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Home: Inactive Forums: Underwater Video:
rebreathers

sailordiver
Novice

Dec 22, 2004, 9:00 PM

Post #1 of 8 (2439 views)
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rebreathers	Can't Post

Any of you underwater shooters use rebreathers? Which ones do you like and why?

bubblevision
Novice

Dec 30, 2004, 11:12 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2344 views)
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Re: [sailordiver] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

I haven't personally but I have friends who have. A fully-closed unit like the Inspiration gets rid of the bubbles completely and definitely do enable you to get closer to marine life. But from that point of view a semi-closed unit like Draeger Dolphin just emits a small stream of bubbles which is much better than the roar of exhaling through an open circuit regulator.

But using a rebreather is not all good for videographers. Guys I know who have used them really missed the ability to use the lungs to control buoyancy while staying steady for their shots. The other problem is adding the task loading of having to prepare a rebreather when you've already got your hands full preparing your video rig. A friend of mine came on a liveaboard and seemed to spend the whole time fettling equipment while the others on the trip chilled out between dives. And of course you need to be on top of your game underwater to deal with the rebreather and the video, especially with the fully-closed units that require more monitoring.

To some extent you can't beat just slinging a tank on. But if you want that shot right in amongst the sharks, you'lll have an edge with a rebreather on your back.
_________________________________________
Bubble Vision underwater video & marine life DVD, Phuket, Thailand
Sony VX2000, Gates housing, L&M Sunray lights
Sony Vegas

sailordiver
Novice

Dec 30, 2004, 11:19 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2341 views)
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Re: [bubblevision] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the input. I was considering a Halcyon semi closed as it is simpler to clean and to use than the CCRs. By the way... how have you come through the Tsunami? Hope the best for you and your employees & family. Hopefully the situation will improve rapidly and Thailand will recover its tourism soon. It must be nice to live and work there.

bubblevision
Novice

Dec 30, 2004, 11:57 PM

Post #4 of 8 (2327 views)
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Re: [sailordiver] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Sailordiver,

I was lucky to be at home on the hill behind Patong when the tsunami struck so I didn't know much about it until later when I got a phone call. The dive company I work with was lucky too. All staff and boats were OK but their office was destroyed because it was very close to the beach. I have been writing news updates on their website. See http://www.santanaphuket.com. The worst thing now for everyone on the west coast of Thailand is the number of cancellations that are coming in. It's a real double whammy because this is the start of peak season and so many people are relying on the money that tourism brings. Without the tourists a lot of businesses are going to go bust and a lot of people are going to go hungry. It's still possible to have a wonderful holiday here. 95% of Phuket is OK and there are still plenty of facilities.

I have no experience with the Halcyon semi-closed unit but I would say life will be easier in terms of task-loading to choose one of those rather than a fully-closed unit.
_________________________________________
Bubble Vision underwater video & marine life DVD, Phuket, Thailand
Sony VX2000, Gates housing, L&M Sunray lights
Sony Vegas

KentCe
New User

Jan 1, 2005, 11:45 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2305 views)
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Re: [sailordiver] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

I dive an Inspiration CCR because I generally go below 100' (feet), the only unit (at the time) with CE certification, and tons of them out there. Semi-closed are too limiting for my diving profiles (I know a number of semi-closed divers that have switched to an Inspiration.)

- Kent

CAYMANCHRISB
New User

Feb 22, 2005, 9:18 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2074 views)
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Re: [sailordiver] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

Regarding rebreathers and doing underwater video I would agree with bubblevision wholeheartedly. There is a lot to be said for your freedom of buoyancy control when going over terrain, changing depths. Its a whole lot smoother on open circuit.There are of course great advantages to the CCR but there is a slight give & take. I have limited rebreather experience over the past 5 years have used the dolphin scr, the halcyon scr, and have owned the inspiration for three years and recently purchased the megalodon ccr. Regarding the halcyon and 'ease of cleaning' I would have to dissagree as well as the size/weight of that 'fridge', that would not be my choice, but perhaps its right for your application.

CamDiver
Novice

Feb 23, 2005, 6:30 PM

Post #7 of 8 (2039 views)
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Re: [CAYMANCHRISB] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Chris,
Mark here in Palau. The whole question for using SCCR or FCCR's is not, or shouldn't be a concern for resort videographers IMO. Wanting to get closer to fish etc comes down to stealth and knowing the behavior of your subject. SCCR's and higher are generally employed by production companies in order to get the shot required. Working on a professional project is greatly removed from collating your trip video. Users are basically going to one spot to set up for a shot which could take a day or more, all for a 30 second clip. Using these units in that environment allows the immediate vicinity and it's inhabitants to get on with life with little if any intrussion and interruption.

My philosophy, get proficient, wait for the call and make the adjustment if required. Until then the use of FCCR and SCCR units it just for the thrill of diving silent.

Off the subject, hows life and work in Caymans? I've just finished some pretty exciting stuff here for Nat Geo and am booked for a shoot early March for Discovery production on deep wrecks, one in particular - The U.S. S Perry. Ever heard of it??

Best,
Mark.
Palau
Western Pacific
(someone's gotta live here, right?)

CAYMANCHRISB
New User

Feb 24, 2005, 6:48 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2003 views)
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Re: [CamDiver] rebreathers [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Mark,

Sounds like you are doing great over there, I am for the most part chasing happy divers pulling regs out of their mouths smiling. Perhaps I am going a little overkill with my equipment?
I just took a peak on the net about the U.S.S. Perry looks good.
A bit of a 'lull' in traffic here since the hurricane in September, but the diving is still fine, 'specially deeper!