Aliens From The Deep

Thanks, Chris. I’ve already deactivated First-frame exposure lock, but unfortunately that didn’t change anything. I have, however, now been able to clearly identify where the problem lies. Using a different LED trigger (from TRT Electronics), burst shooting between the Nikon Z8 and the Retra Maxis works flawlessly (tested at half power or below). This effectively isolates the issue to the Nauticam LED trigger. I had already contacted Nauticam a couple of weeks ago, but at the time they weren’t able to provide any helpful solution. Now that the root cause is clear, I’ve reached out to them again to explain how frustrating it is to run into this issue with a brand-new housing. I am not keen to spend any more money on another LED trigger and also not on having to rip out the pre-installed Nauticam one. I’m very curious to see how they respond.

Hey Chris, thanks for your input, that is super interesting and I would love to see more. Alas the link you posted is only a red X here and I can`t see it. Meanwhile Nauticam have replied, but were not helpful so far to understand what is not working. They basically said "it should be working." My UW dealer (Pan Ocean Photo) however has graciously offered to lend me a TRT Electronics trigger (that was also suggested by Retra) which should arrive tomorrow. That way I should be able to see if the problem lies with the Nauticam LED trigger or with the Z8.

Hey Dave, what LED trigger do you use ? Is it still the Nauticam with the updated firmware ? I just tested the Maxi with my new Z8 and the Nauticam Trigger. Burst shooting just does not work (first shot fine, black frames after that). Retra were super helpful and we think the strobes are fine, but that most likely the Nauticam trigger is the problem here.

Hi everyone, just wanted to post a quick update and close the loop on this thread. I’ve now been in direct contact with Retra support and sent them detailed test shots and settings. They tested the Maxi strobe under exactly the same conditions I described (3 fps, low power) and confirmed that: ➡️ The strobes themselves are not the cause of the black frames. ➡️ In their tests there were no dark frames and no relevant drop in output across the burst. This strongly points to a sync / trigger issue, not a strobe performance issue. That fits very well with what Dave Hicks already suspected earlier in this thread — especially regarding the Nauticam LED trigger. Dave had similar problems in the past with other strobes and mentioned firmware-related trigger behavior causing missed sync in burst shooting. Retra’s recommendation now is to test with a standard manual trigger from TRT-Electronics, which should eliminate any pre-flash / timing issues and give reliable sync for burst mode. My only small dilemma: I’ve just bought the Nauticam housing with the LED trigger brand new, so replacing it means both additional cost and removing a factory-installed trigger — not something I was initially planning. Before doing that, I’ll reach out to Nauticam to see if they are aware of this issue and whether a firmware update or alternative solution exists on their side. Bottom line so far: ✅ Retra strobes (including Maxi) are fully capable of burst shooting. ⚠️ In my case, the limiting factor appears to be the trigger system, not the strobes. Huge thanks to everyone here for the input — especially Chris, Dave, Tim and others who helped point in the right direction. I’ll report back once I’ve tested with a different trigger or heard back from Nauticam. Best, Marco @aliensfromthedeep

Olympus / OM System M.Zuiko 12–50mm + Nauticam Port + Nauticam Zoom Gear For sale is a complete underwater setup including the M.Zuiko 12–50mm f/3.5–6.3, the Nauticam port, and the Nauticam Zoom Gear — a combination whose level of versatility is absolutely unique within the Micro Four Thirds system. A range no other setup can matchThis setup enables underwater capabilities that no other lens in this system can offer: True macro, with electronic macro activation Mid-range and fish portraits Wide-angle, when paired with premium wet lenses such as the WWL-1 or WWL-C Being able to shoot super macro, portrait, and wide-angle all in a single dive is something only this lens/gear combination can achieve. There is literally no other setup in the MFT world with this level of flexibility. This versatility has personally helped me win photography awards. All the images here have been shot with this lens. Rarity & ValueThe 12–50mm lens is no longer being produced, is sold out everywhere, and has become increasingly hard to find. Original price for lens + port + zoom gear was around €1,300. Condition & NotesEverything works perfectly A section of the Nauticam Zoom Gear was carefully shaved down to ensure perfect fit inside a Nauticam OM-1 housing → full functionality, no limitations Optics are clean, no scratches Macro switching works flawlessly IncludedM.Zuiko 12–50mm f/3.5–6.3 Nauticam Port Nauticam Zoom Gear (modified, fully functional) A proven, extremely rare, and uniquely versatile setup — ideal for anyone wanting to shoot macro to wide-angle on a single dive, with no need to change lenses. 500 €

Sorry Fabio, the viewfinder is gone.

