Hello, always get the BEST advice here. I have the "original" 8 inch dome that was actually the Aquatica adoption.(5510.80) It came with a black crown shade cover- fits real snug around the port, but dosen't want to stay there. There are some very tiny (6) set screws around the circumfrence of the base of the crown, original owner thought they were allen wrench, that looks as if they would hold it in place. The screws either are broken too short, or somethin else.(Allen wrenches don't fit) Anyone know how this cover is supposed to afix? It looks like the way to go for protection, I am about to drill new holes in it.
Secondly- intend to Dive with Stuarts Cove in a week or so. I am intending to bring 10-22, 17-85, and 60 mm macro lenses and ports. Anyone have any basic comments on shooting the area? I will have 2 DS-125's as well. Thinking the magic filter might be a very good thing here.
Last question- ( at the moment)-I have been shooting mostly manual topside- I am discovering it is very tough to see the exposure meter thru a mask. Seems like it would be less taxing to go with Aperture priority, set for back ground. Are the various close up attachments for the MASK of any merit here?
After all my pool practice , and three years of the old point & shoot, I am biting the bit.

Thank- you all
hoping to bring back some good stuff soon.
Marty Everhard SLC UT
PADI Divemaster

Hi Marty, I have this port too.

If the original set screws (that's what they are called) won't work to hold the shade in place anymore (holes are stripped, etc) then you can make your own. Buy some set screws at the hardware store that are small enough in diameter that they will be smaller than the width of the black aluminum where they will press. Slide your dome shade over the port and make a mark where you will want to drill a hole. Do this for at least 3 locations.

Take the shade off and drill some holes that are just smaller than the set screws you purchased. Slide the port shade back on and tighten up your set screws.

Hope that helps,
James

Pretty much my thoughts. Are you the Magic filter guru?

To answer your other questions...

I would use the 17-85 at stewart's cove. When I was there I used the 18-55. I found the focal length ideal. No need for macro as you're going to be shooting sharks. Although the sharks will let you close enough that you could use the 10-22, you'll miss the long end, when you want a tighter framed shot.

Use Manual exposure mode. Auto modes do not work well at all underwater. Look at exposure meter on top of camera rather than through viewfinder.

Thank's William- always good advice.
What do you think about the Magic filter here?

Just found Alex Mustards weblink on the filters- don't think I can miss the oppurtunity here.

Magic filter is fun for ocasional use. But can not replace strobes for a majority of the time.

I can see that.... I am thinking shallow dive + lottsa particulant matter stirred up might be good with no strobes.........
Just went through your shots from the Bahamas.........
Maybe I gotta house my 300 mm holy *&6%$,,,,,,,,,,,,,