Guest blog images and text by Frank Lewis
In the 14 years since DWF (Dive with Frank) first learned to scuba dive I’ve 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 levels…from 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, I’m 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 necessary…but now that I have actually used it, it’s 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 aren’t 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 wouldn’t 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 “weird” angles and more.
I’ve 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! It’s really nice to be able to incrementally upgrade my own kit and get full integration with new equipment.
If you’re 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 don’t need to take my word for it. I’m just a dude who likes taking photos underwater…and 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 shots—a 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 ½” 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 doesn’t 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 didn’t 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. Next year’s 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. 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 people’s 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.
Spread the love! We're not stuck in the 1960s anymore, where love was abundant but often unspoken. Leap ahead several decades to a time when many of us explore the depths, capturing the beauty beneath the waves with underwater cameras, smartphones, strobes, lights, action cameras, GoPros, and more. Just as plants flourish with water, our camera setups grow, evolving into elaborate configurations with multiple lights, strobes, perhaps a smartphone or action camera, and often dive computers. While there's nothing wrong with this progression, it's essential not to overlook the unsung heroes behind these setups: the accessories.
So, what does spreading love have to do with all this? A whole lot! When most people share their underwater pictures on social media, they're quick to mention or hashtag the gear they used: camera models, housings, lights, and more. Yet, one crucial element often remains unsung. The below is a good example and one of MANY. To share the love, even more, hashtags for all the manufacturers would be nice.
None of the equipment mentioned could produce stunning images without the essential accessories that hold it all together, allowing us to easily maneuver and adjust when needed Here's a challenge: next time you're diving, try using all your gear without any accessories and see how hard it all becomes. It's best to secure everything with lanyards first to prevent some costly equipment from taking a plunge to the ocean floor.
Many overlook the significance of accessories in achieving that perfect shot or video. While Ultralight Camera Solutions specializes in manufacturing camera accessories, their importance should never be underestimated. So, the next time you share your images or videos, please spread your appreciation and mention the companies behind your camera accessories. I assure you, they'll be grateful for the recognition!
Ultralight Camera Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality underwater photography equipment catering to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our products are all manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the US with US materials and have a lifetime warranty. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Ultralight continues to push the boundaries of underwater imaging technology.
Introducing our latest innovation, the Ultralight Camera Solutions (ULCS) SB-04 single ball arm. Have you ever created something with a specific purpose only to discover its potential for so much more? That's the story behind our SB-04. Initially designed to accompany long double cutout clamps like our AC-CSLSK2 or AC-CSLXLSK2, for an easy solution to mount two large buoyancy floats side by side above the camera.
The SB-04 is a compact 4-inch single ball arm with a sturdy ¼-inch thick flat base featuring a ¼-inch through hole. It's a modified version of our AD-SSL strobe adapter, tailored at the flat YS style end. During testing, we stumbled upon its versatility, realizing it could serve multiple functions and be mounted in various ways, providing users with more options.
Beyond its original purpose, it can be securely bolted to a flat tray or bracket, offering users a robust ball mount that extends further outward compared to most add-on ball adapters. Another pleasant surprise was its compatibility when bolted between the ball and handle of our TR-DHB handle or combined with our AC-H1/4 handle using the BA-HB ball adapter. This setup gives users an ideal spot to firmly attach something extra to their camera rig.
Previously, achieving similar setups would require an AC-TCS triple clamp, DB-03 short arm, and AC-CSF clamp. However, the SB-04 is a solid mount that streamlines the process, enhances user-friendliness, reduces the number of parts needed, and ultimately lowers the overall cost. To explore our full range of products including the SB-04, visit our website at ULCS.
Ultralight Camera Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality underwater photography equipment, catering to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our products are all manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the US with US materials and have a lifetime warranty. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, ULCS continues to push the boundaries of underwater imaging technology.
Naturally, the better something is taken care of the longer it will last. Even though Ultralight products are virtually indestructible, treating them with respect will keep them in good working order. After every dive, the best thing to do is thoroughly rinse everything in freshwater. If this is not possible, keep the equipment wet by placing a wet towel over it and refrain from drying it. You don’t want saltwater drying on your gear, forming salt crystals that can cut and scratch O-rings, especially those you cannot service yourself. You can wash your Ultralight gear in hot, soapy water to remove the grit and grime that builds up once you get home.
