zebulen

For clarification, is the meet & greet on Sunday the 17th, or Monday the 18th?

If it's the 17th, then Simon Rogerson will likely be there, too. (Simon?)

Just wanted to check and make sure Kevin and I are in the count.
Thanks,
Zeb

Sea&Sea MDX MrkIII Housing with standard port. One use $3500.00
Zeb 206/919-6969

Count Zebulen Pike and Kevin Mount for the Seattle trip.

Hey Zeb, I think your buddy Christian should be thrown under something.  Your situation is a little like you told Chris you wanted to learn to fly and he put you in the cockpit of an F-16 for your first solo.

First don't worry about the TTL.  I'd guess over 90% of the folks shooting DSLR's shoot manual because they want to.   To over simplify a little, it's easy with your 250's to adjust the strobes for the light you need.   Your first priority is to keep your camera dry.  I would warn you that it is very easy to make a simple mistake and ruin a lot of great equipment.  We have all done it, or will.  You need someone flying with you on that first attempt. I would highly suggest you call ahead to the shop you’re going to dive with and have them recommend a local pro that can help you.  Heck might even post a request here and see if one of the guys or gals knows someone you could hire out for a couple of days to get you started.  Underwater photography isn't inherently difficult, you'll do fine.  But there is a reasonable amount to learn.  Take me for example, I decided last year to go digital, I have been diving since 1968 and stopped counting my dives at 5000 years ago.  I've shot film underwater since 78.  Even with that experience, I have read 6 books and every post on Wetpixel for the last six months to get to the place where I am comfortable taking my new S&S housing and a Canon camera that costs a quarter of yours into the ocean.  I will still have a checklist and my son, who’s a better photographer and diver than I am, to back me up.   Okay, so I’m an engineer and tend to over analyze everything, but you get the idea.  I’m not trying to scare you Zeb, well maybe just a little.  I really want you to be successful and have a great time with your new system.  I want to see you post some great images here when you get back!  I just think the best way for you to do that is to get some help.  Post a request for help, and call one of the reputable company's listed on this site (Backscatter, Reef photo, UW Photo tech, Marine camera, etc.).  Tell them what you have and your situation and they will fix you up.         Good Luck

Steve

Steve,

I checked out your pictures. They are really amazing. Seems like all macro stuff? I Just picked up a 17- 40mm and a zoom gear. Do you think that is to much to start with or should I stick with the 20mm for the first couple dives?

Thanks
Zeb

Hey Zeb, I think your buddy Christian should be thrown under something.  Your situation is a little like you told Chris you wanted to learn to fly and he put you in the cockpit of an F-16 for your first solo.

First don't worry about the TTL.  I'd guess over 90% of the folks shooting DSLR's shoot manual because they want to.   To over simplify a little, it's easy with your 250's to adjust the strobes for the light you need.   Your first priority is to keep your camera dry.  I would warn you that it is very easy to make a simple mistake and ruin a lot of great equipment.  We have all done it, or will.  You need someone flying with you on that first attempt. I would highly suggest you call ahead to the shop you’re going to dive with and have them recommend a local pro that can help you.  Heck might even post a request here and see if one of the guys or gals knows someone you could hire out for a couple of days to get you started.  Underwater photography isn't inherently difficult, you'll do fine.  But there is a reasonable amount to learn.  Take me for example, I decided last year to go digital, I have been diving since 1968 and stopped counting my dives at 5000 years ago.  I've shot film underwater since 78.  Even with that experience, I have read 6 books and every post on Wetpixel for the last six months to get to the place where I am comfortable taking my new S&S housing and a Canon camera that costs a quarter of yours into the ocean.  I will still have a checklist and my son, who’s a better photographer and diver than I am, to back me up.   Okay, so I’m an engineer and tend to over analyze everything, but you get the idea.  I’m not trying to scare you Zeb, well maybe just a little.  I really want you to be successful and have a great time with your new system.  I want to see you post some great images here when you get back!  I just think the best way for you to do that is to get some help.  Post a request for help, and call one of the reputable company's listed on this site (Backscatter, Reef photo, UW Photo tech, Marine camera, etc.).  Tell them what you have and your situation and they will fix you up.         Good Luck

Steve

Steve,

I checked out your pictures. They are really amazing. Seems like all macro stuff? I Just picked up a 17- 40mm and a zoom gear. Do you think that is to much to start with or should I stick with the 20mm for the first couple dives?

Thanks
Zeb

If anyone knows Christian from Tusa give him a bad time for throwing me under a bus. Just kidding, he actually helped me a lot. However, I do have two strobes I can't use because the TTL converter is not available. And a shutter activated focus light that I can't use because I have to wait for a special part to come in, then I have to send the housing to subquatic and pay $250.00 to have it installed. Okay, maybe give him a little razzing. My Evolution trainer told me I won't need a focus light in Hawaii or the Caribbean. Hopefully, this is true.  Guess I'll no sooner than later. Is there a way around the missing TTL converter?
Thanks,

Zeb