Sea Frogs Salted Line A6XXX Housing-Changing Ports and Lenses-How to and Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Take a closer look at the Sea Frogs A6xxx Series Underwater Camera Housing for the Sony A6400 Camera.
I learned a few things after using this housing to shoot photos and videos of Great White Sharks while Shark Cage Diving off Guadalupe Island Mexico on Solmar V Liveaboard with the Sharks Stewards Organization in October 2019.
Scroll through the video to see the different pots attach to the housing and the 3 main lenses i shoot with underwater.
Equipment List:
Sony A6400 Camera
Sony 16-50mm F3.5 Lens
Sony 10-18mm F4 Lens
Sony 18-105mm F4 Lens
Magic Filter Orange Gel
Lexar Pro 128GB 100MB/s 667X SDXC Cards
Sea Frogs A6XXX series Underwater Housing-White
Standard Flat Port w/Gear Zoom Ring 16-50
Long Flat Port w/Gear Zoom Ring 18-105
6" Dome Port w/Gear Zoom Ring 10-18
Neoprene Covers for Camera and Dome Port
Pistol Grip
Blue Alloy Single Arm Tray and 8" Arm/Ball Joints
Light and Motion Sola 1200 Video Light
Look for me at blazeanderson.com or on Insta @blue_tiki_maui - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
Thanks for putting the time into this video. I've just received my housing for my camera and this video is very useful. Many thanks.
Great to Hear, Mahalo and have fun shooting!
thank you for making this video. I hope I can have this too.
I've found that putting the camera in the housing in the ON position aligns better than in the OFF position.
I will try that! Thanks, Recently the small "Y" part of the on/off lever started slipping out. it is an easy part to lose, especially on a bumpy boat ride!
Thank you for the answer. I have my magic filters on order.
I find it better to turn the camera on and put the housing button to on also. This way, the two switches are lined up directly and there is no issue with missing the lineup.
Thanks, that works too, just have to remember to turn it back off again until time to dive!
Cheers for this.
Thank You!
Hi can somebody help ?
I have a 6500 and the on off button of the housing don’t reach the camera… there are some acessorie?
Thanks
Have you emailed Seafrogs company? there are accessory parts that come with the housing and you may need to replace the connector with one provided.
Sucks that they don’t make a macro port with a focus ring for the a6
Wish Sony would update the firmware in the a6000 to switch between viewfinder and monitor with a custom key
Do you happens to know if I need some sort of adaptor if I want to use strobes? Of course I need a fiber optic cable and the strobe but do I need anything that attaches to the camera or can I just flip up the camera flash and use that as the light source to send the signal to the strobe
The FIBER OPTIC cable has two exterior "Ports" on the housing to put the end of the cable, which is signaled internally from your flash!
Hi! Great review. I am looking to buy this product with flat port only. It is compatibile with mediocre 10-18mm Sony lens but I would like to know whether it would be compatobile with superb 10-20mm lens. They have the same diameter but is 1cm shorter. The problem could be that the gear for zoom control migt be located improperly (it is much wider on 10-18mm). Do you happen to use that Sony 10-20mm with this housing? What iss your take on that topic?
I don't use that lens, if you look at the table on the lower right column of the web page for each port it will show you the compatible lenses and gear. TH\he company is quick to respond via email as well. remember the flat port will refract your view even narrower vs a dome port. there is an equation for it, but suffice to say if you have a mirrorless cropped 10-20mm plus a flat port you will be closer to an 18-38mm in actual use underwater, just an estimate...
@@BlazeAnderson Changing the AoV is not a problem. Problem is tat with too long dome I can get vignetting.
Blaze thank you first of all for this video, it helps a lot!! I bought the housing and the long port for the 18-105 f4 but not the gear :( so we wanna make it by ourself with the 3D print!! It just for fun! Could you tell me the diameter of the wheel and the length of it? I appreciate it a lot :) thank u and thanks for sharing
Sorry I missed this! Are you still printing one? I think thats a good idea considering the part structure and shape. Let me know and I will measure if you still need it!
Does this underwater housing (or does ANY underwater housing) work for Sony A6600 cameras?
They have a new housing for the A6600, a bit different with new ports as well. This housing is for 6000-6500 series. You have to get a specific housing that is designed for the A6600 controls, no matter which brand you are using!
Question the housing is up to 60 meters, but al the ports are up to 40 meters????? Can someone explain this to me?
I have the same question, have to go with the 40 meters, but I've taken mine there and has been fine...
Is the viewfinder protector something that comes included with the case or you bought it separately?
