Hello all. I've been lurking and reading and now have a question for any Ikelite housing users out there.

I just received my Ikelite housing for the Nikon D70s and have a question re the zoom clamp:

I’m going to be using the kit lens (18-70mm) with the appropriate lens port. I’m using the 5509.28 special zoom and clamp set but am puzzled as to which “rubber strips” to use for this lens (there are two thicknesses and they are for attached to the inside of the zoom clamp). Without a rubber strip the clamp seems a bit loose. I used the thicker rubber strips and I have the impression that the zooming is a bit tight. Is this normal or is the rubber strip too thick and causing the gear sleeve to rub against the inside of the lens port? Which thickness rubber strip is recommended with the Nikon 18-70mm zoom?

Thanks!

Laith,

You add the strips to the black plastic clamp with the springs on them. The idea is to force this ring outward to ensure a snug, but not too tight connection between the lens clamp (black w/springs) and the clear zoom sleeve.

Once you slide the port barrel over the clear plastic sleeve, it cannot flex and you should have good contact to zoom effortlessly.

Hope this helps!

dhaas

[B]

I don't use any of the rubber strips with the same combination.
Need to check that the clear zoom sleeve is moving freely over the clamp.

Thanks for the responses.

I replaced the thick strips with a pair of thinner ones and the zoom control moves alot easier now. I think the thicker strips were causing the sleave to become slightly oval in order to be able to slide into the slots in the clamp and therefore rub against the inside of the lens port (looks like I now have a slight scratch there from this).

When I first tried the clamp with no rubber strips the sleave seemed a bit loose when you slid it onto the clamp; looked like it could have slipped out of the slot on one side. That's why I tried the strips.

Maybe I'll try it again with no strips...

Laith,

You will find that the clamp seems a little loose without the thinnest rubber pads and a little tight with the pads. Either way will normally work once the port is locked down, but I've found the simplest answer is to cut one of the strips in half and then place the two pieces on opposing inner sides of the clamp.