Underwater film cameras that have more than 36 exposures

[macfred]

I own and have used Hasselblads under water....

Thank you for sharing your experiences in under water (film) photography!

 

[wtburton]

I don't dive, but my feeling is that in order to do what the OP wants - explore a rubble pile at the foundation of a pier in an urban river - you would need to get at least your diving skills and lighting dialed to a high level, before worrying about a 36 exposure limit.

Yeah I understand that, for that reason it was just a hypothetical. Film camera's arent getting any more common so I might as well start looking now. Thats how I ended up with loads of rare bulk film like Panatomic X and special astrophotography stuff, a polaroid SLR680 for 6 bucks, and one of the rarest cameras in the world for 85$. Its all about buying before the curve, buying from people who cant tell nickel from platinum.

Im not coming with this out of the blue. as I said earlier, I snorkeled out in the ancient sunken greece city and had an awful time with the camera I brought. Literally one picture came out and that was it. I even shot that dastardly cinestill 800 junk in it because they said it was high speed. Nada.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Yeah I understand that, for that reason it was just a hypothetical. Film camera's arent getting any more common so I might as well start looking now. Thats how I ended up with loads of rare bulk film like Panatomic X and special astrophotography stuff, a polaroid SLR680 for 6 bucks, and one of the rarest cameras in the world for 85$. Its all about buying before the curve, buying from people who cant tell nickel from platinum.

Im not coming with this out of the blue. as I said earlier, I snorkeled out in the ancient sunken greece city and had an awful time with the camera I brought. Literally one picture came out and that was it. I even shot that dastardly cinestill 800 junk in it because they said it was high speed. Nada.

If you get a Nikonos, get one with the 35mm lens. It's the only one that will shoot underwater and above water. The rest are for underwater only. Then practice using it above water first until you get use to it before you go on any underwater photo expeditions. You don't want to begin learning how to use the camera while you're dangerously distracted diving in the murky water of a river. Also, get one with a strobe light setup. You're going to need it. Practice on land with the whole setup. Good luck.

 

[Sirius Glass]

If you get a Nikonos, get one with the 35mm lens. It's the only one that will shoot underwater and above water. The rest are for underwater only. Then practice using it above water first until you get use to it before you go on any underwater photo expeditions. You don't want to begin learning how to use the camera while you're dangerously distracted diving in the murky water of a river. Also, get one with a strobe light setup. You're going to need it. Practice on land with the whole setup. Good luck.

Also the 80mm lens is good above and in water. They are very inexpensive; almost the price of shipping. Yes. I have one. The filters are the same size. I recommend that you order the o rings for the model you buy: one size for each lens, one for the Niknos II bVody and two for the Niknonos V body plus the silicon grease. Read up on the o rings, lubrication and plastic tool to lift up the o ring for damage free removal.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Unfortunately, tele lenses underwater aren't very useful. You really need wide angle lenses, even better than 35mm. Also due to refraction between water and air, lenses see 1/3 closer. So a 35mm acts like a 50mm and an 80mm would be about 105mm equivalent.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

The reason you want a wide-angle lens is because there's so many particles in the water, you need to get close to the subject to eliminate a lot of that. Also if you using a strobe, well the particles are going to reflect the light back into the camera washing out the picture. So wide angle lens in the water is really a necessity.

 

[wtburton]

I dont think ive ever used something higher than a 50mm in normal photography for more than a roll. I got so pissed off having to walk backwards to fit things into the shot I went and bought a canon 19mm. I no longer have those issues, its a godsend lens. Paired with the Canon's self timer, it makes for one of the most versatile tools I own.