Top Down Photobox

[Marc Levenson]

I built a new top down box to fit my camera last night, and gave it a test run.
This one is smaller, rather streamlined, and allows me to access the buttons
more easily.

Negative: Easier to let water into the box. I need to slope the side walls to
avoid this potential risk.

Positive: The camera is mounted so I'm able to hold it as a unit and not two
separate pieces in a juggling act.

Here are a few shots from using it:

Camera in the box, mounted with set screw
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_used.jpg

Looking at the unit from below (clear base):
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_base.jpg

Side view, still able to access buttons:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_side.jpg

View from photographers perspective:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_top.jpg

Lens visible through clear base:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_window.jpg

And here are a few shots with it tonight:

Golden Acropora colony, starting to see some green tinge:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_acro_colony.jpg

SPS frag; extends polyps every night:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_bluishsps.jpg

SPS frag; bright green:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_frag.jpg

My orange Montipora capricornis, burned again by my milli this morning!
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_mcap.jpg

The Acropora milleopora that burned the coral above:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli_greenblue.jpg

I bought a red Goniopora from a club member two days ago, but it does look
purple to me. < sigh > It hasn't really opened up yet, but it is starting to
check out the reef a little:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_goni.jpg

Green fuzzy Pocillopora:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_pocillo.jpg

My other Milleopora, that yesterday started to RTN. I may have saved it, but
only time will tell:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli.jpg

This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the substrate
several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very hardy
coral!
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg

Green Slimer that is regrowing tissue after severe problems
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_slimer.jpg

That's all I got, for now.... :D

Marc


--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Kevin M]

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
| This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
substrate
| several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very
hardy
| coral!
| http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg


Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a Nana, but
I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a little
around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really keeps
some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.

Kev

[Ct Midnite]

That's incredible. Beautiful pic.

That could open up a whole new money pit. :)

Ct Midnite

On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 05:59:41 GMT, Marc Levenson >
wrote:

>I built a new top down box to fit my camera last night, and gave it a test run.
>This one is smaller, rather streamlined, and allows me to access the buttons
>more easily.
>
>Negative: Easier to let water into the box. I need to slope the side walls to
>avoid this potential risk.
>
>Positive: The camera is mounted so I'm able to hold it as a unit and not two
>separate pieces in a juggling act.
>
>Here are a few shots from using it:
>
>Camera in the box, mounted with set screw
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_used.jpg
>
>Looking at the unit from below (clear base):
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_base.jpg
>
>Side view, still able to access buttons:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_side.jpg
>
>View from photographers perspective:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_top.jpg
>
>Lens visible through clear base:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_window.jpg
>
>And here are a few shots with it tonight:
>
>Golden Acropora colony, starting to see some green tinge:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_acro_colony.jpg
>
>SPS frag; extends polyps every night:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_bluishsps.jpg
>
>SPS frag; bright green:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_frag.jpg
>
>My orange Montipora capricornis, burned again by my milli this morning!
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_mcap.jpg
>
>The Acropora milleopora that burned the coral above:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli_greenblue.jpg
>
>I bought a red Goniopora from a club member two days ago, but it does look
>purple to me. < sigh > It hasn't really opened up yet, but it is starting to
>check out the reef a little:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_goni.jpg
>
>Green fuzzy Pocillopora:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_pocillo.jpg
>
>My other Milleopora, that yesterday started to RTN. I may have saved it, but
>only time will tell:
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli.jpg
>
>This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the substrate
>several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very hardy
>coral!
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
>
>Green Slimer that is regrowing tissue after severe problems
>http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_slimer.jpg
>
>That's all I got, for now.... :D
>
>Marc


http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

[Marc Levenson]

Is that what it's called, Kev? I had a guy ask about it specifically last
night, and I could only mumble that it was given to me. ;) It really is doing
well, as it the other frag that you gave me. Very slow growing, but they seem
to maintain their health.

Marc

Kevin M wrote:

> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> | This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
> substrate
> | several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very
> hardy
> | coral!
> | http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
>
> Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a Nana, but
> I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a little
> around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really keeps
> some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.
>
> Kev

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

['nutherBob]

May I ask a question about this?

From the picture "td_purplesps.jpg" , it looks as if the coral is reaching
up toward the light as plants do. Is this the way some corals grow? I have
no idea about salt water tanks, but my curiosity is getting the best of me.

