Lens Assistance

[Footslogger]

OK ...so I have the Olympus C5050 Zoom in the Ikelite housing and I'm looking to add some lens options.

For starters I should say that I'm in transition (lingering withdrawall) from years of uw photo with the Nikonos so the camera aspects are still somewhat new to me.

What's available and from whom ?? Are these all just adapters that screw into the lens port on the Ikelite housing or are they tubes/adapters that attach to the camera itself inside the housing.

With the Nikonos set-up you had to decide in advance whether you were going to shoot normal lens, close up/macro or wide angle and attach the appropriate lens before going in the water. If I understand correctly, some of the options with the Ikelite housing allow you to make some changes under water ??

Thanks in advance,

'Slogger

 

[DesertEagle]

The housing takes 67mm accessory lenes.

For wide angle you can choose between Inon, Sea & Sea and Epoque. I would probably choose the Inon because you can later add a dome to turn it into a fisheye.

 

[Tortuga Roja]

I believe the port on your housing has 67mm threads. If so, Inon wetmate lenses will screw directly into it. Inon makes a close-up and a wide angle. You can also add a dome port to the WAL to make it even wider. I have used the WAL/dome combo with a 5050 and loved the results. Here's one from that exact combo:

I bought my lenses from Ryan at Reef Photo. You could also check for used ones listed by people that have moved on to dSLRs.

 

[Footslogger]

Thanks ...appreciate the info. So can these lenses be attached/detached underwater ?? or is that something you do topside and leave on throughout the dive. I

If that question seems lame ...just remember that I am coming from the Nikonos side of the uw photo world.

'Slogger

 

[Monkey Knife-fight]

They're wet lenses. You can switch throughout the dive.

 

[Tortuga Roja]

Yes, you can change them underwater but if that is your plan, be sure to get some kind of docking device and lanyards to keep the lens(es) not in use secure.

 

[PapaBob]

Hey Mike:

Off thread but I noticed you have been active on the board of late. I respect your knowledge and look forward to more of your posts. I would love to do one of your workshops sometime. Now all I have to do is talk Lynne into a dive trip to Hawaii. We could visit with Leesa and Gilligan too.

Have you ever considered writing a book?

---Bob