which housing to buy for a c-5050? Oly PT-015 or Ike ?

[roswin]

I just bought a new c-5050 and I'm planning to buy the appropriate housing. I am quite scared about the real quality of the PT-015 ( there are many threads about flooding) while the Ike housing could be a better and more secure choice. Is it true? Maybe the fact is that there are more reported flooding episodes with the PT-015 than the Ike one just because the first is much more popular?

 

[Gilligan]

It's all about personal preference and money.
The Olympus housing is around $150.US and the Ikelite housing is around $600.US.
The Ikelite housing is better built and you can get spare parts. For the most part you cannot for the Oly housing except for the main O rings and grease.

I try to keep things in perspective as respects camera cost versus housing cost. With that in mind the Oly housing is a better match.

Another thing to consider is the lifespan of the camera, whether mechanically or a flood. The 5050 is out of production. Eventually you will not be able to get another camera. Then you either have a $150 or $600 housing to look at as a decoration or sell on eBay.

If you go the Ikelite route then I strongly suggest you get a second camera. Get a refurbished one for the lowest price you can find on the web. Just be careful that they send you the camera as some of these camera houses pretend they are out of stock when you won't buy all the extras they sell with the camera. That's where they make their money. For that matter I would get a second camera even with the Oly housing.

I have two C4000Z's and two PT-010 housings. I plan on staying with that setup indefinetley. They suit my needs. The housing is out of production and just about nonexistent. The cameras are plentiful on the web as refurbs for around $200., or less. It is likely that will be the case with the 5050 due to it's popularity.

 

[roswin]

I saw the the price for the Ike housing is 450$ at Adorama or B&H, so the difference (considering also the the Ike includes a tray and arm) is not so big. What do you think?

 

[Gilligan]

I saw the the price for the Ike housing is 450$ at Adorama or B&H, so the difference (considering also the the Ike includes a tray and arm) is not so big. What do you think?

It's your money. The tray and arm is a plus as you would have to buy one or make one for the PT-015 if you get a strobe. I say go for it if you like the Ikelite housing. Just get yourself a second camera down the road.

 

[DanL]

I had the PT015 - had bad luck. Leaks, hairline cracks, etc. There is a recognized problem with the mode dial.
I replaced my PT015 with the Ikelite housing. Much more robust. Initially seemed a bit "clunky" vs the Oly housing, but now that I'm used to the controls on the Ike, I love it.
My vote is definitely for the Ike housing.

 

[roswin]

Which arm do you use? The Ike comes with base and tray. I'd like to buy an Inon D-180 and I'm wondering if there could any problem with this setting. Can you change the base abd tray with something else?

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

The best housing available for the 5050 is the Light and Motion Tetra. I have used the Ike, Olympus and Light and Motion. It is more expensive at $1,499, so it depends on your budget. However, its an aluminum housing, double o-ring sealed, there are interchangeable lenses available, the ROC control allows you to adjust strobe output right on the back of the housing. This feature makes lighting adjustments extremely easy. Check them all out and compare. I myself prefer the controls, double O-ring seal and ROC Control of the Tetra housing. I have had 4 of these housings (different models from the Tetra series, I keep upgrading), and I've never had a problem.