ReefNet Subsee adaptor

Hey guys

Can I seek some advice please.....

I bought a ReefNet SubSee adaptor a little while ago and a SubSee +10 lens. I've only used it once so far on a couple of dives - but, before entering the water, I was struck by how insecure the connection was between the lens and the adaptor. As far as I could see, the lens is pushed on to the adaptor and a small grub screw "holds" it in place. I spent most of the dives making sure the lens was hanging in.

Playing around with it out now, it seems pretty easy for the lens to come out - and disappear into the watery depths. I'm planning a SE Asia macro trip in the coming months and would prefer not to give the lens a one-way trip.

Does anyone have any experience of the ReefNet adaptor and securing a SubSee lens in place? I wondered about putting a slice of inner tube around the lens which might provide a bit more grip. But this seems hardly ideal. Perhaps I could get a second tightening point/screw drilled for the adaptor?

Ideas welcome!

Thanks

I don't have any experience with that adaptor, but if you do go ahead with the idea of a second set screw, I can help with some advice there. Make sure that it is drilled at 90 degrees to the first one. Some people make the mistake of having the second one 180 degrees from the first one. In that case, the lens would be supported only between the tips of the two set screws. At 90 degrees, the lens is supported by the whole side of the adaptor. I hope that makes sense.

Makes total sense - and I hadn't thought of that. Good point, thanks SwiftFF5!

Why are you nervous? Has your lens fallen out?

I have used one of these adapters for many years with no issues. the adapter is perfectly sized to grip the lens. My adapter has a split oring embedded in it to give extra grip on the lens. Once mounted the lens is held firmly in place. No chance of "falling" out.

Try a test. Mount the lens & tighten the screw. Now try to pull the lens out... I can't. If you can, you have an issue to worry about.

Why are you nervous? Has your lens fallen out?

 

I have used one of these adapters for many years with no issues. the adapter is perfectly sized to grip the lens. My adapter has a split oring embedded in it to give extra grip on the lens. Once mounted the lens is held firmly in place. No chance of "falling" out.

 

Try a test. Mount the lens & tighten the screw. Now try to pull the lens out... I can't. If you can, you have an issue to worry about.

Thanks giffenk. I have a problem: I can pull it out easily.......

I contacted ReefNet who told me it's a really old model and they have completely re-designed it. No surprise!

There's no o-ring. Any chance you can send me a pic of yours? Maybe I can rig up some kind of o-ring in it.

Thanks!

Tim,

How about devising a safety lanyard between the lens and the mount? You could use a zip tie around the lens with a string attached and then attach the string to the mount.

I originally bought the SubSee lens and mount kit for the Subal 105 VR port, but had problems with the VR port and did not use the mount. Instead I used the FP-90 port for the 105 VR with a Saga mount that I had for an Ion 165 lens.

Elmer

Tim

I have that set-up but mine has the o-ring. It grips well but, like you, I am still nervous. So I go along Elmer's route using elasticated cord attached to frequently changed, stout rubber bands round the lens (a cable tie sounds better). The lanyard also attaches to the adapter so that if the whole lot comes off and takes a dive or more likely gets knocked off, it just hangs under the camera. I don't like bits of lanyard around but in fact I never notice it once in the water and the peace of mind is well worth it.

Drilling a hole sounds a good idea if you are handy at that sort of thing but the mount seems pretty crappy material to me so take care.

Thanks Jim and Elmer - some excellent ideas there.

Yep, a zip tie and some elastic or rubber is I think the solution combined with a lanyard. I'm a bit wary of bringing on my drill - much though I love playing with my Bosch MegaPowerDrive

Thanks for the help.

 

 

Thanks giffenk. I have a problem: I can pull it out easily.......

 

I contacted ReefNet who told me it's a really old model and they have completely re-designed it. No surprise!

 

There's no o-ring. Any chance you can send me a pic of yours? Maybe I can rig up some kind of o-ring in it.

 

Thanks!

It should be firmly attached. I would solve that problem and then no need for a lanyard.

I (hopefully) am attaching an image that will show the style I have with an oring embedded in a groove in the holder. This will be hard to DIY.

Instead I would just put 2 one inch strips of double sided tape 1/4 turn away from the tightening screw. The thickness of the tape should reduce the size of the holder.

Many thanks indeed, giffenk, Much appreciated.

It's quite a different adaptor set-up to mine. I've got no o-ring groove.

I think I might have solved the problem by doing it sort-of in reverse. I've got o-rings now on to the SubSee lens and have put a tie-wrap through them and secured that to a lanyard which is tied on to the adaptor and then the housing. Fingers crossed.

Many thanks for all the help, chaps. You guys are great as always.

I claim you are treating the symptoms. I would prefer to put my efforts into solving the root problem.

Tell me more!

The root problem seems, to me, to be that the SubSee does't fit very well at all on the adaptor....

Hey guys

Just to put this saga to bed....

ReefNet sent me a new piece that actually holds the SubSee. Happily it fitted perfectly into the old lens port mount - and the SubSee now sits snuggly and contentedly in the new fitting. It's the same one as in giffenk's pic. Phewwwww......

Many thanks to ReefNet who were quick, helpful and sold me the part at a reasonable price. I can't say quite the same for the shipping costs - and the Dutch customs, bless them, who hit me for VAT too. Hey ho.

Thanks too to you guys for all the advice and assistance. Much appreciated.

So, it's going to get a run out at Tulumben in a few weeks.......

Tim,

It is great to hear that all is well with the subsee and mount.

It is good to see the reefnet can through, i guess they provided an updated mount.

Elmer

Tim,

 

It is great to hear that all is well with the subsee and mount.

It is good to see the reefnet can through, i guess they provided an updated mount.

 

Elmer

Yep! All's well, that ends well eh?