compatible Olympus camera safe and sound. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, this housing offers a blend of durability, ease of use, and exceptional performance that will transform your underwater adventures. In this article, we'll dive deep (pun intended!) into everything you need to know about the Olympus PT-059, from its key features and benefits to compatibility, setup, and maintenance tips. Get ready to unleash your creativity and capture the beauty of the underwater world like never before!

Key Features and Benefits

The Olympus PT-059 underwater housing is packed with features designed to enhance your underwater photography experience. Let's explore some of the key highlights:

• Robust Construction: Crafted from high-quality polycarbonate, the PT-059 is built to withstand the rigors of underwater environments. It's pressure-tested to a depth of 45 meters (147 feet), ensuring your camera remains safe and dry even on deeper dives. The housing's sturdy construction provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about leaks or damage.
• Full Camera Control: The PT-059 provides access to all essential camera functions, allowing you to adjust settings, zoom, and capture photos and videos with ease. The responsive buttons and dials are designed for comfortable use even with gloves, ensuring you maintain full control over your camera's capabilities. With the PT-059, you can fine-tune your settings to match the underwater conditions and capture stunning images with precision.
• Clear and Durable Viewfinder: The housing features a clear and durable viewfinder that provides a bright and accurate view of your camera's display. This is essential for composing your shots and ensuring proper focus, especially in challenging underwater conditions. The viewfinder is designed to minimize distortion and reflections, allowing you to see the scene as it truly is.
• Accessory Ports: The PT-059 includes accessory ports for attaching external flashes, video lights, and other accessories. These ports allow you to expand your underwater photography setup and enhance your creative possibilities. By adding external lighting, you can illuminate your subjects and capture vibrant colors and details that would otherwise be lost in the depths. The accessory ports are strategically placed for easy access and secure attachment of your chosen accessories.
• Easy Setup and Operation: The PT-059 is designed for easy setup and operation, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced underwater photographers. The camera is easily installed and removed from the housing, and the controls are intuitive and straightforward. The housing also features a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening underwater, providing added peace of mind.

Camera Compatibility

Before purchasing the Olympus PT-059 underwater housing, it's crucial to ensure that it's compatible with your specific Olympus camera model. This housing is primarily designed for use with the Olympus TG series cameras, known for their ruggedness and excellent image quality. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Olympus TG-6: The PT-059 is fully compatible with the Olympus TG-6, providing access to all camera functions and features. This combination is a popular choice among underwater photographers due to the TG-6's exceptional image quality, 4K video recording, and rugged design. With the PT-059, you can take your TG-6 to depths of up to 45 meters (147 feet) and capture stunning underwater photos and videos.
• Olympus TG-5: The PT-059 is also compatible with the Olympus TG-5, offering similar functionality and control as with the TG-6. The TG-5 is a capable underwater camera with a bright lens, fast autofocus, and excellent image stabilization. Paired with the PT-059, it's a reliable and versatile tool for capturing the beauty of the underwater world.
• Other Olympus Models: While the PT-059 is primarily designed for the TG-6 and TG-5, it may be compatible with other Olympus camera models. However, it's essential to check the compatibility list and ensure that all camera functions are accessible before using the housing underwater. Using an incompatible camera may result in limited functionality or even damage to the camera or housing.

Setting Up Your Olympus PT-059

Setting up your Olympus PT-059 underwater housing correctly is crucial to ensure its waterproof integrity and proper functioning. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Inspect the Housing: Before each use, carefully inspect the housing for any signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or debris. Pay close attention to the O-rings and sealing surfaces, as these are critical for maintaining a watertight seal. If you notice any damage, do not use the housing until it has been repaired or replaced.
2. Clean the O-Rings: The O-rings are essential for creating a watertight seal between the housing and its components. Remove the O-rings and clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the O-rings to keep them supple and ensure a proper seal. Avoid using excessive grease, as this can attract dirt and debris.
3. Insert the Camera: Carefully insert your compatible Olympus camera into the housing, ensuring that it is properly aligned and seated. Make sure that all buttons and controls are accessible and that the camera is securely locked in place. Refer to the housing's instruction manual for specific instructions on camera installation.
4. Close and Lock the Housing: Once the camera is installed, carefully close the housing and engage the locking mechanism. Ensure that the housing is securely sealed and that all latches are properly fastened. Double-check that the O-rings are properly seated and that there are no gaps or obstructions.
5. Test the Housing: Before taking the housing underwater, it's a good idea to test its waterproof integrity in a shallow pool or tank. Submerge the housing and check for any signs of leaks or water intrusion. If you detect any leaks, immediately remove the housing from the water and inspect the O-rings and sealing surfaces.

Tips for Underwater Photography with the Olympus PT-059

Capturing stunning underwater photos requires a combination of skill, technique, and the right equipment. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Olympus PT-059 underwater housing:

• Master Buoyancy: Achieving neutral buoyancy is essential for stable and controlled underwater photography. Practice your buoyancy skills to minimize movement and avoid disturbing the marine environment. Use your buoyancy compensator (BCD) and weights to fine-tune your position in the water.
• Get Close to Your Subject: Water absorbs light, so the closer you are to your subject, the more vibrant and detailed your photos will be. Get as close as possible without disturbing the marine life. Use a macro lens or the camera's zoom function to capture close-up shots of small subjects.
• Use External Lighting: Underwater lighting is crucial for illuminating your subjects and restoring lost colors. Use an external flash or video light to add brightness and vibrancy to your photos. Position your lights carefully to avoid backscatter and create a natural-looking effect.
• Shoot in RAW Format: Shooting in RAW format allows you to capture more data and have greater flexibility when editing your photos. RAW files contain all the information recorded by the camera's sensor, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without losing quality.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice underwater photography, the better you'll become. Experiment with different settings, techniques, and compositions to develop your own unique style. Review your photos and learn from your mistakes to improve your skills over time.

Maintaining Your Olympus PT-059

Proper maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your Olympus PT-059 underwater housing and ensuring its reliable performance. Follow these tips to keep your housing in top condition:

• Rinse After Each Use: After each dive, thoroughly rinse the housing with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris. Pay particular attention to the O-rings, buttons, and latches. Use a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Dry Thoroughly: After rinsing, dry the housing thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow the housing to air dry completely before storing it. Avoid using heat or direct sunlight to dry the housing, as this can damage the O-rings and other components.
• Store Properly: Store the housing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove the O-rings and store them separately in a sealed bag to prevent them from drying out. Consider using a protective case or bag to protect the housing from scratches and damage during storage.
• Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the housing for any signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or wear. Pay close attention to the O-rings and sealing surfaces. Replace any damaged or worn components immediately.
• Service Annually: It's recommended to have your housing serviced annually by a qualified technician. A professional service will ensure that all components are in good working order and that the housing is properly sealed.

Conclusion

The Olympus PT-059 underwater housing is a fantastic investment for any underwater photographer looking to capture stunning images and videos. Its robust construction, full camera control, and easy-to-use design make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced divers. By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can ensure that your PT-059 housing performs reliably and helps you capture the beauty of the underwater world for years to come. So, grab your Olympus camera, gear up with the PT-059, and dive into a world of underwater photography like never before!