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The Ikelite SLR housings have evolved into classics providing dependable performance for over 30 years. The newest thick wall dSLR housing is probably the safest enclosure money can buy, and provides optical capabilities equal to anything. An assortment of interchangeable lens ports allow use of most macro, wide angle, and zoom lenses. It is part of a full system of TTL strobes, mounting systems, and accessories.
The seal of the interchangeable port system is the only design that allows you to see if it is correct. You can look through the clear plastic and see the "O" ring seal. If it looks sealed it will be sealed. Every other SLR housing relies on theory and hope. There is no way to see if the port is sealed properly on an aluminum housing.
This is not another cheap plastic product. The dSLR housing is "Clearly Superior" and provides a "comfort factor" that is simply not available in any other professional caliber SLR housing. It allows visual assurance the system is safe with a clear view of the camera information and control functions. Ikelite housings are injection molded of clear polycarbonate for its superior strength and corrosion-free properties, and operate safely to 60m (200 feet) working depth.
A clear case would be the logical choice if cost was no object. The design requires costly tooling and molding machines compared to a simple aluminum casting or machined product. The final product is less likely to have problems with condensation and finish that can occur with aluminum. The paint does not chip or fall off of these housings, and the aluminum housing finishers have not figured out how to make their housing clear.
Ikelite housings are sized and weighted for near neutral buoyancy and superb handling underwater. Camera installation is quick and simple. The dependable controls are conveniently placed at your fingertips, and kept water tight with Ikelite pioneered Quad-Ring seal glands proven to be the most reliable method for sealing controls.
A design can be too small to provide neutral buoyancy underwater. The handle bar removes with two screws for easy packing. The ports remove instantly and allow easy removal of the "O" ring for cleaning. The new "Safety Port Locks" click into position, and can not be accidentally bumped open.
The housing "O" ring seal is a masterpiece in simplicity compared to designs that require stuffing the "O" ring into a groove.
The Ikelite Super-Eye magnifier provided with the housing offers enhanced viewing while wearing a diving mask.
All lens ports from the Ikelight SLR system can be utilized, allowing use of most macro, wide angle, and zoom lenses. This system allows you to see that the port is sealed.
Camera Flash Compensation button can be activated by your index finger while your hand remains on the handle. Control for front FUNC button is provided; this control can be pulled up to operate depth of field preview. A control for Lens Release is also included.
"Stay depressed" control operates the White Balance, ISO and Qual functions on top left of camera body, but the Mode dial under these buttons is not provided. Focus-mode (C/S/M) selector can be changed with a little finesse
AE/AF lock button can be activated with your thumb while holding the handle. The AF "on" is controlled by push button, or an optional shaft allows it to be operated by the thumb rather than the AE/AF lock. The Metering selector surrounding the AE/AF button is not provided.
The housing includes TTL conversion circuitry that provides four 1/3 f/stop increments over or under flash compensation that is added to or subtracted from any compensation entered into the camera, or seven manual power settings in half-stop increments. All choices are obtained by simply rotating a knob on the housing back.
