Ikelite 8" Dome shade

Hi!

as I think the Ikelite shade for the 8" is waaaaay too expensive for a piece of plastic, I am planning to build one by myself on a piece of delrin (or similar).

But: to easy the trip, I would be very grateful if someone owning the shade could help me taking some measures...

being L1, L2 and L3 measured on the arch.

Some pictures of how the shade rests on the dome would also be of great help.

Thanks!

Dome Shade and the Neoprene Cover, both in combo are listed for 90$ on reef photo & video, are you 100% sure this is waaaaay to expensive?

Besides is not just a piece of plastic, you have to consider Research and Development invested on the physics of the lens, and its optical features...

Dome Shade and the Neoprene Cover, both in combo are listed for 90$ on reef photo & video, are you 100% sure this is waaaaay to expensive?

Well... you must understand. Although I am not an expert, I like DIY projects. Don't tell anybody, but this is kind of excuse for a simple DIY project. The DIY neoprene cover project is waiting on the line...

Besides is not just a piece of plastic, you have to consider Research and Development invested on the physics of the lens, and its optical features...

I have considered R&D on the dome (which is no lens) and that is the reason why I bought it. However, I don't think there is so much R&D on the shade itself.

Anyway, if there is, my shade will be crap, so I may end up buying the Ikelite one after having had a good time in my unsuccesful project.

But then, this is what DIY projects are all about, isn't it?

Interesting idea, I thought about doing something similar also.

However, one point, to do DIY project like that ifs fine, to copy Ike's design exactly looks un ethics for me.

I think that the right way is to take measuresfrom the 8" port and build around it.

Interesting idea, I thought about doing something similar also.

However, one point, to do DIY project like that ifs fine, to copy Ike's design exactly looks un ethics for me.

I think that the right way is to take measuresfrom the 8" port and build around it.

Yes Aron, you're right. Strictly speaking.

However, I am not planning to copy Ike's design exactly. I am just looking for some measurements not to start from null. In fact, my idea was to build different shades for the different lens I will be using. For example, my Sigma 14mm just gets too much flare inside, so I want the biggest shade possible, which is not the same as the ike shade measurements for sure. A Tokina 10-17 will shurely need a smaller shade, and a 17-70 may cope with a bigger one.

Anyway, it seems that this subject is getting controversial, which was not the intention at all. So sorry.

I have finally managed to get somewhere with this DIY project.

The first is how the shade looks in the housing (in the picture, it wasn't still finished), then the finished shade and the detail of how it fixes to the dome.

Ok! So now what I need is a new neoprene cover... ;-)

That is pretty damn sweet! And Im sure it cost allot less than the Ikelite one...

So what size is that pipe?

Phil

That is pretty damn sweet! And Im sure it cost allot less than the Ikelite one...

Well... I bought 50cm of pipe (enough for 5 shades ar least), and bolts and protectors for another 5. It all added to less that 20€ (less that $30 today). So, it's about $6 per shade. Yes, it's less that the original one...

So what size is that pipe?

It has an internal diameter of about 23cm - 9", but it ought to be 21,8cm - 8,5" to better fit the 8" dome. Anyway, it works, although perhaps the space between the shade and the dome does not look so nice.

In fact, after having built the shade, I've been told that it's not adequate for a 10mm FE like the Tokina one (because of vignetting), which I have ordered. I would have felt a bit stupid buying the shade and then leaving it at home. Now, if vignetting occurs, I can build a new one for the FE. In fact, it takes me less than two hours to build it once I know the adequate dimensions.

Impressive work! Well done.

Hallo!

I have a Uk germany dome without shade. I would like to build my own shade. If i build my own shade on land - will there be more or less vignetting underwater? The shade will be for Tokina 10-17. My plan is to use similar tube as you have and than just cutting it away until there will be no vignetting more.

Thanks for your answer!

I woud say that underwater vignetting would be equal or less than topside. So, if your shade works ok on land, it will be ok diving!

Anyway, I think your method takes too much work. It is not so easy to cut the pipe, so cutting it until it is ok may be a bit too much. i would suggest you look for someone having the adequate shade to find out the right size before you cut it...

Nice work.

Just a suggestion. I you were to slot the mounting holes (and use a nut rather than an insert) , it would be possible to get more fore and aft movement on the shade so it could adjust to different view angles.