October 2000

By John Francis

Bonica Multi Snapper

|| |---| | | Rating - * * * *

This is the first underwater camera to use something like the zoom lens that's common on above-water cameras. (Actually, it's not a zoom because it doesn't bring the object closer, it changes the focus.) This function allows the full range of photos, from long distance to five-inch macros, without having to add a lens. Instead, you rotate the range adjuster ring on the outside of the housing. It sounds like a gimmick, but the pictures I took were razor-sharp, both at distance and at five inches. One problem, though: you can't rotate the range adjuster below 30 feet. A strobe and framer are available. Another unique feature is the "Goali" leak-detection system. Once you've closed the housing, you connect a small vacuum pump and de-pressurize it. This causes a yellow balloon to expand under a clear window. Set the camera aside for a few minutes. If the balloon stays inflated, the housing is sealed. With a range finder that's as clever as the rest of the system, and more depth capability to the range adjuster ring, this would be a 5-star Tester's Choice.

At a Glance

Camera - In waterproof housing, adjustable focus, automatic advance, 31mm, f/6.7 lens.

Sharpness - Excellent.
Film - 35 mm, 100-400 ISO.
Waterproof to - 165 feet.
Price - $349; strobe $199.
Contact - Bonica Precision Inc., (800) 220-8463.

Ikelite Auto 35

|| |---| | | Rating - * * * *

This is a refinement of the popular Aquashot housing that uses disposable "cardboard" cameras. The new housing is similar in operation, but encloses a reloadable point-and-shoot 35mm camera. An optional macro lens with diffuser and framer allows shots as close as eight inches. You can use either a strobe designed for it (the Substrobe A35) or the older Substrobe AQ/S. A new mounting tray is ballasted to compensate for the buoyancy of the housing and strobe, and the new strobe mounting arm is more adjustable. Another interesting extra is a Pro viewfinder with what amounts to a front sight. An arm with three T-bars a couple of inches in front of the finder make aiming much more accurate than with the "look through the tiny hole" type of framer. But you hardly need it: the camera itself has a huge viewfinder that's actually usable while wearing a mask.

At a Glance

Camera - Waterproof housing, fixed focus, automatic advance, 28mm, 3-element glass lens.

Sharpness - Excellent.
Film - 35mm, 100-400 ISO.
Waterproof to - 125 feet.
Price - $160; with strobe, macro lens, framer, tray and case, $400.
Contact - Ikelite Underwater Systems, (317) 923-4523.

Sealife Reefmaster RC with 8x and 16x Lenses

|| |---| | | Rating - * * * * 1/2

In January, we called the Sealife Reefmaster RC an excellent system lacking only super-closeup macro capability. Now it has it. An 8x and a 16x lens allow focusing as close as eight inches from the lens. They are a press fit over the housing port, but a tighter fit than in the past, and seem inclined to stay in place. Instead of a goalpost-style framer, there's what the company calls a "macro wand." Put the clear plastic tip just under the subject and it will be in range. The wand telescopes to use with both lenses. The advantage of the wand is that it's less bulky and fragile than the goalpost, and may be less scary to fish. The disadvantage is that judging the image size is mostly guesswork. One nitpick: with the 3X lens for the two-foot range, you might have three accessory lenses dangling on lanyards from the housing. That lets you make changes at any depth, unlike the Bonica and Ikelite, but it's a lot of stuff waving in the liquid breeze. The makers say they will offer scratch-preventing neoprene lens covers.

At a Glance

Camera - Waterproof housing, fixed focus, automatic advance, f3.5 lens.

Sharpness - Excellent.
Price - Reefmaster Pro with strobe, 3x lens and soft case $420; 8x and 16x lenses and macro wand, $130.
Contact - Pioneer Research, (800) 257-7742.

The Ultimate in Simplicity: Sea & Sea MX-5

|| |---| | | Unlike other cameras in this review, the MX-5 does not qualify as a "system" because no attachments are available. While its Sea & Sea siblings the MX-10 and Motormarine MXII-EX offer accessory strobes and both wide-angle and macro lenses, the MX-5 does little beyond its designated function as a simple point-and-shoot. It has a sharp 28mm glass lens, and a built-in strobe and motor drive. The MX-5 is a cleverly designed package with a viewfinder that folds down to become an on/off switch and lens protector, an oversized viewfinder and it comes in five colors. The built-in strobe is too close to the lens to avoid backscatter in turbid water, but in clear water, photos taken from no more than two to three feet away can be very good.

At a Glance

Camera - Waterproof, fixed focus, automatic advance, f/9 lens.

Sharpness - Good.
Film - 35mm, 100 or 400 ISO.
Waterproof to - 120 feet.
Price - $189.95.
Contact - Sea & Sea Underwater Photography USA, (760) 929-1909.