Scrach on WA port, Gates GP32

[Galapagos Girl 0]

Diving in Raja Ampat was a thrill, but the hard corals scratch my GP32 lens (mantas liked the ripping currents, my camera didn't).

 

 

This is some action I got of mantas at a cleaning station. I know the water fills in some of the scratches, but the sun "catches" on some and is annoying. If anyone knows if there is a way to remove scratches from this lens, please let me know. I really don't want to buy a new ($600) lens.

 

Thanks,

Galapagos Girl

[fotoscubo714 0]

Diving in Raja Ampat was a thrill, but the hard corals scratch my GP32 lens (mantas liked the ripping currents, my camera didn't).

 

 

This is some action I got of mantas at a cleaning station. I know the water fills in some of the scratches, but the sun "catches" on some and is annoying. If anyone knows if there is a way to remove scratches from this lens, please let me know. I really don't want to buy a new ($600) lens.

 

Thanks,

Galapagos Girl

 

Greetings,

 

First: cool manta footage (although I would suggest to edit out the bright orange diver strattling the coral reef with her knees to hold her place in the current about midway (2:32min) into your video. It is just very controversial to some, including me! )

 

2. Determine first if your dome is acrylic or glass. Big difference in buffing approach and process. Acrylic is easy in comparison to glass. Good advise in this thread here.

 

3. How deep is the deepest scratch? Do the finger nail test and determine if repair is even possible and worthwhile. Try it anyway and have it be a very worthwhile lesson. If nothing else you will be more careful with your dome next time. Be fearless and know that you can always buy a new port if you do it all wrong.

 

Good luck!

 

Bo

Edited May 23, 2010 by fotoscubo714

[jonny shaw 16]

Fathom offer a service where they replace the outer element, it isn't cheap but a great deal cheaper than a new lens. Contact Pam or John from Gates and they can point you ion the right direction.

As per previous post you can polish acrylic but not glass.

 

J

[spaceflight 1]

The Gates GP32 port is acrylic and can be buffed out as long as the scratch isn't too deep.

 

Novus Acrylic Cleaner and Polish is what Gates recommends.

[Galapagos Girl 0]

Thanks for the tips. My husband has buffed out several scratches on one of his acrylic ports. Don't know why, but I thought the WP32 was glass?? Maybe because it's so heavy?? Perhaps saltwater is making my hair blonde?

[fotoscubo714 0]

First: cool manta footage (although I would suggest to edit out the bright orange diver strattling the coral reef with her knees to hold her place in the current about midway (2:32min) into your video. It is just very controversial to some, including me! )

 

Bo

 

 

OK, me bad! I just found out who, and I would certainly never have the audacity to tell them how to dive.

 

It does bring up the question how do you all photograph in a ripping current? Going to do a search here on the topic.

 

Anyway, I stand corrected and my wagging finger retracted

 

Bo

[ChrigelKarrer 52]

Fotoscubo714,

after the critiques something more helpful i hope: http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8698

 

Chris

 

P.S. Just got informed that i overseen photoscubo714's link to the same tread, i may should check my eyes for colour-blindness... Shame on me

Edited May 24, 2010 by ChrigelKarrer

[Mike L 0]

Hi Anne, I am sorry to hear about the scratch. If you were unable to polish out the dome, let me know. Gates can replace the dome for $69! Pretty cheap in comparison to a whole new port.

[jonny shaw 16]

That's a great price Mike, in fact from past experience of polishing ports... I would just pay the $69 bucks, it's a PIA polishing time consuming, tedious and the end result is ok but far from perfect.

 

It does bring up the question how do you all photograph in a ripping current? Going to do a search here on the topic.

 

Swim harder!

[spaceflight 1]

Thanks for the tips. My husband has buffed out several scratches on one of his acrylic ports. Don't know why, but I thought the WP32 was glass?? Maybe because it's so heavy?? Perhaps saltwater is making my hair blonde?

 

The WP32 is a glass port. The GP32 is Acrylic.

[Galapagos Girl 0]

Mike,

I've been in Cozumel this week and I'm definitely going to have to try the polish. The replacement sounds very inviting (having witnessed someone polishing a port). Do you know if I can remove the six allen-head screws and disassemble the lens to better access the scratches in the acrylic? Would I need to send the whole GP32 lens to get it replaced?