Nauticam releases carbon fiber buoyancy arms
Nauticam has announced the release of a series of tubular carbon fiber buoyancy arms. Fitted with a 1” ball, the arms are available in 2.3” and 3.5” diameters and in lengths from 6” to 12”.
Press release
Carbon Fiber Arms Now Shipping
Innovation Underwater
Nauticam is pleased to announce the immediate availability of its new line of Carbon Fiber Float Arms. First previewed at the DEMA Show 2012, these arms have undergone rigorous “gorilla” testing to ensure they are ready to meet the needs of underwater photographers working in demanding conditions. The Carbon Fiber arm line is now in stock at Nauticam distributors worldwide.
Underwater photographers have long battled to make their camera systems neutrally buoyant in the water; a neutrally buoyant rig is easier to handle in the water and can be operated with one hand much easier than heavier rigs. Systems that are too heavy can result in arm strain and contribute to difficultly with buoyancy of the shooter. A properly balanced rig is a lot more fun to use!
The Nauticam Carbon Fiber Float Arm series is manufactured from a high quality carbon fiber tubing with molded plastic end caps and machined aluminum balls. O-Ring seals ensure water tight integrity and each arm includes an aluminum spine that ties the entire assembly together, making the arm stronger than one machined from solid aluminum. This robust design ensures that these carbon fiber arms will last a lifetime.
One approach that some underwater photographers have taken to lighten the load underwater is through the use of floats made of a special type of foam that compresses less than conventional foam. While this can be a useful option, foam does have its drawbacks. Typical “incompressible” foam blocks begin to noticeably compress at 100’ and by 200’ have completely lost effectives, and have begun to permanently deform. Foam can also break down over time and make something of a mess. Nauticam Carbon Fiber arms do not measurably compress even at 100 meters/330 feet, and look more streamlined than chunky foam blocks.
Carbon fiber doesn’t just look cool. It is five times as strong as steel, yet weighs about two-thirds less. Lighter means more net buoyancy for the same volume. In the 60mm diameter class, for example, the Nauticam arm provides 50% more buoyancy than competitors aluminum tubing arms. The 90mm diameter arms are perfect for systems demanding even more lift.
The Nauticam system of arms, clamps, trays and other mounting hardware allows a huge range of possibilities for arranging lighting. The addition of the Carbon Fiber Arms allows the underwater shooter even more flexibility in dialing in the exact rig desired.
Sample Configurations:
The Nauticam housing for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is very popular, and a good example of the use of these arms.
Configured with 12-50mm lens/port, Flexitray, two Inon S-2000 strobes, and a Sola Focus light, and fitted with conventional 200mm arms (8”) the system is about 3 pounds negative. By swapping 2 of those arms for the 60mm x 200mm Carbon fiber arms, the rig is reduced to about 1.5 pounds negative, and with the 90mm x 200mm arms (pictured), it actually becomes slightly positive, providing some extra buoyancy for additional configuration items like a closeup lens with flip holder.
Likewise, the Sony NEX-6 shown here is set up with a 90mm x 200mm Carbon Fiber arm used as a stabilizing crossbar (pictured), ideal for video shooters. The configuration without the float arm weighs in at 3 pounds negative, but the addition of just one 90mm crossbar nearly cuts that in half.
Finally, this is an example with a DSLR setup using the Nikon D600, 180º viewfinder, Nikon 60mm macro lens and Nauticam Macro Port, paired with 2 Inon Z-240 strobes. The setup is nearly 3 pounds negative with conventional arms, but down to just 0.6 pounds outfitted with 4 of the 60mm x 200mm Carbon Fiber arms (pictured). A fully kitted full-frame SLR with a macro lens weighing in at just over half a pound - easily managed by one hand.
Model Numbers, Specifications and Pricing:
| Model number | Size and length | Net buoyancy (g) | Travel weight (g) | Net buoyancy (lbs) | Travel weight (lbs) | MSRP |
| 72211 | 60x200mm(2.3”x8”) Carbon Fiber Float Arm | 280 | 200 | 0.62 | 0.44 | $80 |
| 72212 | 60x230mm(2.3”x10”) Carbon Fiber Float Arm | 400 | 240 | 0.88 | 0.53 | $100 |
| 72213 | 60x300mm(2.3”x12”) Carbon Fiber Float Arm | 540 | 260 | 1.19 | 0.57 | $115 |
| 72214 | 90x150mm(3.5”x6”) Carbon Fiber Float Arm | 425 | 240 | 0.94 | 0.53 | $90 |
| 72215 | 90x200mm(3.5”x8”) Carbon Fiber Float Arm | 425 | 240 | 0.94 | 0.53 | $120 |
Estimated Shipping Date: Aug 19, 2013.
More information is available from Nauticam USA. A full USA dealer list is also available.
Contact Nauticam USA:
Chris Parsons
Nauticam USA
2303 N. Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale
FL 33311.
Phone: 954-489-8678. Web. Email.
About Nauticam USA:
Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market. Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available. Dealer enquiries are welcome!
Please email for dealer enquiries Outside of North & South America.
See here for an International Dealer Listing.