Olympus PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera
This Olympus PT-EP01 Underwater Housing is for the Olympus E-PL1 digital camera. It is a stylish and durable polycarbonate housing for anyone looking to pursue underwater digital photography with the flexibility and quality of a Micro Four Thirds camera. This compact lightweight housing allows you to use your digital camera as you explore your underwater surroundings at depths down to 131' (40m).
The o-ring main seal along with the secure rotary buckle closure will keep your camera dry. The housing allows you to use the Olympus E-PL1's LCD screen to view and compose your images, but the housing also allows use of the optional electronic viewfinder VF-2. The durable o-ring sealed controls give you access to everything the Olympus E-PL1 has to offer.
Using an external flash will bring back the natural color that is lost underwater. Built-in dual fiber optic cable ports allow you to fire 2 Olympus UFL-2 or Sea & Sea underwater strobes with fiber optic cables when the on-camera flash fires. The Olympus UFL-2 power can be controlled remotely from the back of the camera.
The PT-EP01 has a fix lens port that supports the use of the Zuiko ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and the Zuiko ED 9-18mm f/5.6 lenses. The PT-EP01 offers the use of a macro lens adapter PMLA-EP01 to attach the macro lens PTMC-01 for close-up photography.
- Polycarbonate Construction
- Durable and resistant to corrosion, clear view of the camera information and control functions
- Camera Functions
- Housing accesses all camera functions with large buttons
- Viewing Options
- Use the Olympus E-PL1's LCD screen to view and compose your images, but the housing also allows use of the optional electronic viewfinder VF-2
- Keeping Your Camera Safe
- The O-ring main seal along with the secure rotary buckle closure will keep your camera dry
- Lens Port
- An assortment of interchangeable lens ports (required accessory) allows use of Zuiko macro, wide angle, and zoom lenses best suited for underwater photography
- Slaved Strobes
- Built-in dual fiber optic cable ports allow you to fire 2 Olympus UFL-2 or Sea & Sea underwater strobes with fiber optic cables when the on-camera flash fires
- Remote control
- The Olympus UFL-2 strobes can be controlled remotely from the back of the camera
| Construction | Polycarbonate |
| Control Type | Mechanical |
| Controls | All |
| Depth Rating | 131' (40m) |
| Buoyancy | Positive |
| Port | Fixed, flat |
| Internal Flash Usable | Yes, to fire external strobes |
| External Strobe Connector | Yes, dual fiber optic cable ports for slaved strobes |
| TTL Compatible | Yes |
| Moisture Alarm | None |
| Color |
Front: Black Back: Clear |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 10.08 x 8.54 x 7.36" (256 x 217 x 187mm) |
| Weight (without Camera) | 3.68 lbs (1.67kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (6)
- Functional (6)
- Weather proof (6)
- Easily loaded equipment (3)
- Lightweight (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Diving (7)
- Underwater photography (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (9), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
quality housing at affordable price
The E-PL1 with PT-EP01 combo is the cheapest underwater system with changeable lens. E-PL1 takes good quality photos, focus speed is better than the compacts while still not comparable with the SLRs. The housing...Read complete review
The E-PL1 with PT-EP01 combo is the cheapest underwater system with changeable lens. E-PL1 takes good quality photos, focus speed is better than the compacts while still not comparable with the SLRs. The housing is very well built (actually I believe it's Sea & Sea OEM), all the controls are good, much more reliable and solid than the Canon compact housing I used before. The flat port can take the standard 14-42 and wide 9-18. For the wide angle, third party lens ports are available for better performance but the port alone is more expensive than this housing, while the whole system is still cheaper than any SLR system.
The main complaint is the size. Olympus should be able to make it smaller. I can see the newer housing for E-PL2 has eliminated the stupid space for the EVF, which is the way it should be. the other complaint is the flat port, but for the price, it's reasonable.
Also about add-on wet lens, I use the 67mm thread add-on macro lens with good result. But I don't think we can use any wide angle add-on because it will Vignette with the flat port. I only have the 14-42mm lens. The wide angle is quite limited.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Seems OK, but haven't used it yet
I've used Olympus cameras and their underwater housings for nearly 10 years. This is a departure from the others, but then the Pen camera is, too! First, the black plastic is different, ...Read complete review
I've used Olympus cameras and their underwater housings for nearly 10 years. This is a departure from the others, but then the Pen camera is, too! First, the black plastic is different, used to always be clear. This will not make it as easy to detect possible water entry as you descend, which is unfortunate (you will eventually get water in it, if you use it enough times!). Locking mechanism is much easier that previous models, I've used, though. Now, for the real bummer - only works with Olympus and Sea & Sea strobes with optical cable! This means I'll have to ditch my trusty Ikelite strobes, which does not make me happy (they could have put a piece of clear plastic in front of the flash to make it more versatile for use with slave strobes). If only Ikelite would make an optical TTL sync cable (come on, guys, you can do it!). Aside from these drawbacks, the lens port does not accept standard macro lenses without the separate adapter (oh, and you need to buy the zoom gear to use your 14-42, or it just stays at a fixed length). Oly, couldn't you have made it a little easier on us and just included that gear? I guess the port needs to be this wide to use the 14-42 at the shorter lengths, but swimming around with the huge plastic macro adapter flappin in the current ain't gonna be fun. Must this be a macro only camera, or not macro at all, on a given dive? Look, I know it will do what it's supposed to do, and do it handily, but these few quirks precent it from getting 5 stars from this user. Now, let's hope the Pen shines in underwater photography, as well as it does on land!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Easily Loaded Equipment
- Lightweight
- Seals Easily
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Underwater Photography
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
This housing is the reason I bought the Olympus PEN in the first place. Comparably priced to most DSLRs, the PEN takes impressive pictures and has tons of features. This housing makes the difference - at a cost of almost one third less than a traditional DSLR housing, this selection was a no brainer...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Loaded Equipment
- Lightweight
- Seals Easily
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Underwater Photography
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
Olympus have raised the benchmark with this housing
This housing whilst robust is light
Add a suitable handle , arms & a strobe using the base plate under the housing
A focus light can also be mounted onto the top cold shoe
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Diving
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
The housing is as advertised. It fits the camera nicely and the buttons and knobs work well with the camera.
