Canon 30D Ikelite housing to accept 5D

I currently have a Canon 30D in an Ikelite housing, don't know the model number right off,

am considering using a different camera, like a 5D. The back of the 5D and 30D are not

exactly the same but very close. Does anybody know just how close the controls would be

if I put a 5D in the 30D housing? I can purchase additional controls from Ikelite, if I need

more controls. Modifying the housing is not a problem, have a machine shop.

Anybody considered this? Ikelite will not sell only a back to a housing.

Jim

I found my own answer, had a chance to try the 5D with the housing. The 5D is slightly

wider than the 30D and slightly taller. The width was not a problem but the viewing port

on the rear would be too low to align with the ocular on the camera. The buttons to the

left of the LCD were slightly off. It would appear though that if Ikelite would sell just the

rear plate, I think the housings would interchange, but they refuse to sell just the back

plate. A new one could be machined, but because of the curves, short of having CNC

equipment, it would be difficult but not impossible.

So looks like I'll have to stick with the 30D, which is not a bad camera at all.

Jim

I found my own answer, had a chance to try the 5D with the housing. The 5D is slightly

wider than the 30D and slightly taller. The width was not a problem but the viewing port

on the rear would be too low to align with the ocular on the camera. The buttons to the

left of the LCD were slightly off. It would appear though that if Ikelite would sell just the

rear plate, I think the housings would interchange, but they refuse to sell just the back

plate. A new one could be machined, but because of the curves, short of having CNC

equipment, it would be difficult but not impossible.

 

So looks like I'll have to stick with the 30D, which is not a bad camera at all.

 

Jim

Have you maybe thought about cutting out the center of the backplate (keeping the original Ikelite outer) and replace it with another fitting and sealing plate with eye piece and controls in proper position? If you have basic machine shop access, it can be done. If you try this modification, please report on DIY forum.

Cheers,

Bo

Bo:

It's a possibility, but I'd only do it if I had a spare backplate. Ikelite said they wouldn't sell me a backplate from

a different model housing, but wonder if they would sell a replacement plate. If so, that is an idea, I could mill

out a polygon in the middle, leave a place for an O ring, and machine a piece to fit in the middle, held by screws

drilled and tapped.

I don't think I'll do it, but seems like a reasonable idea.

Thanks - Jim

Have you maybe thought about cutting out the center of the backplate (keeping the original Ikelite outer) and replace it with another fitting and sealing plate with eye piece and controls in proper position? If you have basic machine shop access, it can be done. If you try this modification, please report on DIY forum.

 

Cheers,

 

Bo

Had thought of that specific solution with my then Subal C10 that was modded for the 5D and wanted to get it working on the 5dmk2. However, I gave up the idea and when Aquatica came out with their A7D and I had just purchased a 7D. =)

S.

Bo:

 

It's a possibility, but I'd only do it if I had a spare backplate. Ikelite said they wouldn't sell me a backplate from

a different model housing, but wonder if they would sell a replacement plate. If so, that is an idea, I could mill

out a polygon in the middle, leave a place for an O ring, and machine a piece to fit in the middle, held by screws

drilled and tapped.

 

I don't think I'll do it, but seems like a reasonable idea.

 

Thanks - Jim

Hey Jim,

If Ikelite is unable to accomodate what you need, then think of making your own backplate. A piece of lexan can be carefully tooled with a rotary cutter and grooved with a router table. A drill press for the holes etc. Just buy enough lexan to make 3 for the first 2 will probably be learning pieces with chipped edges .

I'm thinking to do the same with a cheap used digital Ikelite housing I bought on eBay and make it work for my Oly Pen. What I want the housing to do, I know Ikelite will never make (nor any other manfacturer) and the project therefore needs to be a DIY.

I just bought a new Dremel set to give it a try. If anything comes to work (I have so many pending projects right now) I will report in the DIY forum

Bo