Ikelite B3 Bulkhead & Hotshoe Upgrade Kit for DL & DLM Housings
**All housings shipped from Ikelite on or after January 1, 2025 (serial number 81200 and higher) feature the new system.
** The new bulkhead is available for Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, OM System and Sony
The Ikelite B3 Bulkhead & Hotshoe Upgrade Kit is a specialized accessory designed to improve the functionality and versatility of Ikelite's DL and DLM underwater camera housings. This upgrade kit is particularly beneficial for photographers who rely on external strobes for optimal lighting in underwater environments.
What is a Bulkhead?
A bulkhead serves as a crucial connection point between the camera housing and external lighting systems. It allows for the attachment of various accessories, including strobes and fiber optic transmitters, ensuring that photographers can achieve the best possible exposure and lighting for their underwater shots.
The Importance of a Hotshoe
The hotshoe is an integral component that connects the camera to the strobe or flash unit. It allows photographers to use TTL (Through The Lens) metering, enabling automatic exposure adjustments based on the lighting conditions. This feature is particularly useful in underwater photography, where light conditions can change rapidly.
In 2025, Ikelite have updated to a new style connector that has the following advantages:
Key Features of the Ikelite B3 Upgrade Kit
- Compatibility: The B3 kit is designed for use with a variety of camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Panasonic. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for photographers with different camera systems.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, the B3 kit is designed to withstand the rigors of underwater use. The anodized aluminum body and gold-plated connectors enhance durability and reliability.
- Slimmer Cabling: The B3 upgrade features slimmer and more flexible cabling, making it easier to manage connections within the housing without clutter.
Auto-Switching Capability
This feature allows the kit to automatically switch between different camera brands, eliminating the need for manual adjustments when changing setups.
- Non-locking Safety Connector: for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic cameras means you don't have to change hotshoes when you add a compatible TTL converter. Not available for Sony cameras..
Legacy housings below serial number 81200 can be upgraded using these kits. It is important to choose the correct kit depending on the camera manufacturer and direction of the hotshoe cable (Nikon). Use the Hotshoe Reference Chart to select the correct kit for your Nikon camera.
Clear housings and older Ikelite housings featuring a right-angle bulkhead on the back of the housing are not compatible with these products. If you have non-working electronics, please contact our Sales team for upgrade opportunities.
