makar0n

16 hours ago, atus said:

I can' understand why nobody consider the Subtronic strobes. Made in Germany, with the service in Germany, great light quality with circular light tube, 160 wat/sec and lithium batterry pack. 

Well manufacturer having a website in English would maybe help to spread the word, otherwise it's a Germ secret 😉 ... Like Heinrichs Weikamp - your average non-Germ diver (especially non-European one) has never even heard the name or knows that they do dive computers 😂

These do look fancy, curious indeed how they compare especially that often specs seem to quite a very low guide number, for example 270W power but only 22 GN - could this be measured in water vs in air for others ?

Suffers from integrated battery with proprietary charger and lack of built in fiber optic connector though - need a special optical adapter it seems.

EDIT:

Found an inside picture and maybe batteries can at least be changed by the user (i.e no battery pack per se; if not soldered) - question is how easy it is to take this apart without sending for service.

@TURTLE-Balage

Yeah I know, totally unexpected 😂

Was just browsing some IT news and lo and behold, Adobe seems to be having a great month:

First, in addition to them basically having a license to use your cloud stored works in any way and profit from it, they now added machine learning usage to their license, of course without an opt out, in a classic Adobe style.

Secondly, they have now been sued by FTC in USA over misleading fees and hard to cancel subscriptions - US folks might want to watch that one, in case of any settlement.

A few links below:

FTC - "FTC Takes Action Against Adobe and Executives for Hiding Fees, Preventing Consumers from Easily Cancelling Software Subscriptions"

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-takes-action-against-adobe-executives-hiding-fees-preventing-consumers-easily-cancelling

NY Times - "U.S. Sues Adobe Over Hard-to-Cancel Subscriptions"

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/technology/us-adobe-subscription-lawsuit.html

The Stack - "Adobe joins Microsoft in admitting it's now basically spyware"

https://www.thestack.technology/adobe-joins-microsoft-in-admitting-its-now-basically-spyware/

-Gamers Nexus - "US Sues Adobe Over Consumer Protection"

Louis Rossmann (on FTC lawsuit) - "Adobe gets sued by FTC for roofying customers with hidden fees; GOOD! "

Louis Rossmann (on machine learning and new license) - "Adobe roofies all of their customers"

19 hours ago, FrancoisC said:

A little bit more than 800$ for a pair (50$ saving for each if you order before 8th of July).

This is not cheap, but if you compare with the price of empty 4 to 8 AA booster...

 

It's double the battery life, so you can probably dive 1 day with only 2 packs instead of 32 AA...

But recycle time is only 10% better. Expect more for a Li-Ion strobe....

 

And I love (or not...) the sentence "NOTE: The USB-C charging cable is not included with the Retra Power Vault."

Closer to 1000 USD for a pair...they continue posting their prices ex-VAT so add 20% on average, at least for EU folks.

15 hours ago, Dave_Hicks said:

 

Two expensive add on options to compensate for an inadequate default design/specs out of the box. Not impressed.

Bullseye. Considering their pricing (like flagship model costing more or less an equivalent of 4 Inon S-220 strobes) one would expect a design allowing for usage of Li-Ion batteries out of the box. Or improving the power efficiency of the strobes in a first place.... But instead there is a half a grand "solution" that seems to double the size of the strobe. Yikes.

And let's not forget about green and blue t-shirts and mugs...still waiting  😉

And this is why I hope Inon will make the Z240/Z330 successor one day....they do know how to make those light things alright 🙂

You forgot to mention the most important part ... 🤣

bumpity bump...make me an offer I cannot refuse 😉

1 hour ago, Elvandar said:

Someone have already tried the new Inon G55?
I saw it on their website and it seems really cool, but I'd like to see some more footage made with it before getting it, the only video i found online is their promo video on the page, that is also shared with another lens, the G100

I'll link the video to show what the lens should be capable of with a GoPro 😀

....

 

Might want to check the G55 and G100 purchase topic:

Thanks go to @Raira  who recently purchased a few bits and bobs from me - great comms and very pleasant transaction overall 🙂

5 hours ago, TimG said:

....... aaaand a very good day on the makar0n sales market.....  😀

Found a good home for all of those and they are now moving to a country next door 😉

Aaaand SOLD!

Aaaand SOLD!

Aaaand SOLD!

12 hours ago, brightnight said:

(...)

-Suggestionsto use a weird email address with an non normal domain name to talk to someone that isn't on theis site

(...)

Scam email example from this website:

Just FYI - Proton Mail is a well known Swiss email provider with focus on privacy. Just because one does not let Google or Amazon read all your emails does not make you automatically a scammer. Heck I am using Proton myself.

Hence I would refrain from calling Proton "non normal" domain - that's like calling anybody who does not shop on Amazon "non normal" shopper. Not everybody likes to have Alexa shoved up their ass.

In terms of emails look for names that might look randomly generated by automated tools i.e. john56samoa@, as well as emails with full name -  john.silver15@ - sure, some members might use full names, but often scammers try to use that to appear as a real person. Another variation (at least popular on German small advert sites like eBay Kleinanzeigen) is to use word "familie" or "doctor", pretending to be either a family account, or a trusted member of society.

