Introducing the

Q2 Amphibie

Q2 Amphibie waterhousing FOR the LEICA Q2 digital camera

Innovative features

Pufferfish℠ Silicone Soft Cap

The proprietary ESSEX Pufferfish℠ Silicone soft cap allows tactile control of 5 major controls on the upper deck of the Q2 without annoying protrusions and penetrations common to mechanical controls. We use a industry proven Shore A 30 durometer platinum curing silicone rubber designed for mold making, encapsulation applications, pressure pads, gaskets, and various other types of parts. Designed to last, to stay flexible and to be water clear.

Easily access the Q2s

1. Main Switch

2. Shutter Button

3. Thumbwheel

4. Thumbwheel button

5. Shutter Speed Setting Dial

Jellyfish℠ vinyl LCD Window

ESSEX’s revolutionary Jellyfish℠ vinyl rear window allows you to see and manipulate 5 major controls on the LCD back panel of the Q2 camera. Under certain circumstances the Jellyfish℠ vinyl window also allows finger control of the touch screen. The Jellyfish℠ vinyl window material is 20-gauge press-polished with good optical clarity and durability. It is a standard marine grade window material manufactured from 100% polyvinyl chloride with a highly polished finish that results in a soft, flexible, press-polished sheet. This clear vinyl window material is perfect for marine windows and is used extensively in the maritime industry and was a logical choice for use on the Amphibie.

Easily view the LCD panel and access:

1. PLAY Button

2. FUNCTION Button

3. MENU Button

4. Directional Pad

5. Center Button

The vinyl window is a flexible membrane and as such it does have some interesting characteristics.

• It is extremely puncture resistant and durable and the 20 gauge thickness (.0375” / .95mm) was chosen for its thickness versus flexibility

• Art Brewer (Essex Proteam Captain) has seen it all when it comes to waterhousing design and construction during his fifty plus years of water photography and Art approves of the innovative use of vinyl in this application.

• Mr. Brewer reports that under certain environmental conditions, the vinyl window will slightly puff outward or inward and this is normal behavior. Increased pressure due to depth will cause it to slightly puff inward and depth tests without the camera installed see the window puff inwards quite dramatically. The 3M VHB™ (Very High Bond) tape used to install the vinyl window holds the vinyl window securely, akin to a tensioned drum head hoop. Conversely, at times the vinyl window may puff slightly outwards and this is due to the interior of the Amphibie warming up, as hot air expands. The buildup of heat inside the Amphibie is negligible and does not present issues as is found with using a RED, SONY or other type of high heat generating sensor camera inside of a waterhousing.

Seal Screw

Most waterhousings use buffers, shims and or pads to secure the camera in the housing so it won’t move around. We prefer to use an old school waterhousing technique that involves anchoring the camera via the camera’s tripod thread. Anchoring the camera to the housing like you would anchor your camera to a tripod insures that the Q2 stays put while in the housing. Anchoring is accomplished utilizing a “seal screw”, a smart, aesthetic design that incorporates a rubber O-ring under the screw head, thus granting both insurmountable sealing and fastening power to the fastener. A malleable O-ring fits with tight precision under the screw forming a sealant layer between the fastener and the harsh ocean environment. The seal screw fastener is designed for bi-directional sealing, thus offering protection in all directions (axially, radially, angularly). It is also very easy to use, as it don’t necessitate any special preparation or re-tightening.

The Amphibie’s Seal Screw has a permanent storage location inside the housing so it won’t get lost and in case it does, simply look under the foam on the lid of the Amphbie hard case to find a supplemental seal screw waiting to be used in case of emergency. Also under the lid foam is a wingut that can be used with the seal screw when you want to water test the housing without the camera.

Replacable Front Lens Element

• The Lens Ring Assembly used on the Q2 Amphibie is taken from the Essex Bayonet Port Mount system used on our custom waterhousings.

• Unscrew the Retaining Ring and the Plexiglas front lens element and the O-Ring are easily replaced in the field.

• The standard Plexiglas front element can be swapped out for a 4.5” Tiffen clear filter if the photographer desires to shoot through glass.

Plexiglas Hatch

The Q2 Amphibie Plexiglas Hatch is elegant and simple in its design.

• Laser cut from 3/8” (9.5mm) Cast Acrylic

• A slight radius is applied to the outer edges to keep things smooth

• The edge and the radii are then hand buffed and polished for a fine finish

• Captive retaining screws insure that the hatch is ready to be battened down at a moments notice using the supplied screw tool

• All hardware is 318 Stainless Steel to keep corrossion at bay

Pro tested

ART BREWER

The Kit

Q2 Amphibie KIT FOR LEICA Q2 digital camera

The Q2 Amphibie waterhousing kit comes with all the items you’ll need to protect your Leica from H2O situations.

Details here