Hi guys:
I am responding specifically to kasey’s comments and concerns about “service in the industry" Specifically Aquatica.
It is important to understand that if you buy from, lets say BH photo it all ends there. Period. There is no service, advice or follow-ups. Mauricio Handler as well as other small vendors pride themselves in being able to offer much more that just retail. Not all can.
Not all vendors are knowledgeable about the product that they sell, especially if they are not professional underwater photographers themselves and especially if they represent multiple brands. If you buy from a smaller operation make sure that you are indeed going to get some service or advice. I only sell what I know and use. I am a creative professional first and retailer second.
Regarding issues with the manufacturer; It is not really fair to expect them to respond to any and all requests for new product development, marketing and distribution of products that we, as individuals have personal interest in seeing out.
Aquatica is a small company with finite resources. These must be considered carefully. Some ideas may seem exciting to us, yet unless we speak volumes in sales these ideas will not see the light of day.
They (Aquatica) have/are considering the development of certain products that will add value to existing housings- a good example is making the N80 fit the D100 housing. For now and until further notice, this is just that. An idea. Research and development costs money. The N80 was never targeted for a housing in the first place because it is relatively a cheap camera, so to dedicate resources today to modify an Aquatica D100 housing for this specific camera has been considered but it has not been given the green light.
If we have immediate desires for modifications, it is best we take these into our own hands. It was not too long ago that if we wanted something done we went to a machine shop and had them design and build for us whatever we wanted on a custom basis.
Make a wooden template/saddle and mount an N80 in the D100. See if the gears align (they most likely will) then have aluminum one built. Unless there are a few hundred requests for this modification, the odds are that it will not be produced.
I would love to go straight to Nikon Inc. and give them my two cents worth on what I want to see out and what I don't like....
Guess what they would tell me......
Nor Subal, not Sea and Sea not Aquatica are in a position to be any different. In fact, Aquatica is probably the only one right now seriously pursuing new product development. I will challenge anyone on this subject.
Light and motion does not even have the D100 housing up and running yet, Subal? Please tell me what they are doing on the creative front. Sea and Sea makes great strobes!.
I ask that we leave the manufacturer to follow their master plans. Send ideas, comments and thoughts directly or better yet through there representatives....like me. They do listen, they just cannot respond at the speed that we all want. The digital world is much too fast for any manufacturer to stay on top of it continuously.
Gears for the 12-24 are forthcoming....be patient. Regarding the new 10.5 ....lets let it come out first please...!
There is much to discuss...this group is great for that. It is important to remember though that the manufacturing process is not as fast. These companies are all on the cutting edge and also on the financial edge. The profit margins are smaller than ever as the industry changes. Ask Nikon about this- Their underwater rign has come to an end… …..! It is a very tough industry to be in.
If you have any comments or would just like to talk....please contact me directly at mauricio@handlerphoto.com
If you want to contribute to the cause I would also be glad to take your orders....
All the best
Mauricio Handler