Thanks,
'nutherBob

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> Is that what it's called, Kev? I had a guy ask about it specifically last
> night, and I could only mumble that it was given to me. ;) It really is
doing
> well, as it the other frag that you gave me. Very slow growing, but they
seem
> to maintain their health.
>
> Marc
>
> Kevin M wrote:
>
> > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > | This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
> > substrate
> > | several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a
very
> > hardy
> > | coral!
> > | http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
> >
> > Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a Nana,
but
> > I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a little
> > around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really
keeps
> > some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.
> >
> > Kev
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

[Marc Levenson]

Hi Bob,

If you'll go to Steve Miller's TOTM, you'll see some amazing growth sequences.
Here's the link:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-09/totm/index.htm

You'll note a picture of a coral that is horizontal and yet the new growth is
vertical, reaching toward light. Most every coral I know of grows toward the
light, unless it is a pure filter feeder like Dendronepthya which tends to be
hidden inside caves in darkness.

Marc


'nutherBob wrote:

> May I ask a question about this?
>
> From the picture "td_purplesps.jpg" , it looks as if the coral is reaching
> up toward the light as plants do. Is this the way some corals grow? I have
> no idea about salt water tanks, but my curiosity is getting the best of me.
>
> Thanks,
> 'nutherBob
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Is that what it's called, Kev? I had a guy ask about it specifically last
> > night, and I could only mumble that it was given to me. ;) It really is
> doing
> > well, as it the other frag that you gave me. Very slow growing, but they
> seem
> > to maintain their health.
> >
> > Marc
> >
> > Kevin M wrote:
> >
> > > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > | This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
> > > substrate
> > > | several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a
> very
> > > hardy
> > > | coral!
> > > | http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
> > >
> > > Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a Nana,
> but
> > > I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a little
> > > around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really
> keeps
> > > some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.
> > >
> > > Kev
> >
> > --
> > Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> >
> >

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

['nutherBob]

Great! Thanks Marc, I'll check that out here in a few minutes. My interest
is now sparked :)

'nutherBob

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi Bob,
>
> If you'll go to Steve Miller's TOTM, you'll see some amazing growth
sequences.
> Here's the link:
>
> http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-09/totm/index.htm
>
> You'll note a picture of a coral that is horizontal and yet the new growth
is
> vertical, reaching toward light. Most every coral I know of grows toward
the
> light, unless it is a pure filter feeder like Dendronepthya which tends to
be
> hidden inside caves in darkness.
>
> Marc
>
>
> 'nutherBob wrote:
>
> > May I ask a question about this?
> >
> > From the picture "td_purplesps.jpg" , it looks as if the coral is
reaching
> > up toward the light as plants do. Is this the way some corals grow? I
have
> > no idea about salt water tanks, but my curiosity is getting the best of
me.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > 'nutherBob
> >
> > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Is that what it's called, Kev? I had a guy ask about it specifically
last
> > > night, and I could only mumble that it was given to me. ;) It really
is
> > doing
> > > well, as it the other frag that you gave me. Very slow growing, but
they
> > seem
> > > to maintain their health.
> > >
> > > Marc
> > >
> > > Kevin M wrote:
> > >
> > > > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > | This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to
the
> > > > substrate
> > > > | several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be
a
> > very
> > > > hardy
> > > > | coral!
> > > > | http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
> > > >
> > > > Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a
Nana,
> > but
> > > > I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a
little
> > > > around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really
> > keeps
> > > > some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.
> > > >
> > > > Kev
> > >
> > > --
> > > Personal Page:
http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> > >
> > >
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

['nutherBob]

That site and photos, plus the wonderful text is so inspiring not to mention
breathtaking! That would be a wonderful hobby. I'm in an apartment now, so
it will probably be a while before I could attempt anything like that, but I
have seen smaller acrylic tanks at my LFS with reefs and it spurs me to
spend some $$$ now for sure.

Thanks again.

