Cracked Subal Dome Shade

Hi all,

I have just discovered that my "high-craftmanship" Subal 8 inch dome shade has cracked and crumbled into two pieces, at which time I popped open a beer. Pretty shitty to find out that a $1300 dome port uses molded plastic...but nonetheless does anyone know:

1. Is the shade user replaceable (looks like it might be because of the set screw...provided it isn't a structural screw for frame that holds the glass dome in place.).

2. Are the shades typically available in stock? (UW Phototech please chime in here ...since I bought this from you a year ago). Be nice to know if I will have a usable dome for Memorial weekend.

3. I just taped the damn shade onto the port. Anyone use it this way without any hitches?

Joe

Hi all,

 

I have just discovered that my "high-craftmanship" Subal 8 inch dome shade has cracked and crumbled into two pieces, at which time I popped open a beer. Pretty shitty to find out that a $1300 dome port uses molded plastic...but nonetheless does anyone know:

 

1. Is the shade user replaceable (looks like it might be because of the set screw...provided it isn't a structural screw for frame that holds the glass dome in place.).

 

2. Are the shades typically available in stock? (UW Phototech please chime in here ...since I bought this from you a year ago). Be nice to know if I will have a usable dome for Memorial weekend.

 

3. I just taped the damn shade onto the port. Anyone use it this way without any hitches?

 

Joe

Subal have replaced the plastic shade with a rubber one. I think Subal will replace the cracked one for free, at least that's what Ryan at Reef Photo did for me. It is user replaceable.

I had this happen to me and it was replaced without charge, the only issue is putting it on again, you have to prepare yourself, then heat the dome shade in hot water to stretch it a little, then get a friend to help you pull it on and quick!

I had this happen to me and it was replaced without charge, the only issue is putting it on again, you have to prepare yourself, then heat the dome shade in hot water to stretch it a little, then get a friend to help you pull it on and quick!

The ones made several years ago were rigid plastic. They cracked. Go back through your dealer and Subal will replace it free of charge with a hard rubber one. The new one is slightly flexible.

Subal stands behind their product - one of the reasons for their cost.

3. I just taped the damn shade onto the port. Anyone use it this way without any hitches?

 

Joe

Joe, I knew about the cracking problem as Subal told me about it at DEMA '06. I suppose you should have been warned because it was a known and common problem that on a certain # of FE2 domes the plastic was "defective" (at least that is what I was told by Subal). And I was told it would be replaced for free.

I've watched mine gradually crack for months but still used it. This past December I was almost in your boat - the shade cracked in 4 places but didn't separate. I thought all Subal dealers kept them in stock but that wasn't the case and I was then told I'd have to wait for another shipment of shades.

Funny thing is I taped it with duct tape (black - so it doesn't look so garish) and it is still going strong (like 50 dives later)! I received the new dome shade but since I don't know how to attach it I've just kept using it the way it is with the duct tape and it seems fine. Pretty soon I'll be near ReefPhoto in Ft Lauderdale and ask them to attach the new shade.

But till then duct tape might be your answer? Get the thick black kind so you will be "stylish"..... B) I've had no problem with it staying on in the water.

Good Luck! Carol

Same here, Subal replaced it for free with a rubber one.

Did the same thing to mine, Subal replaced at no charge.

All you need to do is contact your nearest Subal Dealer, tell them what happened and have them order the new hard rubber version.

Other than a slight wait, no problem at all.

Hi all,

I have to say that UW Phototech came through for me bigtime for the cracked dome shade. Within minutes of calling, they told me they'd have one in the mail to me today (yes, they had stock) and in typical UWPT level of customer service, they didn't charge me a thing, not even shipping, but managed to keep me one happy customer. Thanks all for your advice and commnents. I will be ready for my Memorial Day 3-day without the duct tape.

Joe