Appropriate flash or lighting systems are naturally part of every underwater photographer's equipment, and the systems used will vary depending on the type of application and the environment.

The new camera models with their video functions give rise to the question as to whether a flash or lighting equipment should be used. The advantage of the flash is its high light intensity which allows you to freeze the action, whilst lighting systems allow faster autofocus and softer images.

Underwater flashes are divided into two categories: Amphibious flash lights, intended for use underwater only, or flashing housings for flash systems, which have the advantage of enabling you to use your existing land flash both on land and under water.

Flash system underwater housings are available for all popular flash types. These housings accommodate the original flash systems by Canon (Speedlight 580EX II), Nikon (SB900) and Sony (HVLF58AM).

One alternative is the Metz (AF58) flash system with its various TTL controls depending on the make of camera.

The advantage of the flash system in an underwater housing is the TTL control adapted to maximum effect to the camera.

Synchronisation is achieved electronically via a flash cable. Depending on the type and make of camera, dual flash systems can be connected in parallel.

Der Metz 58AF has TTL controls for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and Pentax. A USB interface allows updates to be loaded to the flash, so that updated software can be used at all times. The underwater housing allows you to take advantage of these features under water too. All flash buttons are operable, meaning that the flash can be used under water to optimum effect.

Technical Data:

Weight:
Size:
Connection: NikonosV / S6 (Canon)
Depth rating: 80 m standard; up to 160 m for bespoke items
Material: carbon fibre, stainless steel, and anodised aluminium
Accessories: Flash cable, flash arm

We have on offer a variety of high quality flash cables needed for various connections. All connectors have double seals both to secure the plug and to prevent water from getting into the thread of the flash socket.

S6-S6 for Canon
Nikonos5 for Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Panasonic and Olympus
Fibre optic cable for all housings with an optical flash connector

Detailed information on the subject of underwater flashes can be found in a book on digital underwater photography by Herbert Frei entitled "Blitz und Fotolicht" (Flashes and Flash Photography)

BS Kinetics has on offer a wide variety of flash arms, all of which are made of carbon fibre and are extremely light. Flash arms are simply fixed to the housings using a T-piece, or swivel mounted.

Flash arms are available in various lengths. The standard version has two joints, whilst the professional version has three.

The swivel diameter is 25 mm. The arm has a diameter of 29 mm. Naturally, we also stock spare parts, and special accessories for flash arms. Bepoke lengths can be manufactured upon request.

Compared with flash system housings, amphibious flashes have a wider angle of illumination. They are available from a number of manufacturers and usually come with TTL control. They are operated manually, or using an electronic converter.

We you buy an INON flash, we will supply you with translations of both the basic and advanced versions of the original INON operating manual. It is powered by 4 x AA batteries, 1.5 volt or over 1.2 volt, which are sufficient for as many as 250 flashes per charge. The Z240 is ideally suited to all digital cameras because of its TTL control functions. It can be connected to your camera via optical cable or via a 5-pin Sea&Sea flash cable socket.
 
Technical Data:

brighter LED pilot/focus light (180 lumen / 20° angle of illumination)
TTL- compatible with slave control features
Light coverage: 100 x 100°
Compatible with all digital cameras and UW housings
Guide Number (GN) 24
Battery compartment for 4 x AA batteries or rechargeable batteries
Colour temperature: 5500K (without diffuser and full power)
Maximum depth rating: 100m
Flash rate: 1.8 fps with 4 x NiMH batteries
German operations manual
By means of a separate (5-pin) socket, direct connection with

camera possible.

Optional Accessories:

You will need the underwater YS adaptor for INON flashes if mounting on a Flex, Sea&Sea, or Fisheye arm.
For mounting on a B&J or INON arm, or other swivel arm, you will need the INON Z adaptor or the underwater YS Adapter for INON flashes with a YS adaptor.
Diffuser

Control:

Optical cable for TTL slave control
Sea&Sea 5-pin flash socket
Manual

The pocket flash /The flash that fits in the wet suit

For aspiring photographers who like them small, light and compact, and packing a punch - and who value rapid flash rates combined with wide coverage.

Weighing only 750 g, it is the ideal companion when travelling by air.
Its size makes it suitable as a dual flash or two-prong flash (Lichtzange) to achieve ideal coverage.
It has five different light output settings to achieve optimum lighting.
Adjustable LED pilot sensor
When travelling by air, make sure battery and flash are stored separately. The removable battery feature makes it easier to set up for the next dive.
 
Technical data:

Underwater guide number: 14
Coverage: 120 °
Colour temperature 4600 ° K
TTL for analogue cameras from Nikon, Canon, Pentax
3 W LED pilot light (10 W halogen light)
Ø 7.3 cm, length 18.5 cm
up to 100 (200) flashes at full power with standard battery pack (2.4 Ah)
The integrated lithium-manganese battery in the flash arm increases the total weight of the device to a mere 190g

The No. 1 for your underwater images

The recently developed nova 270 has new features:

Smaller, lighter
Power pack with extremely wide coverage owing to an innovative dome pane and a new reflector.
Underwater guide number: 20, with a 2 m optical path
Coverage 135° circular print
Flash rate: 0.1 – 2 seconds
High-performance LED pilot lamp (approx. 10 W Halogen)
Dimmable pilot lamp
Integrated flash corrector
Flashes at full power: approx. 90 (1.3Ah battery) or 180 (2,6Ah battery)
Colour temperature 4600°K
Housing size (air travel-friendly): Ø11cm x 18,5 cm
Fully updateable digital eTTL or iTTL for CANON, NIKON and OLYMPUS upon request.
Standard production includes analogue TTL for NIKON (can also be connected to a digitial camera adaptors)
TTL control of a second NOVA possible
Manual control of a second flash unit via NIKON-compatible cable.