Securing a Subsee Adaptor

Looking for a bit of advice.....

I've got the Subsee +10 lens and plan to use it with my Subal FP-FC port for the Nikkor 105mm. I've had it years but only tried it out once. Time to really give it a go!

I've got the Subsee mount adaptor with a single "flip" arm. The adaptor is the factory-style Subsee with three small screws which tighten the adaptor frame onto the port.

I can't help but feel less than confident about the security of the adaptor on the port. I've put small amounts of duct tape on the port just to protect the port from the screws; and I've have screwed the adaptor firmly onto the port. But the tolerances for something so heavy (the adaptor plus lens) seem less than ideal and I do wonder whether I'll come up from a dive with no Subsee.

My paranoia is so great, that I've fitted a small lanyard on to the adaptor to fasten it on to the housing.

So, what's the general experience out there, guys? Am I worrying about nothing? Or is there a trail of Subsees and adaptors scattered across the ocean floor?

Hi Tim,
use mine in a no name flip, works fine. No secure items.
If you use a secure line, fine. Used a cable tie for heavy wide angle adaptors just around, and a small one to fix it on a double side clip.
You could take some teflon tape, like the one which is used for plumbing to fix the thread more.

 Good luck,
Wolfgang

I use the double flip adaptor from onderwaterhuis.NL. I think they have a single for Subal.

I mount a subsee +5 and +10 on it. It is 3d printed and solid enough that I have no fear of losing my lenses.

I never liked the look of the subsee one but have zero experience with it.

OK, thanks chaps!

Clever! 

How does the Saga one actually fasten on to the port? I’ve seen them on websites but couldn’t work out how it is secured to the port. 

The idea of building something is quite tempting......  

Hi, Tim:
I have not handled the Saga holder, but the photos show it uses an O ring as a friction fastening.  Backscatter lists a Saga double flip lens holder for $250 US plus tax and shipping:
https://www.backscatter.com/SAGA-M67-Double-Flip-Lens-Holder-for-67mm-threaded-Ports

ReefPhoto has a nice assortment of lens holders, new and used, by Nauticam, Saga, etc:  
https://reefphoto.com/pages/search-results? diopter+lens+holder&type=product.    Kevin Palmer is most helpful.

Please keep us posted and best of luck!

Thanks for that. Clever design, KdM.

So Saga uses an o-ring eh? That doesn't sound hugely secure either? Maybe the one drawback of the Subal FP-FC port is that it isn't threaded.

Still, where there's a will, there's a way, right......

Is this the item?:  https://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/subsee-adapter

A simple thing you could try is to add some more screws.  You could try to find nylon screws maybe M4 or M5 and drill and tap some additional holes for them in the adapter.  You could crank them down a touch tighter and be less likely for them to move.  You may be able to adapt something to place a clamp around the port to stop it sliding forward, depending how much clearance there is under the arms.  

Interesting. That’s different to my Subsee adaptor, Chris. Mine doesn’t have that cage design but is just flat, sits on the very front edge of the port and has three screws which tighten on to the port lip. 
The Bluewater one looks much more substantial. Funny, I’ve googled around all over and not seen that design. All bar this have been the Sega (and my Subsee) flat style. 
Thanks!

3 hours ago, TimG said:

Interesting. That’s different to my Subsee adaptor, Chris. Mine doesn’t have that cage design but is just flat, sits on the very front edge of the port and has three screws which tighten on to the port lip. 
The Bluewater one looks much more substantial. Funny, I’ve googled around all over and not seen that design. All bar this have been the Sega (and my Subsee) flat style. 
Thanks!

That's the first one that came up when I searched.  seems much more substantial.

4 hours ago, ChrisRoss said:

That's the first one that came up when I searched.  seems much more substantial.

 Yeah, it sure does. Ive emailed to ask if they have one  for the FP-FC105VR. 
Maybe  they’re invisible to Duck Duck Go browsers ...... 

To secure the Subsee adaptor to the Subal FP-FC port I suggest the following:

Wrap duct tape around the front of the port until the Subsee adaptor fits securely on it. Tighten the three securing screws. 

Thread a piece of stainless wire between the tape and the port, lengthwise to the port.
Twist the ends of the wire over the adapter to secure it in place.  Use three lengths of wire, spaced evenly around the port.   

This way the Subsee will be held in place by its three built in screws, its tight fight over the duct tape and port, and the three wires.  

Materials: duct tape, stainless wire; tools: wire snips, scissors,  patience.

Neat idea! Thanks 

This is what mine looks like: