Ikelite: How To Assemble a Complete Underwater Camera System

Ikelite 200DLM/B Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix GX9 Mirrorless Micro Four-Thirds Cameras

A professional-grade, compact waterproof housing for Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 mirrorless micro four-thirds cameras. Perfect for any application in or around the water from scuba to surf to pool.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 is a solid and capable compact interchangeable lens camera. Customizable controls, a TTL flash hotshoe, and in-body 5-axis image stabilization make it a good choice for underwater use. The GX9 features a 20MP CMOS sensor, 4K/UHD video at 24p and 30p, and a 121-point contrast-detect AF system.
 

Lighting

Light is absorbed as it travels through even short distances underwater, making colors appear dull or monochromatic. To preserve the natural colors of your subject, it's important to stay within arm's reach—no more than 3-4 feet (1m) away. For the best results, Ikelite recommends adding an external flash or high-powered constant-on light if you'll be diving regularly below 15' (3m).

This housing supports your choice of shooting strobes by electrical sync cord or fiber optic triggering.

You can enjoy the fastest and most accurate TTL exposure on the market by adding the DL3 DS Link TTL Converter and Hotshoe Kit # 46036 and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. Exposure compensation may be used added or subtracted in the camera. Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the optional TTL electronics or carry backup parts when traveling.

The camera's built-in flash is suitable for firing an external strobe, but not for lighting a photo underwater. Two fiber optic ports are built into the front of the housing provide an attachment point for fiber optic cords from most major manufacturers.

A bright constant-on video light can be used instead of or in addition to a flash. A constant-on light is not as bright as a strobe flash. Constant-on lights do provide added versatility because they can be used for focus assist and for improved colors when shooting video.

There is a simple rule that brighter is better underwater. A high-quality lighting system can produce professional quality results.
 

Extensive Lens Support

High quality yet affordable optics are available for an extensive range of micro four-thirds lenses from wide-angle fisheye to macro. Ikelite's custom optical grade acrylic domes provide the color, clarity, and durability of glass at a fraction of the weight and cost. Glass flat ports are available for macro lenses.

The DLM port system is designed to be tough enough for heavy surf and to provide reliability in remote locations. The lens port attaches without twisting, threading, or complex mechanisms.

Lens port sold separately. A compatible lens port is required for waterproof use. See the DLM/B Port Chart...
 

Controls and Ergonomics

A trigger-type shutter lever control is designed for optimal sensitivity and a natural motion when shooting underwater. The standard control hugs the side of the housing for comfortable use when hand-holding. The lever can be easily extended using the optional Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.95 for more comfortable reach when using a handle grip.

Soft-touch knobs are easy to grip with or without gloves on and provide quick access to important controls including front and rear dials and the mode control.

Hard anodized aluminum push buttons are extremely lightweight and resistant to salt build-up and corrosion. The back of the housing features laser engraved control symbols that will never fade or fall off.
 

Camera Installation

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.
 

Accessory Mounting

Two 1/4-20 threaded mounting points are included on the bottom of the housing for the attachment of a tray and handle grips. Handles provide improved ergonomics underwater and are the foundation for your lighting mounts.

If you're shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added 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.
 

Sealing and Vacuum Testing

There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. 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. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal.

A spare 1/2-20 threaded accessory port is provided on the side of the housing for easy installation of the optional Vacuum Kit # 47012. A hand pump with a gauge allows you to draw a vacuum on the housing to simulate water pressure and check for leaks prior to entering the water.

Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m) before it leaves Ikelite's facility in Indianapolis.
 

Durability and Corrosion Free Performance

A custom ABS-PC blend housing provides strength and performance year after year with minimal maintenance. The ABS-PC material is fundamentally corrosion-proof and considerably lighter than aluminum. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light color provides superior contrast for an enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.
 

Made in USA

Ikelite products are designed, built, and tested in the USA. Ikelite uses locally sourced, top-grade materials. Ikelite's housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit and function. Ikelite backs their products with over 50 years of experience and the best reputation for service within the dive industry.
 

Compatibility

Differences in lens and control placement prevent other Panasonic cameras from being used in this housing. The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 camera is not compatible with any other Ikelite housing models.

This housing is only compatible with the Panasonic DC- GX9K, DC-GX9M, and DC-GX9 cameras 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.

The Panasonic DMW-HGR2 Ergonomic Hand Grip is not usable in this installation. This housing has not been tested with the optional Panasonic DMW-EC5 Eyecup.
 

Optional Accessories

• Spare Rear O-Ring # 0110 Carry a back-up in case original seal becomes damaged.
• Spare Front O-Ring # 0132.36 Carry a back-up in case original seal becomes damaged.
• Vacuum Kit for 1/2" Accessory Port # 47012 Check for leaks prior to entering the water.
• Tray with Dual Quick Release Handles # 9523.64 Add a tray for easier handling and a second attachment point for strobes or lights.
• Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.95 Brings shutter and/or AEL/AFL / Fn1 lever out to handle for more comfortable use.
• DL3 DS Link TTL Converter and Hotshoe Kit # 46036 Fast, accurate, automatic TTL strobe exposure when used together with compatible Ikelite DS strobes.
• Adding an external strobe or video light enhances your photos' color and sharpness underwater. If you will be shooting below 30 ft (10m) or in an indoor pool, your photos will be predominantly blue-green without an artificial light source. Read more about strobe options

 

Specifications

• 200 ft (60m) depth rating
• DLM/B port mount
• Controls for all important camera functions
• Two 1/4-20 threaded tray mounts with 3" (76mm) spacing
• Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water
• Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
• 2.7 lb (1225 g)
• 7.7 x 5.8 x 5.3" (196 x 147 x 135 mm)
• ABS-PC, acrylic, and acetyl construction
• 2 year limited warranty

 

In the Box

• Housing
• Rear o-ring # 0110 (installed)
• Front o-ring # 0132.36 (installed)
• Silicone lubricant 1cc tube