SOLD to the new owner. Left from the package are: -Zuiko 12-50 mm lens -Nauticam 12-50mm port with zoom gear installed together 500 € -Zuiko 30 mm Macro lens 120 € -Zuiko 60mm Macro lens 250 € Just send me a pm with an offer

Thankls everyone for your input ! I`ll run some more tests now and will in doubt contatc directly. Having said that: I am actually tempted to get the Marelux Apollos just for this unique feature...

Thanks Chris, as stated in first post: Nikon Z8 Nauticam housing with Nauticam LED Flashtrigger Retra Pro X with battery booster/supercharger I was attempting burst shooting the Z8 with 10 frames/second, Manual Strobe/no TTL. To be sure I tried the strobes with booster on lowest power, still only the first shot got light.

Thanks Tim. That`s what I expected as well. I am trying typical "Black Water" setttings with Manual Strobe 1/200, F29 and ISO 400 and would love to get 2-3 shots per burst..

I have switched over to the Nikon Z8 and will be on another Black Water trip soon. In an ideal world I would want to have my Retra Pro X strobes burst-shoot a couple of images. But are they capable of it ? (I know they are not super at it due to the AA batteries) I have just tried it and only the first image gets light, even on the lowest power setting. Am I making some basic mistrake or is this just not possible with the Retra`s ? Specs: Nikon Z8 Nauticam housing with Nauticam LED Flashtrigger Retra Pro X with battery booster/supercharger

I’m selling my Olympus OM-1 underwater setup as I’ve recently moved to a new camera system and don’t need two bodies. This rig has been my main workhorse for the last few years, and nearly all images on my account were taken with it: 👉 instagram.com/aliensfromthedeep Camera condition & usage: • Purchased 2022 • Shutter count ~25,100 (well below the OM-1’s rated mechanical life of 400,000 actuations) • Always handled carefully and primarily used underwater • All functions working perfectly Why this system is great underwater: • Compact pro-level setup — significantly smaller than full-frame housings, easier to travel with • Extremely fast — up to 120 fps for fast-moving marine life • Excellent AF & low-light performance — ideal for night, blackwater, or available-light shooting • Strong IBIS stabilization • 12–50mm “macro-mode” lens — can be switched into macro underwater (approx. 43mm macro / ~86mm FF equivalent). Paired with a wet wide-angle lens (e.g. Nauticam WWL-C) you can shoot wide-angle and macro on the same dive. • Nauticam vacuum leak detection system included — essential peace of mind underwater Included in the sale: • Olympus OM-1 body • Nauticam NA-OM1 housing • Nauticam vacuum system (installed) • Nauticam mirrorless 45º viewfinder • Zuiko 60mm macro lens • Zuiko 30mm macro lens • Zuiko 12–50mm lens • Nauticam port for 12–50mm (with zoom gear) • Nauticam port for 60mm • Nauticam port for 30mm • Two Olympus FL-LM3 flashes (one in use, one as backup) for fibre-optic strobe triggering • Spare O-rings for the Nauticam housing, all ports, and the viewfinder • 3 batteries (2 are third-party) • External dual battery charger Condition / full disclosure: • The system shows normal signs of use from regular diving. • The Nauticam housing has some of the typical “dusty” cosmetic discoloration that many aluminum housings develop over time. • After every trip, the housing and ports were soaked and cleaned in distilled water to prevent salt deposits. • The rubber wheel that controls the mode dial inside the housing should be replaced. I’m happy to have this done before shipping. • For the 12–50mm zoom gear to fit correctly, a small section of metal on the zoom gear was filed down. Purely cosmetic — has worked perfectly for years without issue. The system has been absolutely reliable and has never flooded. The vacuum system and spare O-rings add an extra layer of safety underwater. I’m happy to help the buyer set it up, walk through the controls, and share tips for getting the most out of it. I can also provide detailed close-up photos of lenses, ports, zoom gear, or any other component on request. Location: Berlin, Germany Shipping: Worldwide, insured to full value, professionally packed • Shipping costs can be shared with the buyer • Item will be shipped only once payment has cleared • Personal hand-over in Berlin is very welcome Payment: Bank transfer or PayPal (buyer covers fees) Price: €6,900 OBO (or best reasonable offer) Feel free to contact me for more photos, detail shots, questions, or more sample images taken with this system.

Thanks Davide ! I saw that you were in Berlin recently. Next time give me a call. 🙃 And on the OM1, knowing you are also a 4/3rds shooter: No, I have only been doing stills so far. I will do vids one day though, I am close with Walter Marti and Mike Bartick and their Black Water vids are just breathtaking. I have now been lured in by the temptation of full frame and the Nikon Z8. But the more I read here on waterpixels the last days the more I realised (again) what a great camera it actually is. The smaller size was just perfect for macro work and for chasing fast critters on Black Water dives. I will definitely miss it. Also I was super happy with the autofocus and the depth of field on Macro.

Thanks Chris, looking forward to it !