Here's a great, cheap, 100% waterproof case for G1X.......

Rod McD wrote:

Hi,

I just thought I'd share this. There have been many G1X 'which camera case' threads, but I've not seen this solution from anyone else and I think it's a very good one - works for me...... Obviously it will also work for smaller cameras like the G12, etc.

I like to hike in remote areas with my cameras and sometimes that means tackling a day in the rain. Sometimes even your pack can get wet in the interior. Or you might be boating..... I like to keep my camera in a waterproof case, but they aren't all suitable (depending on your gear).

I've found the brief case/clam-shell style Pelican cases and boxes work only if you can put them down on something to access their contents. They don't have a design which is purpose built to be worn over the shoulder and allow top access while hanging at waist level.

There is brand called Underwater Kinetics which is less well known but they do have a series of small top access boxes with strap lugs positioned to allow over the shoulder use. I've found that the model 406 'Ultra Box' takes the G1X very neatly with a filter adapter, filter and 58mm DSLR lens cap. It's very light and fully waterproof. An additional advantage is that they are also much more bump and crush resistant than a fabric case. Here's two photos below. They are light and well made but inexpensive. Black or safety yellow, with optional silicone rubber liner. They can be found on-line or in outdoor and dive shops. They come with a wrist strap, but I've replaced mine with a piece of 1" webbing from an outdoor shop to go over my shoulder.

Hope this is useful to someone.

Cheers, Rod

G1X fits neatly into UK 406 Ultra Box with room for spare battery

100% waterproof. Hangs over shoulder and allows top access.

Nice find Rob, and thanks for sharing.

I have, in turn, a few observations that may be of interest.

1) Two of the FAQs I recently published in R1 (below siggy) provide solutions for these issues, which I'm very familiar with, FAQ 25 (rig protection) and FAQ 28 (hiking or walking in rain and wind.) Here's the direct link:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66134348

2) This 406 is a "Pelican-type" case. It's just more of a vertical design. Many come from just a few Chinese factories that build to specs and sell in bulk to various main brands (they are usually made via injection molding which is easy even for small companies when the item is small, but gets very tricky when you get to larger sizes.) This one uses a bit higher-end parts such as stainless steel and nice handles. I own a few such enclosures and they do a good job at protecting from heavy shocks and moisture. I also use one as a food box on some hikes in bear or cougar country because it prevents the smells from escaping.

3) I'm lucky to have a G1X3 which has superb WR, allowing me to simply use FAQ 28 option 3 when it really pours. The only times I stick it inside a waterproof box or sack is in dangerous stream crossings or boating.

4) The reason why your UK 406 feels light is that it's small. Otherwise this material is actually quite heavy.

5) Cool cam strap you made there!

BTW, if you ever wanted to hike hands-free with this case and a backpack, you could easily rig a couple of short quick-attach straps to lash it to your pack's shoulder straps, or a longer one, similar to the one you made but with a couple quick-release buckles, that would run up one strap, around the pack (usually underneath the lid) and back down the other strap. Both options give you easy chest-level access to your cam.

Anyhow, just a few thoughts.