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This is the full system, completely assembled, with macro framer and Neon strobe.
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The system comes complete with a foam padded carrying case.
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The GOALI pump attaches to the camera.
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Bonica Multi-Snapper
Underwater Camera System
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There is, unfortunately, a lot of worry connected with underwater photography, particularly for the beginner. Did I get the camera closed right? Will it leak? Is my focus right? What about exposure? All of these are legitimate concerns for taking pictures in an environment that make photography difficult, even for the seasoned pro.
The Multi-Snapper is unique from other “point n’ shoot” underwater camera systems with its unusual “GOALI” unit. GOALI stands to “Ground Operated Advanced Leakage Indicator.” Film is loaded into the camera, closed and locked. The GOALI hand vacuum pump is then attached and a vacuum is drawn within the camera. This seats and seals all the ‘O’-rings. A small green bladder in the camera expands to fill void space and indicate the vacuum is working. Should the seal be compromised, the green bladder will not be visible and the seals will need checking for dirt, etc. If the green holds for 20 minutes or so, the time it takes for you to put on your dive gear, the camera is ready to go. Reliability has never been this clear. The only similar system to the GOALI is the SubAlert (reviewed in the March 20001 issue) which is custom installed on more expensive Nikonos V, RS and other professional housed camera systems. The SubAlert, an excellent system, costs almost as much as the entire Multi-Snapper camera, GOALI and all.
The second strong point of this camera system is its “zoom” lens. This makes this camera very versatile. While not a true zoom lens, it allows you to change your range of shooting from 4 feet to infinity (normal), 16 inches to 4 feet (macro), and 5 inches to 16 inches (ultra macro) with just the turn of a ring around the lens port. Focal ranges are clearly marked with colored lettering around the ring that corresponds with a reference sticker on the back of the camera. A light on top of the camera also gives clear indication what mode you are in (off for normal, yellow for macro and red for ultra macro). There is never any confusion as to your shooting mode. And the photographer can change camera settings to adjust to almost any given situation in seconds, with no supplemental lenses to lose or break.
The camera within the housing is quite versatile with LED frame indicator, an automatic flash that can be turned on and off or to manual, auto focus and automatic film advance and rewind. If the camera is inactive for three minutes, power is shut down but can be quickly reactivated with a half depression of the shutter release button.
The Multi-Snapper is available as the camera alone (along with the GOALI pump), or as a complete system that includes strobe, strobe arm, camera tray, and macro framer. I highly recommend the purchase of the system. The framer, for use in the ultra-macro mode, is collapsible and easily installed and removed underwater. It is tremendously helpful in framing extreme close up shots. The Bonica Neon strobe that comes with this package is powerful and useful. It operates in slave mode, triggered by the camera’s strobe, so there is never any cords to worry about. The strobe arm allows for a variety of positions with its ball joint design, so the strobe can be used to illuminate your subject in all your shooting modes and angles.
Although I liked using the camera in all modes, I especially enjoyed the results in the macro mode (16 inches to 4 feet). In all underwater photography, regardless of the equipment, you want to get as close to your subject as possible. This range was ideal. I found I could get razor sharp photos of fish, divers and other medium large underwater animals. The ultra macro mode was equally impressive. I used the framer, which can be limiting, but was able to get nice shots of nudibranchs, stars, and some fish.
Use print film with this camera as it has more exposure latitude (allowing for overexposure and underexposure) which is important switching between modes and ranges. In my testing, I used a 200-speed film, although a 100 might be better, particularly if you are going to concentrate on close-ups.
Only problem I had with the camera was a stiff lens port ring (to change shooting modes). It did, however, loosen up with use.
If you are looking for an excellent “point n’ shoot” underwater camera system that will take you from rank beginner well into the intermediate stages of underwater photography, give a serious look to the Bonica Multi-Snapper System.
For more information, contact Bonica Precision at 800-220-8463 or visit their website at www.bonica-precision.com.
Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the SCUBA Show 2001 expo (June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.