Please help me finish out my E-PL1/PT-EP01 set up for Roatan

[zak1227]

So I have a short list of what I "think" I need to finish out gearing up for this trip. BTW I'm a complete newb to UW Photography. I did have a chance to pool dive the camera while home on my last R&R and love it. I bought the housing used and it came with a modified Sea&Sea Tray that I don't like and one YS01 strobe.
That being said what tray/handle set up do you folks like with this housing? I will be adding a second strobe at some point so keep that in mind. I'm going to Roatan with a stock flat port and the 14-42 kit lens w/zoom gear ring. Here's what I thought about adding.

POSR-EP01 shading ring

PTMC-01 UW Macro Lens w/ PMLA-EP01 Macro Lens adapter "Question" will this macro solution render good results, or should I invest this money into a Full Macro lens later on? What I like about it is I can change it at depth.

I do not have a focus light, and unless sombody can recomend and good dependable entry level light at 1/2 of what the top of the line lights are going for, I will probably for go the light on this trip.

Last question, are you EP01 users out there adding wieght to your trays? I know this answer will vary from rig to rig, but it will give me an idea of what to expect.

Okay one more question, am I missing any thing

Thanks for any help at all guys/gals

 

[PeeBee UK]

I use one of these focus lights and find it excellent Fantasea Nano Focus Light, High Intensity Ultra Compact LED Light 6022
The 45mm Panny macro lens is lovely, although sometimes it struggles to focus even with the light. I find it works better with the focus limit switched off.
Trying to take W/A(ish) shots with the 14-42 will result in edge distortion under the flay port in my experience but it's good for macro to medium distance shots.
Good luck, have a great trip.
Couple of shots with the panny

 

[zak1227]

PeeBee, are you saying that the 14-42 will do fine for Macro shots with out the add on lens and adapter I have listed? Thanks for the pics with the panny lens, very nice!. I plan to add lenses at a later point in time, but not this trip

 

[Coralcop]

I have the Epl1 and Pt Ep01 with the Olympus Strobe. I just returned from Cozumel, using it for the first time. My rig seems to be almost neutral if not slightly negative in it's current configuration. I am using the Fantasea Nano Focus light and for the price, I wouldnt leave home without it. A focus light is a must. If I had the money, I'd probably have a Big Blue, but I'd rather put that money into a wide angle lens and port instead. I also added the shading ring because of what I read about ghosting. I had no problems with that. This camera setup is a dream to use when set up right. I have been reading the threads here and learned quite a bit, and made just a few minor changes after diving for a week with it. The stock lens and port is the most limiting factor. I am used to taking CFWA photos with 35mm, and was wishing I had the 8mm fisheye or 7-14 lens and dome by the time I got through.
Be sure you take enough moisture munchers to change out each time you open the housing. I used several different types and had no problem the whole trip. I have had digital cameras that fogged after 10 minutes, and that will put an end to taking pictures quickly.

 

[under water]

So I have a short list of what I "think" I need to finish out gearing up for this trip. BTW I'm a complete newb to UW Photography. I did have a chance to pool dive the camera while home on my last R&R and love it. I bought the housing used and it came with a modified Sea&Sea Tray that I don't like and one YS01 strobe.
That being said what tray/handle set up do you folks like with this housing? I will be adding a second strobe at some point so keep that in mind.

I like the Ultralight tray, especially for travel. It's light.

I'm going to Roatan with a stock flat port and the 14-42 kit lens w/zoom gear ring. Here's what I thought about adding.

POSR-EP01 shading ring

PTMC-01 UW Macro Lens w/ PMLA-EP01 Macro Lens adapter "Question" will this macro solution render good results, or should I invest this money into a Full Macro lens later on? What I like about it is I can change it at depth.

I do not have a focus light, and unless sombody can recomend and good dependable entry level light at 1/2 of what the top of the line lights are going for, I will probably for go the light on this trip.

Last question, are you EP01 users out there adding wieght to your trays? I know this answer will vary from rig to rig, but it will give me an idea of what to expect.

Okay one more question, am I missing any thing

Thanks for any help at all guys/gals

My rig is negative with 2 INON s-2000 strobes and a sola 600 video/focus light. My guess is that your config would be negative as well, depending on the YS-01.
I agree that you should get a nano focus light. Very cheap .. well worth the cost. Turns off when the strobe triggers.
I don't use the shading ring. Don't think I have seen much in the way of internal reflection unless I point a strobe at the lens.
I love the flexibility of a wet lens for macro. I have the INON UCL-167, but I believe the Oly macro lens will work well too. Remember to zoom all the way in to 42 on the lens when using the macro lens.
These pictures of some Damselfish eggs, Pederson Shrimp and Blenny were taken with the 14-42 lens and the external macro lens.

If you like video, then you may be missing a video light or a red filter, but you seem all set for some great pix.
Do you have a lanyard for your rig? It's nice to be able to attach it to your BC when/if you need two hands.
Extra batteries?

 

[zak1227]

Thanks all for the replies, every little bit helps. Thanks for the macro shots, they look great with the wet lens. I will add the Nano focus light to my final list for this trip, and I'm sure I will upgrade to a Sola or something equivalent at a later date. The lanyard was something I was forgetting and will definitely add that. As far as video, I will probably try it out at some point in the trip, but this is totally secondary to learning the still photography for me. I do have 2 Oly batteries already, so I'm good there. I wish I could add a Fisheye or 9-18 WA and Zen dome, but again this will have to wait for now. Also going to add a dual handle/tray and use one side for the focus light until I add the second strobe.

Question, what's the difference between the single and 3 fish icons when setting this mode for the E-PL1. The manual doesn't say.

Do any of you guys use this mode?

Thanks!

zak

 

[jdfmail]

They are underwater modes. One fish is macro and 3 fish is wide angle.

 

[Diver58]

They have a pretty good photo pro at Coco View if that is where you are going that could help you. His price is reasonable. He loves the Pen cameras.
Did you figure out how to turn on the super control panel yet, very helpful.
I have the Pen 2 and it seams very close to neutrally buoyant, slightly negative.

 

[deeper thoughts]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/384037-memorial-weekend-keys-dive-report.html

Some examples with the 14-42 lens and a reefnet diopter

 

[zak1227]

Yes, the live view is extremely useful, well for me at least. Not going to Coco view:depressed: Does he only go with guest from there?

Thanks for the fish icon info, also found it in a thread as well. Wish I would have waited a little longer, could have purchased the E-LP2 for just a little more money, but I love my 1st generation and believe it will take many years to out grow this bad boy. The menus are becoming very familiar now as I spend more time with it, and going through the manual step by step. This camera is worlds apart from my Panny PS.

I'm trying to cram as much as possible prior to the trip; truth be told though, I need to put down the camera and learn more about my new dive comp LOL.

Thanks all for the advice and taking the time to post your pics... much appreciated!!!

zak