Gates MINI LF Housing: The Underwater Imaging Chameleon
Cinema, TV, Natural History, whatever: configure the MINI LF Housing to suit your needs. Diver independent operation or complete surface DP control. Virtually any lens, cinema / anamorphic / DSLR. 8 and 10" Dome / Flat Ports. And shoot either ARRI ALEXA Mini or Mini LF cameras.
Like it's predecessor, the MINI LF is a deeply integrated marine imaging system, blurring the lines between housing and camera. Twelve user-assignable controls interface directly with the ARRI Mini allowing access to frequently used functions like white balance, peaking, display overlay, and frame rate. Gates familiar mechanical Focus / Iris / Zoom controls provide precision handling of hundreds of LPL, PL, Anamorphic and DSLR lenses with the same adaptable Lens Gear Drive system found in the Gates cinema-grade family.
When setup with Gates SPR80 Stackable Port Ring system, the MINI LF Housing is a compact kit. Travel friendly in two carry-on size cases. The larger SPR110 Stackable Port Rings accommodate ARRI cForce mini motors, giving the topside DP full lens and camera control. Add SDI surface video for complete surface operational command and control.
The MINI LF is Gates through-and-through: durable machined aluminum, stainless construction; clean, uncomplicated, user friendly design; Gates precision ports for clear, sharp images; extensive line of accessories and custom configurations; and Seal Check II for housing integrity verification. Experts know that failure is not an option, so they never take a chance…. they take a Gates!
MINI to MINI LF Housing upgrade is available. Contact Gates for full details.
Key Features
External Monitor Housing (included)
The GATES ST5 External Monitor is a compact 5" / 125mm HD display with Corner Controls for peaking, vectorscope and more.
Coming soon: External Monitor for Atomos Ninja V and Shinobi SDI
Clean, uncomplicated design
User friendly controls are 100% mechanical -- no complicated mechanisms or electronics to fail.
Simplicity = Reliability
2-Year Warranty
Legendary factory direct support
Synonymous with reliability and support, only Gates offers a 2-year, renewable warranty on all housings.
Precision Ports™
Quality optics means clarity, sharpness and NO vignetting (cutoff dark corners) to spoil your images.
User-Assignable Controls
for direct access to white balance, frame rate and many others.
Adjustable Controls
Set the Focus / Iris / Zoom control just the way you like: close, mid or stacked knobs make fine lens adjustments easy.
Extensive Lens Support
Virtually any lens is supported MINI LF Housing. LPL, PL, Anamorphic, DSLR.

Adjustable Buoyancy and Trim
Add /remove trim weights for ideal buoyancy and balance -- a key to stable, fluid shots.
Stackable Port Rings
SPR's are the ultimate in flexibility. Any Cinema and DSLR lens supported. SPR80 size for lightweight travel, SPR110 for cinema and LCS motors.
Seal Check II
The Gates Seal Check II is included with the MINI LF Housing and assures housing integrity before entering the water.
Adjustable Grips
Adjust the handles for perfect grip and convenient access to controls.
Accessories
An extensive suite of accessories is available for cinema, Natural History, broadcast TV, research, and military applications.
Specifications
Controls (All Mechanical)
- Power On/Off
- Record / Standby x2 (Remote & Manual)
- Assignable x 12. List of Assignable Functions
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Focus
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Iris
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Zoom
Dimensions: Basic Shell (preliminary)
Transport size with 8" dome, PR126
- 18″ L x 11″ H x 11.6″ W (15.5” w/Handles)
- 46 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm (39 cm)
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III Hard Anodized finish.
- Stainless steel hardware.
Depth Rating
- 250 feet / 76 meters.
Warranty
- 2 Years Renewable. Gates Warranty Details.
Weight in Air (preliminary)
- 17 lbs / 7.8 kg (Housing only, transport)
Weight in Water
- Fully adjustable buoyancy / trim
Batteries
- V-Lock type. Contact Gates for non-standard battery size compatibility.
Included Items
- ST5 External Monitor shell only (StarLite monitor not included)
- Gates system. Learn more....
- Pelican Case
- Tool & O-Ring Kit
Equipment Required
(Basic set. See Supported Equipment for more info)
- Camera: ARRI ALEXA Mini LF or Mini original
- ARRI General Purpose IO Box GPB-1 (Item # K2.0007642)
- Recording Media (CODEX Compact Drive or CFast Card)
- Transvideo StarLite LCD Monitor (for ST5 External Monitor)
- V-Lock type battery
- LENS of choice. GATES Lens Compatibility Reference
Monitor Options
Underwater Monitor Housing is included with MINI LF Housing. LCD's not included
Gates EM7 CINE Underwater Monitor Housing is a bespoke, glove-fit for the SmallHD CINE 7 LCD, offering a vivid 1800 nit 1900x1200 resolution display, visible even the bright daylight of shallow tropical waters. As with all Gates External Monitors, its adjustable base can tilt / swivel to any position for the perfect viewing angle. Simple, robust SDI interface that is broadly compatible with a variety of Gates Housings for RED, ARRI, and Sony. Two power options are available: 2x Sony L-series batteries (with optional shell extension), or a slim, travel-able version driven by the camera power source from the main camera housing shell. For the perfect trim, EM7 CINE can be either slightly negative or perfectly neutral buoyancy with included trim float -- no 'turtling'! Of course, Gates EM7 CINE Underwater Monitor Housing comes with 'bulletproof' construction, a 2 year renewable warranty‘ and legendary Gates customer support. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark for over 50 years. SmallHD CINE 7 LCD is a big 7" / 178 mm 1920 x 1200 display with brilliant HDR illumination. with a tough polyurethane jacket is "bulletproof". Power can be either 2x Sony L-Series batteries (mounted to CINE 7 LCD) or from the main housing system. Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings. EM7 CINE Underwater Monitor Housing
Compatible Housings: GATES IMMERSIVE HOUSING DEEP WEAPON - RAPTOR
ARRI ALEXA MINI / MINI LF ALEXA 35 ARRI ALEXA FLEX4K
Easy-to-see Daylight Bright 1800 nit Display
Rugged, Water Blocked Cable
Dual Power Options

