By David Haas
As a long time scuba diver I met a group of divers years ago who dive “vintage” scuba gear including double hose regulators manufactured from the 1950s - 1960s. If your ever watched Lloyd Bridges in the Sea Hunt TV series or early Jacques Cousteau television specials you’ll smile at these guys blowing bubbles.
Catching all the details of this incredible vintage scuba gear dive with the Canon R100 with Ikelite RC165 Strobes and the TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter © David Haas
Traveling to the crystal clear Florida freshwater springs, a constant 72ºF year round for easy entries and plus shallow made a great “vintage” scuba gear location. It was also a perfect opportunity for me to shoot the Canon R100 mirrorless APS-C 24 megapixel camera in the Ikelite DLM housing. The 200DLM/D Underwater Housing for Canon EOS R100 # 69750 is tiny, and I mean SUPER small and light.
Strobes are important even in good visibility on bright days because they capture a fuller spectrum of color underwater and enhance depth and clarity in your photos. © David Haas
Easy Install Lenses
The housing sported a compact dome port which works with two great Canon lens choices - the “standard” RF-S 18-45mm IS STM and wide angle RF-S 10-18mm IS STM lens. Both lenses feature IS (Image Stabilization) and STM fast focussing motors. They also have the same zoom ring diameter for easy set up mounted on the camera body. It’s brilliant and super easy! I’m more a wide angle photographer these days so I shot the 10-18mm IS STM exclusively. For an ocean location or starting out the 18-45mm would be fine and might be all many need!
Silhouettes of your dive buddies underwater make for great keepsakes. Learn how to get the shot with our Silhouette Cheat Sheet. © David Haas
Great System, Great Price
Having shot previously with compact cameras I always wanted longer battery life, a larger sensor, and faster accurate AF (Autofocus.) The price of the Canon R100 system is heads above any compact camera in every respect!!! You get 400+ shots per charge plus lens choices from wide angle to macro all at an incredibly low price.
Leaning into the vintage vibes by converting this image to black and white. Learn more from photo-guru Steve Miller in his article Black and White Conversion for Underwater Photography.
TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter
I also used Ikelite’s new TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter for DLM and DL Housings # 44701. It replaces a corded bulkhead providing full TTL flash via fiber optic cord(s). You can easily control flash output right from the housing back via a push button then top command dial. Inside the housing a ribbon cable hotshoe with two 2032 flat battery holder powers the TT5. An ON / OFF switch conserves battery power. Even if left on Ikelite estimates you could get a whole week of shooting on a pair of 2032 cells. Being a long time advocate of TTL flash this set up is super easy to use. Plus when those dolphins or whatever come by simply disconnect the fiber optic cords and strobes arms and hop back in!
Don't miss a shot! TTL helps you keep up with fast moving subjects (or your dive buddy) that you don't want to be fumbling around with manual settings for. © David Haas
RC165 TTL Underwater Fiber Optic Strobes
I got to use a pair of RC165 TTL Underwater Fiber Optic Strobes # 40116US sporting Ikelite’s NEW direct fiber optic port on the strobe head eliminating a strobe head receiver. Super clean to set up and use.
If you want light and easy at a great price check out the 200DLM/D Underwater Housing and Canon EOS R100 Camera Deluxe Kit # 69752KIT plus RC165 Strobe(s) to light your underwater world.
Additional Viewing
TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optics Transmitter Review & Results
TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter // Setting it Up [VIDEO]
RC165 Strobe Features // Smaller, Wider, Fiber Optic
DS165 Strobe Features // Best Level-Up
The Most AFFORDABLE Pro Quality Underwater System // Canon EOS R100 Housing [VIDEO]
Canon EOS R100 Underwater in Micronesia
Canon R100 Underwater Photos & Video // California & Grand Cayman [VIDEO]
David Haas began diving in 1970 heading to the Florida Keys the winter of 1971. The hook was set for lifetime of underwater adventure the minute he stuck his head underwater. Over the next decades he became a scuba instructor, co-owned a scuba retail store, and licensed images through agencies and direct sales plus illustrated text books with his underwater images. David has helped countless divers use their Ikelite equipment capturing their underwater adventures. He loves when people get results they’re proud to share with family and friends! Today he hosts dive trips with Seasick Productions to top ocean locations sharing tips on evolving gear and techniques. Looking for some more info on David's dive trips? Email him today: davidhaas4596@gmail.com.
