B3 Bulkhead & Auto Hotshoe UPDATE for your DL or DLM Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Featuring Jean Rydberg

As of January 1, 2025, all bulkheads and hotshoes are updated to our new connector system. The new system has several important advantages:

• Slimmer and more flexible cabling makes it easier to route the hotshoe cable around other accessories like a USB-C charging cable or HDMI monitor cable.
• Flat-type connector terminations reduce the liklihood of accidental wire breakage.
• Low profile design provides more clearance between the top of the hotshoe and the inside of the housing.
• Non-locking safety connector allows the connector to release if cable is strained instead of stressing or breaking wires.
• Hotshoes for Canon, Nikon, OM System, Olympus and Panasonic also introduce a new Auto-Switching feature to protect your camera and provide ultimate flexibility in switching between manual and TTL strobe systems.

If your housing was produced before 2025, it's easy to upgrade it to the new system. Either send it in to Ikelite or follow the steps in this video or scroll down to read the video transcript.

For Canon, Nikon, Olympus, OM System and Panasonic systems our hotshoes are now auto switching, eliminating the need to travel with both TTL and manual hotshoes. This makes it even easier to add TTL strobe functionality to your mirrorless or DSLR system.

Our revolutionary new auto-switching feature provides the ultimate flexibility in switching between manual and TTL strobe systems.

Upgrade it Yourself

We would be happy to make the upgrade for you if you request it when you return your housing for service.

Or, it's easy to upgrade your housing yourself using the compatible Bulkhead & Hotshoe Upgrade Kit for Ikelite DL & DLM Housings # 9295.15 - each kit includes a bulkhead with waterproof cap and hotshoe.

 

Installation Instructions

1. Remove the existing bulkhead using an 11/16 wrench.
2. Remove the nut from the new bulkhead and set it aside.
3. Check that the bulkhead O-ring is clean.
4. Check that the housing ceiling surface is clean and apply a very thin coating of lubricant.
5. Carefully thread the bulkhead into the hole on the housing. NOTE: Be careful not to cross thread the bulkhead, which could permanently damage the housing. The bulkhead should not provide any resistance when threading in with your fingers. You should not need a tool to get the bulkhead started.
6. Use an 11/16 wrench to carefully tighten the bulkhead just until it meets the housing. Do not over tighten.
7. Attach the nut on the inside of the housing. Tighten snug with a 5/8 wrench while holding the bulkhead on the outside of the housing with your 11/16 wrench.
8. Align the red side of the hotshoe cable with the red side of the bulkhead cable and gently press the connectors together.
   
   

When threading the new bulkhead onto the housing, be careful not to cross thread the bulkhead, which could permanently damage the housing. The bulkhead should not provide any resistance when threading in with your fingers. You should not need a tool to get the bulkhead started.

 

 

Align the red side of the hotshoe cable and the red side of the bulkhead cable and press the connectors together, as pictured here.

Test Your System Before Diving 

Changing the bulkhead has broken the factory seal of your housing. It's important to water pressure test the housing or take it diving without a camera installed to check for leaks. Do not rely on a vacuum system alone because it will only identify leaks within the first 33ft (10m) of water.

Email us at ikelite@ikelite.com if you have any questions about your system. Happy diving!

 

Additional Viewing

New Auto-Switching Hotshoe and Bulkhead Updates Starting January 1, 2025

Manual Camera Exposure VS Manual Strobe Exposure for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Common Questions about Strobe Firing, TTL, and Sync Speeds

The Myth of TTL Strobe Exposure Underwater

Ikelite DS232 Strobe Features // The ULTIMATE Strobe with Video Light All-In-One [VIDEO]

 

 

Jean Rydberg, daughter of Ike Brigham, became President & CEO of Ikelite in 2006. Prior to that, she wisely pursued a degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics to prepare herself for the challenges of running a technology-driven manufacturing business with global distribution. Jean fully embraces the need to travel outside of her hometown of Indianapolis to experience good diving. She believes that any camera is capable of amazing results in the right hands, and anyone can become a great photographer given the right advice. When she's not working she's spending time with her husband, cats, and two daughters (though not necessarily in that order).