Oly PT-027 vs. Ikelite Housing....

[Wolverine]

I have been in the market for the C-7070 since I flooded my Sony Cybershot a few weeks ago (can't remember exactly what it was - a DSC-P93 or something). Anyway the Cybershot is dead and gone (thanks for the memories) but what I want now an Olympus 7070 where I can control a lot more than with the 'instamatic' Cybershot.

Question is...which housing? Seems it comes down to the Olympus proprietry PT-027 or the generic Ikelite version (5060?).

I've heard different versions of the truth. Which is best? What do you think? One thing's for sure...having flooded one camera I'm looking for survivability and reliability over photographic quality. My motto from now on in is...two 'O' rings are better than one.

Paul M

Not necessarily! Sometimes 2 o-rings get it the way. Its probably more important how the o'ring sits and the how thick the o-ring is. The problem (from some users of the old 5060 housings in any case) was that the o-rings were not sitting well on the housing, and caused frequent flooding. The Ike housing has a reasonably sized o-ring that sits really well and most importantly, the seal is visible. That means you can always check if there is anything caught in the o-ring or if the seal is not tight.

It also helps that Ike is built like a tank. Having flooded a camera before, I figure it makes sense to pay for a sturdier build and a visible seal. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[jghflash]

I have used my PT-020 on 24 dives and had no leaking problems at all. I was pretty cautious with the o-rings but they seem to be fine if you take your time. So far so good. I like the ability to use all of the controls on the camera (if you can remember what they all do!). Good luck!

 

[gluehuffer]

I've got the Ike housing and the 7070 and have not had one problem with it not to mention it is just about bulletproof. You've gotta go Ike to get TTL. While if you search enough, you can find goodies for the Oly housing as well, but no TTL. Don't even think about looking at the Oly strobe. Not worth the $$. I had to send my strobe cord to Ike to get fixed, ... don't ask. No problem. Now if I can only grow about 6 more fingers for all the buttons.

 

[Allison Finch]

I have both housings. I only use the Ike. You can visually inspect the o-ring and see every inch of the seal and how well it is sealing. Not so with the Oly. You can also use all of the cameras functions, you have TTL, it is bombproof, The more o-rings you have, the more that can go wrong with it, IMHO.
The difference is worth the money.
Anyone want to buy an almost unused PT20??