Domain wise, its more location - dealing with seller from Germany yet he has account on AOL? (like who is still using AOL in 2024 xD) Well, that is unusual, since AOL was rather US centric, so what does a German does there? I.e. possible red flag.

Also be wary of scammers agreeing on Paypal then sending you an address to an account located in a country where Paypal does not run the protection scheme at all (yes, there are such) - Paypal won't warn you(!), nor display any information about the destination country. When you enter it as an addressee it will default to "send as friends" instead, without any warning. Popular method for scammers from orc country.

One more, but again situational - see how quickly seller responds (weird, I know). Often seen scammers respond in seconds/minutes, over the period of the whole day. Normal people work or have things to do and rarely will respond every minute - scammer job is to sit in front of the computer and send responses, hence they are often very quick.

And best tip - don't' be afraid to pass if unsure. Won't loose money if you do not send it.

Hmm why do I have that feeling I have missed some juicy discussion somewhere 🤣

2 hours ago, TimG said:

 

Doesn't that make a pleasant and unusual change! If we could now get US-style baggage allowance on flights.....

5 hours ago, Architeuthis said:

 

=> There have been times for EU citizens, when ordering from US, including customs and taxes, was cheaper compared to ordering from a dealer within EU. At present the situation is that (even without customs), e.g. the HF-1, is not only cheaper when ordered from the local dealer in EU, but also the warranty is twice as long. A no brainer to order locally at present...

 

Yeah fun times we are living in. Noticed the same about housings last year, was cheaper to buy in EU, even with the VAT, than in US without one. And that was even before counting any customs/shipping.

Let's start Waterpixel "exchange" - Computer parts from US for underwater gear from EU 😂

32 minutes ago, Phil Rudin said:

That is correct, after double checking with owner of Marelux the warranty on all electronics (including flash tubes) is one year. The user manual includes guidelines for shooting  at high speeds. I don't suggest that you shoot at high speeds out of the water because of increased heat a common sense suggestion. 

This will not stand in EU. Period. As long as strobe is bought from an EU based shop, 2 year legal warranty is mandatory. If you, as a manufacturer, refuse that, that burden then falls on the seller themselves. Limitations like "1 year on electronics" could be only enforceable in this case if strobe is bought from a seller based outside EU, as then EU law would not apply.

So unless Marelux plans to drop all their EU based dealers, 2 years it is, electronics included 😉

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/guarantees-returns/faq/index_en.htm

Quote

My computer, bought just over a year ago, won't start any more. The seller agrees that it is defective, but won't repair it for free, because the manufacturer's guarantee is only valid for one year. What can I do?

Quote

The guarantee your seller is referring to is the manufacturer's commercial guarantee. This has nothing to do with your legal guarantee, which is binding on the seller and lasts for 2 years. If the seller agrees that your computer is faulty, they are obliged to replace or repair it free of charge. If replacement or repair is not possible, you can get a refund. If you don't get a satisfactory response from the seller, you can contact the national consumer protection authority in the country where you reside.

Quote

I bought a smartphone just over a year ago, and it has stopped working. The trader refuses to fix it for free. Do I have a 2-year legal guarantee?

Quote

The legal guarantee is valid for a period of 2 years throughout the EU and covers any defects that existed at the time of delivery and which become apparent within a period of 2 years.

If the defect becomes apparent within 1 year of delivery, you don’t have to prove that it existed at the time of delivery. The seller must repair or replace the product or give you a price reduction or your money back. It is assumed that the defect already existed unless the trader can prove otherwise. In some EU countries, this period may be 2 years.

Note: if the digital element is supplied continuously for more than 2 years, e.g. navigation software in a GPS device, then the period of liability is extended; it ends when the data is no longer supplied according to the contract. This does not affect the 2-year liability for the tangible product itself.

1 hour ago, Architeuthis said:

Thanks...

It says "...Marelux provides 2 years warranty for its housing body, cable (such as fiber cable and
HDMI cable), and 1 year warranty for electronic parts and components made of silicon,
rubber and plastic...".

I guess the flash tube is regarded to be an electronic part?

https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/dealing-with-customers/consumer-contracts-guarantees/consumer-guarantees/index_en.htm

Quote

EU law also stipulates that you must give the consumer a minimum 2-year guarantee (legal guarantee) as a protection against faulty goods, or goods that don't look or work as advertised. In some countries national law may require you to provide longer guarantees.

😉

Looks very compelling specs wise indeed. Another "hybrid" though, weight is 1.14kg per strobe in air, 250g underwater.

Seems hybrid is the new trend lately and nobody wants to make "just" a strobe but with the specs like above xD

There is a lengthy topic on Scubaboard about these sad news but DAN has now issued a preliminary accident report with medical event being the culprit:

https://dan.org/safety-prevention/diver-safety/divers-blog/preliminary-accident-analysis/

And firmware 1.6 is out!

https://support.jp.omsystem.com/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/

Changelog (translated from Japanese):

Quote

-Improved operational stability.

