Aquatica AD7200/7100 Underwater DSLR Housing for Nikon D7100 / D7200

Given that the original Aquatica AD7100 did not require any reengineering to accept the Nikon D7200 camera, Aquatica has opted to pass along the saving made on R&D to the consumer by reducing the retail price to $ 2,995 USD, a drop of $ 365 USD from its previous retail price. This housing did not need to lose weight, as at 2.75kg, it is still one of the lightest housings available for this camera, it already has features and ergonomics that are beyond reproach, and its comfortable grips have delighted underwater photographers for the last 30 years plus.

Direct access to the FN button, which Aquatica initially introduced for the first time on an underwater housing a few years ago, on the cutting edges AD800 housing, is done via an easy to reach and unique design push button that is conveniently located on the rear of the housing. The multitude of custom functions that can be attributed to the Fn button, sure made it worthy of attention of our design team at the time, and is one of the many reasons why Aquatica is at the forefront of innovative designs.

Here is a quick round up of the featured roles this Fn buttons can be attributed:

- Convert to depth of field Preview

- FV Lock (lock the flash value)

- AE/AF Lock

- AE Lock only

- AE Lock (Reset on release)

- AE Lock (Hold)

- AF Lock only

- AF-ON

- Flash Off

- Bracketing burst

- Active Lighting

- Metering pattern

- Framing Grid

- Personalized Menu

- Playback

- 1 Step Speed/aperture shift

This housing features an internal flash up/flash down capability, a quick access ISO lever that is thumb actuated and a total of three access holes are provided to accept various accessories such as our Surveyor vacuum monitoring system, remote trigger (# 19306), and given the exceptional video capability of this camera, it is possible to have an optional hydrophone mounted, and external monitors adapted to it.

Bulkhead connections

Aquatica has long offered a comprehensive selection of easily interchangeable strobe connectors. The 20073-NK has two of the classic 5 pins Nikonos connectors and the 20073-KT is supplied with a time proven 5 pins Ikelite connector. Both version are ready to accept currently available TTL converter, S-TTL is also available with the 20073-OPT through optical connectivity with either of the supplied Sea & Sea and Inon type adapters. Lastly the 20073-HYB offers both a classic Nikonos and optical connector, giving this AD7200/7100 housing access to a vast strobes selection. Bulkheads are easily replaceable in the field without having to resort to specialized tools.

This precision imaging tool is the product of a time proven lineage of underwater camera housing. You can rest assured that, with over 30 years of expertise in this field, each and every aspect of the housing’s ergonomics was studied, and that logical, and intuitive, access to the controls was carefully implemented. This housing is a firm statement to the constant evolution of our knowledge and the collaboration with the many professional’s image makers from around the world, who work and consult with us on a regular basis.

The Aquatica AD7200/7100, like all of our housings, benefits from the finest material available in the metallurgic industry. It is carefully crafted from aircraft grade aluminum and graced with the finest grade of stainless steel for its multiple controls. Every Aquatica housing is machined on the latest 5 axis computer assisted machines. It then undergoes a protective anodizing process to the stringent North American Military Specifications. For further protection, a baked on powder coating paint is applied, this coating is as tough as nail tough. Furthermore, corrosion inhibiting, zinc anodes are supplied as standard equipment. This extra level of protection does make a huge difference as can be seen on some Aquatica housings that even with over 1,500 dives on them, still look as fresh as the day they came out of the box. This housing is made for the hard working professional in mind, one who truly understands reliability in the field.

The AD7200/7100 housing features a quick release camera tray; it smoothly and precisely positions the camera in the housing and is easily disengaged by a simple push on a tab, it incorporates a linkage for transmitting mechanical input of the Fn button from the rear to the front. It is a simple procedure to remove the camera from the back while keeping a lens and zoom gear attached.

A pair of mechanically sound stainless steel safety latches, time proven over decades of intensive use, hold the housing securely together. These latches will not suffer the ravages of sand and corrosion

Controls: All video controls are designed for easy reach and smooth operation. Whether it is for video or for still images the serious side of this housing operation is apparent from the get go.

The AF-L/AE-L button access is provided with a lever right under the users thumb. Menus buttons are angled to provide better access for your left hand. The AD7200/7100 also uses the new 4xxxx generation lens gears system with a smaller housing pinion gear and a larger lens gear, resulting in a smoother action while zooming, a must when zooming while shooting a video sequence.

The AD7200/7100 has the same standard 90m/300ft depth rating as all our other housings and can be upgraded to a130m/425ft depth rating. Knurled knobs and oversized controls translate in easy operation no matter what the situation is. Anyone familiar with our climate knows that being built in Canada also means that all housings from Aquatica are born and bred in one of the world most rugged diving environment. Bottom line, if it works in our local conditions, it will work everywhere else!

Seen on the right is a view of the business side of the Aquatica AD7200/7100, clearly showing its serious nature. On the left hand, the buttons and mode selector control are angled and positioned for quicker access to the various functions. On the right hand the record lever has been relocated closer to your index. The Live View toggle remains within easy reach. The multi controller pad found on the Nikon D7100 is made accessible with a simple and proven design and its SET button has been oversized. All push buttons are of high quality Type 304 stainless steel, the same used in the aerospace industry; these will not break or rust. Their smooth operation and position gives the photographer a very intuitive and normal feel to the housing.

The AD7200/7100 retain our popular molded grips; the same reference in comfort for the last 30 years. They are lightweight, sturdy, are made of one piece and cannot come unglued, fall apart or corrode. Both grips have mounting holes ready to accept our popular TLC Delta 3 system of strobe arms as well as most current strobes and lighting arms out on the market. An extra mounting point for a focus/video light or other accessories is on top of the housing and three additional mounting points are provided under the housing for various brackets, support or tripods.

SPECIFICATIONS:

- Depth rating: 300 feet/90 meters (upgradeable on request to 425ft/130 meters)

- Precision machined from a single aluminum block. Fully anodized to military specifications and Powder coated with robust wear resistant coating.

- All function labels are clearly and permanently pad printed to prevent peeling off or fading.

- Accurate ergonomic design and excellent underwater balance - all controls including the video activating controls are within easy reach.

- The housing is supplied with replaceable sacrificial anodes to protect the housing from electrolysis.

The Aquatica AD 7100 is a compact and lightweight housing:

- Width: 345mm / 13.5” wide (with grip attached)

- Height: 180mm / 7” (including optical bulkhead)

- Depth: 152mm / 6”

- Weight: 2.75 kg / 6lb