Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I'm a beginner diver, so I was worried I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my camera... or that I would drown while taking pictures. I did not drown AND I managed to take pictures!
The main limitations of underwater photography remain - you need to go very close to your subject to get a good image, and the water has to be very clear. I'm considering getting an external light source to improve image quality.
What I liked: you can really access all the settings of your camera once it's in the box. It's relatively easy to install. And the seal is really good!
What could be better: it's really bulky and heavy, which is mainly a problem on the boat (not so much underwater)

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I got this housing as the only option at a reasonable price; the only alternative (at the time) going over $. I've used other Ikelite products (video and SLR) and while they do the job, they always look and feel like a garage or DIYS job. In this case, the case dwarfs the camera and the unwieldy controls dwarf the case to the point of making them almost unusable. One of the most important controls, that of the rear thumb-wheel is sticky and virtually unusable, even after a two month recall service. You either dive every week or you will be always guessing which does what, as there are no labels. On the bright side, the clear polycarbonate is a potential camera saver and the brand has a reputation for hermeticity that is unsurpassed. Another plus is that while not having interchangeable ports —I'd have loved a dome port for it­– you can add an external WA lens. The whole exercise kind of defeats the idea of a compact P&S camera —size of housing plus converter lens plus tray, handles and strobes– but having traveled with a veritable steamer trunk to move a SLR plus underwater accessories, this *almost* makes it through.I've just gone and purchased an LX7 (I'll sell the LX5 to a dive buddy) but now plan to get an aluminum housing for it, specially since apparently Ikelite has not yet come with one for it.

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I have used Ikelite products in the past, and I know they make quality equipment. I purchased this housing to use with a good quality small camera. I have been diving for years, with a Nikonos V, 20mm w/a lens, (the workhorse) but I wanted to get away from useing film underwater. After 36 shots I was done,until back on the boat to put in a fresh roll. Yes I would recommend purchasing an Ikelite housing.

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I'm a beginner diver, so I was worried I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my camera... or that I would drown while taking pictures. I did not drown AND I managed to take pictures!
The main limitations of underwater photography remain - you need to go very close to your subject to get a good image, and the water has to be very clear. I'm considering getting an external light source to improve image quality.
What I liked: you can really access all the settings of your camera once it's in the box. It's relatively easy to install. And the seal is really good!
What could be better: it's really bulky and heavy, which is mainly a problem on the boat (not so much underwater)

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I got this housing as the only option at a reasonable price; the only alternative (at the time) going over $. I've used other Ikelite products (video and SLR) and while they do the job, they always look and feel like a garage or DIYS job. In this case, the case dwarfs the camera and the unwieldy controls dwarf the case to the point of making them almost unusable. One of the most important controls, that of the rear thumb-wheel is sticky and virtually unusable, even after a two month recall service. You either dive every week or you will be always guessing which does what, as there are no labels. On the bright side, the clear polycarbonate is a potential camera saver and the brand has a reputation for hermeticity that is unsurpassed. Another plus is that while not having interchangeable ports —I'd have loved a dome port for it­– you can add an external WA lens. The whole exercise kind of defeats the idea of a compact P&S camera —size of housing plus converter lens plus tray, handles and strobes– but having traveled with a veritable steamer trunk to move a SLR plus underwater accessories, this *almost* makes it through.I've just gone and purchased an LX7 (I'll sell the LX5 to a dive buddy) but now plan to get an aluminum housing for it, specially since apparently Ikelite has not yet come with one for it.

Comments about Ikelite 6171.05 Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX-5:

I have used Ikelite products in the past, and I know they make quality equipment. I purchased this housing to use with a good quality small camera. I have been diving for years, with a Nikonos V, 20mm w/a lens, (the workhorse) but I wanted to get away from useing film underwater. After 36 shots I was done,until back on the boat to put in a fresh roll. Yes I would recommend purchasing an Ikelite housing.