wetdreams

Thanks JS1221. I hope someone has real world experience with It.

Hi All, I'm thinking about adding an MF-2 to my arsenal (I currently own two MF-1 and two Inon Z-330 V2). My goal is to give it to my dive buddy and use it as an off-camera flash, using one of my MF-1s to trigger it. I know that I will not be able to remotely control the power of the MF-2 via the MF-1, but that does not bother me, since my only intention is for the MF-1 to trigger the MF-2, and my diving partner powering the MF-2 Up or down through the Power Intensity Knob, when necessary. And this is where my doubts come. I'm not sure if the MF-1 can trigger the MF-2 when it is in remote mode. And I'm also not sure if Power can be changed in the MF-2 with the Power Intensity Knob, when the Mode Dial is in Remote mode. Have any of you tried this? To what extent are the MF-1 and MF-2 compatible? Thanks in advance.

Hi Ezz, My name is Philipp and I am one of those enthusiastic Fuji users that Chris talks about. I'll expose you my experiences with Fujifilm underwater, just to try to help you take a decision. A few years ago I was in the same situation as you are, I wanted entering underwater photography and I didn't really know which way to go. I had in my hands a beautiful Fuji X-t3 and some lenses, and I thought the best option would be to go to use this camera, which I loved and knew perfectly, for my underwater photography journey. I looked for the different options to house It, and found Nauticam, which had been making housings for some Fuji cameras, such as the Xt1 and Xt2, in addition to the GFX series.. I didn't think it twice and went for a Nauticam Na-Xt3. I added a Fujinón XF 80mm macro. Shortly after, I acquired a MWL-1 along with the XC 15-45 lens (not a very recommended setup in my opinion) and recently an XF 30mm macro. So far I can't say that my experiences with this system have been bad, on the contrary I have really enjoyed this combo, especially the 80mm macro which is a magnificent lens. I'll start with the advantages: Knowing the camera very well and also using it above, has helped me when making quick decisions underwater. (You know, when we dive "tempus fugit") The Xt-3 is a very configurable camera, so I've ended up setting it to my preferences, making all the important functions available with a single lever flick or button press. Another advantage has been being able to use the Fujifilm EF-X8 flash to shoot via fiber optics, without the need to buy a flash trigger (the downside is you can't shoot flash bursts). The Fujifilm are very well featured cameras and lenses, high quality at a very competitive price, what is a plus. Another very positive and important factor is the flash sync speed, 1/250 (I have taken photos at 1/320 without any problem) If your interest is macro, the Xf-80mm macro will not disappoint you. It IS sharp, fast and autfocus works quite well even in low light situations. You also have the option of the newer Xf-30mm macro, although I haven't been able to get the most out of it yet. There are more options, Fuji 60mm (slow and not 1:1), Zeiss 50mm (very expensive and dated) but I never tried one of those. As for wide angle, practically all the Nauticam optics can be used, together with Fujifilm lenses, with good results (You can ask this gentleman in the forum, KevinLee, he has used practically all the Nauticam+Fujifilm optics availiable, and he has much more experience than me, I'm sure he will be happy to help you, as he is as enthusiastic as me with the Fuji system). The Nauticam housing is built like a tank and is very easy to use underwater. At this time it would be hard for me to switch to another brand. It is robust, all the controls are smartly located, and the vacuum+alarm system gives you peace of mind. On the other hand, Nauticam has a wide range of wet and dry optics available which makes this brand very attractive for underwater photography. As for disadvantages: One of the most commented is the lack of a native Fujifilm fisheye lens (same as Sony, if I'm not wrong) which means you will have to use the Tokina 10-17 fisheye (Canon mount) plus an adapter (Fringer), which I personally have not tried. Another downside, as you probably know, the Fuji X-t3 suffers low battery life (one or, at the most, two dives). I have solved this by using a small power bank attached to the camera, which makes me extend the range to four or five dives. On the other hand, being a camera that is a few years old, the X-t3 autofocus is not on par with other more modern cameras, especially the latest generation of full frames (Sony-Canon-Nikon), although I don't have had big problems with that, my Fuji still performs with dignity in most situations. Finally, for me, the biggest disadvantage, as Chris points out, is the poor diffusion that Fujis have for underwater photography. In one hand, if you want a quality housing that allows you to get the most out of the camera (Nauticam) you will have to go to the second-hand market, and even then it will be difficult to find one, since there are not many available. On the other hand, when you want to upgrade, you will have two problems, one certain (I have verified it myself) and another possible. The certain problem is that you will find It really hard to sell your housing. Since it is not a very popular brand for photosub, you will have few people interested in, or you will have to sell It very, very cheap (I have been trying to sell my Na-Xt3 for several months, without success). The "possible" problem will come if you want to continue with Fuji, and thus take advantage of optics, ports, domes, etc. In one hand, as Chris points out, Nauticam has discontinued the Na-Xt5 (also other brand's housins), so you won't be able to buy it brand new, and it's difficult to find it second-hand. Or you will have to wait for Nauticam, or another brand, to decide to manufacture housings for future Fujifilm cameras, and that is not garanteed (although that, according to the words of my Nauticam area representative, will depend on the "hype" and demand that that future camera creates). Perhaps the safest approach for you would be to look for one of the big three on the second-hand market, paired with a good housing. Right now there are a lot of people selling DSLR equipment at good prices, as they are switching to mirrorless setups. Another option, as Chris points out, is an MFT setup, there are many in the second hand market, they're comparable in quality to Fuji and perhaps, due to their portability, have better options than Fuji to survive in the underwater photography world. Although I think, no one can take this for granteed. Anyway, you can also opt for the (probably more risky) Fuji+Nauticam way. If things go wrong, in the future you will probably have to switch to a different camera or housing. If things go ok, you will be entering IMO in one of the best and more enjoyable aps-c camera+housing setups for uw photography. In any case, if you have any questions regarding Fujifilm+Nauticam equipment, do not hesitate to ask me. All the best.

