Canon 400D in Ikelite 350D housing?

I saw a post from one person that the new Canon Rebel XTi (400D) does not fit in the Ikelite housing for the Rebel XT (350D). As I recall, someone took their housing to a camera store to try it, but couldn't get the housing baseplate screw into the camera.

Can anyone else confirm this? And if so, has anyone heard whether Ike might make a conversion kit for the 350D housing so that it would accept the 400D?

I'd like to get a top-side/backup body, and the 400D sounds like it has an improved focus system. But if it doesn't fit, I might have to consider another 350D before they're out of production.

Thanks.

Hi Hobbes

I have the same intentions as you. I need a back-up camera for my 350D and I prefer to update to 400D and make my 350D my backup.

It seems that the main problem with the Ikelite housing lays int the two alignment posts that restricts rotation around fixing bolt. These posts may be removed (I've checked this) and then replace its use with some kind of stoppers (in order to prevent body rotation) compatible with the two models of cameras. Compatibility can be achieved trough easy replacement of the stopper or just split it in two pieces with a removable part that fills the difference between both cameras.

The Av button may a big concern if it doesn't fit properly (untested AFAIK), but seen how it works it seems that can be fixed easily. The left buttons also may be available trough a transfer pad or something like that.

The back LCD screen foam shade has also to be replaced.

So, theoretically, with some kind of minor (or not so minor) adjustments the Ike's 350 housing might hold a 400D with more than 90% of its funcionality.

I don't have the 400D body yet (but I hope to fix this issue soon!!), so I couldn't check all this by first hand. But I put my hopes on it.

But we are still hoping Ike to say something about it. Maybe a new back, or a user-update kit with new TTL converter case with compatible stoppers and a built-in transfer pad for left buttons, or both (that would be my wish).

Regards

Rai

The Av button may a big concern if it doesn't fit properly (untested AFAIK), but seen how it works it seems that can be fixed easily. The left buttons also may be available trough a transfer pad or something like that.

FYI, the 400D Av button, shutter button, AF focus selection button, AE lock button, and all the directional buttons are in the same place. I have tested these out in my S&S 350D housing and the Av button is fully functional without any modifications. I don't know the button arrangement in the Ikelite, but I would presume they would function. It's the left rear buttons that do not line up (that and the new shutter drive button)

FYI, the 400D Av button, shutter button, AF focus selection button, AE lock button, and all the directional buttons are in the same place. I have tested these out in my S&S 350D housing and the Av button is fully functional without any modifications. I don't know the button arrangement in the Ikelite, but I would presume they would function. It's the left rear buttons that do not line up (that and the new shutter drive button)

Thanks pakman.

Good news for me. One of my main concerns was the av button because I usually shot in manual mode.

In the ikelite all the buttons you mention are direct ones but the Av button, so with these there are no issues.

The Av button is an especial one, in order to remain pushed for aperture changes with the dial when using the camera in manual mode. This button are pressed by a rotatory shaft that can you you must to pull in order to allow rotation. If this button is aligned or in the bounds of the circle area given by the bended shaft, there won't be any issue too and any little misalignmet can also be easily fixed.

The left buttons are not vital, but many times I like to check histograms and any other info of the fotos (including zooms) and erasing underwater photos underwater. Yes, I know I need a bigger card but this also means bigger messes when I forget cleaning the card after dowloading the pictures ...

But I think that this can be fixed using a transfer pad or even just changing the rubber tips with especial ones.

The only button unavailable would be the Drive mode button. This is the only one button that I've never used it underwater but I won't discard that I'd use it int the future if it'd be available.

I hope to have my 400D soon , so I hope to confirm all these things by then.

Rai

I was the guy who "took their camera to the store", and can confirm that the rear posts on the plate are the problem. I someone with an engineering shop and know how could do some kind of conversion (hint hint Ike).

I cannot justify a housing upgrade at this stage, but would happily part with some cash for a conversion kit.

I was the guy who "took their camera to the store", and can confirm that the rear posts on the plate are the problem. I someone with an engineering shop and know how could do some kind of conversion (hint hint Ike).

 

I cannot justify a housing upgrade at this stage, but would happily part with some cash for a conversion kit.

Hi Damien.

We are in similar situation and trusting your comments and the ones from pakman I've ordered a Canon 400D body so I hope to get it UW very soon .

And like you, I'd love an user-updatable conversion kit too. I know that I can make a non-pretty-but-it-works one, but for a reasonable price I'd prefer a smarter solution from Ike.

It find very interesting to know Ike's plans and opinion about this subject.

Rai

Thanks pakman.

 

 

I hope to have my 400D soon , so I hope to confirm all these things by then.

 

Rai

Thanks Betti. Thanks Rai.

I look forward to hearing your experience trying the 400D. I also see that Ike now lists a housing specific to the 400D on their website; different part number from the 350D housing. It says coming in Oct. But like you guys, there's no way I'm buying another housing after recently getting one for my 350D.