Flex-Connect Cold Shoe: Mounting Accessories Underwater
By SeaLife Cameras | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to mount lights and accessories to your SeaLife camera or housing using the Flex-Connect Cold Shoe. Step-by-step guide with tips.
Quick Answer
Use the Flex-Connect Cold Shoe to mount lights or accessories directly to your camera or housing's cold shoe for a compact, secure setup. Follow the steps below to attach and adjust your gear.
Why Use the Cold Shoe Mount?
The Flex-Connect Cold Shoe is designed for divers who want a minimal rig. Instead of adding a tray or arm system, you can mount a light directly to the cold shoe of your camera or housing. This keeps your setup lightweight and streamlined, ideal for travel or when you want to reduce drag.
A key trade-off: mounting directly to the cold shoe limits positioning flexibility. You won't be able to angle the light independently of the camera. If you need off-axis lighting for macro or creative shots, consider combining the cold shoe with a Flex-Connect arm or tray.
Compatibility Considerations
The Flex-Connect Cold Shoe works with any camera or housing that has a standard cold shoe. It also pairs with the Flex-Connect Action Camera Adapter (SL996) if you want to mount an action camera above your underwater camera for simultaneous photo and video capture.
Before purchasing, verify that your housing has a cold shoe. Some compact housings may lack one; in that case, you'll need a tray or a different mounting solution.
Step-by-Step Mounting Guide
- Check your cold shoe: Confirm your camera or housing has a standard cold shoe. If not, you'll need a tray or adapter. Checkpoint: Ensure the cold shoe is clean and free of debris.
- Slide the Flex-Connect Cold Shoe onto the cold shoe: Align the mount's groove with the cold shoe and slide it in from the back. Make sure it sits flush. Checkpoint: Do not force it; if it doesn't slide easily, realign.
- Tighten the locking screw: Turn the screw clockwise until snug. Avoid over-tightening to prevent damage. Checkpoint: Give it a gentle tug to ensure it's secure.
- Attach your light or accessory: Mount your light or accessory to the cold shoe's 1/4-20 thread or accessory port. Tighten securely. Checkpoint: Ensure the accessory is oriented as desired before tightening fully.
- Test before diving: Inspect the mount and accessory for any looseness. Give it a shake test to confirm stability. Checkpoint: If anything feels loose, re-tighten before entering the water.
Product Spotlight
- Flex-Connect Cold Shoe: The Flex-Connect Cold Shoe adds lights and accessories directly to cameras and housings, providing an ultra-compact lighting solution. This means you can attach a light without adding a bulky tray, keeping your rig light and easy to handle underwater.
Flex-Connect Cold Shoe