It's a very powerful strobe, typically with m43 you shoot at f8 for wide angle. For full frame on the same shot probably f13-16 range depending on your setup, you just don't need as much flash power. It will certainly work, but it's quite a heavy strobe and a lighter cheaper strobe will get the job done. Thank You Chris. So many things to learn yet...

Sorry, I don't understant this statement. Could you go deeper into It?? Thank You Chris.

Double flip Holder sold. MWL-1 still availabe.

Mint condition, no marks or scratches, perfect optics, with very few dives, I am selling this Nauticam MWL-1 (Macro to Wide Angle Lens). Converts any 60mm (FF) equivalent lens into a 150° wide angle lens. It is ideal for compacts, although it also works very well in mirrorless. Includes the carrying bag. Also in perfect condition, Nauticam Double Flip Holder. Price: MWL-1: €1,450 Lens holder: €275 Sold together or separately. Shipping on the buyer's expense

I will do that! I was going to wait for the X-T6, but with Nauticam+Fujifilm being uncertain, and the X-T6 being unknown - I think i'll just upgrade soon and be set for the next 4-5 years. The Fujifilm X-Ts are such natural cameras for underwater - set full manual and just use ISO, Shutter, Aperture controls - so easy! I 100% agree both statements. The increased price has stopped me for a while, but at the end, I'll probably end with a new one up in my hands... And yes, the Na-Xt3 has been my first underwater housing, now is a real natural extension of my Fuji, I LOVE It over, and also under.

And what about in Nusa? I have a friend there Who recently bought a Dive Center (Temple Diving, now Mar Adentro Nusa Penida), so I'll spend part of my trip there. I Hope I'll get better viz next june!!! Something in Nusa that I definitivelly can't miss???

Recently Nauticam tagged It as "manufactured on demand" and raised the price (+900€ in Europe). If you manage putting your hands over a used one, don't let It go, and if you put your hands over two used o es, please chime It to me ASAP!!! I also own a 30mm macro, so your sugestion about the WWL-1 makes sense, the Fuji primes are excelent and quite affordable, probably cheaper than a Nauticam flat port, and finding a used 18 or 23 is quite easy, so this is a very atractive option.

Tranks Kevin, field test of the lenses is super information!!! As I stated before, I lack any knowledge or experience with Mantas... Do you think those setup coud work??? BTW very nice pictures, I specially like the first one...

It's sad, but I think you are 100% true. As stated before I am mainly a macro shooter (due to the characteristics where I mainly dive), and also take my Fuji to my treks in the mountains, so I benefit of the crop sensor size, there's nothing that appeals me from a, let's say an a7rV except mp and it'sf ocus ability and, in my particular case, the rest are downsides (price, bulk, price of the housing...) I know It IS a Monster as an underwater camera, but not for me. Not to mention the feelings. I LOVE the analogic taste and experience when using my X-t3, hardly to find in another camera brand, even more difficult one that can be housed, that's why I'm so happy that Nauticam makes those excellent housings for the Fujis... But the trend is clear in my opinion, and I can't but agree you. Best Regards.

