39mp underwater

I understand, but the term used was not descriptive in any way. The questions regarding such an design are whether it is designed as a supplementary lens (as it is with video systems) or whether it is the entire optical system. If it is supplementary, how difficult will it be to get good performance and with what primary lenses will it be designed to work. If it the other approach, i.e. like the RS, then what will the housing system be that uses it. In either case, what will the business case be that can justify it. Nikon did it but got out of that market.

I believe that we will reach the point, if we haven't already, that we will need these kinds of solutions to make further meaningful improvements in IQ both for wide angle AND macro. Flat ports introduce noticeable CA and it IS possible to solve that problem. I'm disappointed that manufacturers haven't made any attempts at achromatic macro ports, but then some don't even do a good manual focus port.

You know, if it's a supplementary lens, it can be designed to provide 90+ degrees with 35 mm equivalent lens. That's how it's done with video. With video, they even provide full 10x zoom-through.

Tom

My M75/2 was simply not focussing on the image sensor plane - not far out but enough. It was probably fine on film though!

I take your point - in fact Leitz Canada built some genuine in water lenses - under the name Elcan - which I think may have been for the US Military - they are now collectable and very expensive as are the few housings built around them.

Craig's point is very valid, and say that systems such as Troys and the latest hires dSLRs will probably make optical demands which exceed the optical performance which can be delivered by the existing type of underwater optics that we are currently using. My own personal opinion is that the most likely/viable/cost effective route forward would be to get an aspheric (non-concentric or elliptical) dome designed and built. To do so would I expect mean that it would have to be matched to a specific lens (such as Troy's 28) or focal length (perhaps 14mm on FF) and would be optimised for a specific distance (say 1m) with performance drops either side of this. This would of course be an expensive undertaking and would need custom mounts for different housings. This is possible and I have briefly looked into the idea but the optical design is the expensive bit (10s of £1000s) as moulded aspheric lenses are far from unknown today, but I am unsure if it is as yet cost effective as I doubt that sufficient people would buy such a lens.

Somewhere I've read that Titanium doesn't like high pressure oxygen (perhaps it becomes slightly reactive) but I'm not sure if there is any substance in this. Can anyone confirm or deny? (It does seem odd that Titanium isn't used more in housings as it should be an excellent material unless it has a drawback other than cost/machining).

Hi Paul.

This may be what you're thinking of.

'I am a metallurgist who has worked for 16 years in the titanium industry. I would not use titanium with 100% oxygen at any pressure. The danger of a catastrophic accident (ie: rapid oxidation or even explosion) is just to great to risk it.

Steve'

from http://www.titaniumservices.com/wwwboard/messages/575.htm

Colin

I was reading this thread and controversy with great interests and just wonder why not even 1 pictures of the actual camera, housing and flashguns have been uploaded (or did I miss this?). I would like to see a few of them (and it does not have to be in 39 MP quality!). So Troy, can you show your rig?

And furthermore, I do not believe that one single commercially paid uw job paid off a $50k investment. Dreaming? like to hear more details on that too.

Hello Buddy,

The H1 Digital 22mp was paid for by one job when it was loaned to me by my supplier, long before what I have now with my housing. hope this clears it up.

Also your right, I will post some photos of my set up as soon as I get back from assignment here in Long Island.

Troy

Troy,

I've been looking at the UK-Germany housing and have wondered if it works. Sounds like you're the man to answer the questions; I haven't been successful at getting much info from Germany.

Are you primarily a macro shooter?

Sounds like you're using or going to use the 28mm on the H3D for wide angle and not the 35mm. Have you done it yet? How are the edges and corners? What is the wide port? Acrylic/glass? 8 or 9 inches. Are there spacers for the port to get the entrance pupil distance right?

Is heat buildup from the back any issue?

I use an H2/39CFH for most of my advertising work (dry) and a Seacam MkII for wet work.

I tried to get Hasselblad to fund a UK-Germany housing for the H2 in one of their on-going assistance programs, but they weren't in the mood.

I'd have a Seacam MkIII housing if they weren't so damn expensive. The exchange rate is killing purchases that need to be based at least somewhat on ROI.

Even so, I'll be very interested in anything you'll share. And, p-l-e-a-s-e be careful with your o-rings.

Chris Crumley

http://chriscrumley.com http://blog.chriscrumley.com http://blog.chriscrumley.com/BlogBook Etc.

