At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we aim to provide photographers and videographers with tools that offer exceptional flexibility and performance. One of our standout products, the Ultralight TRI-TRAY, is a camera mounting plate designed for unparalleled adaptability. Whether youโre shooting underwater or topside, the TRI-TRAY is your go-to solution for securely mounting cameras, lights, and other accessories.
What Makes the TRI-TRAY Unique?
The Ultralight TRI-TRAY isnโt just a mounting plate; itโs a platform that opens up endless possibilities for creative configurations like our Ultralight sled, the CSK-SLDL. Built with precision and durability, itโs ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who demand versatility and reliability from their gear.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Universal Compatibility
The TRI-TRAY is designed to fit almost any camera system, from compact point-and-shoots like Olympus and Sony to full-frame DSLRs like Nauticam, Sea & Sea, and Aquatica, and even video cameras like GoPro, Insta360, and DJI. Its wide range of mounting options ensures it can adapt to your specific needs.
2. Durable and Lightweight Construction
Crafted from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the TRI-TRAY is both lightweight and incredibly strong. Its Type III hard anodizing provides a corrosion-resistant surface, making it perfect for harsh underwater environments.
3. Multiple Mounting Points
With various mounting holes and slots, the TRI-TRAY allows you to attach accessories like lights, arms, or monitors. This flexibility makes it an essential tool for both underwater photographers and topside cinematographers.
4. Secure Camera Mounting
The TRI-TRAY ensures your camera stays securely in place with its robust design and precise machining. This stability is essential for achieving sharp, professional-quality images and video.
5. Compact and Portable Design
Its streamlined shape makes the TRI-TRAY easy to pack and transport, whether youโre heading to a dive site, a studio, or a remote location.
Ideal Applications
The TRI-TRAY excels in a wide range of scenarios:
Why Choose the Ultralight TRI-TRAY?
The TRI-TRAY isnโt just a product; itโs a solution for photographers and videographers who value reliability, adaptability, and ease of use. Whether youโre an underwater adventurer or a topside storyteller, the TRI-TRAY empowers you to build a rig tailored to your creative vision.
Upgrade Your Setup with the Ultralight TRI-TRAY
Ready to take your gear to the next level? Discover the TRI-TRAY and our full line of camera mounting solutions at Ultralight Camera Solutions. Have questions? Contact Usโour team is here to help you find the perfect setup for your needs!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
The 2024 DEMA Show in Las Vegas was a pivotal event for Ultralight Camera Solutions. It marked our return to DEMA after being away for eight years and our debut under our new name and ownership. With rebranding complete in 2023, we were ready to showcase our products, connect with dealers, and reintroduce ourselves to the diving and photography industries.
Hereโs a streamlined look at our preparation process and key takeaways to help small businesses plan for their own trade show experiences.
Planning and Logistics
Preparation for DEMA began a year in advance with the help of our business mentor, Jennifer Shaheen, owner of Technology Therapy Group. From reserving a prime corner booth in the Image Resource Center to the booth design and layout, set and tear down, travel arrangements, DEMA show requirements, utilities needed, and more, every detail counts and should be mapped out in advance.
Product Showcases
We featured a variety of our kits and gear, including:
Custom display boards showcased products and their applications, while an eye-catching rotating turntable with a large sled and camera rig managed to capture everyone's interest.
Packing, Travel and Accommodations:
Marketing and Outreach
To maximize visibility and engagement, we focused on:
Lessons Learned
Final Thoughts
Our return to DEMA was a success, reestablishing our presence and introducing the rebranded Ultralight Camera Solutions. While costs and logistics were significant, the connections made and visibility gained were well worth it. DEMA 2025 will be in Orlando, FL in November 11-14 and we look forward to having you visit us.
If youโre planning for a trade show and have questions, feel free to Contact Usโweโre happy to share what weโve learned!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we understand the importance of versatile and reliable mounting solutions for professionals in the cinematography industry. Today, weโre excited to highlight two of our newest products: the Ultralight BA-ARRI-3/8 and BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapters. Both are designed with removable locating pins for added flexibility and precision, making them essential tools for any creative setup.
