Housings and Ports

I don't understand the need to make a new port for a new housing. In particular the Gates V1 housing is a standard port 4.4" Bayonet port mount but the SWP44 Fathom is listed as not compatible and Gates have had to produce a SWP44B specifically for this housing.

I'd have assumed that as long as the camera is mounted correctly for any given port anything that fits that mounting system should work?

Hi Spacker,

The Fathoms SWP44 was designed specifically with the telephoto range of the Sony Z1 3CCD HDV Camcorder in mind. That camera may have a different dynamic in relation to the V1 hence the need for a different port. I film with a Gates / Z1 combo and have the SWP44 fitted. Its a fantastic lens but I'm a bit sad that as the use of the Z1 fades and new cameras hit the streets this could eventually become obsolete......an obsolete piece of glass which cost $4.5k, but thats the price of quality I guess.

Cheers,

Mark.

Disclosure: I work for Gates Underwater Products

Mark is correct in his assessment. The SWP44 is designed for very specific cameras/chip sizes like the FX1/Z1 and HVX200. It is not compatible with the FX7/V1 cameras as the internal optics are very different. The SWP44 would be very soft if used with that camera.

By analogy, you couldn't wear a friends prescription glasses unless you happen to have exactly the same eyesight. Video cameras are the same, and have widely varying 'eyesight'.

Simple ports like the FP44 flat and SP44 dome work with just about any camera as they are simple. The SWP44 is at the other end of the spectrum. It is a converter lens (meaning it provides wide angle coverage and retains full zoom capability), providing sharp, distortion free images. This type of performance must be matched to the camera for which it is designed.

Cheers.

John

Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Now it's been explained it's more obvious than it was. (great eyesight analogy - cheers JohnE). I've got the Gates housing, SP44 arylic dome and the Sony Z1 - lusted after a SWP44 tho'.

Great housing JohnE - bullet proof.

thanks again for the replies.

JohnE

Anything in planning for the XDCAM EX from you guys at Gates..Be interesting to know what the 'bigboys' are doing in the coming months.

Dive safe

DeanB

Disclosure: I work for Gates Underwater Products

RE: PMW-EX1

This camera is in the category/caliber of cameras that we typically support, so a closer look is warranted when it's available. No decisions for a housing will be made until that review and other factors considered.

J-

Cagey John, very cagey...

We wait with anticipation.

Dive safe

DeanB