WWL-C on a E-M10 iv/AOI? Or ?

[Tim Buck]

I'm looking for a water contact wide angle for my E-M10 iv/Backscatter AOI housing. I have the 14-42 kit lens in the standard flat port. I'm interested in using the WWL-C (there's one for a decent price in the SB marketplace), but am concerned about how much I'd have to zoom in to get rid of vignetting (if at all). How much FOV will I lose to get rid of any vignetting? I'm hoping for full zoom through, but that seems like a no-go. Any insight?

I checked with Backscatter but they didn't have a good answer regarding the WWL-C, other than to use the AOI UWL-09 Pro. I'm not opposed to the AOI, but it's a big, heavy piece of glass, and it's kinda costly. I was hoping to still get good image quality without spending roughly $1500 for the UWL-09 Pro (with float collar, bayonet mounts, and sales tax).

I've been scouring the internet hoping to find someone using the WWL-C on an Oly/AOI setup, with no joy. Seems most shooters and retailers all use/specialize in Nauticam or AOI (or Ikelite, etc.) without much cross pollination.

I'm doing my best to KISS and still get the best image quality per dollar, and had hoped the WWL-C lens would work out for me. I'd really like to stay in the lower end of the $500-$1k range. I don't need magazine-quality and will probably never print anything bigger than 11x17.

Suggestions? Kraken? Other AOI? Other Nauticam? Like the E-M10 iv/AOI housing, I'm looking for the best bang for my buck.

 

[bvanant]

The wwl-c according to Nauticam will not vignette with the 12-32 (12-32mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens, when used with (36165) N85 Power zoom macro port 29 and the (83250) M67 to bayonet converter II allows for the use of the full 12-32mm zoom range.) so it should be fine with the 14-42.
Bill

 

[Barmaglot]

I don't think you'll be able to fit the Nauticam bayonet adapter on AOI flat port; the adapter threads are on the inside of a narrow groove, requiring the port front flange to be quite thin, and I don't think AOI FLP-06 is thin enough. Also, WWL-C is not the best choice for 14-42mm on M43, as you won't get the full 130 degrees AOV - it is made for 24mm-equivalent lenses, and 14-42mm is 28mm-equivalent on the wide end.

If you want a cost-effective wet lens solution, maybe look at the regular AOI UWL-09, not the pro model? It has an acrylic front element rather than glass, so it's about a pound lighter and a few hundred dollars less expensive.

 

[Tim Buck]

Well, I'm gonna give it a try. I bought the WWL-C that was in the SB classifieds. I'll report back what it takes to mount, IF it mounts, and my general impressions. Not sure I'll be able to empirically measure the FOV. But I'm sure there are calculations I can find.

It was a good deal, so worst case is I resell it.

 

[Barmaglot]

You will also need NA-83250. Oddly, I don't see it mentioned in that system that you bought WWL-C from, neither in text nor in any of the photos, and it's absolutely mandatory to mount a WWL-C on Nauticam Flat Port 45.

 

[Nemrod]

Well, I'm gonna give it a try. I bought the WWL-C that was in the SB classifieds. I'll report back what it takes to mount, IF it mounts, and my general impressions. Not sure I'll be able to empirically measure the FOV. But I'm sure there are calculations I can find.

It was a good deal, so worst case is I resell it.

Please provide results and how you mounted it to the AOI housing.

Also, if you have to resell, the WWL-1C should retain it's value if in good shape.

Good luck.

 

[Tim Buck]

You will also need NA-83250. Oddly, I don't see it mentioned in that system that you bought WWL-C from, neither in text nor in any of the photos, and it's absolutely mandatory to mount a WWL-C on Nauticam Flat Port 45.

Yup, I figured I'd need to buy it. If it comes with... BONUS!