IKE dome port problem

Ok, now that ya'll have helped me decide I don't want to be one of the 12 people in the world who migrate from a DSLR to a P&S, I'm hoping to get some help with my housing.

I've been using an Ikelite housing with my S2Pro since I got it in Sept or Oct of 2002. It was the only S2Pro housing available at the time and it is the 1st version. I had good luck with it until late last year when I tried using the dome port for the first time. I had a flood. I assumed user error.

I sent the housing in for an overhaul, and it tested fine, but I'm nervous (understandably) about using it.

The flat port seats properly and although there is a little movement - top to bottom - it feels like it is a snug fit.

The dome port HOWEVER, has a great deal of movement. I can rock it side to side and from top to bottom... maybe 1/16" to 1/8" Also, I can push down on it and there is movement... perhaps 1/16".

There's no record of wether it was pressure tested with the dome port or the flat port, but I've been talking with Bob Stubbs at Ikelite and he's been really helpful and great to deal with. He's sending me a new dome port to see if it fits differently.

I'm leaving for my first trip to the South Pacific in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to check in with folks here and find out if anyone else has used this housing with the dome port and are aware of an odd fit, or specific issues with the seating of it. Something doesn't feel quite right, but since I've never compared it to another Ike dome port, I can't be sure of what is 'wrong' or 'right'.

Also, I was thinking it would be a good idea to get pressure tested with the dome port before I use it... does anyone know if there are any places in the SF Bay area I could get that done?

Thanks

BTW, as James has mentioned, a compact Subal would be great to have, but they seem hard to find right now. If anyone knows of a used one for sale, let me know.

I'm using an Ike dome port on a D70 housing and if anything it's a tighter fit than my flat port.

If you are in any doubt about it I'd suggest a dive with the housing empty to see if it leaks.

Hi Margaret,

Now I know where your complains about size come from. The S2 housing is Ikelite's largest and heavier housing. I am sure there will be some S2 housings showing up on eBay, now that the D200 is out, so just keep checking.

About the dome, some ports don't fit very tight, but they still seal alright. If I were you, I would do as Ken suggests, do a test dive with the empty housing. It can be done in a pool too, if it doesn't leak in the first 10-20 feet it is unlikely it is going to leak at all.

Luiz

MargaretB,

The little screw holding the port locks can have some minor adjustment in and out affecting how easily the lock snaps into place. However, some wobble with no water pressure on is normal for Ikelite ports.

I've found on some of my dSLR housings one port lock will click in slightly easier than the other, depending on a port, too. I click the slightly tighter one first, then snap the other lock in place.

Once the lock is down, it can't pop back up as long as you had enough grease for the o-ring to slide into the housing body.

An empty housing test upon reaching your destination is always a good idea after your equipment gets bounced around in the baggage compartment

Hope this helps!

David Haas

Thanks all,

I received the new dome port and I'm much more comfortable with the fit. Of course now, I'm wishing I had a new back for my housing so I could set my white balance!! Unfortunately, Ike told me because my housing is one of the 1st released, the new back will not work on it! bummer.

HOWEVER, I liked what Luis said about the chances of a few Subal S2pro housing becoming available soon... that may be the direction I go.

Thanks

Robert Delfs aka Frogfish here has a Subal S2pro housing for sale if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a Subal D70 housing then keep a close eye out - I bet a lot of people will be selling them to buy the D200.

Cheers

James

A poor man's pressure test:

First remove the camera and then seal it back up as you would for a dive

Test 1: Test in bath tub or other tub of fresh water. Any really big leaks will show up and at least it will have failed in fresh water instead of saltwater.

Test 2: After passing Test 1, tie a rope securely to your housing and lower it over the side of a boat or deep-water dock. Be sure you can tie a proper knot and be sure not to lower your housing all the way to the bottom when it may hit and scrape the port.

If you leave the dome cover on, the air under it may cause it to float off. You may need to tie a weight to the rope to help sink your system.

Diving with just the housing is another way to do this.

If either of these tests fail you will get water inside your housing but your $$$ camera will still be safe and dry.

Paranoia about leaks is good.