USB-C Compatibility Update for Sony Alpha A7 III, A7R III, A9 Underwater Housings

USB-C Compatibility Update for Sony Alpha A7 III, A7R III, A9 Underwater Housings

The USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead is an incredible time saver for your next underwater photography mission. The ability to recharge and download photos without taking your camera out of the housing reduces maintenance, downtime, and assembly headaches. 

The 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony Alpha a7 III, a7R III, and a9 # 71473 mirrorless cameras was released before we started offering M16 threaded accessories. A running change was made to this model to support the latest accessories.

Camera Compatibility

Only Sony a7 III and a7R III cameras feature a USB-C port.

The Sony a9 camera does not feature a USB-C port and is not compatible with the USB-C Bulkhead.

Housing Compatibility

The USB-C Bulkhead is only compatible with M16 threaded accessory ports.

  • Sony Alpha a7 III, a7R III, and a9 # 71473 housings beginning with serial number 78668 (produced July 2023 and later) feature an M16 accessory port.
  • Sony Alpha a7 III, a7R III, and a9 # 71473 housings below serial number 78668 feature a 1/2-20 accessory port. It is possible to upgrade these housings, read below.

 

Sony a9 Micro USB Port

The Sony a9 camera features a Micro USB port instead of USB-C port. We have have had difficulty sourcing a reliable USB-C to Micro USB cable that fits inside of the housing.

How to Upgrade

DO NOT upgrade your housing if you are using it exclusively with the Sony a9. The Sony a9 camera does not have a USB-C port and does not support USB-C charging and data transfer.

1 | Upgrade only

Older housings may be returned to Ikelite for conversion of the 1/2-20 accessory port to M16 at a cost of US$250 plus return shipping.

This does not include the cost of the USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead ($175). The Bulkhead may be purchased at the time of service.

2 | Upgrade and replace control seals

Save US$100 on the upgrade price by having your housing serviced at the same time. Service includes replacement of control seals, electrical testing, controls check, and water pressure testing. The total cost is US$400 plus return shipping. 

This does not include the cost of the USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead ($175). The Bulkhead may be purchased at the time of service.

Obtaining Service

The fees listed above include machining of the housing, installation of the accessory port plug or bulkhead, and water pressure testing. The fees listed do not include any repairs or replacement parts that may be required. A complete estimate is provided before any work is done. Please allow at least 2-3 weeks turnaround time. Due to high demand, we are not able to complete rush requests at this time. 

Please refer to our service & repair guide for detailed information on how to return your product to Ikelite.

Pricing and availability subject to change. Contact Ikelite or your local Ikelite Authorized Dealer for more information. Prices are listed in USD and do not include taxes, duties, or currency conversion fees. The housing must be returned to Ikelite in the USA for modification.

 

 

Additional Reading

Never Take Your Camera Out of the Housing! // USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead [VIDEO]

Sony Alpha A7R III Underwater Photos

Dive Diversions: On Safari in Uganda with the Sony Alpha A7R III

Sony 90mm Macro Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

DO'S and DON'Ts of 200DL and 50DL Underwater Housing Set-up [VIDEO]

Sony a1 and a7S III 200DL Underwater Housing Assembly [VIDEO]

Reading next

Anti-Vibration Pad for Strobe Ball Mounts
USB-C Charging Bulkhead with Nikon Z8 Ikelite Underwater Housing