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.
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.
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 excitment we also have just added our CSK-WS camera sled kit . The weight kit includes all hardware and 1 lb. of stainless steel weights 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.
For a closer look at our ULCS Underwater Camera Sled Tray Kits, CSK-WS camera sled weight kit, SB-04-BCK arm, and our sleds kits in action, check out 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.
Welcome to Ultralight Camera Solutions, where we proudly offer a diverse selection of 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 ½", 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 – 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 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 second cinema category: Large Cardellini Tripod, our new cinema camera support system!
Today, we're going to dive into something pretty awesome – 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. You’ll 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 – 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 diverse selection of 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 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:
