ChipBPhoto

Definitely a good question. Seems we don’t know yet. From the released images, they appear to have the same controls. I’m sure we’ll find out in the coming days.

Hi @Susa - yes, it looks to be correct. That simply means Sony used the same body design for the new a7V as they did for the a7rV. That’s not completely unexpected as the a7rV is a relatively new body design. The a1 and a7sIII also share the same housing, with the addition of a slightly different mounting tray for the a7sIII. For us, this is a big win! We can use the same housing for two different excellent cameras! Now if the upcoming a7rVI keeps the same body, well, that will be monumental! But, as in diving, let’s not hold our breath. 🤔😂

Hi @foetusmachine - to you get the info you want, it would be helpful if you would share specific lenses or purposes (wide angle, CFWA, macro, etc.) for which you are seeking. In addition to the Laowa 10mm Chris shared, I frequently use the Nauticam 140 with the Canon EF 8-15 with the MC-11 adaptor with my Sony a1, and Sony a7rIV previously. While not native Sony glass, this system works extremely well with the 140 dome for both wide angle and CFWA. It also works well with the Kenko 1.4x TC without significant loss of corner sharpness. In short, this is the most frequent combination and use case for the 140 dome due to the full hemispherical design. Hope this helps, chip

@Dave_Hicks great frames! You win the Gold for making photoing in low viz look easy. What do you think about the quality of light between the HF-1s and Maxis in your home water, both with 4500 diffusers? About the same? Or is one better than another?

Hi @Dave_Hicks thanks for the initial thoughts. The main reason I moved from the Inon Z-330 v2 to the HF-1 was for a more powerful light for wide scenes. When conditions improve, I am quite interested in the overall light quality of the new Maxi. The Maxi is a cooler temp and smaller diameter tube. It seems the wide diffuser is needed to come close to the bare Pro Max strobe. When the diffuser is added to the Maxi, how does it compare to both the Pro Max and HF-1 in overall even spread and quality? With the diffuser added, is the light harsh or a bit softer such as the Pro Max is known to provide? With the diffuser added, how is the net output coverage compared to the HF-1 and bare Pro Max? Thanks in advance! Chip

I agree. Seems to be an MF-2 with Sony TTL and perhaps a bit brighter focus light added.

Also keep in mind that adding a teleconverter will always impact image quality to some degree by its nature. A 1.4x TC will have less of an impact than a 2x, but there is a degree of difference compared to native image quality. As @Dave_Hicks mentioned, there are ways to make the most of the situation. In the end it’s a trade off of ultimate image quality vs having a little extra “reach” with the addition of the TC. Neither is better than the other, it’s just a trade off based on need and desired results.

Even though you’re on the West coast, reach out to Reef Photo in Ft Lauderdale if you get in a Nauticam bind. They are connected to Nauticam USA. Ikelite is the least expensive. There are reasons. I’ve owned a couple and have been much more happy with the build quality of Nauticam. Get what you pay for.

This is most excellent news! I was thinking it would fit. Good to know. The 30mm macro may also fit? He doesn’t have the special gear needed to flip the macro switch mid-dive and I’m not a fan of $800+ to add it. I prefer to dive/photo with purpose rather than a do-everything approach.

UPDATE: Thanks to fellow member @RickMo , my buddy has settled on a previously enjoyed E-M1ii in a Nauticam housing. He is super excited to begin his journey of spending all his disposable income, and then some, in this underwater addiction. 😁 Thank you to all for the fantastic comments and suggestions! The global users on their forum are such an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. And a huge thank you to our wonderful mods such as @Chris Ross and @Davide DB for their first-hand knowledge in the m4/3 world! Happy New Year and much diving in 2026!!

Thanks for the good info @Klaus . The smaller the equipment, the more delicate they can be. A little care goes a long way. In other words, just because there is a bigger hammer, don't use. :-)

Thanks @Chris Ross - It's amazing how small the Zen mini dome is, especially compared to the 8-15. Good call on the Pany 8mm having a bit of a CA. Nice galleries! Love seeing the coral walls.

@Davide DB Nice! And a great pic of you in uw action. The size is the big winner of the day for sure!

Funny you mention the mini dome, I saw an N85 Zen 100 dome today. It’s crazy small! And with the 8mm f/3.5 lens no extension is needed. Seems like a solid option.

Great suggestion @Grantmac - thanks! What lens do you like / use the most?