Ikelite: How To Assemble a Complete Underwater Camera System

Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a9 & a7R III Mirrorless Cameras

A full featured and durable waterproof housing for Sony Alpha A9 & a7R III Mirrorless cameras. Suitable for scuba, snorkel, surf, pool, and any application in or around the water.

This housing requires the addition of a compatible DL Lens Port for waterproof operation. Lens Port not included.
 

Lens Ports

The single most important feature is the new Dry Lock (DL) port system. This exciting new system is designed to be robust and easy to assemble. It is built for reliable performance in the most remote of locations, meaning that their are no complex moving parts that may break and jeopardize your shoot.

Ikelite's new DL series ports are lighter and more adaptable than their FL counterparts. They accommodate popular large diameter, full-frame lenses with ease. If you're considering shooting professional quality lenses like the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III, then the DL system is essential.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using a simple yet effective gearing system that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch lobed knob on the side of the housing makes fine tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. All are lightweight and affordable. Refer to the DL System Port Chart for Sony Alpha Series to choose the correct gear. Zoom gears sold separately.
 

Using Legacy Four Lock (FL) Ports

Due to differences in mount diameter and zoom engagement, DL and FL system ports cannot be used interchangeably. The DL port mount may be removed and replaced with the Port Locks for FL Port System (Set of 4) # 5509.04 for legacy users with standard or modular ports from Ikelite's Four Lock system. This modification will prevent the use of newer DL ports. The housing cannot be converted back and forth repeatedly. Re-installation of the DL port base will require the housing to be returned to Ikelite or an Authorized Dealer and will incur additional service charges. There are significant advantages to upgrading your lens ports which you can read about here. For example, if you're shooting an 8" diameter dome, you'll also save almost 2 pounds by using the DL version instead.
 

Vacuum System

The included vacuum valve allows you to vacuum test the housing to check for leaks prior to putting your expensive equipment in the water. Combined with a full view of the camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing, there is no greater assurance that your gear will be safe. Ikelite's signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel.

Use of the vacuum valve requires a compatible Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011, sold separately.
 

TTL Exposure

This housings supports your choice of shooting with manual strobe exposure or adding a TTL converter depending on your application. The flash bulkhead is located on the top of the case to alleviate strain on the sync cord.

You can enjoy the fastest and most accurate TTL exposure on the market by adding the ST1K TTL Kit for Sony Alpha # 47040 and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. Exposure compensation can be used added or subtracted in the camera.

Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the optional ST1K TTL Kit for Sony Alpha or carry back up parts when traveling to remote locations.
 

Controls and Set-Up

The shutter and AF-ON controls are set apart by ergonomic and sensitive curved lever actuators. Both controls can optionally be extended using the Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.93 for more comfortable use when using a right-hand quick release handle. If you're not already using back button focus, Ikelite recommends learning this valuable trick.

All knob controls are upgraded to Ikelite's new soft-touch design which gives you extra grip and feels good whether you're diving with gloves or bare hands. Ikelite's push buttons have been redesigned to reduce weight and salt build-up. The back of the housing features laser engraved control symbols which will never fade or fall off.

Control placement mimics the way you use the camera on the surface to take advantage of muscle memory and avoid the need to re-learn your camera's controls.

The camera mount is front-loading for easy installation and removal. A small mounting plate attaches to the bottom of the camera and secures in the front of the housing. The camera mounting plate does not need to be removed from the camera for surface use or when changing the battery or memory cards. The mounting plate features a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the bottom so that it can be attached to a tripod on the surface.
 

Rear View

The clear Lexan back provides a full view of the camera, o-ring, LCD screen. The camera's Access Lamp is visible through the back. The LCD monitor may be tilted during installation for a better viewing angle underwater.
 

Viewfinders

The included SuperEye Viewfinder provides an enhanced view of the camera's optical viewfinder when viewed through a dive mask. The viewfinder removes quickly and easily for the attachment of an optional Straight Magnified Viewfinder # 6890 or 45° Magnified Viewfinder (Type 1) # 6891.1.
 

Handling & Travel

Overall the housing is over 1/2 pound lighter than a typical FL counterpart. Ikelite's new hard anodized aluminum base with quick release handle has also been streamlined for travel and is over 3/4 pound lighter than Ikelite's previous DSLR tray and handle system. The Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 (sold separately) can be added or removed depending on how you want to shoot. The precision machined aluminum base features 1/4-20 tripod mounting sockets and additional mounting locations for future accessories. Plus, the base and handle can be quickly removed when breaking down your system for travel.

