Making My Rig Buoyant

[GLENFWB]

Has anyone added anything to your camera to make it more buoyant? If so, what did you use?

I have the Canon G10, Ikelite case, and two DS 51 strobes with the adjustable arms, and the dual sync cord. All of these items make for a pretty heavy rig. Anyone have any suggestions on how to make this rig more buoyant?

 

[Peter_C]

They make buoyant arms. Otherwise depending on your depth you could add some closed cell foam.

 

[sylpha]

Just remember that if you make your rig more bouyant to compensate on your weight belt. it could make all the difference on a safety stop.

 

[D_B]

closed cell foam will compress and change buoyancy with depth .. if you can use something that is not compressable then it will stay constant and be easier to trim out and weight

 

[Puffer Fish]

If you did, not sure you would like the results..I would guess that your rig even know is a bit bottom light.. and wants to turn upside down if let go....

 

[HowardE]

ULCS makes "Buoyancy" arms. -> Arm Segments for Underwater Photography

Also - for a DIY solution... You can take PVC tubing, and put end caps on them (sealed). Some calculations may be required, depending on how much buoyancy you need, and how long the pipe is (how much air volume is inside the pipes)

 

[D_B]

not that I know anything aboot this ... how about the buoyant arms for the strobes idea?

EDIT: oh

 

[GLENFWB]

I guess instead of using the word buoyant, I should use the word "neutral." I don't really want the rig to float...just need it to be more neutral in the water. With two strobes the rig is top heavy for sure. I am looking for a "home made" solution. Guess I will have to play around with some things and see what kind of result I get.

If you did, not sure you would like the results..I would guess that your rig even know is a bit bottom light.. and wants to turn upside down if let go....

 

[Tienuts]

StiX closed cell foam. Works like a charm and only compresses about 10% at depth.

Flotation Aids : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[HowardE]

I guess instead of using the word buoyant, I should use the word "neutral." I don't really want the rig to float...just need it to be more neutral in the water. With two strobes the rig is top heavy for sure. I am looking for a "home made" solution. Guess I will have to play around with some things and see what kind of result I get.

PVC Tubes glue on end caps.