new 1ds user

hello all, i was shooting a sony 717 but i took a leap into DSLR and got a 1ds. so now im looking for a housing any recomends etc. Anyone have a 1ds used housing they want to part with let me know. cavesrus@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance

Aaron

Seacam's housing seems to be the most popular for the 1DS. I only know one person using the Subal housing and nobody using the Sea and Sea or UK Germany Housings.

I would suggest checking out the two Austrian brands (Seacam and Subal). Work out which controls you will use most frequently UW and check the ergonomics of the housing relating to these controls. Also check which housing will allow you to change lenses, cards, batteries etc most conveniently. Then also check which manufacturer has the best dealer support close to where you live.

Or if you are like me, just choose the one that looks coolest!

Alex

I doubt you will find one second hand because many 1DS housings also fit newer Canons like the 1D MK II and 1DS MKII.

yea was looking at sea cams. but i was just wishing that maybe just maybe i could find a use one some one going to nikon or some crazy thing like that Wishful thinking.

no trips planed yet so not in any hurry to spend the money lol. trying ot work though this beast on the land is hard enough. but i love the camera.

Aaron

Hello Aaron,

I just received a Seacam for my 1D Mark II. I have just been getting used to setting it up and running it through it's paces on land. I plan to get in a pool in the next week or so for my first test shots with it.

So far I am overwhelmed with the quality and workmanship. My Mark II slipped into the housing right from the get go and all of the levers/controls lined up perfectly, as they should for this price range. But considering all of the engineering that had to go into the thing to make available all of the cameras controls, it is truly an amazing device. If you can swing it and are not in a hurry, save your $ and get a Seacam. As far as service goes I can't say enough about the responsiveness of the folks at Seacam USA - Stephen Frink and Liz.

If you can get your 1Ds into the newer Mark II housing, it might be worth it. This would leave your options open for the future, incase you pick up a used 1Ds Mark II a few years down the road on ebay for $1000 :wink: You will be able to pop it into the housing. Also the new housing has an improved implementation of the * button actuator which sounds like a great way to use autofocus underwater.

Good luck with your search, Keith

Oh I forgot, the main reason I got the Seacam was the cool looking Seacam Silver finish.

Here is a second vote for the Seacam. I've had mine in the water a bunch now with a 1D mark II, and it is a sweet, sweet housing. The glass ports are very clean, the fit and finish is extremely professional, and the dealer (Steve and Liz) will do everything they can to help you get what you need. Excellent folks.

i guess i need to email steven and talk to him about the housing. yea i have time no trips planed as of yet. still learning camera on land let alone under water. your point with teh 1ds mk2 is a good one. have to seee if that will work or not.

im sure steven is very good. i hear nothing but good about him. some friends of mine was in Roatan and he was there as well and i guess the little dingie (spelling) broke down and he had to paddle them to shore. not sure if he remebers this or not but they sure tell the funny story about it. anywho have to email him when i get some time.

BTW what domes should i look at geting? i know it depends on lens but i only have 75-300 right now. any recomdations would be great.

Thanks again

Aaron

By the way congrats on your 1Ds purchase! I shoot with following set up, Steve or Liz will get you dialed in on exactly what you need:

15mm FE w/ Fisheye Port

17-40 w/ Fisheye Port and Extension

100mm Macro w/ 105 Flat Port

The Superdome is also a fantastic port for the 15mm FE, especially for over under shots.

Keith

strobes on sea cam housing i see you use Inon Z220 strobes i as looking at them on web. can you use any strobes with the housing or are you limited etc.

Thanks Aaron