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 Ultralightโa 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.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions (ULCS), we pride ourselves on innovation, and our camera sled kits and accessories are a testament to that. These kits have gained international acclaim among professional underwater photographers and cinematographers, and for good reason.
Our CSK-SLDL and CSK-SLDM sled kits are designed to revolutionize underwater photography, offering unparalleled functionality and compatibility with all camera models. Central to these kits is our user-friendly TRI-TRAY, which ensures stability for your camera by using two side rails and four adjustable heavy-duty brackets. What sets our sled kits apart is their versatility both underwater and on land. Photographers can confidently place their sled-mounted camera on any flat surface without worry. The sled is extremely stable and sits high enough off the bottom to protect the largest of dome ports.
Adding to the functionality is our updated TR-MBK monitor kit, which includes the TR-MB rear mounting bracket, AD-1420 ball adapter, and AC-TKB special knob. This kit bolts to the bottom of the TRI-TRAY and allows for easy adjustment of monitors, providing endless possibilities when paired with our longer double cutout clamp like the AC-CSLSK2 or the AC-CSLXLSK2.
To complement our sled kits, we now offer two new accessory kits. The first is a camera sled sliding weight system, designed to perfectly balance the sled with stainless-steel weights and T-nuts that fit seamlessly into the side rails. This system enhances the user experience and ensures stunning underwater shots. The other new accessory kit is the SB-04-BCK, a small single-ball arm customized to work with our long double cutout clamps. It enables users to mount two large buoyancy floats above the camera.
To add to all the excitement we also have just added our CSK-WS camera sled kit . The weight kit includes all hardware and 1 lb. of stainless steel weightsย that can be made to slide back and forth in 3/8" the rail slots with the use of a special t-nut or the weights can be bolted almost anywhere the user requires. Extra weights and the t-nuts are available.
Our team is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations, and the positive feedback from our Brand Ambassadors and customers reaffirms our commitment to innovation and quality.
Look at the bottom of this page for a closer look at our ULCS Underwater Camera Sled Tray Kits and how others have used them in action. Also, for more detailed information, watch our YouTube video here. To learn more about ULCS and explore our full range of products, visit our website at ulcs.com.
Ultralight Camera Solutions leads the way in providing high-quality underwater photography equipment, manufactured with care in the US using US materials and backed by a lifetime warranty. With a dedication to innovation and excellence, ULCS continues to push the boundaries of underwater imaging technology.
When it comes to selecting clamps designed for underwater cameras, cinema monitors, or other equipment, the main question that we always get here at Ultralight Camera Solutions is: coarse or fine threads? For the longest time, Ultralight exclusively produced coarse-threaded clamps, a tradition that endures today, except for our AC-CSF28 clamps. The AC-CSF28 clamps were suggested by our largest dealer several years ago and have since become our best-selling clamp.
In an initial comparison between coarse and fine-threaded clamps, the primary difference lies in their knobs and the screws used for the bottom clamp half. Coarse-threaded clamps utilize a ยผโ-20 Phillips pan machine screw, while finer-threaded ones use a ยผโ-28 Phillips flat machine screw. The top clamp half with the through hole remains identical.
Coarse threads:
โข Feature a larger pitch, resulting in fewer threads per inch, similar to the ยผโ-20 machine screw.
โข Are less susceptible to galling but require more threading area.
โข Have fewer chances of cross-threading.
โข Can endure more thread abuse before malfunctioning.
โข Begin threading more easily into objects.
Fine threads:
โข Have a smaller pitch, yielding more threads per inch, like the ยผโ-28 machine screw.
โข Are more prone to galling.
โข Demand a longer threading area.
โข Can sustain thread damage more easily.
โข Allow for more precise adjustments.
โข Are stronger than a similar bolt with coarse threads.
There are further considerations for larger bolts or machine screws, but they mostly concern manufacturers other than Ultralight.
The ultimate question remains: which is better, the fine-threaded AC-CSF28 clamp or the coarse-threaded AC-CSF clamp? Much of this decision comes down to personal preferences. While the AC-CSF28 clamp with finer threads provides greater precision when tightening the knob, does it make a significant difference? If everything is new and in perfect condition, it probably does. However, if the clamps haven't been cleaned and serviced regularly, will they still perform the same? Perhaps, or perhaps not. Personally, I admit that I don't maintain my equipment as diligently as I should, but I know others who are meticulous about it.
For me, the choice between the two clamps isn't so much about which one is better but rather which one suits my needs best. Here's how I believe the decision between coarse and fine-threaded clamps should be approached:
Coarse-threaded versus fine-threaded:
โข Consider your equipment maintenance habits.
โข Evaluate whether a finer adjustment justifies the higher cost of a fine-threaded clamp.
โข Explore options for customizing the knob color. Both the AC-CSF and AC-CSF28 clamps are available in black, green, blue, and red, but the coarse-threaded AC-CSF also offers knobs in purple, pink, and yellow. โข Assess the importance of uniformity if you require other clamp styles, such as longer ones or those with cutouts. The AC-CSF28 is the only clamp we manufacture with a fine-threaded bolt; all our other clamps feature coarse threads.
โข Confirm the availability of repair and service parts; Ultralight offers them for all clamps.
If you still have questions after considering the above points, please don't hesitate to Contact Us at Ultralight. We are always eager to assist you!
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of cinema arm kits specifically designed for Cinema photography. Our kits encompass three categories tailored to cinema gear and six categories dedicated to underwater equipment. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the second cinema category: Cinema Arm Kits
Of the cinema arm kits, we have twenty-five different ones. Why so many kits? Excellent question! We have such an abundance of products that for some it's difficult to visualize the parts needed for their particular setup. Offering all the kits helps our customers make the best decision for their needs through some of our gopro mounting solutions.
The kits come in various sizes, configurations, and mounting options. All the kits start with the AD-1420-2S with a 1/4"-20 threaded insert and use our AC-CSF clamps. From there, we have many options using a single DB-03, DB-05, DB-06, and DB-08 arm, to others with dual DB-05s or DB-08 arms as a gopro mounting solution.
Starting with the Ultralight CAK-01. This kit is the smallest and only includes two 1/4" ball mounts and one clamp. Shown below.
We have four kits using the smaller Ultralight DB-03 arm. The first is a CAK-S14-03 which comes with an AD-1420-2S whereas the CAK-S38-03 comes with an AD-3816-2S ball mount. Both are shown below.
The other two kits using the smaller DB-03 arm are, the CAK-SHD-03 using a SmallHD monitor mount and the other is the CAK-SMB-03 which comes with a universal monitor mount. Both are shown below.
For the single-arm kits using the DB-05, we have the same configuration as the kits above. They are the CAK-S14-05, CAK-S38-05, CAK-SHD-05, and the CAK-SMB-05. All are shown below.
For the single-arm kits using the DB-06, we have the same configuration as the kits above. They are the CAK-S14-06, CAK-S38-06, CAK-SHD-06, and the CAK-SMB-06. All are shown below.
For the single-arm kits using the DB-08, we have the same configuration as the kits above. They are the CAK-S14-08, CAK-S38-08, CAK-SHD-08, and the CAK-SMB-08. All are shown below.
For the double-arm kits using the DB-05, we have the same configuration as the kits above, except for one extra arm and clamp. They are the CAK-D14-05, CAK-D38-05, CAK-DHD-05, and the CAK-DMB-05. All are shown below.
For the double-arm kits using the DB-08, we have the same configuration as the kits above, except for one extra arm and clamp. They are the CAK-D14-08, CAK-D38-08, CAK-DHD-08, and the CAK-DMB-08. All are shown below.
With these diverse options, you can easily find the perfect kit that suits your specific camera and monitor setup. So, go ahead and explore our cinema arm kits โ we're sure you'll find just what you need! If you don't find what you need, please Contact Us. We are always here to help!
Cinema Arm Kits:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of Cardellini clamp kits specifically designed for Underwater and Cinema photography. Our kits encompass three categories tailored to cinema gear and six categories dedicated to underwater equipment. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the first cinema category: Cardellini Clamp Arm kits
The Cardellini Clamp Arm kits come in various configurations depending on what equipment you have and what the use will be. The beauty of the Cardellini clamps is that they are incredibly versatile! They can mount to almost anything, whether it's round, square, or irregularly shaped, as long as it's not larger than 1 ยฝ", this even includes GoPros. So, you can rely on these clamps to hold your gear securely in various situations. Below are some of the ways to use a Cardellini clamp.
The Cardellini clamps are made of stainless steel and cast aluminum and will work in any environment. Their jaws have vulcanized rubber and will not scratch whatever they are attached to making them the perfect go-to piece of equipment everyone should have in their GoPro kit or cinema kit. Below are three of the four different ones we carry at Ultralight Camera Solutions.
We carry nine different Cardellini clamp arm kits, four are smaller kits that do not include arms, four have arms included as part of the kit, and one is our special large Cardellini Tripod. Of the smaller kits, two are set up for GoPro's like the CCK-SMCGO and the CCK-MMCGO, both pictured below as GoPro mounting kits.
The other two small kits are the CCK-MMC14 and the CCK-SMCMB shown below. Both of these kits are for use with different monitors.
The next ones shown below are single-arm configurations using the DB-05 arm and AC-CSF clamps. The first, CCK-MMCMB-S5 comes with an AC-MB monitor mount and the second is the CCK-MMC14-S5 which uses an AD-1420 ball mount.
The last two kit configurations both use two DB-05 arms and three AC-CSF clamps. The CCK-MMC14-D5 as shown below comes with an AD-1420-2S ball mount and the CCK-MMC38-D5 (not shown) comes with an AD-3816-2S.
Last but not least is our special CCK-TRIPOD. The beauty of the design lies in the TRI-LEG's that are adjustable and the CARD-SMMC Cardellini clamps. Because of this, you can change the angle or position in minutes. We attached it to the back of a motorcycle in a matter of minutes for some awesome road video footage. Talk about a cool setup!
It might not be for everyone, but if you're facing a challenge finding the perfect mounting solution for your GoPro, this could be the answer. And trust me, it held up beautifully during our ride through the back hills โ no issues at all as a GoPro mount.
If you don't find what you need, please Contact Us. We are always here to help!
Cinema Cardellini Clamp Kits:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of tripod kits specifically designed for Underwater and Cinema photography. Our kits encompass six categories tailored to underwater equipment and three categories dedicated to cinema gear. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the fifth underwater category: Underwater Tripod kits.
In this fifth installment of our Underwater Kit series, we are thrilled to showcase our diverse array of underwater tripod kits. These kits have been meticulously designed not only for exceptional performance underwater but also to deliver outstanding results above the waterline with all types of cameras, including GoPros.
Our range spans from compact setups like the TPK-SGP-03 featuring smaller DB-03 arms and a GoPro mount, similar to the picture below but without the tray and handle. The next size up is our TPK-MGP-06 (not shown) using DB-06 arms with GoPro tripod mounted to the TPK-MBA-06 (not shown) with the DB-06 arms and an AD-1420 ball mount, perfect for securely mounting a light.
The more substantial TRI-THC pan & tilt tripod head are complemented by the DB-09 arms making up the TPK-LPT-09 shown below. This larger kit is ideal for as a GoPro tripod mount, or for handling a variety of cameras, housings, and lights.
One new impressive kit we offer, the TPK-LMU-06 uses our super versatile TRI-TRAY designed to fit almost any camera, still, or video out on the market. Along with the special BA-MT angled ball mounts, clamps, and our DB-06 arms as legs, this tripod will do it all and is a one-of-a-kind setup making it not only unique but extremely functional.
No matter your equipment preferences, our kits are built to be versatile and compatible with numerous camera setups and accessories. From professional cameras to action-packed GoPros, we have the perfect solution to suit your needs.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of kits that cater to diverse underwater and cinema shooting requirements. So whether you're capturing breathtaking underwater scenes or engaging in above-water cinematography, our kits will deliver exceptional performance and reliability. If you don't find what you need, please Contact Us. We are always here to help!
Underwater Tripod Kit Links:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of GoPro and action camera video kits specifically designed for Underwater and Cinema photography. Our kits encompass six categories tailored to underwater equipment and three categories dedicated to cinema gear. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the fourth underwater category: Underwater GoPro and video kits.
Previously, we only offered one pistol grip mount for GoPros which is now the GPK-PTGSC (not shown). We have now expanded on that with an upgraded and more versatile solution. Our new GoPro handheld design, the GPK-PTGLC, shown below features a small tray and clamp, allowing everything to be above your hand for better stability and ease of use. With a compatible camera pole mount as shown below, you can mount the handheld setup to an extendable painter-type pole to extend the tray and position your GoPro for underwater use, perfect for boat inspections or capturing footage without getting yourself wet. Moreover, the GoPro's flip-screen function works well for this allowing a clear view of your surroundings while the GoPro is underwater and you are on the dock with your GoPro underwater mount & GoPro handle.
We also offer our GPK-ST single-handle and GPK-LT double-handle kits that utilize the TR-GP and TR-GPDXL trays and TR-DHB handles making them excellent single or double-handle tray kits. However, for those looking to expand their possibilities, we recommend our Wing Tray System, the GPK-LWT which comes with our TR-DHB handles and not the AC-H handles as shown below. This setup uses the TR-GPDW tray and pushes the camera forward, providing easy access to flip filters without any obstructions for your GoPro water mount & GoPro handle.
The Wing Tray System accommodates various cameras, including those with 1/4"-20 threaded holes, such as the small SeaLife video camera. This gives you flexibility and opens up endless shooting opportunities. Whether you have a GoPro or a different video camera, the Wing Tray System will prove to be an excellent addition to your kit. It is also possible to make the wing tray kit into a tripod setup if needed as shown above as a GoPro water mount.
Last but not least our new special kit using a Cardellini clamp is the CCK-SMCGO. Cardellini clamps have been used for a long time in the Cinema industry and are very rarely seen, if at all in underwater photography applications. What makes the Cardellini clamp so special is the ease of use it has and it is easy to mount to any material 1 1/2" thick or less. Made out of stainless and cast aluminum it holds up to the environment and could easily be used instead of having someone hold a light in place for a specialized photoshoot. We are sure our new kit using this clamp will be a game changer once they catch on to the diving public.
In conclusion, our underwater GoPro photography & Video kits are not only perfect for underwater adventures but can also be a versatile tool in a work environment. So, whether you are capturing incredible marine footage or conducting inspections, our camera solutions have got you covered. Happy videoing, and have a fantastic day!
Underwater GoPro Tray Links:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a unique large tripod that uses cardellini clamps selection so it can be mounted to anything for filming with an action camera. Our kits encompass three categories tailored to cinema gear and six categories dedicated to underwater equipment. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the second cinema category: Large Cardellini Tripod, our new cinema camera support system!
Today, we're going to dive into something pretty awesome โ our new tripod the CCK-TRIPOD, and the secret to it are the adjustable legs and Cardellini clamps. Let me tell you, it's really cool!
Here's the story behind it: I had a friend drop by with his motorcycle one day, and we got tinkering to see how we could fit GoPros securely on it for some filming. While doing that he had an idea to have the GoPro extend out to the side. This way you could get some really cool videos. With his help, we came up with this the PERFECT solution. The main parts that make up the tripod are a GoPro mount, tripod clamp, three adjustable legs, three Cardellini clamps, and a number of our special cutout clamps and other parts. This cinema camera support system is super easy to set up and will fit most anything you can mount it to, as its one of the most versitile professional support systems out there on the market currently. Youโll need to think outside the box for this one!
The beauty of the design lies in the TRI-LEG's that are adjustable and the CARD-SMMC Cardellini clamps. Because of this, you can change the angle or position in minutes with your cinema camera support system from Ultralight Camera Solutions. Talk about a speedy setup!
It might not be for everyone, but if you're facing a challenge finding the perfect mounting solution for your GoPro, this could be the answer. And trust me, these professional support systems held up beautifully during our ride through the back hills โ no issues at all.
Remember, we're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have. Contact Us and we are here to help, that's why we're called Camera Solutions, after all! Happy filming, and have a fantastic day! We are always here to help!
Ultralight Cardellini Tripod:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a selection of sled camera tray kits specifically designed for Underwater photography. Our kits encompass six categories tailored to underwater equipment and three categories dedicated to cinema gear. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the sixth underwater category: Underwater Sled Camera Tray kits. & what clients may need within their underwater camera support systems!
In this sixth installment of our Underwater series, we are excited to introduce our NEW INNOVATIVE camera sled tray kits and monitor kits to accompany the sleds for customers with large video monitors with some of the most premium underwater camera support systems that are available on the market.
Our camera sleds were born out of a request from a Norwegian underwater cinematographer, seeking an alternative to Nauticam's rail system. Within a remarkably short time of about 20 minutes, we devised a solution using readily available parts from our inventory to craft one of the best professional underwater camera supports. This innovative sled design, the CSK-SLDL gained significant popularity and now we have customers around the globe using them. Since then, the cinematographer Kjetil C. Astrup owner of Cinemarine is now an Ultralight Brand Ambassador.