Now to see how well I work with the camera on a dive!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
- Not Versatile
- Proprietary strobe sync
Best Uses
- Diving
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
I've used Olympus cameras and their underwater housings for nearly 10 years. This is a departure from the others, but then the Pen camera is, too! First, the black plastic is different, used to always be clear. This will not make it as easy to detect possible water entry as you descend, which is unfortunate (you will eventually get water in it, if you use it enough times!). Locking mechanism is much easier that previous models, I've used, though. Now, for the real bummer - only works with Olympus and Sea & Sea strobes with optical cable! This means I'll have to ditch my trusty Ikelite strobes, which does not make me happy (they could have put a piece of clear plastic in front of the flash to make it more versatile for use with slave strobes). If only Ikelite would make an optical TTL sync cable (come on, guys, you can do it!). Aside from these drawbacks, the lens port does not accept standard macro lenses without the separate adapter (oh, and you need to buy the zoom gear to use your 14-42, or it just stays at a fixed length). Oly, couldn't you have made it a little easier on us and just included that gear? I guess the port needs to be this wide to use the 14-42 at the shorter lengths, but swimming around with the huge plastic macro adapter flappin in the current ain't gonna be fun. Must this be a macro only camera, or not macro at all, on a given dive? Look, I know it will do what it's supposed to do, and do it handily, but these few quirks precent it from getting 5 stars from this user. Now, let's hope the Pen shines in underwater photography, as well as it does on land!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
Very good accessory, I had no problems with it. The only thing I wish they would have a zoom gear right in the box. It was not clear at the beginning that it had the option for the zoom. Only what I received the housing I realized that it needs a special ring to operate the zoom gears.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Depth Range
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
- A little bulky on top
Best Uses
- Diving
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
I was torn between this housing and the aluminum housing from another manufacturer. The other was almost 300 dollars more, and I didnt see that kind of diffence between them. B&H also had the Olympus housing $50 cheaper than any other dealer I researched[...]. This housing is well made, fits grest, is upgradable with dome ports, different lenses, etc. The buttons are precise and easy function. Everything works the way it should. I especially like the cam lock system. It looks more foolproof than the old four latch system other manufacturers use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built quality
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good controls
- Good Price
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
- Could have been smaller
- Flat port
Best Uses
- Diving
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
The E-PL1 with PT-EP01 combo is the cheapest underwater system with changeable lens. E-PL1 takes good quality photos, focus speed is better than the compacts while still not comparable with the SLRs. The housing is very well built (actually I believe it's Sea & Sea OEM), all the controls are good, much more reliable and solid than the Canon compact housing I used before. The flat port can take the standard 14-42 and wide 9-18. For the wide angle, third party lens ports are available for better performance but the port alone is more expensive than this housing, while the whole system is still cheaper than any SLR system.
The main complaint is the size. Olympus should be able to make it smaller. I can see the newer housing for E-PL2 has eliminated the stupid space for the EVF, which is the way it should be. the other complaint is the flat port, but for the price, it's reasonable.
Also about add-on wet lens, I use the 67mm thread add-on macro lens with good result. But I don't think we can use any wide angle add-on because it will Vignette with the flat port. I only have the 14-42mm lens. The wide angle is quite limited.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Matches camera buttons
- Simple to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Diving
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
Great housing for the EPL1 Olympus PEN. Using for UK and diving abroad.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
Best Uses
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Swimming Pool
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
The epl1 takes great underwater photos. I shot in Provo Turks and Caicos and got some great shots. Get the lens ring and the macro adapter-it helps. I have a Canon 20d in an Ikelite houseing which is great for Pelagics and fast moving critters. This is sharper for Macro which says alot considering this rig cost half as much as my slr rig. It is also fun and easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Depth Range
- Water-tight Seals
Cons
Best Uses
- Diving
- Lake
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Swimming Pool
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
This is my first underwater housing so i don't really have anything to compare to, but the housing worked well while taking surfing photos of my mates.
The lens that came with my camera doesn't work with the zoom not sure if i need a different lens or am doing something wrong.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
except there r no zoom port, everything is good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Loaded Equipment
- Lightweight
- Seals Easily
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Made for the olympus ten
- Underwater Photography
- Waterproofing Cameras
Comments about PT-EP01 Underwater Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera:
Haven't got the chance to use it diving,but can't wait.Al the butons do what they are suposed to do.Adapted a universal strobe and works well with a fiberoptic link.
Displaying reviews 1-12
Auxiliary Lenses & Adapters
- Price: $44.99
Lighting
- Price: $599.00
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $18.95
Misc.
- Price: $15.95
Books
- Price: $23.30
What's in the Box
- PFUD-EP01 LCD Hood for PT-EP01 Housing (Replacement)
- PBC-EP01 Cap for PT-EP01 Housing (Replacement)
- Hand Strap
- 5-Silica Gel Desiccant
- O-Ring (installed)
- Silicone Grease
- 1-Year Warranty
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