Has anyone tried out the new Symbiosis SS-3?

[Kamaros]

I guess the title is pretty self-explanatory. Though the Symbiosis SS-3 is still in pre-order for a lot of shops, I know that there are a few out there in the wild right now. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only review of the SS-3 floating around the Internet, so I was wondering if there were any Scubaboarders who've tried one and could share their opinions on it.

 

[Ardy]

I am interested in something like this. The strobe function at GN 16 is a bit poor but OK for macro and close up stuff.
I looked at this I-Dive Symbiosis SS-02 Strobe/Video Light
Do you know what this is like?

 

[Kamaros]

I am interested in something like this. The strobe function at GN 16 is a bit poor but OK for macro and close up stuff.

I believe the guide number stated in the video is incorrect, as i-Divesite and Bluewater Photo's own product page both list a GN of 20, not 16.

 

[DSR-3]

How does the strobe trigger?

 

[Pyro_]

I have one and just tried it out in Bonaire. It is my first strobe so prob not the best to give a review on it since I can’t really compare it to anything else. Couple of things I have noticed with it


According to the manual it is gn16

It is picky with batteries. I have a number of other 18650 batteries and none of them work in it. In taking a closer look the ones that came with the strobe are just slightly longer than the rest of the ones I have and also are button tops which makes them longer still. My other 18650s work in all my other lights with no issues...

During the day it is hard to tell if it on or not or even in standby as the light is hard to see under the dial. At night it is not an issue

It has an optical trigger and is a full manual strobe no ttl which has made for a bit of a learning curve since it is my first time using a strobe

If you are flipping back and forth between using it as a strobe and video light you have to rebember to change the brightness dial as it is a manual dial and will stay at the power level you have it set to regardless of you switching modes. It does not remember what setting you were at the last time you were in that mode

You can use it as a video light or a strobe but not both at the same time. You can have the light on at 20% power while it is in strobe mode

 

[GirlonFire]

Anyone have recent working knowledge of the ss3?

 

[FlyinV]

I got 2 of these in May 2019.

Both of them developed an issue where they would fire a flash then not fire again until I reset the unit.
One right away -- Other one after maybe 20 dives.
The place I purchased them from replaced both of them with new units.

The place I purchased them from also told me if I have any more issues I need to deal directly with the manufacture of them from now on and not bother them with any issues or problems. So while I won't slam them in this in the post --- I did expect a bit better customer service from the place I purchased them from. While I can understand having to go to the manufacture for warranty issues, I did expect them to help with it -- but I guess not.

But I've always had super good luck with service help from Backscatter so my money will go that way from now on.

 

[FlyinV]

Well one is off to the manufacture in Singapore for a fix -- They said this is a problem they have seen before and know the fix.
I just hope I get the strobe back sometime......

They need a USA service center -- It was $60 to send this in