RAM Mounts

[Hector1959]

Hi,
I am new to UW Photography. After "playing" with an action camera for a few months I stepped up to a CANON G7X + Fantasea Housing. So far I have made 5 or 6 dives using its internal flash. In my learning curve, before going for strobes, my next step it's buying a tray and arms to shoot with my video lights ( 1000 & 450 lumens).
My question:
Is there any experience using 1" ball Ram mounts (composite or aluminium) to set up a photo rig?
Regards

Hector

 

[KeithG]

You will want a ball system that has orings. The reason for an oring is described here:

Welcome to Ultralight Control Systems!

 

[Hector1959]

Thanks for your reply.
I understand the suggestion, but RAM balls being all rubber (not just rubber o-rings) I think they would have enough friction. My main concern it' s first, if they can stand to seawater, and second, if they are easilly adjustable underwater.
regards

 

[KeithG]

Thanks for your reply.
I understand the suggestion, but RAM balls being all rubber (not just rubber o-rings) I think they would have enough friction. My main concern it' s first, if they can stand to seawater, and second, if they are easilly adjustable underwater.
regards

I did not realize the ball was rubber. I would be concerned, but have no facts...
- is the ball "hard enough" to provide a stable clamping surface?
- how long will the ball last?

Ball orings break down and need to be changed. I have not seen a definite rule of thumb, but around 5 or 6 years is what I have experienced.

 

[StefinSB]

I did not realize the ball was rubber. I would be concerned, but have no facts...
- is the ball "hard enough" to provide a stable clamping surface?
- how long will the ball last?

Ball orings break down and need to be changed. I have not seen a definite rule of thumb, but around 5 or 6 years is what I have experienced.

Never used a ram mount underwater but use them to mount a gps on my motorcycle for the last 5 years. So, yes they provide a stable connection. They lasted 15 years so far ......

 

[CuzzA]

I have a Ram Mount arm that has been holding my backup 10" tablet plotter on my boat for several years. Rock solid in any seas I've put them through. I wouldn't be worried.

 

[Hector1959]

I asked RAM Mounts themselves and their answer was:

Thank you for reaching out. All of our parts are made from marine grade aluminum or a high strength composite. They could definitely be used for an underwater application. I would just recommend avoiding any suction cup or adhesive mount but a clamp mount of drill down would be an excellent choice.
---
I ask them a new question:
.......I note that both marine grade aluminum or composite are resistant to seawater, but what about springs, nuts and bolts that might be present in these mounts?

Their reply was:

... our hardware is always made from high-grade materials. Usually, stainless steel and often zinc coated. They will most likely wear out at least a little faster than usual being used under water but everything is under a life time warranty and will be replaced if they stop working correctly for any reason.