Removing Bluefin FX1 handles?

Off to Bunaken and Lembeh in the morning for 12 days with the Z1 and Bluefin

I want to carry the camera and housing in my backpack. It's going to be much easier if I can remove the handles. Does anyone know how to do it? Is it straightforward? Do they just unscrew? There's a black collar with 2 holes and I don't know what to do with that.

Cheers

Yes the collars unscrew, very easy to do. It is best to use the spanner wrench included in the L&M # 802-0147 Handle Thread Ring Replacement Kit ($35), but a pair of large pliers will also work. Have a good trip.

Dan

Thanks Dan. So the collar screws into the body and the handle screws into the collar?

What would happen if I applied torque to the whole handle?

The plastic collar spins freely on the housing, it is secured by a metal retaining ring. Both collars are reverse thread, so turn clockwise to loosen and counter-clockwise to tighten. The handgrips are secured with four alignment cogs. See the pictures.

Dan thanks very much indeed. I understand it now. Better make a tool for loosening that collar I think.

Nick,

I also have a Bluefin HD, and was previous owner of Bluefin 900.

Same handles, same way to remove it.

Backscatter in Monterey sells a nice little kit that comes with tool to remove the handles, plus 2 spare black collars, etc.

More at http://www.backscatter.com/HostedStore.Las...Descending&

or click on the Video tab, and then "Accessories", go to page 3. You'll find it there.

Most hardware stores here n the US carry a similar tool, I got onen like that 2 years ago for US$40. Well worth it.

Btw, I've been buying stuff from Backscatter for many years, they're excellent. Tell them that Nick in Santa Barbara is sending you, you never know, they may shave a couple of bucks off the price. Talk to Berkeley, Jeff or David, very nice and knowleadgable guys.

My 5 cents.

Nick