Historical information

This underwater SLR camera housing was made to hold a standard SLR camera and keep it watertight for underwater photography up to 300 feet in depth.

Ikelite continues to be a leading manufacturer in the underwater photographic industry. The business began in the early 1960s when diver Ike Brigham invented a waterproof seal for his underwater flashlights. The name IKELITE was trademarked in 1962. In the late 1960s, Ike developed camera housing kits that were clear and enabled access to change a roll of film. He was the first to use lid-snap closures on an underwater housing.

The history of underwater photography began with the first protective camera box for underwater photography was made in 1856. In 1914 the first underwater video footage was taken. Colour underwater photography was first shot in 1926. In 1950 the first commercially available underwater camera housing, the "Tarzan" was designed by Henry Broussard, an underwater photographer, for his own camera. It was produced by the French company Beauchat.

In 1957 the revolutionary underwater camera was invented by Jaques-Yves Cousteau and Jean de Wouters. The new amphibious "Calypso" changed the nature of underwater photography.

Significance

This underwater camera housing is significant for its purpose of underwater photography. Camera housings such as this were used to record the position and layout of shipwrecks along coast of the Great Ocean Road. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village has underwater footage of dives that show the now protected shipwrecks.

Physical description

Underwater camera housing, Ikelite brand SLR camera housing, for up to 300 feet depth. nscriptions embossed on the back. Made in Indianapolis, USA.

Inscriptions & markings

Embossed "Ikelite SLR camera housing. Made in Indianapolis. Ind. USA. 300Ft"