Most of the inquiries we get about maintenance are about how to clean the fuzzy salt build-up on parts such as clamps. To start, if possible, take as much of the part apart as you can by removing all stainless steel nuts, bolts, and screws. Once apart, soak everything in a 50/50 water and vinegar solution for 15-20 minutes. Use a soft bristle brush like a toothbrush to clean the parts. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the T-knobs on the clamps. Sometimes, it is necessary to repeat the process till everything is cleaned. When done, dry and put back together. For the clamps, add a small dab of silicone grease to the threads at the end of the bolt where the T-knob will be screwed on. Once finished, they will be ready for your next trip.
Whenever you have two dissimilar metals in contact, you will have electrolysis. This is what happens in the case of aluminum and stainless steel. The aluminum becomes oxidized, and the nuts and bolts tend to freeze, making it difficult or impossible to remove them. Sometimes wrapping the threads of screws and bolts with Teflon plumber’s tape (found at your local hardware store), reduces electrolysis and removal of the screws, nuts, and bolts is much easier. If you are looking at the thread end, make a couple of turns with the Teflon tape in a clockwise direction while stretching it slightly.
The O-rings in the balls of the adapters will last one to two years if not left out in the hot sun all the time. They will crack, but this will not affect the clamp's clamping ability. They should be changed when they are cracked, hardened, or the arms do not seem to be holding as well as when new. It is easy to forget about the O-rings, so we recommend replacing them every two years.
They can be difficult to remove and are best removed without sharp objects. The best way is to squeeze with thumb and forefinger, pushing together while simultaneously trying to move it to the side. This should give you a small amount of the O-ring to roll over the ball. To install the O-ring, stretch it over the ball and into the groove.
The ball O-rings are Buna, Size 2-209N70, and the O-rings for the base adapters are Buna, size 2-113N50. If you need replacements, we offer packages of 12 and 25 that can be ordered directly from us.
Ultralight Camera Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality underwater photography equipment, catering to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our products are all manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the US with US materials. They have a lifetime warranty, and we offer replacement hardware for any of the products we manufacture.
Throughout the years, Ultralight Control Systems has undergone significant transformations, all aimed at enhancing our position as a distinctive business offering camera accessories to both the underwater and cinema industries. What sets us apart is our commitment to manufacturing all our products in the USA, using US materials, and hand assembling and packaging them at our warehouse in Oxnard, CA.
Our journey began with our very first underwater dealer, Backscatter Video & Photo from Monterey, CA, who joined us in mid-1994 and remains our largest dealer to this day. Another key player in our story is Bluewater Photo from Culver City, CA, who joined our family in late 2010. Both have contributed valuable ideas for new products that have been incredibly successful.
Over time, more underwater dealers joined our network, including Reef Photo and Force-E from Florida, Splash Underwater Imaging, and Squires from Manila, among others. Our international reach expanded with dealers like Fisheye Photo from Japan, Cathy Church from Grand Cayman, and Digital Dive from Germany.
The cinema industry became a significant focus for us around the early 2000s, with Filmtools from Burbank, CA, joining us in late 2014 as our first cinema industry dealer. Manios Cine Tools from Greece and other notable dealers, such as the DV Shop from Toronto, Canada, and TSF Cineboutique from France, followed suit.
While the landscape changed with events like the Covid pandemic and the Actors and Writers strike in 2023, Ultralight Camera Solutions, formerly Ultralight Control Systems, has remained resilient and adaptable. Under new ownership since March 2020, we rebranded in May 2023, continuing our legacy with a bright future ahead of us.
We've weathered these challenges by making strategic adjustments, discontinuing some products, redesigning others, and introducing innovative solutions. Our commitment to offering products in various colors reflects our dedication to individualism and ease of identification for camera setups.
If you're a big or small dealer who resonates with our values and vision, we invite you to join our expanding dealer network. Contact us, and let's embark on this journey together toward continued success.
It's safe to say we're all unique in our own ways, and that's what makes life interesting, right? Having choices is key to enjoying what we do, whether it's in diving or any other aspect of life. I mean, imagine if we were all just clones of each other—boring, right?
