Video Housings

I'm looking to purchase a VX2100, but the only available housings seem to be ikelite and L & M. Amphibico have discontinued their own offering and i'm not sure if I can still get hold of a VH2100. I would prefer amphibico unless suitabley persuaded otherwise. Why a VX2100 i hear you cry? Well, its got manual white balance, 1 lux minimum levels (great for UK diving), and its 3 chip.

Why not HDV? Coz, i dont have the computer power to edit in HDV, yes i could record in standard DV, but doesn't that defeat the object? HC1 only goes to 7 lux (i say only, how bad is 7 lux? What does 7 lux 'look like').

Discuss.......

Yeah but, no, but yeah, but no...

As on a few of the posts already. It depends on what your using it for, future plans etc.. If you've loads of money go for the Z1E (HDV) 3lux. or if you want it for local shoots and for personal use; not to sell, VX2100 or PD170..If your on a limited budget and want to travel A1E.. I've done a bit of filming in this country (UK) and the TRV950 7-9lux has been fine. For close-up, mid-shots the HC1 / A1E with lighting should apparently be fine..

Cheers me dears

Dive safe

DeanB

Johnny

Check the classifieds for used housings. There should be a glut soon if not now. I know I'm selling my VH2000 soon. You'll save quite a bit on the housing and apart from cosmetic blemishes, you'll find that housings are really reliable (if they haven't been flooded before!)

Just my 2 cents. Read the HDV threads to see if it's for you.

Ok ok! I've decided. Its to be a second hand TRV950E in a L & M bluefin, so that i can access manual white balance and have extra shiny buttons. Decided that VX2100 was too 'big' for a newby like me. I can't edit HDV material anyways (although i've just bought a HD ready 50" fooking big tele to watch non HD UK broadcast and lord of the rings DVD's!). Twas a tough decision, but it's made, deposit paid, committed and i'm not going back!

Dean B - Little Britain phrase No. 26: computer says no

Cheers

Congrats Johnny, i have same camera and have used the L&M in the past. NIce housing

Best

Mike

Yes well done mate..

You should have said, my 950 with the amphibico housing and L&M monitor is up for sale soon. How much did you pay for yours ???

"You giving me evils"

Dive safe

DeanB

TRV950 was 2nd hand off Ebay and I paid a bit over the odds i think, but it's supposed to be (hasn't arrived yet) in A1 condition with big battery, carry case etc... £830.

L & M was £2300 from FEP.

Lights will be next. L & M are obvious, but has anyone used owt else on L & M housings out there? You can get a ball adapter to fit the hand grip from cameras undervarter

I aint ever dun somefink or nuffink, shut up!

Good one for the 950.

I was thinking of selling the complete kit I've been using:

TRV950, wide lense, Ext mic, tripod.

Amphibico DB plus Housing, L&M monitor, case.

For about £2000 - 2300.

Haven't decided yet. Might reconsider now

Are you doing the 'try before you buy' with F.E.P. just in case you do not get along with it. I know Steve the owner. Good bloke. Keep care of it. repairs are £30 an hour.

I've used the L&M small halogens. Cannot remember which ones. But they were fine. Try a few out.

Dive safe

DeanB

"I'm the only Gay in the village" <_<

"I'm the only Gay in the village"  <_<

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow, the things you learn on the internet.....

We just had group of divers here you should have joined for the trip Dean...

Well, If you work in that sort of establishment.

Hope they all went, DOWN well..!!!!

Dive safe

DeanB

I didn't think they would let someone try before buying. More like flood and bugger it up before you buy! Nah, I'm committed to buying L & M housing. Got sick of researching and staying up till 1am browsing t'internet. At first I was seriously considering importing myself, hoping to avoid customs. Yes I might get it say £100-200 cheaper, but its aftersales service i've gotta think about dude! I've imported from Japan before (inon u/w gear), but it's been for a lot less technical equipment.

No doubt i will be coveting HD stuff now. I wonder if you can fit an HC1 in an TRV950 bluefin???? ;-)

Tittybangbang will be the next little britain

No doubt i will be coveting HD stuff now.  I wonder if you can fit an HC1 in an TRV950 bluefin????  ;-)

Yes you can, it's the same housing.

From the bottom of the L&M Bluefin webpage:

"Bluefin HC1, HC1000 or V950 series, price $3099."

Although you might need to buy the HC-1 version to get the expanded focus and tele-macro controls, not sure where they're located on the TRV, but the HC1 has them on the left side of the lens barrel.

Just the push auto on the 950 I'm afraid.

I'd probably have gone for Amphibico or Gates over L&M myself. But thats me.. I think the L&M was about £2300 for the A1E housing (standard package). Which is near on £300 more than the PRO EVO..

Dive safe

DeanB

Got the housing home yesterday and have been fondling ever since. Guess what..... I got an external monitor as well! Decided there and then that pearing through the smallish viewfinder was an arse. Has anyone experienced L & M housing push buttons sticking at depth?

Cheers

John