While on safety stops in the past I've thought about how "best" to protect all the glass surfaces while entering/ exiting the water.
The perfectly fitting branded covers and cases for multiple wet diopters are SUPER expensive, and in my past experience, most often they fall out of fingers to the bottom of the ocean.
One thought was custom covers made out of neoprene with bungie/elastic to hold in place.
I'd like to get covers made for:
- currently unprotected Nauticam 87macro port with dual flip
- MFO-3 on one arm of a dual flip - both front and back of lens
- SMC-1 on other arm of the dual flip - again both front and back of lens
- EMWL (thinking "sock-like")

I'm fortunate that a friend and fellow diver gifted me a custom made neoprene cover for my WA 13mmRS lens - but I personally don't have "a guy in Thailand" to make any other covers.

Anyone have any suggested solutions (premade?) or recommendations on what to tell a local tailor or where to find salt water proof supplies other than recycled wetsuits?

I always keep my lenses covered entering and exiting. My WWL hard cover is drilled for a piece of cave line and bolt snap. The cover is always attached to the lens safety line or clipped off to my scooter ring when in use. My CMC lenses and dome port have neoprene covers which likewise have a small bolt snap for me to clip them off to the camera when on the lens or to my scooter ring in use.

Ikelite has several full neoprene covers with a zip drawstring that are easier to slip on than the bikini type. I use one of those on my 4.33 inch Nauticam dome. And, of course, a bolt snap.

Edited Sunday at 08:26 PM1 day by Nemrod

I have a significant divot in my Sea&Sea 12mm from a shore exit because I couldn't get the neoprene "bikini" cover on. I've been trying to figure out a better design since.

I believe Dave Hicks has 3D printed designs in TPU.

Edited Sunday at 06:33 PM1 day by Grantmac

Yes, i made a TPU rubber design that is much easier to install underwater than neoprene and it rinses and cleans better.

Currently available Dome Ports are:• AOI DLP 06• Nauticam 8.5 inch • Nauticam 140mm• Nauticam 180mm• Sea & Sea 12mm • Zen DP 100• Zen DP 170

https://makerworld.com/models/2391039

Edited Sunday at 07:33 PM1 day by Dave_Hicks

Hmmmm, maybe the OP needs a Dave Hicks cover for his rare S&S lens! Maybe I do too for my Nauticam dome ;).

Edited Sunday at 08:28 PM1 day by Nemrod

I use the neoprene bag that came with the MFO3 to protect mine during shore entries. Cinch down the cord on the cloure to keep it on. Take it off in the water and clip it off and reapply during the safety stop. Just don't let go of it as it will float away. An alternative might be a beer cooler used to keep bottled beer cold while drinking, probably widely available. You might find one around the right size.

The advantage for me is it keeps the lens wet till I can soak it in fresh water after the dive. You could probably do something similar for your macro port.

I already LOVE the 3D printable stuff that @Dave_Hicks has created!
You can see in the image below the MFO3 protector in place along with the Port 87 float!
However, I'm NOT looking for a HARD cover for a dome.

I think @Chris Ross idea to use the OEM Nauticam holder is my last option as I usually store my gear in the pouches and don't want any possible remnants of salt crystals etching/scratching glass/coatings in my non-diving downtime.

Here is an image of my gear set as my "jump" for macro.
I'm contemplating creating a soft "sack" on each wet diopter and a flat/"bikini" cover over the port. The individual holders clinching over each lens while attached, and the port cover bungee/elastic held in place.

I have a pair of old Lavacore lined socks as donor material - I just need someone with neoprene/ underwater thread sewing skills...

56 minutes ago, DocTock said:

I already LOVE the 3D printable stuff that @Dave_Hicks has created!
You can see in the image below the MFO3 protector in place along with the Port 87 float!
However, I'm NOT looking for a HARD cover for a dome.

I think @Chris Ross idea to use the OEM Nauticam holder is my last option as I usually store my gear in the pouches and don't want any possible remnants of salt crystals etching/scratching glass/coatings in my non-diving downtime.

Here is an image of my gear set as my "jump" for macro.
I'm contemplating creating a soft "sack" on each wet diopter and a flat/"bikini" cover over the port. The individual holders clinching over each lens while attached, and the port cover bungee/elastic held in place.

I have a pair of old Lavacore lined socks as donor material - I just need someone with neoprene/ underwater thread sewing skills...

That's awesome! I'm very happy you are using the Port Float! I am curious how your experience was printing it. What printer and material did you use? How is it working for you?

Cheers - Dave

6 hours ago, Dave_Hicks said:

That's awesome! I'm very happy you are using the Port Float! I am curious how your experience was printing it. What printer and material did you use? How is it working for you?

Cheers - Dave

I know nothing about the printer - a friend did 2 floats for me in your recommended filament material (dont want to say the wrong salt-water compatible type).
One came out looking a bit squashed on one end and is a firm fit over the port; the other as you see is appropriate shape and is slightly loose on the port.
Have yet to get either port float wet... Lembeh/ Bangka in July-Aug...

I did use the MFO3 bumper on multiple dives in Maldives with no scratches on the glass to report!