Speaking of diving, there's a whole spectrum of options out there, especially when it comes to gear. From outerwear like dive skins and wetsuits to innerwear and thermal protection gear, the choices are colorful and diverse. And let's not forget about equipment like buoyancy compensators, masks, and snorkels. Each offers its style and flair, allowing us to express our individuality even underwater.
However, one area where I've noticed a lack of color options is camera equipment and accessories. Sure, there are a few choices, but black seems to dominate the scene. As someone who's been diving for over thirty years and now owns Ultralight Camera Solutions, formerly known as Ultralight Control Systems, I've seen firsthand why some people shy away from too many options.
As consumers, we're all about having options, right? We want manufacturers to give us what we want, even if it means paying extra for those customized choices. But from a manufacturing standpoint, offering a plethora of options can be a logistical challenge. It means more parts, more inventory, and more complexity, which not all dealers are keen on dealing with.
Since taking over Ultralight, we've expanded our product line to include over 250 parts, with a significant chunk of that growth coming from our colored camera accessories. But with more options comes more responsibility—more inventory to manage and more headaches for our dealers and sometimes for us as well but it's worth it.
There's a whole process involved when it comes to coloring aluminum parts. For black, we use Type III hard anodizing, which provides durability in any environment. But for colored parts, we have to go with Type II anodizing, which isn't as tough as Type III and can wear or scratch more quickly depending on use.
Despite the challenges, we're proud to offer a range of colored accessories, from ball adaptors to knobs, allowing divers and filmmakers to add some personality to their gear. And hey, why not accessorize when you can, especially with a company like Ultralight that's committed to quality and innovation?
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we're all about pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging technology. We provide high-quality equipment made right here in the US with a lifetime warranty. So go ahead, dive in, and capture those memories in full color.
It's interesting how things unfold over time. Ultralight kickstarted its journey in 1994, manufacturing camera accessories specifically tailored for underwater photographers. In the early days, our focus revolved around creating arms, clamps, strobe adapters, trays, and base adapters compatible with camera and housings from Nikonos, Subal, Nauticam, and Aquatica. While the product lineup has evolved, one thing has stood the test of time, our arms and clamps.
In fact, Ultralight pioneered the design of the arms and clamps that remain integral to our offerings today. A glance at other manufacturers reveals the imitation of our tried-and-true clamps, T-knobs, and arms. Rather than being irked by this, I see it as a compliment. After all, they wouldn't replicate our products if they weren't reliable and effective amidst changes in camera housings, strobes, lights, and other equipment.
Our products boast longevity and resilience in diverse environments. Early on, cinema camera assistants discovered the versatility of our products. Using our AD-1420 or AD-3816 paired with AC-CSF clamps, DB-05 arms, and a monitor mount like our AC-MB allows for superior camera monitor angles compared to alternatives. Interestingly, these parts were initially sourced from our underwater dealers.
These products have become staples for Ultralight, enduring replication by others. We were also trailblazers in introducing O-rings around the center of each ball end. Fast forward to 2010, we innovated further with the AC-CSF clamp featuring a cutout, now known as the AC-CSSK. Dubbed the Sues knuckle, this, along with the triple clamp AC-TCSJK or Jacks Knuckle, was a collaboration with Jack and Sue Drafahl, original owners of Ultralight.
These clamps played a pivotal role in Ultralight's push into the cinema industry while continuing to benefit the underwater industry. The cutout clamps, along with the double cutout clamps we now offer, allowed unprecedented arm positioning, a novelty introduced by Ultralight.
A serendipitous moment occurred with the double cutout clamps. A mistake led to the creation of these clamps such as the AC-CSSK2, initially sitting in a bag until brought to attention in a camera assistant Facebook group. The positive response paved the way for their addition to the Ultralight lineup, and they've since become a success among underwater photographers. Even these double cutout clamps are now imitated by other manufacturers, turning my unintentional mistake into a valuable contribution.
This blog has been an enjoyable journey, delving into past data, recalling memories, and narrating the story of Ultralight—a story that deserves to be told. We've been at the forefront of many firsts, and our commitment to innovation ensures we're not stopping anytime soon. Like our products, we aim to endure and leave a lasting legacy!
Ultralight Camera Solutions is a leading provider of high-quality underwater photography equipment catering to professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our products are all manufactured, assembled, and packaged in the US with US materials and have a lifetime warranty. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Ultralight continues to push the boundaries of underwater imaging technology.