'nutherBob

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> Hi Bob,
>
> If you'll go to Steve Miller's TOTM, you'll see some amazing growth
sequences.
> Here's the link:
>
> http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-09/totm/index.htm
>
> You'll note a picture of a coral that is horizontal and yet the new growth
is
> vertical, reaching toward light. Most every coral I know of grows toward
the
> light, unless it is a pure filter feeder like Dendronepthya which tends to
be
> hidden inside caves in darkness.
>
> Marc
>
>
> 'nutherBob wrote:
>
> > May I ask a question about this?
> >
> > From the picture "td_purplesps.jpg" , it looks as if the coral is
reaching
> > up toward the light as plants do. Is this the way some corals grow? I
have
> > no idea about salt water tanks, but my curiosity is getting the best of
me.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > 'nutherBob
> >
> > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Is that what it's called, Kev? I had a guy ask about it specifically
last
> > > night, and I could only mumble that it was given to me. ;) It really
is
> > doing
> > > well, as it the other frag that you gave me. Very slow growing, but
they
> > seem
> > > to maintain their health.
> > >
> > > Marc
> > >
> > > Kevin M wrote:
> > >
> > > > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > | This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to
the
> > > > substrate
> > > > | several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be
a
> > very
> > > > hardy
> > > > | coral!
> > > > | http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
> > > >
> > > > Sweet! That looks like the frag I gave you, is it? I think it's a
Nana,
> > but
> > > > I could be way off. It also looks like it's started to encrust a
little
> > > > around the base. I find that this coral is the only one that really
> > keeps
> > > > some of its color even when my Alk gets a little low.
> > > >
> > > > Kev
> > >
> > > --
> > > Personal Page:
http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> > >
> > >
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

[John Little]

That is pretty cool, but that would really suck if you dropped the camera in
the water.

I picked up the Canon Digital SLR "Rebel" last night and bought a 28-105mm
lens with it. Digital optical zoom SUCKS. This lens blows the crap out of
any digital camera. I had your camera and sold it recently to upgrade to a
real digital SLR. What an awesome camera!!! You would not believe what this
thing can do. I would have been willing to pay twice what I paid for the
camera and I wish I would have bought it earlier than I did. I will post
some pictures on-line soon.

Are you going to sell any of those boxes? I could probably make one myself,
but I really don't have the time and would be willing to send you $50 for
one if you come up with a model you would like to sell. $50 seems fair.

Let me know.

John

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
I built a new top down box to fit my camera last night, and gave it a test
run.
This one is smaller, rather streamlined, and allows me to access the buttons
more easily.

Negative: Easier to let water into the box. I need to slope the side walls
to
avoid this potential risk.

Positive: The camera is mounted so I'm able to hold it as a unit and not two
separate pieces in a juggling act.

Here are a few shots from using it:

Camera in the box, mounted with set screw
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_used.jpg

Looking at the unit from below (clear base):
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_base.jpg

Side view, still able to access buttons:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_side.jpg

View from photographers perspective:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_top.jpg

Lens visible through clear base:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_window.jpg

And here are a few shots with it tonight:

Golden Acropora colony, starting to see some green tinge:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_acro_colony.jpg

SPS frag; extends polyps every night:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_bluishsps.jpg

SPS frag; bright green:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_frag.jpg

My orange Montipora capricornis, burned again by my milli this morning!
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_mcap.jpg

The Acropora milleopora that burned the coral above:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli_greenblue.jpg

I bought a red Goniopora from a club member two days ago, but it does look
purple to me. < sigh > It hasn't really opened up yet, but it is starting
to
check out the reef a little:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_goni.jpg

Green fuzzy Pocillopora:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_pocillo.jpg

My other Milleopora, that yesterday started to RTN. I may have saved it,
but
only time will tell:
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli.jpg

This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
substrate
several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very
hardy
coral!
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg

Green Slimer that is regrowing tissue after severe problems
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_slimer.jpg

That's all I got, for now.... :D

Marc


--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Marc Levenson]

Every tank of the month is highly motivational. Fortunately, they don't have to
all be incredibly large or even massively equiped. Take a look at other tanks
that have garnered praise:

http://reefcentral.com/totm/?s=&menu=15

Marc


'nutherBob wrote:

> That site and photos, plus the wonderful text is so inspiring not to mention
> breathtaking! That would be a wonderful hobby. I'm in an apartment now, so
> it will probably be a while before I could attempt anything like that, but I
> have seen smaller acrylic tanks at my LFS with reefs and it spurs me to
> spend some $$$ now for sure.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> 'nutherBob
>

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Marc Levenson]

Hi John,

You had the Fuji S602Z and replaced it with a Canon Rebel? Basphemy! <grin>
Actually, I really like the Rebel from what I've seen so far. Can you clarify
what you mean by this statement?

