Macro Port Buoyancy Float for Nauticam n120

https://makerworld.com/en/models/2784346-macro-port-buoyancy-float-for-nauticam-n120#profileId-3094935

Add clean, professional looking buoyancy to your Nauticam housing with these waterproof, pressure resistant buoyancy float rings. Up to 355g of buoyancy! (12.5 ounces)

Models for:

• Port 60 (60mm AF-S) / +235g buoyancy

• Port 87 (105mm AF-S or z105mm) / +350g buoyancy

• Port 60+20mm extension (z105mm) / +280g buoyancy

Underwater camera housings are quite heavy and tend to be negative in the water, requiring the addition of buoyancy floats to get the rig near neutral in the water. Typically, this is done with high density foam floats on the strobe arms. Another option is a float collar on the ring. I found these to be really ugly, and non-professional looking and figured I could try to make something better.

 

As a fun an interesting experiment I decided to try and create a cleaner solution by 3D printing a custom fitted hollow float ring that snugs up to the contours of my Nauticam n120 macro ports. A float ring on the port has the added benefit of better balancing the entire rig, especially if you are using heavy glass diopters on the macro port. 

 

After a great deal of experimentation, advice from others, and testing I have developed a very good solution that is extremely durable and functional. With several hundred dives completed without any leaks or failures on dives up to 120 feet (40 meters) of depth, I am pleased to share the models with others that would like to make their own. 

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I first posted about this project over a year ago. After hundreds of dives and some minor iteration changes, I am confident enough with this design to share it freely for others. It's printed in ABS or ASA and requires no additional sealants or treatments to be completely watertight and pressure resistant to 40 meters.

These float rings are fantastic in the water. The provide a clean, professional look, added buoyancy, but also better balance of the whole rig when using heavy glass diopters up front.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by Dave_Hicks

I need to get you my N100 Port 105 if I can stop using it all the time.

18 minutes ago, Grantmac said:

I need to get you my N100 Port 105 if I can stop using it all the time.

Sure, lets meet for a dive and I can borrow some parts afterwards. You'll get in a dive and should have that itch scratched for a few days at least! Any time, I am free most of the week.