OK since we're going to toob the river several times this summer I thought I'd whip up a little something to bring with us down the river.

The first iteration was for our coolpix 2100 P&S but I could never figure out a way to turn the camera back on after it auto-shuts off... you need to turn the top knob which is spring loaded.

Anyways on the second attempt I figured either I'd need a cam with a push button power switch. I checked out the local stock but really didn't want to drop 100+ on a new P&S that I probably wouldn't end up using very much.

I went back to Home Depot and snatched up a weatherproof 6x6x4 pvc housing from the electrical department. With some lexan, epoxy, and a few hours I whipped this bad boy up.

A NikonD50 RiverMaster 5000xi:



Top Lid:


Front:


Back:



Sea Trials:





This thing holds my D50 with 35mm prime. It fits like it the box was made for it. The windows look rough right now but since our first trip is over memorial day weekend I was in a hurry to get this done. I've got many ideas on how to go about improving the design but without the right tools most of them were improbable.

The box has been weighted down in the tub for several hours with no leaks. I don't think I'd feel comfortable diving/snorkling with it but for floating a river or arms length under water shots I'm sure it will be fine.

You are brave, but it looks like your bravery paid off. Can't wait to see the pics.
Nice work.

I can't adjust any of the camera settings from outside the box so I'm wondering if I should just shoot A priority with iso at 400 or so....or just set it on retard mode and let the camera decide the best conditions.

holy DIY brother in arms! that is ****ing rad!

holy crap Justin, brave indeed. I throw it on ISO400 and P. and be done with it.

I don't have the testicles for something like that

well the origional gasket that it make with wasn't up to par I quickly found out. i removed it and replaced it with a thicker version I crafted from some window trim from VatoZone

The box even has little loops on the side for a NSOP strap.

I'm also going to paint a fluorescent orange design on the top so it's easier to spot if it gets away from me.

get in the zone

Originally Posted by jblaze5779

I'm also going to paint a fluorescent orange design on the top so it's easier to spot if it gets away from me.

Smart

Originally Posted by b84wm

holy DIY brother in arms! that is ****ing rad!

+1, that's ****ing rad dude. So what's the shutter button made from?

Also, I'd make yourself a ghetto "waterprood/resistant" bag for the camera (zip lock or garbage back to a filter on the lens). That way it can't get damaged if you spring a leak provided you notice before the camera drown.

Awesome idea though, this is something I'll probably play with this summer (now thanks to you) as well!.

so yeah dude, are you going to put these on it?

^ you realize housings already float right?
Actually most either come with a weight plate, or have one as an accessory.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

^ you realize housings already float right?
Actually most either come with a weight plate, or have one as an accessory.

ENGRISH MOTHER ****ER!

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

^ you realize housings already float right?
Actually most either come with a weight plate, or have one as an accessory.

Are you letting elias type for you?

I forget 1 s and get 2 retarded comments?

sense, making...you are not

has anybody just tried putting the camera in a couple of ziplock bags?

Originally Posted by ride5000

has anybody just tried putting the camera in a couple of ziplock bags?

I'd opt for a real waterproof bag from a camping supply or army navy store. They're cheap.

yeah, the inverted waterproof zippers are a must

it just seems that for "light duty" work, aka <5', a bag would permit a lot more control/function than a closed box. it might interfere with a focus ring spinning, zoom lens extension, etc, but for a small P&S i think it would work pretty well.

i'll have to check out w/p bags.

the material of a waterproof bag doesn't work very well because it's not that clear... That's the issue there. Plus I'd go with a roll top dry bag over one with a zipper thanks. And yes, my drysuit has a zipper I trust, but still, I've also not closed it and gotten wet.

I do have a "bag" for one of my P&Ss though. Works OK, except it's a tight squeeze once the zoom extends. The purpose built versions for DSLRs have a glass filter on the end I believe that takes care of the optical issues.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

the material of a waterproof bag doesn't work very well because it's not that clear... That's the issue there.

yarp.

I'd rather just use my PS camera + UW case. Bathtub depth is nothing like it even getting dunked to 5-10' pressures rise really really freaking quick.

I thought about bags but I couldn't find one that had excellent reviews. Most had at least one or two people complaining of a ruined camera.

Yeah this thing floats like crazy, I don't think I'd even be able to dive 5 feet while holding it.

It's main purpose is to ride velcro'd to the top of the cooler where I can grab it easily. It'll get splashed and maybe held under the water at arm's length from my tube but I would not trust it as any sort of diving enclosure.

The trigger button is a rubber master cylinder gasket I picked up at autozone.

I really want to do the P&S version but the funds for a whole new cam just aren't there right now. I've still got my P&S prototype laying around though. I'll post some pics of it later.

I'd rather just use my PS camera + UW case. Mine cost 100$ from Sony, and my camera cost 80 - its awesome - not very wide though

Olympus waterproof ultra compacts FTW!!! http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...digital_sw.asp

Too bad they don't take the best pictures. I got my wife one, and I think someone on NSOP was looking at one also.

A few results from the river I'm still going back and editing some of these. For version 2.0 I need to add a shade to the box. Any of the shots looking into the sun have significant reflections off the lexan.


http://justinmillerphotos.smugmug.co.../5038882_qYzV4

Awesome.. I would so take my dogs rafting.