"Digital optical zoom SUCKS. This lens blows the crap out of any digital
camera."

Do you simply mean you have way better ability to zoom with that lens, compared
to the built in zoom function of the Fuji, or are the results simply much
clearer?

And of course, what did all of this cost you? Don't leave out the details, you
know what I mean. ;)

I'm actually coming up with another box design that I think will make people
feel pretty secure if they want one. I'm going to test it with my camera first
to see how I like the feel of it. If I forget to contact you, please email me
and I'll be happy to make you one.

Btw, it is kind of hard to drop the camera in the water, relatively speaking.
The box is bouyant because of the air space, plus I tend to lean it so that the
part the camera is lying against (the base or rear wall) is actually leaning on
the frame of the tank. Regardless, a person has to be thinking when they use
this, similarly to a scuba diver with contact lenses on. You can flush out your
mask, but you have to be aware how you do it.

Marc


John Little wrote:

> That is pretty cool, but that would really suck if you dropped the camera in
> the water.
>
> I picked up the Canon Digital SLR "Rebel" last night and bought a 28-105mm
> lens with it. Digital optical zoom SUCKS. This lens blows the crap out of
> any digital camera. I had your camera and sold it recently to upgrade to a
> real digital SLR. What an awesome camera!!! You would not believe what this
> thing can do. I would have been willing to pay twice what I paid for the
> camera and I wish I would have bought it earlier than I did. I will post
> some pictures on-line soon.
>
> Are you going to sell any of those boxes? I could probably make one myself,
> but I really don't have the time and would be willing to send you $50 for
> one if you come up with a model you would like to sell. $50 seems fair.
>
> Let me know.
>
> John
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> I built a new top down box to fit my camera last night, and gave it a test
> run.
> This one is smaller, rather streamlined, and allows me to access the buttons
> more easily.
>
> Negative: Easier to let water into the box. I need to slope the side walls
> to
> avoid this potential risk.
>
> Positive: The camera is mounted so I'm able to hold it as a unit and not two
> separate pieces in a juggling act.
>
> Here are a few shots from using it:
>
> Camera in the box, mounted with set screw
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_used.jpg
>
> Looking at the unit from below (clear base):
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_base.jpg
>
> Side view, still able to access buttons:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_side.jpg
>
> View from photographers perspective:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_top.jpg
>
> Lens visible through clear base:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_window.jpg
>
> And here are a few shots with it tonight:
>
> Golden Acropora colony, starting to see some green tinge:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_acro_colony.jpg
>
> SPS frag; extends polyps every night:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_bluishsps.jpg
>
> SPS frag; bright green:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_frag.jpg
>
> My orange Montipora capricornis, burned again by my milli this morning!
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_mcap.jpg
>
> The Acropora milleopora that burned the coral above:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli_greenblue.jpg
>
> I bought a red Goniopora from a club member two days ago, but it does look
> purple to me. < sigh > It hasn't really opened up yet, but it is starting
> to
> check out the reef a little:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_goni.jpg
>
> Green fuzzy Pocillopora:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_pocillo.jpg
>
> My other Milleopora, that yesterday started to RTN. I may have saved it,
> but
> only time will tell:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli.jpg
>
> This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
> substrate
> several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very
> hardy
> coral!
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
>
> Green Slimer that is regrowing tissue after severe problems
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_slimer.jpg
>
> That's all I got, for now.... :D
>
> Marc
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[John Little]

Any SLR doesn't have a digital zoom. The camera simply allows the lens to do
that therefore, the pictures are crystal clear. Go to your LCS and have them
give you a quick class. Looks like you are into photography so, you will
probably eventually own a digital SLR.

The kit retailed for $999, but included a smaller lens. They were out of the
lenses, but had the bodies in stock. I bought the body and opted for the
28-105mm lens.

So, for ~$1300, I got the body, strap and lens... oh, and documentation in
English and Spanish ;). I could have saved money online (like $250), but
wanted to give the business to my LCS because of the services that they give
you when you walk in the door (you know what I mean).

