Stainless Steel Buoyancy Weights: Setup and Use
By SeaLife Cameras | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install and use SeaLife stainless steel buoyancy weights for better underwater camera handling and control. Step-by-step guide with tips.
Quick answer
Attach the stainless steel buoyancy weights directly to your SeaLife camera's 1/4-20 tripod mount to improve underwater handling and reduce positive buoyancy.
Why add buoyancy weights
Many underwater camera setups are naturally buoyant, making them float upward and harder to control. Adding stainless steel buoyancy weights shifts the balance, giving you more stable handling and reducing arm fatigue during long dives.
The two-piece set adds 13.2 oz (374g) of negative buoyancy, which is enough to counteract most positively buoyant SeaLife camera setups without overloading your rig.
What to check before installation
Ensure your camera or housing has a standard 1/4-20 threaded tripod mount. This is the same thread used by most underwater camera trays and accessories. The weights come with both male and female 1/4-20 threads, so they can be stacked or attached directly.
If you use a tray or flex-connect adapter, check that the weight does not interfere with other accessories like lights or handles.
Step-by-step installation
- 1. Prepare the camera mount: Locate the 1/4-20 threaded tripod socket on your SeaLife camera or housing. Clean the area with fresh water and dry it to ensure no sand or debris blocks the threads. A dirty thread can cross-thread and damage the mount.
- 2. Attach the first weight: Screw the first weight's male 1/4-20 thread into the camera's tripod socket. Turn it clockwise by hand until snug. Do not use tools — overtightening can strip the plastic housing threads. Hand-tight only. If it stops before fully seated, check for debris.
- 3. Add the second weight (optional): If you need more negative buoyancy, screw the second weight's female thread onto the first weight's male thread. Again, hand-tighten only. Two weights give maximum 13.2 oz reduction. Start with one if your rig is only slightly buoyant.
- 4. Test buoyancy in water: Before your dive, submerge the assembled camera in a pool or bucket. The camera should sink slowly or remain neutral. If it still floats upward, add the second weight. Never use more weight than needed — excess negative buoyancy can make the camera hard to lift.
- 5. Rinse and store after use: After diving, rinse the weights with fresh water and dry them completely. The 316 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but salt crystals can still form on the threads. Store the weights in a dry bag or case to prevent thread damage.
Product details
- Stainless Steel Buoyancy Weights (2), ¼-20 Threaded: Each precision-machined 316 stainless-steel weight reduces buoyancy by 6.6 oz (187g). Two weights are included for total added negative buoyancy of 13.2 oz (374g). This means you can fine-tune the buoyancy by using one or both weights depending on your camera setup and dive conditions.
Stainless Steel Buoyancy Weights (2), ¼-20 Threaded