BA-ARRI-3/8 Ball Adapter:
The BA-ARRI-3/8 is a combined version of our redesigned BA-ARRI and discontinued BA-3816C. The BA-ARRI had non-removable locating pins, and the BA-3816C was the exact part without the pins. Both utilized the same 3/8"-16 threaded button head bolt. With the redesign, we can now offer both parts as one, saving on costs, redundancy, and ease of use.
Key Features:
BA-ARRI-1/4 Ball Adapter:
The BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapter offers the same design as the BA-ARRI-3/8 but with the NEW ARRI ยผโ pin spacing. It utilizes a ยผโ-20 threaded button head bolt with pin spacing similar to what SmallHD uses but not the same. The new BA-ARRI-1/4 is so versatile with the use of the removable pin/screws that if used with no pin/screws, it is the same as our discontinued BA-1420C, and if only one of the removable pin/screws is used, it will also fit the SmallHD pin spacing. This compact ball adapter is the perfect addition to your gear bag.
Key Features:
Why Choose Ultralight BA-ARRI Adapters?
The BA-ARRI-3/8 and BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapters are designed with versatility and durability in mind. Whether youโre attaching monitors, lights, or other equipment, both adapters deliver exceptional stability to any studio or location shoots, even in challenging conditions. The removable locating pins make them adaptable for many setups, allowing you to customize your mounting options based on your specific needs. Whether working with ARRI-standard gear or other compatible equipment, these ball adapters provide the reliability and flexibility you need for professional results. Both are made from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with Type III hard anodizing, and the bolt and pin screws are made from 316 Stainless Steel for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
Built to Perform in Any Environment
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Have questions or need help selecting the correct adapter for your setup? Donโt hesitate to Contact Us. At Ultralight Camera Solutions, weโre always here to help you achieve your creative goals. Explore our full product range and find the perfect solutions for your gear. Visit us today at Ultralight Camera Solutions.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we understand how essential it is to keep your valuable equipment secure and easily accessible. That is why, after several years of trying other lanyards with no real success, we decided to make our own, offering them first in black and recently adding blue and yellow to the line-up. Our Ultralight AC-LYC Lanyards are durable and an excellent solution designed to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Designed for Durability and Convenience
The AC-LYC lanyard features a strong carbon steel coiled cable coated in a heavy-duty PVC material, a large snap bolt like you will find on side-slung pony bottles, a large 1 ยฝโ stainless split ring, and a quick disconnect buckle for ease of use. Available in three distinct colors, we offer the AC-LYC (black), AC-LYC-YL (yellow), and the AC-LYC-BL (blue)โthis lanyard not only adds functionality but also a touch of personal style to your gear.
Key Features:
1. Heavy-Duty Carbon Steel Coiled Cable
The core of the AC-LYC lanyard is a carbon steel coiled cable with the HD PVC coating and secured on both ends with a thick aluminum cable crimp. It offers durability and resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for both underwater and topside applications. Not only is it strong, but it is much smaller and compact than the larger stainless steel cables used in many other lanyards on the market today. The main benefit of the coiled cable we use design ensures that it stays compact when not in use while extending to its full length when needed, providing flexibility without tangling.
2. Large Snap Bolt
The large 316 Stainless Steel snap bolt typically used for side-mounted cylinders is easy to operate, even with cold hands or gloves, wet or dry, making it ideal for underwater use. Its secure locking mechanism ensures your equipment stays attached, giving you peace of mind while focusing on your activities.
3. Quick Disconnect for Versatility
The built-in quick disconnect attached to the one-inch webbing allows you to effortlessly unsnap it when needed. This is very useful for keeping cameras, lights, and other dive equipment attached and close to your body.
4. Available in Three Colors
Choose from AC-LYC (black), AC-LYC-YL (yellow), or AC-LYC-BL (blue). The bright color options are great for personalizing your gear and make it easy to spot your equipment, even in low-light conditions.
Why Choose the Ultralight AC-LYC Lanyard?
Don't hesitate to Contact Us for more information or assistance with your purchase. At Ultralight Camera Solutions, weโre always here to help you achieve your creative goals. Explore our full product range and find the perfect solutions for your gear. Visit us today at Ultralight Camera Solutions.
By: Ken Kollwitz
Crystal Blue Resort is an excellent resort for divers, especially photographers, and more on that later. The resort is located in Anilao, Philippines, in Mabini, Batangas. It sits at the base of a hill like most of the resorts in the area and is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the world. From US West Coast cities like Los Angeles or San Fransico, it is a 14-hour non-stop flight to Manila, and from there, it is a 2.5-hour van ride. Thatโs easier than getting to some Caribbean Islands unless you live on the East Coast. The ride down to the resort from the main road is one of the steepest I have been on. Itโs incredible how easy the drivers make it look. Itโs even a challenging road to walk but worth the sightseeing along the way.
The resort has 16 rooms; most have two queens, and a few have one queen plus two larger family rooms. Being built on a hillside, everything has different levels. The main office is at the middle level of the resort. Above it is the two separate family rooms, and above those are eight rooms along with eight more above those. The rooms are all spacious, fully air-conditioned, with queen-size beds, bathrooms, and showers. They have a garden or ocean view, and all have a sitting area outside.
The stairway leading to the rooms is well lit and covered with a vine-type plant, making it a pretty ascent up to your room and back. The main level is also where the vans drop you off and pick you up.
Just across from and below the main office is a circular stairway leading up to a cozy, covered, open-air area with chairs, couches, fans, and awesome views. This area seems always overlooked and is a great place to read a book or relax between dives. Still in the middle of the resort, and just below the office is a walkway leading to the lecture room and the dining area. The lecture room has tables and seats for about 20 people, and this is where you will learn all you can during any photo workshops held throughout the year.
My third favorite area is the open-air dining area, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Not only is the food great with plenty of options, but the ambiance is even better. Thereโs something nice about enjoying the fresh air, spectacular sunsets, and views of Balayan Bay and beyond and talking with the other guests. The staff is all wonderful as well, and I have to congratulate them because they wear many hats and work long hours. They are incredibly courteous and helpful and sometimes seem to know what you want before you know it. Many have been with the resort for years, and about 18 of them live on the property. Something I find unique about the resort is that they have 3 to 4 extensive gardens high up on the hillside above the property. Here, they grow a number of the items the chefs use for cooking, and one of my favorites was the homegrown Mango.
Below the lecture room is my second favorite area, the camera room, because if I am getting my camera ready, I know the best part is about to happen. For photographers, Crystal Blue has one of the best camera rooms you will ever find. Each person gets their own station with lots of room and plenty of electrical outlets to charge all the stuff we bring. The camera room has an environmentally controlled atmosphere making it the perfect place to do camera repairs and setup for diving. The camera room also has a his and hers bathroom, which can be extremely nice after long dives. Once you have everything ready to go, you only need to carry your camera between the camera room and the dive deck below, which is my favorite area. Why the dive equipment area? Because DIVING is next on the agenda.
Like the rest of the resort, the dive equipment area is well laid out and organized, making life easy for everyone. It is also at the bottom of the stairs. As you get to the bottom of the stairs the tank filling area and compressor room are immediately to your left. All scuba cylinders are filled with Nitrox and stored in designated areas for each boat in front of the compressor room. This is where your tanks are set up and kept to make it easy for the crew to load each boat. To the left of the compressor room is the storage cubbies for each person with boxes for your loose gear, and further to the left is the camera rinse and drying area, equipped with low-pressure air nozzles. Directly in front of the stairs are the hanging gear racks for suits and wet stuff that each person is assigned to depending on the boat they will be on, and to the right of the stairs is the gear rinse area and showers.
The staff at Crystal Blue are excellent. They are all friendly and ready to help take care of everything to ensure you have an excellent trip. If you need something carried or have questions, donโt hesitate to ask.
