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Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5

£479.99

The Ikelite Underwater Housing is an underwater housing for the Panasonic Lumix LX5 digital camera and is suitable for depths up to 60m. All camera functions are accessible except the flash open dial through the housing. Proprietary conversion circuitry allows two-way communication between the camera and Ikelite Substrobes providing true TTL exposure. In addition to providing the most accurate automatic exposure, this ensures a faster recycling time and longer camera battery life as compared to fiber optic TTL systems. Take advantage of this powerful feature by attaching any current model Ikelite DS Substrobe. Two 12-24 threaded mounts on the bottom of the housing allow for the secure attachment of optional trays and lighting accessories. Included is one 1cc tube of silicone lubricant, flash diffuser, flash deflector and vinyl port cover. More

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Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 Further Details

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5

Ikelite housing O-ring Care and Maintenance

This Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5 is an injection-molded clear polycarbonate case, known for its strength and corrosion-free properties. The housing offers an unobstructed view of the camera's information and control functions and operates safely to a depth of 200'. Every camera function is accessible in this housing except the Flash Open Switch. Camera installation is quick and simple, and the O-ring seal can be checked visually through the clear housing. Two 12-24 threaded mounts on the bottom of the housing allow for the secure attachment of optional trays and lighting accessories.

An included flash diffuser improves lighting quality when the camera's built-in flash is used. A built-in flash is effective between 1 and 3 feet (0.3-0.9m) from the subject in clear conditions. An external strobe is recommended for better results. This will bring out the natural color of your subject and reduce the illumination of particles suspended in the water, known as backscatter. This housing includes circuitry that allows two-way communication between the camera and Ikelite Substrobes providing true Panasonic TTL exposure. This ensures a faster recycling time and longer camera battery life as compared to fiber optic TTL systems. Strobes from other manufacturers can be used in manual mode. The housing is slightly negative in saltwater for stability, and handles superbly underwater.

The housing comes standard with a flat port which allows full use of the camera's zoom without vignetting. For wide-angle work the housing does accept the Ikelite W-20 Wide-Angle Conversion Lens. Vignetting will be present with a wide angle lens attached. The LX-5 must be zoomed several stops to eliminate vignetting. Addition of an Ikelite W-20 or comparable wide angle lens will gain approximately 15-20% angle of view after zooming.

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 Reviews

REVIEW SUMMARY

5.0

(based on 1 review)

Reviewed by 1 customer

Displaying review 1

13/2/2013

5.0

Great Underwater Housing for the LX5

By Alex in Norfolk

from Norwich

About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Simple Controls

Cons

Best Uses

I bought this housing just before jetting off to Grenada for a week of Caribbean diving. There are others available, but my other half has an ikelite case and wide angle lens for her compact so I thought I'd stick to the same brand – they're also the easiest to get hold of the in the UK.

The housing itself is substantial, you can see why it costs more than cases for lower profile cameras. The back panel is about 2cm solid Perspex and is clamped on to the main shell with two large metal claps, one either side. The whole back panel comes away from the case, so the camera can screwed to a plate attached to the back panel before inserting into the case. There's also a hot shoe connector in the back plate, so if you own one of Ikelites strobes (I don't, but it would make a nice addition), you can use the LX5's hotshoe to control the attached strobe.

Underwater the case and camera is just slightly buoyant, and the strap that comes with the case, while feeling slightly flimsy out of the water, is perfect underwater. I'd probably adding a tray, handle and retractable lanyard before taking it in the water in the North Sea, but for Caribbean boat and shore diving, the case is great as it comes. All the functions are accessible whilst the camera is in the case, although the lens barrel macro slider and aspect ratio switches do take a little time to get used to, and as they're push-pull levers in the case, do get harder to operate the deeper you go. We visited a wreck a few miles off the coast at a depth of 32m, and all the functions worked, deeper than that and you might have a bit of a job changing the AF to Macro mode. Even the push/turn thumb wheel on the back of the camera worked well once I'd figured out which way round the dot on the back of the knob was supposed to be!

Displaying review 1

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 Specifications

For use with	Panasonic Lumix LX5
Colour	Transparent
Size	180 x 130 x 140mm
Weight (g)	1300

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 kits and bundles

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 Images

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX5 Accesories

Included Accessories: Wrist lanyard, flash diffuser, flash deflector, O-ring grease and vinyl port cover.

Product Code: PUF1873 Manufacturer #: 6171.05

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