mx-10,reef master rc, or auto 35

[cokeman]

need help on these 3 cameras...
mx-10 with strob $450
reefmaster pro pkg $330
ikelite auto35 pkg $295 ($ at LeisurePro)
Any pros or cons????
I have seen actual photo's from the 35, Great shots

Thanks

 

[Dee]

I only have experience with the MX-10. It's very easy to use. If you get the extra lenses, they can be switched underwater so you'll have the option for wide angle and macro in addition to the normal lens. You'll need the external YS40 flash but that can be added later. I know it's the most expensive option but I think it's worth it.

Here's one of my photos taken with the MX-10...

If you'd like to see more, go to my photo web page...Cozumel...MX-10 photos

 

[herman]

Nice photo Dee, just curious, which lens were you using?

 

[Tavi]

I use the Reefmaster with a single strobe (I may add another strobe someday). Some of my pics can be seen on my homepage. Just click the www link at the bottom of this post. There are a couple of albums there. Spring 2001 was my first attempt at underwater photography.

 

[Stone]

Cokeman,

This problem may be unique to my camera: If I descend to 100 - 130 fsw, I can take one picture and the camera locks up. The camera unlocks when I reach about 80 fsw (obviously pressure related).

Ike stands behind his products and has answered my e-mails personally. When I lost the quick disconnect button on my strobe arm, he sent me a replacement for free.

I'm glad I started with an inexpensive camera that still takes good pictures. It's given me the chance to gain experience and confidence without risking a $1000 (or multi-$1000) investment. When I upgrade to a nice Digital Still or Video camera, I'll pass the Auto 35 on to one of my kids.

Here's an Auto 35 shot that is 3rd generation . . . slide film, turned into a print, then scanned on a mediocre scanner. The original is really nice.

Many other Auto 35 shots are on my home page at the link below.

 

[KC_Scubabunny]

OOOhhhh! I am so excited. I got an MX-10 with the YS40 strobe and macro lens for my b-day/christmas present. We leave for Roatan in two weeks and that will be my first trip using the camera.

I am amazed at what awesome shots you got with yours. I would have assumed that was a much more expensive camera that produced such awesome pics!

Do you have the wide angle (20mm, i think) lens? I check a few places on line and it was $270. I decided to hold off on getting it but if you think it is a necessity then I might order before we go.

Thanks,
KC_Scubabunny

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by Stone
Cokeman,

This problem may be unique to my camera: If I descend to 100 - 130 fsw, I can take one picture and the camera locks up. The camera unlocks when I reach about 80 fsw (obviously pressure related).

The Auto 35 has a "Murphy" in that it is possible to install the camera where the shutter release arm slips in front of the shutter release button, causing it to jam after the first shot (or even before the first shot sometimes). We have found that by watching for this alignment problem and making sure the release lever is well back from the front edge of the camera before closing the case the problem goes away.
Rick

 

[Stone]

Rick,

I encountered the "Murphy" you described on one of my first dives with the camera. As you say, paying attention to the alignment when loading the camera into the case takes care of the problem.

When the lever gets behind the shutter release button, the external button won't depress. The problem I encounter at 100+ fsw allows me to take one picture, then I can depress the external button again (and again) and nothing happens. The button and lever seem to have full range of motion, but the camera's shutter release button won't actuate. . . that is, not until I ascend to about 80 fsw and everything works fine.

I need to check with Ike.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by Stone
The problem I encounter at 100+ fsw allows me to take one picture, then I can depress the external button again (and again) and nothing happens. The button and lever seem to have full range of motion, but the camera's shutter release button won't actuate. . . that is, not until I ascend to about 80 fsw and everything works fine.

I need to check with Ike.

That really is weird. There should be no pressure change inside the case, and the shutter release arm penetrates the case in a manner that pressure shouldn't affect its rotation at all. The only thing I can think of is that you're getting some flex in the housing itself that's somehow pressing on the camera in a way that interferes with its operation.
The only other thing that comes to mind is that if you're diving in really cold water you may be affecting the battery's performance.
Weird.
I see you're down by Eglin. Later this spring perhaps we can get together in PC and try swapping cameras in our Auto 35 housings and see if the problem moves with the camera or stays with the housing.
Rick

 

[Stone]

Rick,

I first noticed the problem diving on a live-aboard in Australia. Nearly every dive profile was: drop to 100+ fsw and gradually ascend (either along a wall on a drift dive, or spiraling around a bommie). I would take my one shot deep, then test the camera while ascending. At about 80 fsw, the shutter release would start working again and I would finish the roll. The water was in the 80's F, so it wasn't a cold battery problem. The housing flex you mention could be a candidate if it occured in such a way that the lever couldn't fully depress the shutter release button.

Well, it's only a problem on vacation; around here I shoot the speargun, not the camera. Drop me an e-mail if you're going to be in the area.