All dives are from dual outrigger-style Banca boats with a maximum of four divers to one guide per boat. Typically, two dives are offered in the morning and two in the afternoon, which will keep you plenty busy, and in your spare time, you can look at all the beautiful pictures you took during the day. October to May/June is the dry season and is regarded as the best dive season in Anilao. The water temperature averages 80-83F with excellent visibility, and topside temperatures run between 80F-95F.
The diving is excellent and varied throughout the area. With Anilao being a Marine Protected Sanctuary and one of the Philippines' best spots for underwater macro photography, it doesnโt get much better. There are world-class dive sites within minutes of the resort. The Anilao area has much to offer and not only the macro photography and muck diving it is known for. It also has some spectacular reefs that are equally good for wide-angle photography. You can also observe schools of various fishes, some hard and soft coral, sponges, and many colorful crinoids.
As a side note, both times I have been at the resort I had some business in Manila to take care of. Itโs a long day but coming back the scenic route is totally worth it. Itโs is much longer but beautiful and a great way to see the real Philippines. Here you get more of an idea of how Filipinos live, work, and play. The drive itself takes you through the town of Tagaytay in Luzon which is located at the top of a mountain that has spectacular views of the countryside and the Taal Volcano surrounded by Taal Lake.
From here the road takes you to the Taal Basilica, which sits at the top of a hill in the town of Taal. It was built in 1575 with coral stones and adobe and is Asiaโs largest church. It looks big from the outside, but you have no idea how big it is until you step through the massive front doors. Inside, it is amazing, from the architecture and the hand-painted decorations to the religious icons.
Afterwards, itโs about a 60-minute drive to the resort, where a cold drink and dinner will be waiting for you. A trip to the Crystal Blue Resort should be on every underwater photographer's list of places to explore.
Since our inception in 1995 as Ultralight Control Systems, we've evolved into Ultralight Camera Solutions while maintaining our unwavering dedication to customers and excellence. Manufacturing top-notch underwater and cinematography camera accessories from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with Type III anodizing and utilizing 316 stainless steel hardware, our products are engineered to endure extreme conditions.
Based in Oxnard, CA, USA, our facility proudly manufactures everything using US-sourced materials and hand assembly, ensuring the highest quality American-made goods. Each product is meticulously hand-packaged, a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, even if it means higher costs compared to lesser alternatives flooding the market.
Our loyal customers attest to the longevity of Ultralight products, some relying on them for over two decadesโa testament to their enduring quality, unlike many budget alternatives.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, we stand by our promise of excellence, addressing any issues with respect and efficiency, as every customer deserves. When seeking top-tier underwater and cinematography camera accessories, consider Ultralight Camera Solutionsโwe strive to earn your trust and respect with every purchase.
Guest blog images and text by Frank Lewis
In the 14 years since DWF (Dive with Frank) first learned to scuba dive Iโve met a lot of great folks in the scuba world. One of the guys near the top of the list is Ken Kollwitz, owner of Ultralight Camera Solutions (ULCS). I met Ken in Southern California my very first year scuba diving and his optimism and great energy is simply contagious and really something I strive for.
ULCS has been around since the 1990s producing camera and lighting solutions, and Ken took over the reins in 2020 (after working with the previous owners for nearly a decade), continuing to innovate and come up with new ways to solve problems for underwater photographers. Their products are used by underwater photographers (as well as above water cinematographers) of all levelsโฆfrom novices to seasoned professionals.
DWF has been using a SeaLife DC2000 Pro Duo setup (camera, enclosure, strobe, video light) for over five years and I have been pretty happy with the setup. Actually, Iโm a big fan. But about a year ago I got my hands on a set of ULCS trays, arms, and clamps; basically a replacement for the tray and light setup for my SeaLife kit.
Before I started using my ULCS kit, I thought of it the same way I thought of the ice maker in my freezer. It's a little lavish and ultimately not necessaryโฆbut now that I have actually used it, itโs MANDATORY for me!
