Building a Spare Parts Kit for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Featuring Steve Miller

Many of us are traveling thousands of miles - often to very remote locations - to capture some of the most unique photographic experiences on Earth. You need to come prepared for anything that happens because you can't just run to the corner store for specialty underwater photography equipment. A well-built spare parts kit can make the difference between a successful week of diving and a disaster.

When I'm going on a major trip like Wakatobi or Yap, for example, I'll usually start packing my camera bag a couple weeks before the trip. Part of this is because you want to make sure that you don't forget any parts or pieces. But also you need to pack carefully so that nothing breaks in transit. Also, you're going to want to make sure that your bag weighs in at less than 50 lbs (22.7 kg).

A spare parts kit won't take up much additional room in your luggage and it could save your vacation.

Spare Parts Kit

I'll always have a spare parts kit with me. Inside that spare parts kit would be all the o-rings that would go into either my housing or my strobe. Spare batteries for basically any of the parts and pieces and devices that I'm using. I like to keep a small hanging scale with me as well, so that you can weigh your bag on the way back out. And also I like to carry a spare sync cord.

Different Sized Domes

Particularly, I also carry two domes with me. I like to have a compact dome with me for general diving, especially free diving, snorkeling - anything fast swimming, like shooting dolphins. Then I also like to carry a full 8in. Dome with me because I prefer the bigger dome for shooting split-shots and just kind of nice general easy reef dives.

There's a case to be made for bringing both a large and a compact dome. But if you want to save room, do your research before your trip and figure out what dome will be the best for the subject(s) you'll be shooting. 

Spares Parts Available on our Website

If you need any help assembling the spare parts to take with you on your trip, all of our parts are listed on the website. If you're unsure, just contact us at ikelite@ikelite.com - we're always happy to help!

Additional Viewing

What's in My Gear Bag // Steve Miller 2023 [VIDEO]

Replacing Gland O-Rings on an Ikelite Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

How to Lubricate Your ULTRAcompact Housing O-Ring [VIDEO]

Replacing Push Button O-Rings on an Ikelite Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

How to Care For Your Sync Cord Plug [VIDEO]

Stop Doing This to Your Strobe Battery Pack! [VIDEO]

How to Find Something to Photograph Underwater 

Ambassador Steve Miller has been a passionate teacher of underwater photography since 1980. In addition to creating aspirational photos as an ambassador, he leads the Ikelite Photo School, conducts equipment testing, contributes content and photography, represents us at dive shows and events, provides one-on-one photo advice to customers, and participates in product research and development. Steve also works as a Guest Experience Manager for the Wakatobi Dive Resort in Indonesia. In his "free" time he busies himself tweaking his very own Backyard Underwater Photo Studio which he's built for testing equipment and techniques. Read more...