Nauticam NA-EM5 housing in use

[derway 2]

Girelle, can you confirm, the nauticam 12-50 port, only supports motorized zoom, on that lens? Or can you use manual zoom?

[Ryan 48]

Yes, the Nauticam port is supports power zoom and macro mode. Manual zoom is not supported.

[Deep6 7]

So, this is the beastie:

 

[jplaurel 46]

67mm filter thread on that port?

[troporobo 245]

For those with this housing already, what tray and arm set are you using? There was a comment somewhere that the Nauticam Flexitray was "too flexible" but its not clear what that meant. Any recommendations?

[jlyle 8]

67mm filter thread on that port?

 

Nope, 77mm

 

For those with this housing already, what tray and arm set are you using? There was a comment somewhere that the Nauticam Flexitray was "too flexible" but its not clear what that meant. Any recommendations?

 

Ultra light tray and arms on my rig.

 

Edited October 10, 2012 by jlyle

[derway 2]

Yes, the Nauticam port is supports power zoom and macro mode. Manual zoom is not supported.

 

Bummer! That is a non starter for me. Power zoom! You must be kidding. I know, all you videographers love it. But yuck!!!!

[Phil Rudin 461]

I like the Nauticam Flexitray and think the grips are the best I have used. The fact that the tray has a bit of "flex" rather than being very rigid does not bother me at all. I also have the wrist strap for added support while holding the housing with my right hand. To offset the negative weight of the small housing while in the water I use the same type of blocks seen in Jlyle's photo above. I use four blocks for both macro and my W/A (7-14, 6' dome) I also have two of the eight inch Inon float arms attached with both the macro and W/A. What adds the most dead weight to the macro system for me is the SubSee +10 closeup lens a heavy but steller chunck of glass. I also use the Nauticam 45 degree viewfinder with the NA-EM5 housing (excellent for macro lenses) and that adds a bit of weight as well.

 

Phil Rudin

Edited October 10, 2012 by Phil Rudin

[guyharrisonphoto 21]

Phil, do you use the large-diamater float arms or the smaller ones. I am now thinking about the "details" of my system (which I think will be pretty much identical to yours: Housing/tray, 6" dome with 7-14, 12-50 and 60 macro both in the 12-50 port, and 45 deg viewfinder) but had not thought about bouyancy.

 

Also, will the 9-18 work in the 6" dome? Looks like there is sufficient room. Sometimes, the extra reach on the long end is beneficial and I am thinking about keeping that lens anyway as an ultra-compact travel lens kit with the 14-150, but would like to use it underwater if it works.

[Phil Rudin 461]

I use these Inon 8' float arms which I used with my Olympus E-3 DSLR system as well.

 

http://reefphoto.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=135_97_37&products_id=3516

[tdtaylor 1]

I have been typically using 6 of the jumbo Stix blocks, depending on whether I use the 6 inch dome or a Macro port. My setup is very similar to jlyle's except I add a Sola Focus light, Nauticam Flip holder and a Dyron +7 diopter. With the Port 56 (14-42), I have used 6 of the Stix blocks and it is about a quarter to half pound negative. Next week I'll be using the 12-50 port, and probably will keep it at 6 (3 per arm), but will take 8 with me in case-they weigh very little. Nice thing about the blocks is you can add and subtract them quickly.

 

The Nauticam Flexitray is not nearly as stiff as my previous Ikelite trays, but I have not found it to be an issue. It is indeed extremely flexible in that you can adjust and easily change the width and camera placement. Just make sure and go back after it is together and make sure all the fasteners are tight.