I have the worst luck in the world, I am the guy whose son got hit with a
flying tire at the Indianapolis Speedway 3 years ago and the guy that had a
semi trailer run up and over his Vette in Tampa this past Summer. (both
events were all over the news.)

So, you can probably understand my worries.

I would love to test one of those boxes. I have an ~1800 gallon reef stocked
with about $40k in corals and about $3k in fish (We bought that from one of
the insurance settlements :)).

I just need to figure out more about the internet and how to upload pictures
and such. I am going to take a class.


"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
Hi John,

You had the Fuji S602Z and replaced it with a Canon Rebel? Basphemy!
<grin>
Actually, I really like the Rebel from what I've seen so far. Can you
clarify
what you mean by this statement?

"Digital optical zoom SUCKS. This lens blows the crap out of any digital
camera."

Do you simply mean you have way better ability to zoom with that lens,
compared
to the built in zoom function of the Fuji, or are the results simply much
clearer?

And of course, what did all of this cost you? Don't leave out the details,
you
know what I mean. ;)

I'm actually coming up with another box design that I think will make people
feel pretty secure if they want one. I'm going to test it with my camera
first
to see how I like the feel of it. If I forget to contact you, please email
me
and I'll be happy to make you one.

Btw, it is kind of hard to drop the camera in the water, relatively
speaking.
The box is bouyant because of the air space, plus I tend to lean it so that
the
part the camera is lying against (the base or rear wall) is actually leaning
on
the frame of the tank. Regardless, a person has to be thinking when they
use
this, similarly to a scuba diver with contact lenses on. You can flush out
your
mask, but you have to be aware how you do it.

Marc


John Little wrote:

> That is pretty cool, but that would really suck if you dropped the camera
in
> the water.
>
> I picked up the Canon Digital SLR "Rebel" last night and bought a 28-105mm
> lens with it. Digital optical zoom SUCKS. This lens blows the crap out of
> any digital camera. I had your camera and sold it recently to upgrade to a
> real digital SLR. What an awesome camera!!! You would not believe what
this
> thing can do. I would have been willing to pay twice what I paid for the
> camera and I wish I would have bought it earlier than I did. I will post
> some pictures on-line soon.
>
> Are you going to sell any of those boxes? I could probably make one
myself,
> but I really don't have the time and would be willing to send you $50 for
> one if you come up with a model you would like to sell. $50 seems fair.
>
> Let me know.
>
> John
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> I built a new top down box to fit my camera last night, and gave it a test
> run.
> This one is smaller, rather streamlined, and allows me to access the
buttons
> more easily.
>
> Negative: Easier to let water into the box. I need to slope the side
walls
> to
> avoid this potential risk.
>
> Positive: The camera is mounted so I'm able to hold it as a unit and not
two
> separate pieces in a juggling act.
>
> Here are a few shots from using it:
>
> Camera in the box, mounted with set screw
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_used.jpg
>
> Looking at the unit from below (clear base):
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_base.jpg
>
> Side view, still able to access buttons:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_side.jpg
>
> View from photographers perspective:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_top.jpg
>
> Lens visible through clear base:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_box_window.jpg
>
> And here are a few shots with it tonight:
>
> Golden Acropora colony, starting to see some green tinge:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_acro_colony.jpg
>
> SPS frag; extends polyps every night:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_bluishsps.jpg
>
> SPS frag; bright green:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_frag.jpg
>
> My orange Montipora capricornis, burned again by my milli this morning!
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_mcap.jpg
>
> The Acropora milleopora that burned the coral above:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli_greenblue.jpg
>
> I bought a red Goniopora from a club member two days ago, but it does look
> purple to me. < sigh > It hasn't really opened up yet, but it is starting
> to
> check out the reef a little:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_goni.jpg
>
> Green fuzzy Pocillopora:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_pocillo.jpg
>
> My other Milleopora, that yesterday started to RTN. I may have saved it,
> but
> only time will tell:
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_milli.jpg
>
> This frag is an SPS with purple tips. It has been knocked down to the
> substrate
> several times, but has continued to keep its color. It has to be a very
> hardy
> coral!
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_purplesps.jpg
>
> Green Slimer that is regrowing tissue after severe problems
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/td_slimer.jpg
>
> That's all I got, for now.... :D
>
> Marc
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com