Salt water ?

[drflash]

I've just ordered a NN3MKII and was wondering how it would hold up underwater ?

I'm seriously considering trying to shoot some underwater panoramas. If I give it a good fresh water rinse and light oiling will it hold up with occasional submersion in salt water ?

Thanks in advance.

[Bill Bailey]

Hello Drflash.
Technically Nodal Ninja is not designed to be used underwater even though we have seen others do it. Doing so would void your warranty. NN is built of cast aluminum (anodized) with brass, rubber and plastic components. Because of the harsh salt water environment the finish as well as the ball bearing movement of the detent system might be comprised.
That said if you do decide to forego your warranty and clean and dry your NN after each underwater excursion you "may" find it will work fine.
http://www.vrmag.org/test/issue28/EX...NDERWATER.html
Thanks
Bill

[Wide-Eyed]

Hello Drflash.
Technically Nodal Ninja is not designed to be used underwater even though we have seen others do it. Doing so would void your warranty.

Interpretation: You'll need to post your undersea panoramas under another user name so Bill doesn't figure it out.

Rinse thoroughly and nobody will never know. . .

[nick fan]

the bearing in the rotator tension knob is NOT made for use under water, not to say under salt water. we can supply you an old style knob without bearing.
The painting is not resistant to salt water. It is likely to cause deterioration and peeling off of the paint in the long run.


nick

[nick fan]

Interpretation: You'll need to post your undersea panoramas under another user name so Bill doesn't figure it out.

Rinse thoroughly and nobody will never know. . .

what you mean is IF NOTHING GOES WRONG, nobody will ever know. But should the misuse cause any damage to a particular unit, we definitely know and is not covered by warranty.


nick

[Terrywoodenpic]

All sizes of ball races are available in stainless steel. so the one in the NN3ll head should be replaceable.
However the sprung ball detent is made by nick and must include a steel spring and standard ball. these will no doubt corrode. though you could keep a spare and replace from time to time.
There are also some other steel parts and grub screws, especially in the top arm rotator, so whilst it could be proofed against sea water it would be a major task.
Cast aluminium it self, is prone to corrosion in sea water where the metal is exposed.

All in all, It is something that no doubt could be done by a skilled engineer but at considerable cost of time and money.

If some ones main interest were underwater pans then perhaps it might be worth doing.

A simple non adjustable pano bracket cast in bronze to fit the camera in use might be a better route.
If you were to make one in wood it could easily be cast.