Thanks again Chris, I'll try to contact Tino, It's obvious he has much experience with the X-t3 on Nauticam housing. I also wrote to Nauticam, Hope they can provide more information. The Tokina has allways appealed me, and I don't discard making a try some day (perhaps sooner than later if the wet optics approach doesn't work) but at the moment, my safest approach would be wet lenses. I'll try to explain: I don't 100% trust Nauticam continues involved making housing for Fujifilm cameras. They recently discontinued the Na-Xt5 housing (despite being probably the best aps-c camera at the moment) due to low sales rate. Son later, they announced there should be making them under demand, increasing the price considerabily. (I am still praying for finding a pre-owned Na-Xt5 housing, being this close to Mission: Impossible) Those movements make me doubt if at the time I have to retire my X-t3 combo I'll be forced to change camera brand, being the so hated for me Sonys the best aspirants. If this worst case scenario happens, I'll have to invest Big money in new lenses and ports, but the wet lenses still be usefull, saving me some bucks. In the other hand, there is the image quality question. Tokina + 100mm dome Vs 16-50 + MWL Vs 16-50 + WWL. Which one is best. No one knows. And, last but not less, and I gess this is why you suggested me the Tokina, what is the best and most versatile tool for what I want to take. I'll keep on investigating and for sure I'll write about the results, just in case other crazy Fuji user can find It usefull. Thanks a lot.

Hi Chris, I've always wondered why faster lenses aren't used with Nauticam wet optics, and I think you've given me the answer. I have often considered testing the 10-17, but not having confirmation that it works correctly with the Fuji cameras has stopped me (it is not listed on the Fringer website, and I have not found anyone who has tested it ). In addition to that, I can imagine that I should be quite precise regarding the distance between the lens and the dome, trying extensions that I don't have easy access to... These reasons lead me to take the wet lenses and custom flat port way.... Either option has a cost, so perhaps the best approach is to ask Nauticam, although I doubt I'll get an answer beyond "we haven't tried it yet." If this doesn't work, I'll probably follow your advice and try the 16-50 with the MWL-1 first... Thank you very much for your inputs, Chris.

Hello everyone, Next May and June I'm heading to Bali. Ideally I will dive in Pemuteran (Gilimanuk), Amed and Tulamben looking for macro, and Nusa Penida looking for mantas. I currently shot a Fuji X-t3 inside a Nauticam case. I feel quite confident shooting macro, but I have to admit my nearly zero experience in wide angle and pelagic shooting. I am quite sure of the macro gear I'll bring with me (80mm and 30mm macro, as well as a CMC-1) but for wide-zoom I have some doubts. My goal is to photograph manta rays in the Nusa Penida area, generally at cleaning stations with quite a bit of current. Right now I have the Nauticam MWL-1 wet lens along with the Fujifilm 15-45, but I am not happy at all with this setup, since the 15-45 lens is difficult to use (pain in the *ss) under water due to to its electric zoom. In the Nauticam port charts, recently slimmed down for the Fujifilm N-100 mount, many of the options previously shown have now disappeared, including the setup that I have, narrowing zoom/wide options to the (very good) Fuji 16-50 2.8/4.8, together with WACP-C/1/1B. I would love to use the Fuji 16-50, but the WACP is an optic that I cannot afford at this moment, so my option would be to have a custom flat port made (Saga) and: - MWL-1 (cheaper option, since I own it) - WWL-1 (seems feasible, since the Nauticam port charts show It can be paired wit the Nikkor DX 16-50, same focal range) - WWL-C (can also be paired with the Nikkor 16-50, perhaps the best portability/image quality ratio). So, my doubts... 1- Is it feasible to pair the Fuji 16-50 with any of these wet optics??? 2- Is MWL an advantage over WWL for taking manta rays??? (I don't know how close I"ll be able to get to them, but the restrictions in Manta Bay indicate not getting closer than 3 meters) 3- Is It crazy trying to photograph these subjects with these setups, and I'd better look for another option??? 4- If all options were feasible, which one would give me the best image quality? Another options you experienced guys would consider regarding lenses/wet optics for mantas??? Any experience/tips on photographing manta rays in this destination would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance. Philip.