Changes to Ikelite DSLR Port System

[philned]

Yup - I was told 3 weeks for the upgrade, but the sucker came back in one week - looks great Ikelite, again you haven't kept to your expected repair time frames but consequently have another delighted customer!

John

Me too !!!
10 days waiting but I am from France !!!!
It's a very fast service !!!

thanks a lot Ike !!!

 

[takohachi]

I just assembled a new Ikelite D90 housing with a 18-135 port body (5510.28) and 8" dome and I noticed a lot of give in the connection between the port and housing (about 4mm of side to side flex). I can't believe that's a normal condition and I'm reluctant to try it out.

I intend to send for the upgrade but I'm concerned that the addition of two locks will not be enough to solve the problem simply because of the range of motion. Is this how the port is intended to seat with my configuration?

I joined the forum to ask this question and coincidentally found the modification notice. Which I'm greatly encouraged by. Also very happy to find Ikelite staff and experienced photographers here to respond.

My question is not about the twin lock system failing, but about the flex of the port body against the o-ring on the housing. Has anyone experienced leaks on account of this?

 

[Ikelite Staff]

The port is able to rock side to side when installed on the housing. As long as the port locks are securely locked there will not be a leaking problem.

If you are still concerned you can try taking your housing diving without a camera installed on the first dive.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[takohachi]

Thanks for the reassurance! That's all I needed. I've yet to purchase the strobes so I'm unable to dive it with the dust cap on the cable attachment. Any recommendation about how to get around that?

 

[Ikelite Staff]

I've yet to purchase the strobes so I'm unable to dive it with the dust cap on the cable attachment. Any recommendation about how to get around that?

The metal cap for the bulkhead connector on the housing is an o-ring sealed waterproof cap. So you can dive with the housing as long as the bulkhead cap is in place.

The plastic caps for cord ends are dust caps and not waterproof.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[takohachi]

Thanks again for the advice. I'll first send in for the modification and I imagine that will help a lot.

One thought I had to possibly counteract the sway is to use a second o-ring (0105) on the connection or a broader o-ring with the same circumference. However, if it's a secure connection with the movement, then I'll refrain from trying anything like that.

 

[TheSmoothDome]

I'm a little disappointed that the complimentary retrofit is only being offered to systems purchased after October of 2009. I've purchased two housings within the last 3 years. The first for a Canon 400D and then a second one this past February when I upgraded my camera to a Canon 50D. Less than a year later and one major dive trip in and I have to shell out another 10% to upgrade the housing? Not to mention, I'll have to upgrade my 8" dome port body for another $60.00.

I'm sure I'll do it before in the next few months, but it does leave a little bit of a bitter taste.

 

[Ikelite Staff]

One thought I had to possibly counteract the sway is to use a second o-ring (0105) on the connection or a broader o-ring with the same circumference.

This is definitely not advisable. The dimensions of the housing and ports are designed to accept only the standard #0105 port o-ring.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

 

[philned]

In November we will have both Flex Arm and 1" diameter ball mounts available for the top of the housing. The mounting block is 1" square and accepts a 1/4-20 threaded screw.

Regards,
Jean / Ikelite
IKELITE Underwater Systems

hi !
what is the ikelike number for Flex Arm and 1" diameter ball mounts available for the top of the housing ?

thanks

 

[jdcpa]

Did you look for it at IKELITE Underwater Systems