-Security level for smartphone connection can now be selected; if you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, please set "WPA2".

-Updated User's Manual.

Autofocus does not seem to be mentioned...unless it is that "operational stability" thingie. Relying on DeepL translation here.

Manual has also been updated to version 1.6:

https://download.omsystem.com/pages/inst/om1/index.html

Section 12 now lists:

Quote

"12. Additions/modifications by firmware update"

OM1 Mk2 and OM5 have also gotten a firmware update today!

Well the time has come, I cannot look anymore at my old GH4 setup collecting dust, so perhaps it can find a new home
So here we go:

1) Nauticam GH4 housing - rather good condition, it was fully serviced and rebuilt towards the end of 2021 by Nauticam authorized dealer (at a whooping cost of 450 Euro...). It has since done a single dive trip (about 2.5 weeks) and then collected dust. There are some white marks on the outside - unfortunate effect of diving from Indonesian boats with their engines leaking oil left and right....Note that I will include some o-ring but I strongly recommend getting a new one - I tend to change those once a year/two usually, really does not cost much but its a life saver and the only thing that stands between your camera and the seawater really.

2) Nauticam Vacuum valve - v1, fully working, comes with the necessary installation key

3) Nauticam Panasonic LED trigger - an absolute must have, not only allows for fast sync but battery saving is incredible - without, could do 2 dives then have to change battery., With, easy 4 dives, so only changing battery end of day and no need to fiddle on the boat

4) Panasonic GH4 camera, US model (so no 30 minutes video limit) with V-Log upgrade key (key sticker on camera body). Very good condition, all accessories present, in addition a total of 3 original Panasonic batteries. Only used underwater. Note that the original strap (unused) is also included - I have on only found it after taking pictures xD

5) Sandisk Extreme Pro 128GB SD Card - very good condition, only used underwater

Please see pics, any question just shoot me a message. More pics available on demand.

Price wise, hmmm now that is a tough one - how about 900 Euro + shipping takes it all ? Yes it is a bit older but still very decent setup.
Shipping via DHL (German post not courier, you can check prices on https://www.dhl.de/en/privatkunden/pakete-versenden/weltweit-versenden/paket.html). Generally about 16.49 - 20,49 Euro in EU, or 30-50 Euro worldwide, depending on where about are you really, 5kg or 10kg package (unsure yet if all will fit in 5kg so best aim for 10kg..). Plus additional 14 Euro for extra insurance above 500 Euro. Alternatively a pickup is possible either from Brussels (Belgium) or Bonn (Germany)

Payment wise, Paypal is fine IF you are an established member of Waterpixel and have an Euro account. If you have 3 posts or come from outside of Euro zone then sadly not, due to PP crappy exchange rates and gazillion of inter-border fees, in which case bank transfer (for example via Wise) would do. Alternatively of course cash on pickup is also welcome.

I will be also listing soon  Nauticam 6" dome and Panasonic 7-14 and 12-35 II lenses, both with Nauticam zoom rings, happy to sell as a combo.

So to continue with this selling thing:

1) Nauticam N85 6'' Acrylic Wide-Angle Dome Port 36133 - can be used with Panasonic 7-14 as well as 12-35 I/II lenses (also selling in a separate topics).  Acrylic in relatively good condition, freshly polished with the Novus solution. Only one tiny deeper scratch is there but barely visible and not showing on pictures. Other than that some paint scratches on the outside, especially on the bottom, from resting the camera on the rocks or concrete etc but that is purely aesthetic. Please note that I have bought the dome about 7-8 years ago and back then Nauticam has advertised depth as "60 meters" hence it is sold as that as I cannot find the box with serial number to verify (funny enough found another one but not this one). Also note that I will include some o-ring but I strongly recommend getting a new one - I tend to change those once a year/two usually, really does not cost much but its a life saver and the only thing that stands between your camera and the seawater really.

2) Novus acrylic polishing set - about 60% full, must have to keep the dome in perfect condition

Please see pics, any question just shoot me a message. More pics available on demand.

Price wise, hmmm how about 250 Euro + shipping takes it all ?
Shipping via DHL (German post not courier, you can check prices on https://www.dhl.de/en/privatkunden/pakete-versenden/weltweit-versenden/paket.html). Generally about 16.49 - 20,49 Euro in EU, or 30-50 Euro worldwide, depending on where about are you really, 5kg package. Alternatively a pickup is possible either from Brussels (Belgium) or Bonn (Germany)

Payment wise, Paypal is fine IF you are an established member of Waterpixel and have an Euro account. If you have 3 posts or come from outside of Euro zone then sadly not, due to PP crappy exchange rates and gazillion of inter-border fees, in which case bank transfer (for example via Wise) would do. Alternatively of course cash on pickup is also welcome. 

I have also listed full Nauticam GH4 setup as well, and will add Panasonic 7-14 and 12-35 II lenses soon, both with Nauticam zoom rings, happy to sell as a combo.