I had a dream.
Nikon released the Nikonos VI digital underwater camera. Because you do not need to load film, the entire body is sealed with only access screws and an oring sealed backplate to allow service. The camera uses the 40+ year lense bayonet system allowing attachment of any of the existing Nikonos lenses. Because the lense well is sealed, a lense accident will not flood the inside of the camera saving all that valuable digital circuitry (your flooded lense would need to be serviced). The bayonet has sealed contacts allowing Nikon to release a new series of UW autofocus lenses. You can use the old 80mm or a new surface zoom lense if you want to shoot the camera above water. Maybe (and I am dreaming now) it could have an adapter and optical components so standard Nikon slr lenses will fit (not for underwater use though). Now I can use all my old lenses and strobes, buy new stuff if I want to upgrade, and have a digital camera for UW and surface use if I want it. Nikon has decided (again I am dreaming) to price the camera so the street price is below $1,500. I am the first in line to buy this camera. Nikon can still make a profit from its existing lense systems. Ike can still sell his strobes. Do you like my dream?
Bob
Nikon released the Nikonos VI digital underwater camera. Because you do not need to load film, the entire body is sealed with only access screws and an oring sealed backplate to allow service. The camera uses the 40+ year lense bayonet system allowing attachment of any of the existing Nikonos lenses. Because the lense well is sealed, a lense accident will not flood the inside of the camera saving all that valuable digital circuitry (your flooded lense would need to be serviced). The bayonet has sealed contacts allowing Nikon to release a new series of UW autofocus lenses. You can use the old 80mm or a new surface zoom lense if you want to shoot the camera above water. Maybe (and I am dreaming now) it could have an adapter and optical components so standard Nikon slr lenses will fit (not for underwater use though). Now I can use all my old lenses and strobes, buy new stuff if I want to upgrade, and have a digital camera for UW and surface use if I want it. Nikon has decided (again I am dreaming) to price the camera so the street price is below $1,500. I am the first in line to buy this camera. Nikon can still make a profit from its existing lense systems. Ike can still sell his strobes. Do you like my dream?
Bob