A 1/4-20 threaded mounting point is located front and center on the housing above the lens port mount. This mount can be used to attach lightweight accessories like a focus light or GoPro camera.

If you're shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to make the system easier to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.07 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.
 

Construction

Ikelite's new white ABS-PC blend front is stronger than its clear counterpart, provides improved contrast and visibility, and keeps your camera running cooler in the sun. This material is 1/3 of the specific gravity of aluminum, making the housing much lighter and fundamentally corrosion free.

The unique rear seal design prevents accidental twisting or stretching of the o-ring for simple and confident assembly. Ikelite has eliminated the need for an o-ring groove or channel which can trap sand, dirt, or debris. Two double-passivated stainless steel locking lid snaps are simple to use and virtually unbreakable. The clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, watertight seal as it closes.

A spare 1/2-20 threaded accessory port is included on the top of the housing near the bulkhead for expansion to future uses.

Like all of Ikelite's housings, this product is made in the USA, individually inspected for fit, and water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m).
 

Ikelite DS Strobes

Ikelite DS series strobes can be used in manual exposure modes when attached directly to the housing using Single Sync Cord # 4103.51 or Dual Sync Cord # 4103.52. Install the ST1K Sony Alpha TTL Kit # 46040 for the most accurate exposure and fastest triggering on the market. The TTL Kit installs quickly and easily and requires no batteries to weaken or die during your shoot. Only Ikelite DS strobes are capable of powering up and communicating with the TTL Kit.
 

Ikelite Non-Digital Strobes

Older non-digital strobes featuring an ICS-5 electrical sync cord bulkhead can be used with this system in manual exposure modes.
 

SEA&SEA, INON, or Retra Strobes

SEA&SEA, INON, or Retra strobes with an electrical connection can be triggered in manual exposure modes using Single Sync Cord # 4118.1 or Dual Sync Cord # 4118.2. Strobes without an electrical sync cord connection cannot be attached to this system unless slaved off of a hard-wired strobe.
 

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic only strobes are not compatible with this installation. An external strobe must be connected by electrical sync cord.
 

Remote Triggering

Strobes with remote slave capabilities may be triggered off of a flash attached to the housing by electrical sync cord. Ikelite DS strobes support remote triggering using the Optical Slave Converter product # 4403 or the Water Wizard system (manufactured and sold by Aquatica).
 

Compatibility

This housing is only compatible with the Sony Alpha A9 camera as shipped by the manufacturer. Unless otherwise noted, this housing does not accommodate the use of add-on grips, battery grips, eyepieces, LCD covers, or other accessories.

Differences in lens and control placement prevent other camera models from being used in this housing. Ikelite is not aware of any other models which may be used in or adapted to this particular housing.
 

Specifications

• 200' (60m) depth rating
• Compatible with DL system lens ports
• Controls are provided for all important camera controls; Controls are not provided for the Diopter adjustment dial, Multi-selector, Media slot cover switch, Focus mode dial; Focus mode dial lock release button
• 1/4-20 thread base mounts with 3.5" spacing
• Near neutral buoyancy in fresh water
• Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
• 5.0 lb (2.3 kg)
• 9 x 7.2 x 6.5" (229 x 183 x 168 mm)
• Vacuum valve included (pump sold separately)
• Included Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead connector with manual hotshoe for reliable electrical triggering of underwater strobes; Optional TTL accessories provides automatic exposure with compatible Ikelite DS strobes
• ABS-PC and Lexan construction is fundamentally corrosion-resistant
• Made in the USA; Individually inspected for fit and water pressure tested to depth
• 1 year limited warranty

 

In the Box

• Housing
• Rear o-ring # 0132.59
• Front o-ring # 0132.45
• Base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.67
• Port Hole Cover # 0200.92
• Zoom Gear Retainer # 75900
• Tool for Zoom Gear Retainer # 0945.06
• Waterproof Bulkhead Cap # 9104.5
• 4-40 Hex Key # 0945.11
• 1/16" Hex Key # 0945.16
• 1/8" Hex Key # 0945.18
• Control + Push Button Tip Assortment # 9249
• Silicone Lubricant 1cc Tube # 0184.2