Guidance in helping my Aquatica setup go digital

Background;

I currently have a Nikon D2X, but have only been using it for topside photography. My u/w setup is still a Nikon F100 with an Aquatica housing - I have the macro flat port and dome ports for it, as well as strobe arms, and I use 2 Ikelite SS100's with it. I have Nikons 17-35 2.8 AFS, 12-24 f4 AFS, and 105 f2.8 macro lenses.

However, now I am thinking about my next dive trip, and since I haven't actually shot film in awhile (and even perhaps dreading thinking about doing so) - I need to decide what to do for underwater.

I am a bit torn because my F100 setup is still in great condition, and probably worth little resale. I also know my strobes are not compatible (or at least I think they are not) with digital. So I need to consider new strobes as well - and have read in the past good things about Ike's digital strobes, but also liked some of the features of the Inon's.

I'll admit on being a bit nervous about taking my D2X underwater - but I never had an issue with my Aquatica/F100 setup - so I try take that into consideration. It is all insured afterall. I considered perhaps a D70, but not really sure it would save me much in the long run, and I am pretty smitten with D2X files. B)

Questions;

1) If you already had the D2X - would that be your primary route to go underwater?

2) Appreciate any thoughts on the strobe decisions - Inons, Ikes, etc.

3) Anything else to consider in this conversion?

Thanks a bunch.

Mark

I think that you would love a D2x rig underwater. That being said, if you next trip is very soon, you will most likely have a hard time getting your rig delivered and all put together since the D2x housings are in such high demand. Aquaticas are not shipping yet, Subal is wait listing everyone, Seacam...others will know, but they are most likely booked out so I think the bigger question is when is your next trip? I am hoping my Subal D2x housing will be in by middle Sept., but that is optimistic.

1) Definetly bring the D2x under, you cannot go back to a slower focusing system, not after you've touched that D2x camera, you'll be too fustrated!

2) Your flashes can cross over, no problem, TTL for any D2X housing is inexistant but, as you will soon find out, pretty much unnecessary, the instant review more than compensate for that. ask anybody shooting a D2x underwater if the miss TTL and you will most likely get a resounding no. I use a pair of old Ikelite Ai on my set-up, I could use a lower power rating for macro but aside from that there still putting the mileage. this being said, I'll leave to others the recommendations since i'm involved in the industry.

"3) Anything else to consider in this conversion?" A roll of duct tape to hold your regulator in your mouth, your jaw will be dropping, once you start shooting with a D2x underwater.

so I think the bigger question is when is your next trip?  I am hoping my Subal D2x housing will be in by middle Sept., but that is optimistic.

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Well, I am considering going back to Bonaire in October...so I know that doesn't leave me much time. The trip isn't booked yet though.

Hi Mark,

The D2X is a very expensive camera and I wouldn't take one underwater (where it could be reduced to useless soggy electronics in seconds) unless I was completely sure I wanted too.

I am principally and underwater photographer - so I wouldn't own a camera unless it was for taking underwater! I actually got my D2 housing before I bought my D2X - so maybe I'm not the best example to answer question 1!

If you do, your strobes will be fine. And if you get an Aquatica then your ports and lenses etc should cross over too.

If UW shooting is only a small part of your photography then you should stick with your film rig. Afterall nothing has changed to make it less capable of taking great images. If UW shooting is very important to you then get the D2X underwater - you won't regret it - as Wetpixel member Kasey Canton says "This camera was MADE to be shot underwater!".

Alex

If UW shooting is only a small part of your photography then you should stick with your film rig.

Thanks for the suggestions Alex. Yes, this has been on my mind a bit and u/w is a small part (one that I need to improve A LOT on) of my photography. I don't take that many dive trips (1/year if I am lucky) - but shoot occasionally locally. But I also end up throwing out a lot of film from those trips as well - so digital has its allure there. I also sell my work for stock / prints - so 12MP is a plus. Decisions, decisions.

Mark