Buddy,

I've had multiple single-image US$50k plus sales, so that kind of ad job is certainly doable.

It sure isn't everyday stuff for most of us, but it certainly is believable.

Chris

Troy,

 

I'd have a Seacam MkIII housing if they weren't so damn expensive. The exchange rate is killing purchases that need to be based at least somewhat on ROI.

 

Chris Crumley

http://chriscrumley.com http://blog.chriscrumley.com http://blog.chriscrumley.com/BlogBook Etc.

If housing a 1DsMK111 is your goal then the new Aquatica unit is an affordable option. Combine it with their Glass Megadome and your all set - 21MP here you come.

If housing a 1DsMK111 is your goal then the new Aquatica unit is an affordable option. Combine it with their Glass Megadome and your all set - 21MP here you come.

pmooney,

That's really a strange name.

I have an Aquatica A67 and had a raft of Nikon film 35mm Aquaticas, so I'm very comfortable with Aquatica and I am considering one for the MkIII.

There is no free lunch, however. The S45 finder that swivels on the Seacam makes head-dry under/overs easier than most other finders.

That, and I have a ton of Seacam parts and pieces that might have to be replaced with Aquatica similars. Glass domes, wide dome, macro, port extensions, gears, finders, etc.

I use the MkIII and Hasselblad dry and my only MkII use is the housed one. I'll have to live with that for awhile.... until I bite the bullet for either the Aquatica or Seacam MkIII.

Chris

pmooney,

 

That's really a strange name.

 

Its not very strange when it's signed on the bottom of your check.

 

There is no free lunch, however. The S45 finder that swivels on the Seacam makes head-dry under/overs easier than most other finders.

 

That, and I have a ton of Seacam parts and pieces that might have to be replaced with Aquatica similars. Glass domes, wide dome, macro, port extensions, gears, finders, etc.

 

I guess that means you will need a Seacam port to Aquatica Housing Conversion ring.

 

 

Peter

Sample 8ft canvas composite for the Port and Marine Department

Troy

Hello Chris,

The H3D-39 mf camera u/w is an amazing tool. I just recently sent it in to Denmark for maintenance and received a free focus calibration that is just simply incredible. The raw image w/o a single drop of sharpening is pin sharp and has improved my u/w shots. However, there are 2 remaining steps to get to the next level:

1). The new Phocus software for pc users will come out in June to allow 800iso shooting (400iso now)

2). All 4 corners do show blurring varying with subject distance from port. A new port is supposedly

being worked on.

Heat from the db is not an issue, the images are clean as a whistle. Keeping the housing from direct sunlight whilst in the boat between dives is advisable so it doesn't sweat inside with condensation inside when going to cool deep depths.

I am presently compositing images for wall murals to sell and eventually fire burn ceramic tiles.

troy

Sample 8ft canvas composite for the Port and Marine Department

Troy

Beautiful image Troy; great to see you are seeing the potential of this rig. What lens for this shot?

Shot, or shot(s)? I was pretty clear this was a composite... Can't tell from just the thumbnail, but from the linked pic it sure looks to be.

Shot, or shot(s)?

I've been following this thread with great interest (very entertaining as well as educational) ... and I believe the indivdual shots that made up the composite were posted as thumbnails earlier on ...

Yes, you guys are correct; These were posted earlier.

I think it turned out very nicely.

I'm sure it's impressive on the wall.

Sample 8ft canvas composite for the Port and Marine Department

Troy

Beautiful work...

Hello everyone,

Just an update on corner blur improvements. Test pool completed and as i understand it some tests are being done to design a bigger port for improved corner sharpness by Uwe at UK-Germany. It has been 8 months since I purchased the housing for my camera. I can say I am still happy with the purchase but still waiting for some improvements for w/a shots. I will post samples hopefully during this summer from a new port. I hope and pray.

Troy

Hello Everyone

Just an update. UK-Germany promised a pool test awhile back. Since then until now, I have had no customer support, emails, returmed phone call etc. I begged one of there resellers to have Uwe (Owner)contact me to atleast let me know the results. Still no email or phone call. Anyway, here is a slideshow link of my last dive. I still enjoy my set up though. Simply copy & paste.

Regards

D:\Underwater Slideshows\Under the Sea.html

D:\Underwater Slideshows\Under the Sea.html

Wong link...sorry to hear about the other issues....