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Specialized Configuration for Nudibranch Photography

This document summarizes the current expert configuration and workflow for the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II within the Nauticam NA-OM1 housing, specifically optimized for the M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro.

Background

West Cork shore diving.

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🛠️ Core System Overview

• Camera: OM-1 Mark II (Firmware v1.1+)
• Housing: Nauticam NA-OM1 with M14 Vacuum Valve II
• Macro Optics: 60mm f/2.8 Macro + Nauticam Macro Port 65
• Lighting:
  • Primary: Backscatter Hybrid Flash (HF-1) with Smart Control Trigger
  • Secondary/Snoot: Backscatter Mini Flash 2 (MF-2)
    • Note: Not usinng for macro for now
• Trigger: Backscatter OM Smart Control (BS-TR-OM1)

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🔍 The “Nudi-Sniper” Logic (C1 Profile)

You are currently using Custom Mode 1 (C1) for macro work with a focus on precision S-AF (Single AF).

1. The Subject Detection “Hack”

Despite no “Fish” mode, the following is the forum-proven “meta”:

• Mode: Bird Detection
• Why: AI identifies rhinophores (horns) as eyes/heads.
• Activation: Assigned to a physical button (ISO or AEL/AFL) for instant toggling.

2. AF Scanner (The Hunting Fix)

• Location: Menu > 4. AF > AF Scanner
• Setting: OFF
• Benefit: Prevents the 60mm lens from racking to infinity if it loses focus. This keeps the subject “visible” in the EVF even during a focus miss, allowing for rapid recovery.

3. Lens Hardware Limiter

• Switch Position: 0.19m - 0.4m
• Result: Physically restricts the lens motor to the macro range, significantly increasing AF lock speed.

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⚙️ Recommended Button Mapping (Nauticam Ergonomics)

To maximize the OM-1 II’s capabilities through the housing:

Button/Lever	Assigned Function	Purpose
AF-ON	AF-ON	Back-Button Focus (BBF) to decouple shutter and focus.
ISO Button	Subject Detection Toggle	Quickly turn Bird Mode ON/OFF if the AI gets confused.
Fn Lever (Pos 1)	Aperture / Shutter	Standard Exposure Control.
Fn Lever (Pos 2)	Stobe Exposure Comp. / ISO

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💡 Lighting Strategy: The Backscatter Advantage

With the HF-1 and Smart Control Trigger:

• SC Macro Enabled.
• Diffuser Choice: Use the 140° Flat Diffuser.

Current Status

• Not using CMC-1 or snoot for now.
• Not using Nauticam O60-F Focus Gear for now