Jeremy Richter 
, Sep 06, 2010; 04:57 p.m.
Because I like to kayak and have only a marginal waterproof camera (Minolta Dual Weathermatic 35), I set about making a housing for my LX3. I took a watertight box that can be found in the camping/outdoors section of Walmart or any sporting goods store, used a 60mm hole saw to drill a hole in which I could set my 46mm-58mm step-up ring, then used gorilla glue to set the ring. Now this set-up isn't totally waterproof because the filter and threads will allow some water in (albeit slowly) when the camera is submerged, but it's primary putpose is to be splashproof and mostly waterproof.
The reason for such a large step up was two fold: my largest selection of filters are 58mm, and a large step gave me a greater margin for error in my construction. Having done that, I attached the Panasonic conversion adapter to the camera and screwed it onto the interior threads of the step-up ring. It is not terribly practical if you're in a hurry, because it's really tight in there, and I don't have super nimble fingers.
After determining how high the camera would sit, I uses a couple of washers and a nut to set under the camera for stabilization. Then I drilled a hole in the top and used some more nuts and washers to mount and set a remote shutter plunger, whereby I could trigger the camera. I then spray-painted the interior of the box (except the lid, which faces the back of the camera) a flat black so that I could most easily see the live view without distraction.
The only downsides to this are the arrangement are the relative bulk (which isn't really a deterrent since it'll be sitting in the bottom of my boat until needed) and the inability to to change any of the camera's settings (particularly zoom) without opening the back of the box.
Disclaimer: I am a firm believer in the saying: Form follows Function. This isn't pretty, but it's basically a rough draft. I have a much better idea of how to approach this in the future. Any suggestions, comments, and perhaps questions are certainly appreciated. JR
Top-Front
Jeremy Richter , Sep 06, 2010; 04:58 p.m.
Bottom-Front
Jeremy Richter , Sep 06, 2010; 05:00 p.m.
Interior without Camera
Jeremy Richter , Sep 06, 2010; 05:00 p.m.
Interior with Camera
Mark B. 
, Sep 06, 2010; 06:37 p.m.
I've used gorilla glue, and I don't feel comfortable using that type, because it's porous (you know that when it's curing, it forms bubbles). So if it's porous, it might absorb water and let some of it into the compartment. I suggest using room-temp vulcanizing silicone or room-temp vulcanizing rubber-type glues, like automotive goop/househould goop/rv goop), or its equivalent: "the welder" glue. Also, see if you can fit a pocket or sleeve inside the compartment for a few packets of silica gel.
Jeremy Richter , Sep 06, 2010; 06:49 p.m.
Thanks, Mark, on both ideas. I had already decided that if I did this again, I would not use gorilla glue. I hadn't thought of the silica gel packets, but that is a good idea. JR
James G. 
, Sep 06, 2010; 11:39 p.m.
Jeremy- love the innovation you have going on here and hope it works well for you. for the filter thread leaking issue, it may be worth you while to look at trying a Loc-tite (sp?) product. The the red series is a glue type product however non-permanent meant to keep nuts&bolts from slipping. A small amount works and is water proof, just stay away from the blue type and keep it off of your glass. All depends on how adventurous you are; could be messy.
Have a great time kayaking.
Mark B. , Sep 07, 2010; 01:24 p.m.
Jeremy, another thing about glues; it has to be flexible with the shutter cord. For rigid, non-moving areas, use JB Weld epoxy.
What you have is a good design concept. I don't think it's bulky at all, for what it's intended for. Let us see what the final product looks like!
Mark B.
Jason Hall 
, Sep 07, 2010; 06:22 p.m.
Well...I now have a new project to complete by next summer. Surely I can be done by then. Thanks for the idea!
Jason
Jeremy Richter , Sep 07, 2010; 06:22 p.m.
Here's a photo taken in a local swamp from my kayak, using this arrangement. JR
Tupelo-Gum Grove
