Using an OM System TG-7 in an Olympus Tough TG-5, TG-6 Housing

This information is also available to watch in video form here.

In September 2023, OM System gave us the first Tough series camera since purchasing Olympus. Compared to its predecessor, the TG-7 is basically the same camera inside with very slight changes to the look and feel of the grip. 

One change that's hardly noticeable and difficult to even see will make the TG-7 a tough fit (pun intended) into an existing Ikelite housing for TG-5 and TG-6 cameras. The profile where the side of the camera meets the silver lanyard ring now slopes gradually, causing an interference with the support ribs inside of the housing.

This interference ONLY applies to housings produced before October 1, 2023 (serial numbers UC68462 and below). Housings produced on or after that date accommodate TG-5, TG-6 and TG-7 cameras comfortably. 

Luckily, you have three options if you want to use the new camera in an older housing:

Warnings

• These options apply to the Ikelite ULTRAcompact Underwater Housing # 6233.06 serial numbers UC68462 and lower.
• The information in options # 1 and # 3 is provided for use at your own risk. The housing's limited warranty does not cover damage to the camera or housing due to unintended use or modification by anyone outside of our factory service center. 

Option # 1

Use extra force to put the camera into and take the camera out of the housing. This may cause scratching and damage to the side of the camera so it's not our recommended option. 

Option # 2

Send the housing back to us for modification of the support rib. The cost of this modification is $125 plus return shipping. 

Option # 3

Use a pair of strong clippers to remove most of the lower right support rib when looking in from the back of the housing. Be extremely careful not to scratch or damage the o-ring sealing surface when making this modification.

 

 

The TG-7 camera is not compatible with Ikelite housings made for TG-1, TG-2, TG-3, or TG-4 cameras. 

If you're looking for an upgrade, there are better budget cameras on the market right now. Reach out to us if you want to talk about upgrading or modifying your housing.

 

 

Additional Reading

Wide Angle Fisheye to Macro on the Same Dive with the Olympus Tough TG-6

Getting Correct Strobe Exposure with the Olympus Tough TG-5 and TG-6

The Secret to Underwater Photography with Olympus and Panasonic Cameras [VIDEO]

Setting Up Your Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing with Fisheye Lens [VIDEO]

Setting Up Your Olympus TG-6 Underwater System [VIDEO]