The utility and versatility of the ULCS setup is really head and shoulders above the standard kit I had been using. There are shots that I simply COULD NOT have gotten with my old kit. I took it down to Cozumel and Roatan and was able to get my lights and strobes into positions that just arenโt possible with the standard kit. My lights have a greater range of movement in general and the equipment is tough. I am not worried about the quality of this gear or damaging it.
DWF just got back from a photo workshop in Anilao, Philippines, and during that workshop, I was able to simply swap in a new clamp and longer arm to use my brand-new snoot. I was able to attach the snoot to my camera setup and use it with a minimum of hassle. I wouldnโt have been able to do that with my standard kit from SeaLife. My ULCS system can attach and utilize non-SeaLife strobes, remote strobes, extra video lights at โweirdโ angles and more.
Iโve really only scratched the surface with my current ULCS kit. The only thing that I know for sure is that when I upgrade my camera my ULCS kit is coming with me! Itโs really nice to be able to incrementally upgrade my own kit and get full integration with new equipment.
If youโre looking for a new camera tray, clamps, or arms I really recommend that you give ULCS gear a hard look! You can find ULCS in select dive shops selling photography equipment as well as the ULCS website, Backscatter, and Blue Water Photo. They also have brand ambassadors all over the world, so you donโt need to take my word for it. Iโm just a dude who likes taking photos underwaterโฆand who keeps trying to get better at it!
As an added bonus, this gear is made in America, and they have a rock-solid warranty.
Ultralight Camera Solutions understands the integral role GoPro and action cameras play in our daily lives, no matter our interests or activities. That's why we're committed to simplifying your experience by providing high-quality camera products crafted from American-made materials. Our products are meticulously hand-assembled and packaged at our warehouse in Oxnard, CA.
Our range of products offers versatility, allowing you to enhance your setup without redundant purchases. Whether you need single or double-handle trays like the TR-GP, TR-GPD, or TR-GPDXL (pictured below) or our latest innovation, the TR-GPDW wing tray, also pictured below. Unlike our other trays, the TR-GPDW boasts a unique design that positions the camera upfront, providing ample space for stable underwater shotsโa perfect match for GoPro flip filters.
In addition to trays, we offer convenient accessories like the AD-HS-GP hotshoe mount that seamlessly attaches to your camera's coldshoe mount, and the AD-GO ball mount adapter, easily clampable for seamless integration with your equipment.
Take your filming to new heights with our GoPro/action camera kits. Our popular GPK-LWT wing tray kit and GPK-PTGLC handheld unit ensure smooth maneuverability on the go. For those seeking innovation, our GPK-SMCGO kit featuring a Cardellini clamp opens up endless possibilities. This versatile clamp, widely used in the cinema industry, grips securely onto objects up to 1 ยฝโ in size, effortlessly adapting to your needs. We have added a ball mount, clamp, and AD-GO adapter to it, creating one extraordinary kit.
I've even utilized the GPK-SMCGO for capturing close-up footage of birds in action!
For enhanced filming stability on land or sea, explore our selection of compact tripod kits, such as the TPK-MGP-06 or TPK-SGP-03. The MGP-06 features 6" long legs, while the SGP-03 uses 3" legs. Both are swiftly foldable and conveniently portable, fitting snugly into any backpack. Equipped with an action camera tripod mount, they offer versatility and ease of use.
At Ultralight, we champion creativity and personalization, empowering you to design solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Do you need guidance or have a unique vision in mind? Feel free to reach out and contact us. Elevate your GoPro experience with Ultralight's premium mounts and trays, all proudly manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the USA with materials sourced domestically, backed by a lifetime warranty.
I have been shooting underwater pictures for at least 20 years now and I own a company, Ultralight Camera Solutions that makes underwater camera accessories but that doesnโt mean I know what I am doing when it comes to underwater photography. I have taken some classes and workshops for underwater photography throughout the years and learned a few things about getting close, shooting upwards, and trying to get good composition of the subject and foreground. Even with this, I still struggle at times with my ability to get better. To top it off, in 2023, I upgraded my camera, housing, and strobes because they were old and outdated years ago. The problem is that this sure didnโt help any. It only made things harder and set me back a few notches.
