Yes, more questions... and there will probably be more !

The Ikelite D70s housing comes with a lead weight that the manual recommends to place in the strobe tray (before screwing it on) if one is only using one strobe instead of two. This is supposed to give the unit more "balance".

I would rather not travel with more weight than I need. Is this really necessary? Will the housing be positively bouyant if I don't use it (in saltwater)?

Next: How does one handle the internal flash when using the housing? I know that if in Manual mode (or P, A and S) the flash will not automatically pop up. But it will pop up if you press the flash button to adjust the flash exposure... I read somewhere that people tape the flash down?

Related question: If you want to adjust the flash exposure and have the Ikelite DS-125 with TTL sync cable attached, where is it preferable to adjust, using the camera adjustments or the Ikelite +/- possibility on the back of the housing? Or both?

i just dove with my ike d70 with 1 ds125 strobe in tahiti. like you i did not want to lug the extra lead weight and 2nd strobe+arm. the rig handled well, it was not positively bouyant.

as for the internal flash, i taped it down also. i read in the manual that the internal flash draws power when it pops up automatically.

I have never had a need for the extra weight. With both the 6" dome and flat port for the 105 the rig is negative with one ds125. Just this past weekend I experimented with some added buoyancy. I was able to get the rig with 2 ds125s positive @ surface/neutral @ 10m/slightly negative @ 20m with a piece of firm foam (~5x10x25cm). The only problem was that I didn't have it fixed very securly and the CG was out of whack.

As for the flash, I never really pay attention to it. Sometimes it pops up sometimes it doesn't. I have never noticed any difference as far as shooting goes (i.e. strobes always fired when they should), but then again I am just starting with DLSR. I think there was some discussion about it here before.

I've used both macro (60mm)and WA lenses (15mm) with and without the extra weight, with and without 2 DS-125s attached. In no case is the system positivly buoyant.

What the weight does for me (and the reason that I use it in the front of the base). It helps reduce the buoyancy of the port itself, which tends to make the whole system turn upward, or on it's back when being held loosely.

Personally, its worth the extra weight in a checked bag...Just dump the toothbrush,socks and the underwear and it'll all even out...

Used the Ike D70 housing with 1 DS125, 2 DS125's and no strobes at all, 60mm macro and 15mm Sigma never needed the lead weight.

Maybe if you had one of those huge ( 8" ? ) ports the extra lead may be needed - I do not know.

All in all please pack the toothbrush - your friends will thank you for it......

Paul C

But drop the socks. Who needs them?

Ok, thanks for the replies... the weight is staying at home .