Ikelite Flat Port System

[JoelD 0]

Looks like Ikelite has updated their site with their new flat port system information....

 

http://ikelite.com/web_pages/dabigadoma.html

 

Enjoy.....

[rodriguezfelix 0]

Mmmm... now what to do with my set of ports... I´ll been waiting for this before Ikelite invented it!!

 

I don´t want them to end as very expensive drink mixers...

[Cerianthus 55]

I have to admit it looks very nice......, but

 

Judging from the price, I wouldnt switch over for my 2 flatports:

They take a little more room, but are quite light. They are already paid for, and work as good.

 

edit: does anybody know what the materials are (acrylic as the older ports or glass ?)

Edited February 13, 2008 by Cerianthus

[UWphotoNewbie 1]

I am very excited that thes are finally in production.

 

If you only have two ports and if they aren't broke then don't fix them.

 

But if you have a lot of lenses to house, then this is definately an upgrade. The parts are much more durable than the fixed ports. The system is also much more flexible than the old one giving you the possiblity to house a wider range of lenses with less parts than ever before. If your lens collection includes either the Canon 100mm or the Nikon 105mm VR then this is the setup to get as it offers AF with MF override, a perfect macro setup.

 

AFAIK the flat port will be acrylic like the current ones. The one I looked at in November was acrylic. I don't know of any complaints with the acrylic.

 

As I read the specs, this will really minimize the gear for the typical Nikon shooter. For the most popular lenses all you will need are 5 pieces, the 5510.35 (Flat port), 5510. 45 (8" dome port), 5510.22 (port extension), 5510.10 (FE port extension), and 5510.75 (105mmVR focus extension). With these pieces you can shoot:

 

10.5mm FE, 15mm Sigma/16mm Nikon FE or Tokina 10-17mm: 5510.10 + 5510.45

 

12-24mm WA Zoom: 5510.22 + 5510.45

 

105mm VR w/ or w/o 6T: 5510.35 + 5510.22 + 5510.75

 

60mm AFS macro (new 60mm): 5510.22 + 5510.35

 

I'll test these combinations and report back once I have mine.

[fishdoc 0]

Yes, a great idea and long awaited, BUT,

 

My 8" Ike dome always sticks after I put it together. Even with a little grease on the threads it is on there like welded steel after a few dives. Still have not been able to separate the dome from the extension since my last trip. Maybe I just need to lift heavier weights in the gym so I can take it apart. But having to fight with this on a trip would drive me crazy!

 

Mike

[fishdoc 0]

Well, looks like I missed an earlier thread on how to remove the extensions. I will now go buy a strap wrench.

 

BUT, I still think that a newly designed port system should work more smoothly than this.

[UWphotoNewbie 1]

I always use the strap wrench. If you don't have one, ask someone else to hold the port while you wail on it with both hands.

 

I like it--its good and solid.

[Sagen 0]

Has anyone spec'd out what combination of parts are required to house a Canon 100mm 2.8 EF USM lens with a Canon 250D (+4) diopter? I know it's pretty early in the release cycle for the modular port system, but thought I should at least check.

 

The classic focusing flat port for this lens doesn't even allow you to assemble the camera with the lens cap on (I've tried once or twice ) and I think the diopter adds about a centimeter of length to the assembled camera.

 

Thanks for any news and if I figure out what works for me I'll post back. Oh, the housing is for an Ikelite 20D.

 

- Sagen

[rtrski 20]

I don't know that I'd want it to be much easier to take apart. Means its easier to let water leak thru the seam, too.

 

The issue is really one of leverage...there's just no good way to 'grip' an edge anywhere to take it apart, and adding any wings or anything to provide a grip just adds bulk and might interfere with the housing controls. A big old pipe wrench would work at the cost of straining the plastic unevenly and risking a split, or scarring the exterior. The same thing happens with oil filters and any other sort of threaded decorative (e.g. plated, for visible use behind pedestal sinks) plumbing, which is why some genius came up with nonmarring strap wrenches in the first place.

 

Sagen you made me laugh out loud with the lens cap comment. I can so see myself doing that .... especially since I got the small 5503 dome for my macro port, which means there's probably ROOM to let me be stupid all day.

[bvanant 190]

I have to admit it looks very nice......, but

 

Judging from the price, I wouldnt switch over for my 2 flatports:

They take a little more room, but are quite light. They are already paid for, and work as good.

 

edit: does anybody know what the materials are (acrylic as the older ports or glass ?)

I would assume that the flat ports are glass (I think the older flat ports are glass as well) but the dome ports are acrylic.

[junior2725 0]

I have the focus extension and flat assembly on pre-order with reef photo to use with my 5510.22 body. I'm looking forward to being able to use manual or auto focus underwater with my Nikon 105mm macro lens. I'll let everyone know how it all works together once I receive it.

 

Michelle