Equinox Pro8 + AG-DVX102B

[prarez]

Hi all,

Currently i'm using Panasonic AG-DVX102B with Equinox Pro8 housing.
Everytime i go underwater the focus always switched to macro mode and it is impossible to get focus when i zoom in ( 65%-100%).

This problem doesnt happen when above the water, it automaticly back to normal....but happen directly when i put it underwater.
It also can be use normally if i switch to manual focus.

I've checked the dome, i dont think it because of it.

Even though it still seems to focus when i'm on wide (27%-65%) but it actual says it is in macro mode focus.

So in this condition i only can use 27%-65% zoom all the time since the black dome corner will appear if it below 27%.

Anyone has experience this before? any help greatly appreciated...

Thank you..

prarez

 

[ronscuba]

Most dome ports will not let you zoom. I think the nature of the dome port is a fixed focal point and generally used for wide angle shooting. For closeup and zoom shots a flat port will probably work better. They are usually cheaper too.

 

[prarez]

Thanks,

how about the focus problem i mentioned? do you have any idea?

 

[diversteve]

You might ask Sam Gates - he's the Equinox representative on Scubaboard.

 

[Empty V]

I use a DVX with an Equinox housing. Are you using a wide angle adapter? If you're using the century optics adapter then you will bet set in macro around 21. I shoot everything in fully manual mode(focus and exposure) and don't zoom. Personally I think that zooming in on a subject is not the best way to go about it. It will make your video shaky and will throw off your focus through the port. AFAIK there isn't a flat port for this housing.

Billy

Edit: Almost forgot to ask, do you mean the DVX100B? I've never heard of the DVX102B.

 

[prarez]

@sjspeck: Thanks, i've sent PM to Sam, waiting for his reply.

@Empty V: No, i don't use any wide adapter, just the basic setup.
sometime i use zoom to compose my shot before i record it, specialy with fix steady shot.
Yes it's AG-DVX102Ben actually, i think that is what they call in asia version for 100B PAL. Thanks

I like the setup, i feel comfortable with it and all its manual control...i use it in full manual except for the focusing control ( couldn't rely 100% with my minus eye lol)

It's funny how it act like that, pull out from water it's normal, put it back again then it's macro again...over and over...

 

[dittohead]

http://www.angelfire.com/ks/diyplans/dome.html

This site may offer a better explanation of your problem. The dome ports are great but they have limitations. This site explains those well.

 

[prarez]

Thanks forthe info dittohead....
will check it out soon...

 

[JessH]

Your best bet is going to be to leave your focus on manual set at about 10" in front of the lens and to stay wide. When below water the dome port act as a lens creating a virtual image about that far from the camera. When wide you should have enough depth of field that you won't need to change your focus.

~Jess

 

[prarez]

i've read the link from Dittohead, i still confuse how to do that....
- from what Jess has posted, why it has to be 10"?

thank you