Here is a nifty little tool

[mrlipis]

While I have not used this underwater (yet), I am an avid fly fisherman and have used a similar device. The ones I have are brass and therefore should have some longevity in salt water. They are used to attach a net to the back of your vest. They are extremely strong and I have never lost my net. The cool thing about them is you only need to get the magnet close to the other magnet and it will suck it tight. I don't know why I hadn't thought of using these before but I have attached my small light to one. I have a Zeagle stilleto BC and it only has two small pockets so I tend to hang a few things. Why spend $12.00 on this device? Simplicity...no fumbling for snaphooks with gloves on. In any case just thought I would share.

Bruce

Link to cabellas but any fly fishing store would carry a similar product
Cabela's -- Tight Line Magnetic Net Release

 

[dpbishop]

I would check it's effect on your compass before doing any underwater navigation. Even a small magnet can produce a few degrees of error if it's close enough.

 

[mrlipis]

Good point, I will see how close to the compass I can get it without any effect. It certainly could play a role on where it is located on my BC.

Bruce

 

[merxlin]

Here is a similar concept:magna clip lanyard

I'm not sure I would use it by itself. If it comes apart, whatever you had attached would be gone.

 

[RonFrank]

Cool idea, I'd try it out for a while using a backup as well so you don't loose stuff if this thing looses it's grip. I don't see why it would not work, but then again, I'd not be putting my camera on one of these things without some research to determine how it will hold.

I've watch a few camera's disappear into the blue (not my own). These were generally dropped, but one guy lost a High end Oly last year on the Duane. Strong current and 130'+ to the bottom made it impossible to even attempt a salvage. That was not the kicker! It was in an alum housing (not sure what), but he said the whole thing with flash was over 4k... so ouch! He had insurance, but it was the second day of their trip...so bummer.

 

[mrlipis]

So I hooked this device up last night. I checked it's effect on my compass and it did effect it but only if I got the compass within 6" to 9". I don't think it is a problem. These magnets are very strong and I am confident that it will hold. You could however, use one of those lanyards in conjuction with it. I wouldn't hook my camera to it but for a flashlight it works very well. I have it attached on the lower portion of my BC. I don't even have to look for my connection point, just stick the magnet in the general area of it's mate and bingo.. it snaps into place. I think this going to work well for those items that you want to use off and on during a dive, specifically, my light.

I went to a local fly shop yesterday to pick up a couple of these but they did not have the brass ones. I ended up taking the one off my vest and net at home as it is brass.

Leave for Florida tomorrow so I will get some practical use out of it.

Bruce