Davide DB

Fotosubshop.com lent me an AOI UWL-03 demo lens to try out for my freshwater project. To be able to use it I had to wait for some extra bits. Specifically the AOI 52 mm screw mount and a 52 mm screw adapter for the GoPro lens. The AOI UWL-03 lens lent to me is the Backscatter version. I mention this because I found out that the AOI and Backscatter packages are different: AOI is supposed to provide all bayonet mounts from GoPro 5 to 12 while Backscatter only provides the mount from GoPro 9 to 12 (they are identical so only one mount) and adds two red and orange filters to be used with the modified bayonet mount provided. To use the 52mm screw mount you have to remove the bayonet mount via 6 Allen screws. The AOI kit is supplied with replacement screws and a 1.5 mm Allen key. Exactly 2 minutes of work. I then fitted a GoPro lens adapter found on Amazon to use the 52mm filters on the GoPro lens We are ready. Why didn't I use the bayonet mount? All bayonet mounts attach either to the original GoPro underwater case or to the back of the GoPro itself. For my project (basically a kind of camera trap) I am using a DigiPower battery pack that allows me to film for over 3 hours without having to change batteries. The DigiPower pack completely encloses the GoPro and allows only the 52mm adapter to be used on the lens. For my particular use this solution is perfect. I leave 4 GoPro in 50 cm of water in a river on a tripod. I would never, ever use this solution for real underwater use. The 52 mm screw adapter attaches to the GoPro lens via a small Allen screw with a rubber tip. The AOI glass lens weighs 331 grams, just enough to detach the adapter and the entire GoPro lens. The original AOI/Inon/Backscatter bayonet mount is sturdy and it's the way to go for normal use. I will give you feedback on the image quality.

Thanks to @fruehaufsteher2

Directly from BOOT from our member @fruehaufsteher2

I like this thread because, unexpectedly, it is becoming a lesson in photography on a specific aspect and everyone shares their approach.

Sorry guys, you're right, I didn't understand myself either 😄 Anyway yes, Isaac you understood me . I meant that the focusing unit exists in three models: Nikon/M43, Canon, Sony. Each model has its compatible lenses. I'd like to try it on my GH5/ Leica 45mm to understand the video potential but everyone I know has the Canon or Sony version so I've never arranged a test. I understand there is a degree of interchangeability between models. This means I can pester the lucky owners with a test request 😇

Is it a subliminal message for @TimG ?

OK, I am late to the party as this series of five documentaries aired on the BBC in March 2023. But today in another thread, @Nikolausz pointed me to the fourth episode of this series, the one about freshwater, and I couldn't miss the fifth episode "Oceans". I thought that with the last Blue Planet we had reached the pinnacle of what was possible to film and narrate underwater, but instead the BBC proved me wrong once again. The challenge was even more difficult with the rough waters of the North Atlantic, but with the stories and incredible images collected, the BBC crew demonstrated that the richness of the Atlantic has nothing to envy of tropical seas. As usual, each episode ends with a BTS and this one is entirely dedicated to the British cameraman Doug Anderson and the self-made equipment for some special shots. Anderson felt a lot of responsibility for the shoot as he played entirely at home for once. The series is available on the BBC's iPlayer and also on Amazon Prime in various countries around the world. I leave you with a review from the Guardian and 7 minutes of marine relaxation with footage from this episode. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/12/wild-isles-review-david-attenborough-beautiful-tour-of-britain-is-unmissable-tv

what were the considerations that led you to this choice?

Confirmed. Same here. I saw the episode and The BTS. I understood why they used the old gopro with the Telesin case and the homemade weight. Those are the only shots that the BBC crew didn't take but the guy from the salmon conservation foundation who has been going every day for 5 years to film them. Now I feel less stupid 😉

I have to see this series. Research mode on...

What's your ISO? It seems clean to me. Although many people say so, flooding the scene with lots of light is not always the solution. we should look for shadows, even with the position of the lights. I like the lighting you have achieved. The shadows give plasticity to the subjects.

So it means that a Sony or Canon setup could work on a M43 system?

Many years ago, for several months, I used an A7 for video. Now I had the opportunity to use the A7R4. Night and day P.S. You specified photos but I could not resist 😉

Dave gave a good hint already. I'll add mine. I can speak only for Nauticam. Yes I sent them once all the housings I had and usually they do a great job. But the question is: does your housing need service? I always sent them for specific reasons: problems or buying used and not trusting its condition. I dive all year round and I'm lame with equipment. I sent my NA-GH5 to Nauticam five years ago and spent around 300 euros. I did everything through the official Nauticam dealer. Seeing how much housing prices have risen, maybe the service prices have too. If you are fussy about rinsing and cleaning and have the vacuum system, you can go decades ahead in my opinion. Here you have further comments on this topic: Service of Nauticam extension rings

Ciao Matthew, Welcome aboard!

For our members I post here the new Alex's podcast episode on Nikon RS 13 mm

Hi René, Welcome aboard! Looking forward to have your contribution on our site! Ciao

If you are curious to see FCP in person, mounted on Alex's A7R5 Nauticam housing... The link should point @9:39 already

I have already zapped through the various videos on the channel. Well done and good luck!

Roughly is the key 😉

On my GH5 I followed @Interceptor121 article and and I am more or less OK with the calculations. https://interceptor121.com/2019/05/12/nauticam-wwl-1the-best-wide-angle-lens-for-underwater-video-on-the-gh5-and-other-micro-four-thirds/ I select a M43 camera from the list and I compile the form with a 11 mm lens trying different aperture and distances. https://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Lovely sequence. I don't know what your version was like but this one is very entertaining. Maybe I would have tried to close it with a winner! How was it that you mounted the diopter? I wouldn't have thought it possible to shoot such subjects with a close focus lens mounted. Actually the outlined circle of light accentuates the epic of the clash. It almost looks like a boxing ring or a circus ring 😆 Thanks for sharing

"she" could be a Gymnothorax chilospilus AKA Whitelip Moray Eel. https://reefguide.org/gymnothoraxchilospilus.html https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=4444+4444+1106+0760 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipspot_moray_eel https://www.fishbase.se/FieldGuide/FieldGuideSummary.php?GenusName=Gymnothorax&SpeciesName=chilospilus&sps=&print=

Welcome aboard Pete! Let's dreams come true!

from video description: Shot with: TG6,GoPro 10, Kraken Hydra 5000s (2)