Romeo Tango Foxtrot Delta.

I just now read the directions,
"Free Camera
You will find you have greater maneuverability inside and out of the sub. If you find you have traveled outside the sub and have a black screen with a “Camera out of sectors” message, just click on the F2 or F4 key to return to an interior station."
Solves the original gripe, apparently it IS a known issue.
"You must have a mod installed, or some part of one left behind, because the stock SH4 version 1.4 does not have the "F" key mapped to anything."
Why YES, I DID have a mod installed, the optics mod which was the original topic. That does have the added feature of free interior movement after hitting the F key. Not in stock 1.4.
"That's why I asked about the Gato/Balao conning tower helm dials."
I always "Go Asiatic" for careers since I found the Hawaii-Honshu voyaging way too tedious, so I'm limited to S class, P class, Salmon or Sargo. I usually start and end with the same Sargo (always turning down new construction offers) because I'm screwy enough to prefer it over Gato/Balao.

I'll check out the Gato glitch you're talking about and get back to you.