new seacam flash for nikon and canon

One possible disadvantage of the Seacam and Subtronic strobes having non-removable batteries is the risk that a airline may refuse to carry them.

The problem was highlighted in a recent article in the German magazine "Unterwasser". IATA rules state that a diving light (doesn't mention strobes directly) must have the energy source and the "heat producing element" disconnected. Then it may be carried in hand luggage.

Subtronic have a downloadable PDF on their web site that is a reprint of an LBA (German Civil Airlines Authority) that gives an exemption to the Subtonic strobes if they are fitted with a means of blocking the switches from turning on. Subtonic and Seacam supply a plate designed to do this. However this PDF is in German and doesn't look very "official".

The Unterwasser article suggests that in any case an airline can refuse to carry the strobes. I remove the halogen pilot lights from my Seacam 150 TTLs and am prepared to argue that the remaining flash tube is not a "heat producing element". With my Subtonic mini, I would have to argue that the LED pilot is also not a "heat producing element".

One day this is not going to work and I have to accept that the next strobes I buy must have removable batteries.

Jeremy Brookfield

"Could you elaborate on 'macro focusing and protection ring'?"

 

The macro protection ring is a slip on machined plastic ring (like a lens hood) which protects the rounded strobe port from damage when moving very close to the subject, as doing so risks knocking the flash front on hard surfaces. I know that this shouldn't happen, but it does, so Seacam offer the ring to protect the strobe front (I leave mine on unless shooting wide).

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What is meant by 'macro focusing' ?

TIA

Tom

Any specs on the wet diopters? Are they achromats, etc. ? 

 

Tom

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Thanks for posting this article: http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/seacam-wet-diopter/

Based on their thickness (from what I can see), I am guessing they are simple single-element diopters and not achromats.

Tom

One possible disadvantage of the Seacam and Subtronic strobes having non-removable batteries is the risk that a airline may refuse to carry them.

This is really serious, in my last 3 flights they made me remove the batteries from my Ikelite 200s. I have no idea what they would do if I told them: "Sorry, they are not removable".

I know that in Tokyo and the Caribbean, I had to remove batteries from everything, both in checked and carry on baggage. I would imagine that this will get even worse as time goes on.

That is what TSA stands for right?

Take Strobe Away...

M.

That is what TSA stands for right?

 

Take Strobe Away...

 

M.

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HAHAHA - I thought it stood for,Trash your gear, Steal, Aggravate!

The German's are very strict on this. And since Subtronic are based in Germany (and Germany is probably their main market) I know that they can't ignore this problem, and I think Subtronic are planning to offer strobes with removable batteries at some point.

I don't know about Austria and Seacam. Seacam's main market is the States - so it is up to you guys to put the requests in.

Alex

On a positive note. If you are ever asked to hand carry a couple of Seacam or Subtronic strobes - I find a quick stop in duty free to ask for the boxes they give for carrying bottles of wine or spirits onto the plane make for excellent strobe transporters.

Wow, I am surprised that this is a Seacam own electronic development and not based on something around already. So then we can expect this strobe works with every camera like an origin Canon / Nikon landgun or third party Sigma flash would? Can someone confirm (maybe Stephen Frink?) this strobes works with eTTL from Canon D30 up to 1Ds MkII and from Nikon D70(s) up to D2x? What about e-TTL’s high speed sync and 2nd curtain?

I’ve recently given an interview to the Swiss dive magazine Aquanaut on the travel issue with strobes with built-in batteries, like described here: http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...080entry54080 . So far the problem is not sooo dramatic in real life travelling but from time to time problems occur and some had to leave their strobes on the ground already. Removable batteries are the right way for travel IMO.

Julian

Uhh - why must you remove batteries from strobes? THis doesn't apply to other electronics so I'm wondering if terrorists might use them as a weapon to blind everyone. Seriously, though, why?

TSA in Hawaii told me of potential fire hazard (heat buildup) if strobe starts to fire... I thnk it is even listed in their documents somewhere...

I had to remove all batteries from my Ike strobes and package separately before they would let me through..

M.

I’ve been communicating with Stephen Frinks about purchasing one of the first flashes to come in to the US. I’m some what concerned about the battery issue and have ask about the battery type ? I’m assuming it’s a NiCad which I’m not to crazy about. I much prefer MiMH batteries over NiCad because of the memory problem. I still use a 50 watt 12 volt light bulb to fully discharge my SB 104 batteries before I charge them. I’m wondering how I’ll keep the internal batteries of this new flash at peak performance If I can’t cycle them while not fully discharged ?

Marc

back to the battery issue. on my return trip to Japan, TSA pulled my strobes out and asked if the batteries were in them. they were not of course, but I did ask the guy about what would happen if the batteries could not be removed. the answer was quick and simple. "you would not be able to take them on the plane" the real question would be. what do you do with them in an airport that does not have a shipping service?

I own two of the strobes made by Seacam; they rule. Look at:

http://www.elysia.nl/phpnuke/html/modules....=view_album.php

the wide agle shots are made with my d2x, 10.5mm and the Seacam strobes

By the way. I traveled though the US on my way to Mexico. No problems with TSA; they checked my strobes 2 times. Ok, you have to stand in que for an hour. That's new for someone from Europe.

Great shots, I especially liked the caves. Do they work on TTL when there is 2 strobes connected?

Luiz

Yes they do TTL with 2 strobes attached. Seacam has new digital electronics that will do just that. This part has to be installed in hour housing, but it will work with other strobes attached (I also use sb800 en sb80dx strobes in Subal housings). So no problems there

My housing is at Seacam right now for this modification. I will have it back next week.

My housing is at Seacam right now for this modification. I will have it back next week.

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Great, let us know how it goes when it comes back.

Luiz

"what do you do with them in an airport that does not have a shipping service?"

As I often travel with tools which are forbidden in the cabin of aircraft, and have more than once forgotten to check these in luggage, I can tell you that they go to the local county lost and found in most places if the airport doesn't have one themselves. Good luck on retrieving anything valuable.