Expanding on the sled's functionality, we introduced a variation with shorter rails, the CSK-SLDM and a rear monitor bracket kit, the CSK-MBK that can be effortlessly attached to the bottom of the sled's main mounting plate as a professional underwater camera support. The primary camera sled kit, the CSK-SLDL comprises one TRI-TRAY, four TR-HB brackets, two TR-SBLD trays, and a comprehensive hardware kit. Additionally, the CSK-MBK monitor kit is equipped with one TR-MB, one AD-1420, and a specially designed knob, the AC-TKB. We now have two other accessory kits that will be added to the sled lineup very soon. One is an adjustable sliding weight system that mounts on the side rails so achieving a perfectly balanced rig is quite easy. The other is a special arm and clamp setup to allow multiple buoyancy arms, small and large to be attached above the camera for perfect buoyancy for your underwater camera support systems. With these new accessory kits, The Ultralight sled system will be a game changer, especially because of the cost compared to other professional underwater camera supports currently on the market.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we are committed to continuous innovation and meeting the unique needs of our customers. Our camera sled tray kits and monitor kits are designed to enhance your underwater cinematography experience, ensuring ease of use and top-notch performance. With our array of options, you can easily find the perfect solution to suit your specific requirements for your professional underwater camera supports.
If you don't find what you need, please Contact Us. We are always here to help!
Underwater-Camera Sled Kits:
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of underwater arm kits specifically designed for Underwater photography. Our kits encompass six categories tailored to underwater equipment and three categories dedicated to cinema gear. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the first category: Underwater Camera Arm kits.
Within this category, we have 7 different kits to suit various needs. Some kits feature standard options with different strobe mounts, while others introduce innovative solutions and approaches. To complement each category, we have also provided a video on our YouTube channel. You can find the link to the video at the end of this blog to our video on professional lighting support systems.
Among our offerings, we have a couple of underwater double-arm kits, The UAK-DSS-05 and UAK-DSS-08, shown below, that utilize our SBSS arms for professional lighting support systems. These arms are designed with a ball mount at one end and a YS mount (Sea & Sea style) at the other. One kit includes the SBSS-05 and DB-05 arms, while the other features the SBSS-08 and DB-08 arm.
Additionally, we have three kits that utilize a single DB-05 arm paired with an AC-CSLXL clamp. They are the UAK-SLCYS-05, the UAK-SLCIN-05, and UAK-SLCIK-05, shown below. This combination provides a great alternative to using two standard DB-05 arms. Each underwater camera arm kit is equipped with either the AD-SS ball mount for Sea & Sea and compatible lights, the AD-125 for Ikelite strobes, or the AD-IN made for Inon Strobes. We offer three similar kits but with a DB-08 arm instead of the DB-05 arm and they are the UAK-SLCYS-08 shown above, the UAK-SLCIN-08, and UAK-SLCIK-08, (both not shown). Ken, the owner of Ultralight, personally recommends the setup with the DB-05 arm for its versatility and ease of use. Using the extra-long clamp as an arm allows for easier adjustments by removing one clamp.
For those interested in double-arm kits, we provide three versions using two DB-05 arms and they are the UAK-DYS-05, the UAK-DIN-05, and UAK-DIK-05, not shown. For double arm kits utilizing DB-08 arms we have the UAK-DYS-08, UAK-DIN-08, and the UAK-DIK-08 shown below. All these kits offer various options for mounting strobes and lights, including the AD-SS, and AD-125, or AD-IN for all of your professional lighting support systems needs.
Depending on your photography preferences, whether it's macro, wide-angle, or a combination of both, we have an arm kit suitable for you. Two shorter arms are ideal for macro photography and close-focus wide-angle shots, while two longer arms are better suited for wide-angle photography. Of course, you can also choose any combination in between to fit your specific needs. If you're shooting videos instead of still images, many of these kits will work equally well, especially if you have lights with a YS mount. Additionally, it's worth considering your travel requirements and how everything will pack. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what works best for you, and sometimes thinking outside the box can lead to great solutions.
If you don't find what you need, please Contact Us. We are always here to help!
Below are the kit part numbers and the links for each:
