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Ikelite announces housing for D500 and port system

by adamhanlon

Ikelite has announced their new housing for the Nikon D500 camera along with a whole new port mounting system. Available is three versions, the housing is made of Ikelite’s white ABS-PC and has a redesigned zoom/focus knob and AF ON lever. The new port mount is a press-fit O ring sealed system that eliminates water from entering the housing during port changes and accommodates large diameter lenses.

The three versions include one with the legacy “Four Lock” port mount, one with the new “Dry Lock” port mount and a third surf/shallow water version with the new mount. The “Four Lock version will be available from early September while they two “Dry Lock version” will be available from October. Pricing is $1,395 for the “Four Lock” and shallow water “Dry Lock” versions, and $1,595 for the 200ft (60 meter) “Dry Lock”.

Press release

First Look | Nikon D500

The “Best Enthusiast DX Offering”

Nikon has finally given us a successor to the D300s camera with fantastic speed and processing power in a relatively compact and durable body. Some highlights include:

All three versions start with a fully functional, white ABS-PC housing front which is depth rated to 200’ (60m).

Form + Function

The D500 slides into the form fitting housing using a simple tripod-style attachment. Controls are provided for all important camera functions and positioned intuitively to take advantage of the muscle memory you develop when using the camera on the surface. A unique universal gearing system puts zoom or focus at the tip of your finger with a brand new soft-touch, 5-lobed knob.

Soft-touch zoom and focus knob

The AF-ON Trick

Take full advantage of the camera’s superb autofocus system and fast continuous frame rate by using AF-ON to lock focus. A convenient lever on the side of the housing feels so natural that we promise you’ll never think about half-pressing the shutter again.

Groovy Groove-less O-ring

O-ring channels trap dirt and debris, and cause the o-ring to twist and deform in various ways. Our unique groove-less design is the most user friendly and reliable sealing method currently available. For added assurance, the all-clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, black line once the housing is sealed.

Nikon D500 o-ring groove

Very Flashy

Optical slaves have come a long way, but electrical sync cords are still the fastest and most precise way to trigger a strobe under water. Each housing comes equipped with a manual flash hot shoe and Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead. The hot shoe and bulkhead are user changeable for in-field modifications and serviceability.

An optional TTL hot shoe and Nikon TTL Converter provide industry leading accuracy in exposure when combined with a compatible Ikelite DS strobe.

The flash system is almost endlessly expandable with lots of options for remote units triggered by extension cords, optical slaves, Pocket Wizards, and more. It’s time to get creative with your lighting and think way beyond the classic two-strobe set-up.

Nikon D500 with Hot shoe

Lens Port Authority

And now… the main event. Introducing the NEW Dry Lock (DL) Port Mount. Building off of our popular port system for compact mirrorless cameras, we have re-designed and refined the concept and it’s ready for the big leagues. Key features include:


Dry Lock seal

Not quite ready to let go of your legacy ports? The Four Lock (FL) version can be sent in at a later date for upgrade to the DL mount. However, our original standard flat, 6” dome, and modular port components are not adaptable to the new system. We promise that once you switch over, you won’t miss them anyway…

Four lock vs dry lock

Our new white ABS-PC blend is specially formulated for added strength and durability. Compared to black, colored, or clear alternatives, the white shell keeps the camera running cooler, longer in hot, sunny climates.

Expanded compact DL port

Two Faced… and Two Backed?

The new 50ft (15m) Water Housing version features a slimmed down acrylic back and paired down control set which is over 1/2 pound lighter and streamlined for use at the surface of the water, in surf and pool work. The two backs are interchangeable and can be purchased separately so you can pack lighter when shooting the whale sharks in Isle Mujeres or dolphins in the Red Sea.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Three housing versions are available to suit the Nikon D500 DSLR camera. All versions feature:

  • i button
  • Trash button
  • Key/? button
  • Magnify + button
  • Magnify - button
  • Fn2 button
    • None Spare 1/2-20 Threaded Ports Two One One Viewfinder SuperEye Viewfinder
    Optional Straight or 45° Magnified Viewfinder Glass Viewfinder
    Optional Straight or 45° Magnified Viewfinder SuperEye Viewfinder
    Optional Straight or 45° Magnified Viewfinder US MSRP $1,395 $1,395 $1,595 Availability Pre-order for Early September Pre-order for October Pre-order for October Full Details See the 200ft Housing with Four Lock Mount See the 50ft Water Housing with DL Mount See the 200ft Housing with DL Mount

    All versions are available for pre-order now through your local Authorized Ikelite Dealer. Product numbers and pricing will be made available before the end of August for the new DL port chart components; optional TTL flash hot shoe; optional vacuum system components; and much more! Keep visiting the website for the latest details.

    Why Ikelite?

    Like the other manufacturers, we were born out of a passion for photography in and under water. It’s our extra 50 years of experience, 100% USA-based production team, and our dedicated customer support staff that set us apart. This exciting new line of housings offer an unparalleled versatility and functionality for truly professional performance. Your Nikon D500 camera… anywhere there’s water.