O ring maintenance

Peter Rowlands · Issue 6, Apr/May 2002 · pp. 42–48

Products mentioned: Nikonos V, Ocean Optics silicone grease applicator/syringe, Sea & Sea

O ring maintenance by Peter Rowlands There can be fewer, more hostile environments in which to take photographs than underwater. The combined elements of water and pressure impose considerable limitations on us both physically and photographically in a way that should make most sensible people give it a very wide berth. And yet we are still here, pretending to enjoy it, spurred on by the occasional good shot which makes us forget the aggro, both financial and physical. O rings are the most ingenious, yet simple devices without whose existence we would certainly not be where we are today. These small cross sections of moulded compressed neoprene are the key to our survival and deserve more attention than they often get. In order to do its job properly, an O ring must be lightly lubricated Don’t use any sharp tools to lift the O ring out of its groove. Most O rings can be removed without t…