AOI UH-OM1 underwater housing for OM System OM-1

The new UH-OM1 housing from AOI is a homage to the origins of the OM-1. The housing hopes to deliver a similar user experience of the camera when shooting underwater. This includes being able to use some of the most popular lenses for underwater photography while keeping the entire housing and the corresponding ports compact and lightweight. Afterall what is the point of using the OM-1 underwater when it handles like a truck and weighs like one too.

When Smaller is Better
Don’t be deceived by the demure stats of the UH-OM1. Although weighing only 1079 grams, it comes with a smart control box that manages the built-in integrated flash trigger, Vacuum Analyser & Wet Detection System and it is fully rechargeable. The outside dimension is only 195.9mm (W) x 129.7mm (H) x 149.7mm (D) and it is fully compatible with legacy port systems from Olympus and as well as those from AOI. The ergonomic design, with a hand grip makes it a favourite for freedivers or surfers. For example, when paired with 7-14mm PRO lens, using the PEN To OMD Converter Extension Ring and 8” Glass Dome on the UH-OM1, the entire rig is still positively buoyant in water. Or when using the new plastic Macro Port with the 60mm Macro Lens it is 90gm positively buoyant, which is almost neutral in water. Making the entire system with lens and port a joy to handle.

Big Features Inside
One of the ‘biggest’ features in the housing is the integrated optical trigger. Carried over from the AOI UH-EM1iii, the optical trigger is compatible with the camera’s RC mode. The optical trigger will allow photographers to use the Super FP Mode, TTL or Manual. On a compatible strobe system like the AOI UCS-Q1RC (currently only available in Japan), images will be well exposed with vibrant colours consistently without the need to fiddle with strobe output. The optical trigger also means that the use of high shutter speed is possible when using a compatible strobe. Be it fast moving, hard to shoot macro critters (think Idiomysis) or creating compelling compositions, using high shutter speed is now available to underwater photographers. Opening a host of possibilities and options to underwater photographers.

Safe and Sound
Although the OM-1 achieves a rating of IP53, it does not mean it is waterproof. The housing benefits from having the integrated Vacuum Analyzer and Wet Detection System, a preventive and early warning system. Prior to diving, the housing is vacuum sealed, and the system monitors the internal pressure. Should there be a change of pressure in the housing, indicating a possible leak; the audible and visual alarm will go off. Giving users plenty of time to safely ascend from the dive, preventing a very costly misfortune.

Legacy Compatibility
AOI understands that many existing Olympus users will likely upgrade from their older system to the new OM-1 and although the UH-OM1 uses the PEN port mount system, a PEN to OMD Converter Extension Ring will be made available to those wishing to make use of their OMD port mount system on the UH-OM1 housing. The Converter Extension Ring, a range of ports and corresponding zoom/focus gears will be available at the time of launch. Making the transition to the new system a fuss free affair.

View the port/ system chart.

Specifications