Included, just loop itself thru the case attachment points. The protector pops off easily, but simple to keep in place mostly. Works great to keep from scratching the clear window for the monitor, especially when transporting. I keep my attached to the upper left D-ring on my BCD so it can free hang hands free when needed. The case is positively buoyant with all ports, but especially with the dome. Using the cobra cord I can let go of the camera and it floats above me, keeping off the reef and out of the way.
Thanks for the upload! I have the same camera and UW housing but haven't used it yet (just got it). The kit lens (16-50mm) has a power zoom rocker-like switch, instead of a regular zoom ring. So will the housing and slip-on ring still control the zoom?
That lens has both, the gear ring controls the lens zoom like a big lens, the rocker switch is not used. Good news is that lens is great all around! Tip: I always submerge my housing the first time without the camera in it, but if you purchased the vacuum pump and light stays green when testing, you should be good! Have Fun!
@@BlazeAnderson OK, I see now. I thought the ring on the lens was only for manual focus. It zooms when in auto focus, and then operates as a focus ring in manual focus. I purchased it for my gf (after 1st purchasing the A6000 and being fed up with it shutting down when recording in 1080 after a few minutes) so I am not 100% familiar with her camera (even though I use it more than she does, lol). Her camera is nicer than mine (Canon M50) but I got the Seafrog for her camera because the case is much less expensive than for my camera. Plus I feel better to invest in her ecosystem as there is more available to support it (not just from Seafrogs but in general). And yes, I have the pump too (was about $25/30 cheaper on Amazon). Thanks! (I just saw that you have a new video added - it leaked??!?!! Sorry to hear that! Will have to watch that vid)
It is working with the Sony 10-20 ?
I use the Sony f4 10-18mm Rectilinear lens with the Dome port as my everyday lens. works great no distortion!
I have a question.where can I buy the different ports ? I’m in China but even don’t know sea frogs sell the ports ?!
hk官方网站上买
I currently have the same housing, however mine didn't come with the "red" secondary lock on the latches. Did you make those?
Aloha
Came on this model from September 2019
where do you get the rubber shade screen for the lcd screen? thanks
Actually it came with the housing. It falls off easy, so the cord is necessary, and keeps viewing plastic from getting to scratched up while transporting.
Thank you for your review. I’m also interested on this housing. Have you ever try to do scuba diving for this housing? Is it reliable to use up to 40meter as they claimed?
Yes it is! I have taken it with the flat port to that depth, and near that depth with the dome port.
How did you cut and mount the red magic filter? Did you use any adhesive to keep it in place? Is is hard to remove?
it comes in a thin sheet and sharp scissors were easy, just watch thumbprints and scratches. I cut the sensor in a rectangle that lays on the silver mount ring in the camera body while held on its back, spanning the direct opening for the sensor, making sure that the lower contacts aren't covered. Just add the lens after that, it seems to stay in place during underwater sessions. Good from 5-10 feet to 50+ after that it's blue no matter how you slice it. When shooting with a video light (No strobes yet) then white balance needs to be changed or corrected to the light color. My Sola 1200 is pretty red with the filter. I shot in the Maui Ocean Center aquarium where it is very blue and shallow. I adjusted the white balance to the coral at the bottom, off white, and it did great with the light bringing Red back in to the picture, with the Gel in place.
easy to remove, any small edge like biz card gets under and lifts off, tweezers easy also...
Hello, I have the sigma 16mm 1.4 lens and I dont know what magic filter should I get. There is different sizes Which should I buy? Thank you!!
@@dmodiver I received a sheet larger than the small square opening and cut it out w scissors to fit...
Great video! This is exactly the same combo I would like to buy.
Can I ask you a questions?
I want to purchase a Sony camera mostly for Freediving and unterwater photography purposes. I am torn of getting between A6400 or A6600.
Here's my questions.
1. Do you think IBIS really makes a big difference when shooting underwater?
2. Have you tried shooting using Sigma 16mm 1.4 lens underwater?
Thank you! 😊
The internal Stabilizer is the primary win for the 6600. I haven't had any issues using Sony OSS lenses, but haven't tried a fixed, non-stabilized lens yet. The 6400 is Bad Ass so far, if your not used to Sony menu's you'll have some homework to do, but the camera customizes functions and settings at a Pro- Camera Level. I personally am happy with the 6400 and the money saved for other add ons!
hi Blaze, thanks for the video. I find that this system is very positively buoyant. What would you recommend to use specially with the dome port to bring it to neutral buoyancy?? Thank you!
