BDKulick

Since I acquired the 16-35, my 18, 20, and 24mm lenses have been sitting on a shelf. I shoot it behind a 230mm dome. Unless you already own the 20, you might save a few rubles by forgoing purchasing one just yet.

Glad that you took to the finder so quickly. It took me a bit of getting used to when shooting very small subjects in vertical orientation with a 105mm macro lens. I use the 45 degree finder for the vast majority of my shooting, but prefer the straight finder for over/unders and most free-diving.

Well that was six minutes well spent. Thank you for posting this.

For many years, the first rule of underwater photography has been: "Get close to your subject." Then get closer.

For years I’ve been using a rapidograph with black ink to fill in white lettering on the from of my lenses. Have used a black marker to cover white lettering on the front side of camera bodies and to cover any shiny pieces of metal inside of housings.

Over the past couple of years I’ve been on several US domestic flights where passengers assigned to later boarding groups were compelled to check in all roller cases at the gate. As I’m unwilling to pay for business class or first class tickets, often at many times the price of economy fares, I chose to retire my well used Pelican roller case and replaced it with a Think Tank Airport Commuter back pack. Both cases have the same dimensions and carrying capacity, and I’ve yet to have my backpack challenged during check in or by a gate agent. If and when that occurs, I’ll have to revert to the usual “plan B”; the ugly photo vest and cargo pants. While I much prefer the roller case, especially when I’ve got long layovers at large airports where I generally walk for several miles, I’m willing to make the switch in order to best protect my most valuable fragile items, (though I tend to start listing slightly to the left after walking around for a while).

Hi garyyoss. We were supposed to dive together with our friend Brandon when he was in town a little while back, but believe that we got blown out by Neptune that night. You wrote that you sold your AF-S Nikkor 12-24mm 1:4 lens some time ago. I’ve got one that’s been sitting on a shelf ever since I retired my D2X bodies some years ago. I’d be happy to loan it to you if you’d like to test it behind your current dome and see how it compares to your old rig. The issue that you’ll have is that the only zoom ring that I’ve got for it is an Anthis/Nexus one, so you will not be able to adjust focal length while diving. You’re welcome to dive with it, do pool tests, (you could do that at my house if you’re in the mood), or otherwise explore its capabilities. Barry

I had been searching for a specific item for some time, (a Nauticam housing for a Nikon D800), which has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The Wetpixel member hmrb7 had just such an item for sale, and I arranged to purchase it. The housing arrived promptly and in even better condition than advertised. I was more than satisfied with the courtesy, honesty, efficiency, and all other aspects of this transaction and would gladly do business with hmrb7 again.

I see nothing “wrong” with the example that you posted Nicolas. If I may offer a suggestion: experiment with altering the angles that your strobes are oriented in relation to your subject. The more oblique that angle is, the less likely that you’ll be prone to the red eye effect. This will get you on your way to experimenting with side lighting, (sorry, this is another can of worms, but a logical progression), and then you can try using different power settings from each side, (lighting ratios), with which you’ll be able to create shadows as you so choose.

As it is imperative to stay hydrated while diving, (and to be well hydrated before beginning the first dive of the day), I’ll do whatever I can to drink as much as I can throughout the day. When diving from my own boat or with local friends and commercial operators on hot days, I bring along a pair of 2 liter bottles of ice. As they melt, they’re a source of cold water, and I can top them off as needed from a water jug or cooler. This allows me to avoid using the single serving disposable plastic bottles that are frequently supplied by some local operators. On cooler days or when diving in cold water, I’ll bring along one bottle of ice and a big thermos of tea, chocolate, or broth. Thus I tend to drink a lot each day, and don’t worry about my suits getting overly odiferous as my dry suits have pee valves, and my wet suits have relief zips.

I’ve just joined these forums, so my posting may be a bit tardy for the OP, but I’ve taken more than a dozen flights since November, and had only one occasion where a TSA agent requested that I open my carry on bag for what was a routine, cursory inspection. I squeeze a substantial load of camera gear, a pair of Shearwater computers, laptop, drives and cables into my usual carry on and have not as yet experienced any security based questioning on any of my flights originating in the USA, either at TSA/PRE checkpoints, or when they are not available, in the swine line. Dealing with airline gate agents about the weight of my bag is occasionally more complicated, but at least I no longer have to debate the effects of x-rays on undeveloped film with an array of “security experts.”

Hi friends. Been diving and photographing for about as long as I've had my current teeth. Active in South Florida, and expect to hunt for currently discontinued photo gear.