ChipBPhoto

Great question. The new one is positioned as an upgraded version of the SMC-1. I am told the focus is more even across the plain, lighter, and a little easier overall to use. Alex M has been using one for several months and likes it. A bit of an impulse buy being sight unseen, but from other insiders it sounds like a nice update. Is it a must-buy if the SMC-1 is already in the kit? Probably not, but I am doing a great deal more macro and will take the upgrades. I’ll let you know in a few weeks once it arrives.

Based on the N85 chart, the SMC is only recommended for the Oly 90. The CMCs are more widely used for m43.

Already ordered mine!

I purchased a Nauticam 20 extension ring from @Abi_Camera. Neil is top notch, and a person of his word! He was very friendly in all communication, confirmed receipt of payment, shipped quickly, and provided the tracking number. The ring arrived in perfect condition. 5 Stars - Highly recommend!

BIG PRICE DROP!!!! List of items: Price New Selling Price Sony a6600 Body.....................................$999.................$599 Sony 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 PZ Lens..................$299.................$100 Nauticam NA-a6600 Housing................$2513................$1400 Nauticam Vacuum....................................$220.................$100 Nauticam Zoom Gear NA-36172..............$242.................$150 Nauticam N85 Port 45 w/ Knob...............$619.................$400 Nauticam Manual Flash Trigger...............$308................$200 Totals: $5200 $2949 NEW LOWER Package Price for all Above: $2,095!!! Other items: Price New Selling Price Nauticam CMC-2....................................$387...............$295 Nauticam Bayonet Mount Adapter...........$62................$40 Payment via PayPal F&F; please add 3% for PayPal Goods & Services. USPS Priority shipping to US lower 48 states included. Prefer US sales only to members with activity in community. Please DM me with any questions. Thanks for looking! Chip

No hurricane damage in SE Florida. We did have a number of powerful tornadoes, but none that impacted the Lauderdale area.

Nice work, @atus !

Hi @Apneagraph, That’s a good question. The S220 has proven to be a quite dependable upgrade from the previous S2000. The beam is noticeably wider which I see as a big plus. I see two ways to look at it…. - Adding a Z-330 will provide a bit wider light pattern and a bit more power. (More so the wider pattern) This could be interesting if you use the 2 strobes as a key light and fill light strategy. This yields a more artistic appearance. - Adding a 2nd S220 would still allow the key light/fill light strategy, but would also provide a more even, matched lighting for wider scenes. The smaller size is an attractive plus. Saving a few dollars for a new product vs. pre-owned is nice as well. There will be a variety of opinions shared, but I personally prefer having the option of an even light pattern. As such, I personally would purchase a 2nd S220. Good luck! Let us know what you decide. chip

Nicely done @dhaas !

BOUGHT

Thanks @Abi_Camera - DM sent

Great info - thanks @Chris Ross !

Hi all, Has anyone in the US purchased strobes shipped from Europe? If so, what did you pay for US import duties? Specifically, I am looking at strobes with a value of $2600. I’ve done a good amount of research, but I cannot find anything other than a range from exempt ($0) to 10%. I’m looking for something more specific. Thanks for any info you can share! chip

Try Reef Photo in Ft Lauderdale. They also sell the AOI products.

Rumblings, but nothing verified. Next big announcement opportunity would probably be DEMA in Nov., but no one really knows yet.

Unfinished bottle??? Now that’s just craziness! 😂 Guilty! Fortunately I didn’t bump the red button during the dive; all stayed sealed. Hence the reason I now carry an extra cap in my little bag of o-ring grease and such. 😂

If you want a structured course, check out Kate Jonker’s program. She is quite active on IG and has a one specifically on the TG-6/7. https://courses.underwaterphotocompany.com/tg-underwater-photography-made-easy/learn-more/

No doubt the Retras offer a terrific quality of light. The balance is if the price is the right fit for your budget. I agree about perhaps finding some pre-owned Z-330s. I have been quite happy with mine over the years. I also prefer the flexibility and dependability of AA batteries at this point, although I understand other power cells are the future. Depending on your urgency, you may also want to hold off until DEMA in Nov to see if any new strobe models will be announced. If you do opt for brand new strobes, I would suggest selecting models that are capabilities of HSS, even if your trigger does not now support it. This will help future proof your investment should you want to use that feature at some point. Not being limited by ~1\200th sync speed opens new possibilities.

Just to verify, the trick is to put the wine bottle insert on the vacuum on top of the housing and then put the pump on the top of the insert to make the seal. You could also glue the insert to the pump so you have a solid, single piece, very similar to the Nauticam design.

I found it by going to Amazon US and searching “Vacu Vin.” That is the actual product name. Note it may be different or not available outside the US.

Hi @Apneagraph - good questions. 1 - I have both a 2018 and 2022 M1 11” iPad Pros. I have not seen much of a difference in editing power, even when doing numerous spot removals in LR. The main difference I have seen is when having multiple tabs in Safari. The newer M series processors handle this much better. If it’s in your budget, I’d suggest getting a current iPad as it is the center of your system and it will have a longer future life. 3 - The 13” has more screen space, but I personally prefer the 11” as a best all around solution of carrying and portability. I have never wished I had the larger screen. 4 - If you decide to go with a MacBook, I would highly recommend a Pro vs. and Air model. I have a 2013 MacBook and it never had the power to effectively run LR, even when it was new. The iPad was always a better choice once LR mobile was available. A 14” MacBook Pro will increase your investment cost quite a bit. It depends if you need a full computer vs iPad for other aspects in your life. Hope this helps! chip

Nice write up; thanks for sharing! I’ve been traveling with only an iPad for a few years now. While the work flow is a little different, I’ve found it works well. I really value the light and small footprint. In fact 90% of all my editing is done on my iPad even when I’m home due to the portability. I’m a little OCD regarding potential file loss due to previous issues. I have invested in enough memory cards so I can download the files to my portable SSD drive (lately Samsung T7s) and not need to format the cards until I get home. This allows me to keep all files on the drive, cards, and the ones I especially like on my iPad to sync when internet is available. I also return home with the drive and the cards packed in different bags to help reduce the chance of them being lost.

I haven’t used the spacer for the same reason you mentioned. No issues. Be sure the screws are snug, but not over tightened. Enjoy! chip

Here are my two unique “spares.” Neither cause a space or weight issue, and are a bit beyond the norm. After misplacing my cover to the Nauticam vacuum release button and then doing a dive without it, I’ve added one as a back up. I keep it in my tiny bag with my o-ring grease and a plastic card to remove the main body o-ring for cleaning. Takes no space and could save the day for me or a fellow diver. I also purchased a “Vacu Vin” as a backup to the Nauticam Vacuum pump. Amazon US for $14 vs. Nauticam’s $45 pump. The stopper attached to the pump is the connection size as the Nauticam version. It is a smaller volume pump so it just takes a few extra pumps to make the seal, but works great. When diving local, I leave one at home and put one in my bag in case I have an issue while out.

I’m seeing the same thing. The only real loss will be losing some of the good legacy informational posts. Although we are doing a good job of building it up here.