Sorry for the delay, Yes, the Dome port floats like a volleyball underwater! Using the single or double extension handles seems to make it more manageable, adding lights will help as well, I often have my Sola 1200 on the arm. I only use the dome port with a weight belt while freediving, but 95% is Scuba and I prefer the buoyancy while the housing is attached to my upper D-ring on the BCD, If I need to ditch the camera I sling it under my arm and it floats above my shoulder, out of the way but secure!
I use tire weights to balance the housing, in particular the dome. Easy to stick on where needed.
Hi! I just bought this case. Question: Do I have to use the anti fog insert? or when do I need to use it?
I don't use it ever, try to keep your housing cool and out of the sun in between dives to keep away from condensation. If you are shooting lots of long run video the housing may fog up and that is where these inserts help.
I'm typically shooting in 76-83 degree water, but I have taken this camera to 64, no problems, and my others to 56 degrees with no issue. Sometimes in the middle of summer when snorkeling at the surface I get a bit of lens fog though...
can you focus pull manually with this housing?
No, that is the only missing feature for this housing.
Where did you bought your camera shade?
I'm assuming you mean the shade ring around the dome port? Also came with the port, and can be removed and replaced with a slim ring with no shade. Definitely protects the dome port from scratching. The Plexi is easy to get minor scratches that show up in above surface shots due to glare refraction.
What kind of housing leash is that?
www.cetaceacorp.com/coil-lanyard-w-ss-clip-3111.html
use this, very reliable to hold weight of camera. I clip in on BCD, but when freediving it goes on my weight belt, or even just the top of my boardshorts. Unclip the coil when in use, and when I need a free hand I can clip the coil around my neck for safe carry.
Thanks for the video, where did u get your hard travel case for the housing?
Here it is on Amazon,
amzn.to/3yiVQaS
Nanuk 935 Waterproof Case
Great Case, use a razor to cut out square sections to custom fit equipment. Con is the rubber gasket that seals case falls out easily when closing, I'm going to have to silicone glue it in, but still ok to use as is.
Mate you shall NEVER support your housing even without the camera, ON your dome...
NEVER EVER!!!!
you don't need anything else for that to scratch it and create foggy areas. :(
Never do that, elieve me :) NOt even with sponge covers (may be debries on it, or cloths or that cover.. or even neoprene. NEVER.
Ok?
I knew that the plexi/lexan dome is way less scratch proof than glass, but had now idea it would scuff from everything that touched it! Fine underwater if minor scuffing, but over/unders show glare reflections! time to do some polishing, thanks for the info!
@@BlazeAnderson yeah, sadly it is very very sensible.
I have a glass dome from Nimar wich is hard and tough, does not scratch easily and is heavy.
Then I have 4 of Seafrogs "wet domes" (the correctional wide angle ones, three of the new generation (M67-2 with 6 inches) and one of the older, 4 inch and first "wetdome" from them.
They are VERY sensible and we cannot touch them even with cloths.... better option is to wash them with water and use a very soft paper tissue to clean but DO NOT wipe it, just touch the polyvarbonate dome.
And dry it just by touch. Then dry it at room temperature.
Doing what is done in the video is half way to have all those reflections and glares caused by tiny little scratches that we don't even see if we don't look carefully.
I also have two dry domes (8 Inches) from Seafrogs, for my A7II housing and I am getting a new one for my RX100VII housing and yeah... they are better than the wetdomes but even so... I would not risk to scratch it ;)
@@Histogramas Thanks much, how is the refraction on the 8"? I'm happy with the 6" for my 10-18mm lens, but like the idea of the 8 for over unders, etc...
@@BlazeAnderson I am very happy with my 8 inches dome. I don't have a 6" dry dome to compare but what I can say is that the image is sharp and very acceptable even at f/2.8 on the 14mm. We don't deal with C.A. underwater, at least not much, depending on the light we 're using, so that is a non-issue.
As far as softness in the corners yes, there is some, but like I said, acceptable. We have to remember that even the lenses do have some softness (at least the ones I use do) so I usually don't care much for it.
I can treat it in photoshop later ;)
For video, if needed, there is always cropping , I shoot 4k and sell 1080 :)
Now, for the wet dome, the 6inch is WAY BETTER than the first 4 inches edition... WAY better!
Tomorrow I will receive my new housing for RX 100 VII... I am waiting on it to come to check the measurement of the ports' diameter.
I know my A7II hosing ports are D91 (91mm inside) and I know that this rx100 VII housing is smaller so it must be either 80mm or 71mm...
HOpe it will be 71,,, there are a lot more extensions for the 71 :)
It's 80mm :/