Subal showed off their formidable line of underwater digital SLR housings at their booth.  New for the show was a prototype port for Nikon’s 105VR macro lens and a prototype housing for the Nikon D80 SLR. The D80 housing will ship in January of February, 2007.  Also on display were Subal’s Canon 30D and Nikon D200 housings…

The Nikon D80 housing prototype had impressive ergonomics, with all necessary controls right under one’s fingertips.  In addition, the focus lock buttom is also accessible via a thumb level when holding the housing in shooting position (both hands on handles).

The Nikon 105VR macro port prototype includes an internal stabilizer ring to make sure the lens is held firmly in position.  A focus wheel and clutch combination provides manual focus capability while still allowing the lens to be removed from the port easily.  Also, Subal is working on a small spacer for the zoom/focus knob on the side of Subal housings to prevent the internal gearing to make contact with the lens.  In the meantime, you can use Alex Mustard’s method and shove two coins underneath the gear. :)

The Canon 30D housing shares the front half with the older 20D housing, but requires a different back to support different control positions. In addition, Subal has moved the rear command dial to be accessible underneath one’s right thumb when shooting.  I love seeing manufacturers do things like this; it means they’re actually taking to underwater photographers!

For more coverage of DEMA 2006, please see the DEMA coverage index.

Subal ND20 for Nikon D200

Subal prototype housing for Nikon D80

Subal prototype housing for Nikon D80

Subal’s housing for Canon EOS 30D, with optional viewfinder

Ryan Canon holds up the new 105VR port prototype (no glass yet)

Subal’s new 105VR port prototype (no glass yet)

The Subal crew: Arnold Stephanek, Sigrid Stephanek and Rolf Sempert