The last workshop I did was with my Nikonos V, and if you know what that was, you know it was a long time ago. Fast forward to modern times, specifically to 2023, when I updated all my camera equipment. Sometimes, it works to start anew, and sometimes, it does not. For me, there was a learning curve, but I still had camera setting and strobe lighting issues that plagued me up till I participated in my first real photo workshop, Critterhunt, at the Crystal Blue Resort in Anilao, Philippines. This was a 10-day workshop held every May and totally worth it. This year, it was May 20-30, 2024, followed by a Blackwater workshop from May 30 -June 7.ย Next yearโs Critterhunt will be May 18-28, 2025.
Both were a big success not only for me but the other attendees as well. I have to say Mike Bartick, Bruce Shafer, and Walter Marti did an EXCELLENT job. The workshops were so much more compressive than I ever thought they would be, and I wasn't the only person to think this. From the lectures, photo reviews, diving, eating, and keeping my camera ready for the next dive, it seemed like I was busy from dusk to dawn, but it was all WORTH it. Now I feel confident I am on the path to recovery.
There were fifteen of us for Critterhunt and ten for the Blackwater workshop. Twelve of the participants were in a group organized by Channel Islands Dive Adventures, and the others arrived individually.ย Ultralight Camera Solutions sponsored the event and supplied some GREAT swag bags and gift certificates. Ultralight also provided some camera accessories to try out, along with T-sticks and cutout clamps, which were very popular. The other side benefit for Ultralight was the suggestions and ideas for new and existing products we now have. Some of our best new selling products are from other peopleโs suggestions and ideas, which we are always happy to hear.
The workshop was organized in what I would call three main parts: diving, photo review, and editing. Mike Bartick did an hour of compressive and super helpful photo reviews in the morning, followed by two dives, one hour of detailed Lightroom editing by Bruce Shafer, and topped off with 1-2 more dives. We did this for eight days. It was a super busy schedule, and I went away with a much better foundation for underwater photography than ever before.
There were people with simple point-and-shoot cameras such as Sealife and Olympus TG series to mirrorless and DSLR rigs. For some, they went from not knowing much about their cameras to leaving with BIG smiles because of all they learned. Others had a good review with some positive reinforcement, and for me, I was somewhere in between going home with some excellent skills for me to continue with.
Mike spent plenty of time on each photo we submitted. He provided excellent information on the behavior of each critter, what he liked about each image, and how to photograph it better next time. The next day, the process would repeat all over again.
Bruce is exceptionally at using Lightroom for editing. He was there to share what he thought were the main parts of it that you would need to edit, store, and organize your images. Unfortunately, I have never used Lightroom, so I only sat in on the first lecture and did my own editing using the free windows 11 program. I did take away a few things, and the biggest one was not only that I should shoot in RAW but also why and the advantages of doing so.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, join the fun next year. Critterhunt will be May 18-28, 2025. Channel Islands Dive Adventures has eight rooms reserved, and Ultralight Camera Solutions will again sponsor the event. Read more about the Crystal Blue Resort in my next upcoming blog.
We've fielded inquiries about why we don't produce aluminum tripod mounts for GoPro or action camera housings. Much of this query boils down to a key factor: aluminum isn't designed for repetitive bending, as it can lead to cracking or breakage. A simple example is an aluminum can pull lid; if you bend it back and forth as it's designed, it will eventually break.
While other manufacturers offer aluminum tripod mounts, reports of some breaking for the above reasons underscore the challenges with this material.
Here are some differences between plastic and aluminum mounts:
For Ultralight Camera Solutions, manufacturing tripod mounts from aluminum could align with our commitment to quality and could offer a more durable and cost-effective option. Additionally, aluminum mounts could be available in various colors to suit individual preferences. However, the risk of breakage due to the material's limitations remains a concern, which may outweigh the potential benefits.
Ultralight Camera Solutions stands as a premier provider of top-notch underwater photography equipment, serving professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our products are proudly made, assembled, and packaged in the US using domestic materials, backed by a lifetime warranty.
