Canon Weight System

[Hoosier]

:no


Canon Weight System


Many people used to realize that a housing weight is a “must have” item after purchasing the housing. There are two ways to get a housing weight, either Canon genuine weight system(Canon WWDC1 Weight) or DIY.


As you may guess, Canon weight system is a little pricey with due regard to its relatively simple design (just plates and screws). The best source for Canon weight system is Amazon with the free shipping option (about $29).

The weight system consists of four plates, six plastic screws and two main screws.
Each plate weights 55g/1.8oz

I picked up a genuine weight system because of its clean rectangular shaped design; however two main screws on the center are the most culprit ones. On the first diving, I lost one main screw and two plates already. I screwed down firmly though, it never sits tight at the end of diving. You might hear the same story from the previous owners. It is a definitely glitch design of the housing if many customers are experiencing the same problem. I have contacted Canon customer service and was told that they never heard anything about this kind of problem :no They asked me to send the housing to the customer service to inspect a bottom nut on the housing though. Basically, they seemed to be thinking that it must be a user error. Don’t get me wrong. A nut and screw are fine. Only problem is that there is no locking stuff to prevent a screwing out on their genuine design.



Fortunately, the same sized screw on most reel is used for the weight system, 1/4-20 screw. This kind screw and a lock nut(washer) are much better and more secure alternative option. I am using SS screw and SS lock nut like the following pictures. No matter what screw you are using, make sure of adding a lock nut(washer).

 

[HenrikBP]

Hoosier; thanks for the review and heads-up on the loosening screw.

Henrik

 

[sarita75]

Yes, thanks for this! I have the weights and honestly aborted using it because it just wouldn't work right. However, I need to reevaluate it all in light of this and the addition of my strobe. Thanks!

 

[Hoosier]

You're welcome, all...

There is a question about the screw length (only thread):

Each plate thickness: 3mm, 2/16”
Screw length for two plates: 13mm,1/2”
Screw length for three plates: 16mm, 5/8”


The initial lengh of the screw was 5/8" I cut about 1/8" for two plates.
Yes, you need two lengths of screws like the genuine center screws in Canon Weight system.

However, I need to reevaluate it all in light of this and the addition of my strobe. Thanks!

If you plan to use a strobe or AD mount, you don't need an extra weight kit like mine.

Check out the following post. He said what I want to say.

TIP: If buying the Canon WP case to use without a strobe, be sure to buy the Canon weight kit. The WP case for the A570is needs 2 weights to be very slightly negative, somewhat buoyant with 1 weight, or very buoyant with no weights which is annoying. The Canon weights are stainless steel and attach to the mounting base on the bottom of the WP case. The weights can be used on other brand cases also.

 

[ryan115]

Does this weight system fit the DC-16 for the A720IS, I havent been able to find anywhere that confirms it one way or the other

 

[Hoosier]

Canon weight system can be used EVEN in other brand models. Most major brand is using an universal nut size on the bottom. Think about a screw on the tripod. It is a pretty much universal size....

 

[diver 85]

personally I don't fool with weighting it.....After shooting a negative housing for 12 years, I enjoy it floating a bit.....

 

[bliew]

I also don't quite get the weight system. We're now on our 3rd Canon camera + housing, and never bought weights even though it was available as a suggested item. We don't use an external strobe, just the plain housing, which definitely floats. My wife and I never notice a problem when shooting underwater; if anything, it can be a bit of a comfort when we're in the water to pass our camera to the boat that we know if we miss the hand-off that it will just float. And it makes it easier to retrieve from the camera tank on the boat!

By far my favorite review of the Canon weight system was someone on Amazon.com: "With these weights I was able to send my Canon Powershot S70 to the bottom of the Atlantic, and I have great faith that they will keep it there. Reliable, and more professional than a brick."

In all seriousness, how do people find it useful?

 

[ScubaMarc]

I also don't quite get the weight system. We're now on our 3rd Canon camera + housing, and never bought weights even though it was available as a suggested item. We don't use an external strobe, just the plain housing, which definitely floats. My wife and I never notice a problem when shooting underwater; if anything, it can be a bit of a comfort when we're in the water to pass our camera to the boat that we know if we miss the hand-off that it will just float. And it makes it easier to retrieve from the camera tank on the boat!

By far my favorite review of the Canon weight system was someone on Amazon.com: "With these weights I was able to send my Canon Powershot S70 to the bottom of the Atlantic, and I have great faith that they will keep it there. Reliable, and more professional than a brick."

In all seriousness, how do people find it useful?

I agree, wouldn't you want your camera a little light so if u loose it, it has a chance to float to the surface. My camera is close to neutral with its strobe.

 

[Hoosier]

With all respects to the previous points, I am not a professional photographer and I have used a camera only for the data collection of scientific diving project in the beginning.

This canon set is only for my rec. diving. I am just average Joe diver who is using a point and shooter (PS) camera without using any strobe or extra lenses.


Based on my limited experience on this PS camera set, I do NOT like a floating camera AT ALL. and do NOT want to hold the camera all the times while I am in UW like a professional photographer. Without any weights, this housing including a camera is definitely floating, even with one 55g plate in the fresh water. In addition, the floating camera is more likely to contact/touch my BP/W or body when I change a diving position. More contact you have, the more chance you lose your weight and screw. Therefore, I prefer a neutral or slightly negative weight on the camera set. I used to clip the housing to my chest or waist D-ring with a short lanyard.


Just my 2 bar and preference.