Ikelite Housing for D200

Hello:

I was in Bonaire recently and was told by a few people (photographers) that the Ikelite D200 housing is not good. Specifically that it is prone to leakage from two areas:

1. The port while secure is flimsy

2. The base is prone to a defect causing the housing to flood.

Are the above concerns valid?

I am trying to find reviews on Ikelite housings for a Nikon D200 or D100. Any link and iput would be appreciated.

Thank you

Gorji

I have owned both the Ikelite housing for the D100 and the D200.

The housing is very good.

I have only had a problem with leakage using the 8" dome port and the 10.5mm lens.

The stalk i had, had a small piece of plastic from manufacturing between the o-ring groove and the o-ring. Once i realized that and fixed it, i have never had a problem since.

I think it is a very robust housing. the port is very secure except for the 8" dome port with the 10.5. This is a bayonet style with a quarter turn. It wasn't completely secure in my opinion but still useable. The other ports where very secure as long as you "clicked" the locks. If you failed to do this, then well, it is operator error.

I'm not sure what you are referring to re: the base.

I really liked the clear plastic. On at least one occasion, i was able to see the dust particle or hair on my o-ring after I assembled but before taking it underwater. Certainly saved me there.

Plus, the TTL on the D200 is spot on when used with Ike strobes.

Hi LChan:

Thanks for your input.

I do not have the housing for either camera. This is what some told me in Bonaire.

I have a housing for the Nikon N60 but do not want to shoot film anymore. I am real afraid of flooding and ruining my D200. I never had any problems with my N60 housing. I like the fact that you can see the inside. I think it allows problems to be detected early.

I am looking to get a good used housing for a D100. If you don't want yours, please let me know.

As far as the base is concerned, I was told that the way the housing was made, the bolts securing the plate come off allowing leakage. Since I do not have the housing I cannot imaging what they are saying.

Again, thank you for your post.

Gorji

Gorji

sorry i have sold both of my Ikelite housings.

the information re: the base is incorrect.

first. the housing is completely enclosed with an opening for the port, another opening for the back. Both of which are sealed with an o-ring.

the housing has two holes on the bottom that fit the screws for the handle and tray. These are not thru and thru so water won't enter that way. The base that holds the camera is permanently attached to the back.

the only screws that have backed out where the ones that hold the handle and tray. A little loctite fixed that. If the screw holding the camera to the base comes off, you have a ghost or operator error.

Unfortunately, from your info, you may have been misled by these other photographers. I assume they weren't using Ike housings.

As far as the base is concerned, I was told that the way the housing was made, the bolts securing the plate come off allowing leakage. Since I do not have the housing I cannot imaging what they are saying.

As Larry already said, this is incorrect, the bolts don't go all the way through, so even if they come off, the housing won't be flooded. Ikelite housings do have some faults, but easy flooding is not one of them. They will reliably keep the water out if used properly.

About your D200, get flood insurance for it and forget about the rest. If I had a D200 I wouldn't think about buying a D100 + housing just because of the fear of flooding, as I said, insurance will cover it. And I talk from experience, I have an even more expensive camera that I always take underwater with me.

Luiz

Thanks Luis.

I have a D100 and a D200.

I have insurance on the D200. I should just jump in and buy the Ikelite. I just have not seen much critic on the Ike housings.

FWIW I have several weeks livaboard trip time on mine without a hitch.

If it got trashed in a car wreck tomorrow I would buy another.

As Larry already said, this is incorrect, the bolts don't go all the way through, so even if they come off, the housing won't be flooded. Ikelite housings do have some faults, but easy flooding is not one of them.

Someone is thinking about the handle mount on the bottom of the housing which do come right the way through on the Ike Luiz.

There was a reported case that I am aware of when one of these loosened up and flooded - having said that there are a lot of holes in a housing - all with 25 cent O-rings keeping the wet stuff out......

Paul C