2-Year Warranty
Display
Controls
Dimensions
Input Format
Material
Weight
Depth Rating
Warranty
Cable / Connectors
Power Source / Run Time
Gates Immersive Housing
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA 35 / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
DEEP WEAPON / DEEP RAPTOR Housing
Housings using Gates MultiConn (GMC) bulkhead connector system
Gates EM5 ULTRA Underwater Monitor Housing is a tailored, glove-fit for the SmallHD ULTRA 5 LCD, with a powerful 3000 nit HD display, visible even in the harshest daylight. The adjustable base can tilt / swivel to any position for the perfect viewing angle. An SDI interface is simple, robust, and broadly compatible with a variety of Gates Housings including RED and ARRI. Power is driven by the camera power source inside the main housing shell for long run time. And the EM5 ULTRA can be either slightly negative buoyancy or perfectly neutral with included trim float -- no 'turtling'! Of course, Gates EM5 ULTRA Underwater Monitor Housing comes with 'bulletproof' construction, a 2 year renewable warranty‘ and legendary Gates customer support. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark for over 50 years. 5" / 125 mm widescreen display is a brilliant 3000 nits HDR illumination. with a tough polyurethane jacket is "bulletproof". are programmable, and easily accessible next to the shaded LCD. Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings. EM5 ULTRA Underwater Monitor Housing
Compatible Housings: ARRI ALEXA MINI / MINI LF ALEXA 35 ARRI ALEXA DEEP WEAPON - RAPTOR FLEX4K
Super Bright 3000 nit Widescreen HD Display
Rugged, Water Blocked Cable
F1 / F2 / F3 Controls

2-Year Warranty
Display
Controls
Dimensions
Input Format
Material
Weight
Depth Rating
Warranty
Cable / Connectors
Power Source / Run Time
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA 35 / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
DEEP WEAPON / DEEP RAPTOR Housing
Housings using Gates MultiConn (GMC) bulkhead connector system
Tailored to the SmallHD 503 Ultrabright LCD, the Gates EM503 Underwater Monitor Housing is a brilliant 2200 nits, visible even in harsh daylight. Dedicated Power / F1 / F2 buttons are readily accessible next to the shaded 5" display, and the adjustable base can tilt / swivel to any position for the perfect viewing angle. SDI means simple, robust interface and broadly compatible with a variety of Gates Housings. Two power options are available: 2x Sony L-series batteries (with optional shell extension), or a slim, travel-able version driven by the camera power source from inside the main housing shell. Both versions can be neutrally buoyant with included trim floats -- no 'turtling'! Of course, Gates EM503 Underwater Monitor Housing comes with 'bulletproof' construction, a 2 year renewable warranty‘ and legendary Gates customer support. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark for over 50 years. 5" / 125 mm widescreen display is a brilliant 2200 nits HDR illumination. with a tough polyurethane jacket is "bulletproof". are easibly accessible next to the shaded LCD. Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings. EM503 Underwater Monitor Housing
Compatible Housings: ARRI ALEXA MINI / MINI LF ARRI ALEXA DEEP WEAPON - RAPTOR FLEX4K
Super Bright, Widescreen Display
Rugged, Water Blocked Cable
Power / F1 / F2 Controls

2-Year Warranty
Display
Controls
Dimensions
Input Format
Material
Weight
Depth Rating
Warranty
Cable / Connectors
Power Source / Run Time
Run time more than 4 hours.Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
DEEP WEAPON / DEEP RAPTOR Housing
Housings using Gates MultiConn (GMC) bulkhead connector system
Starlite ST5 External Monitor Housing
The Gates Starlite ST5 is specifically designed for the Transvideo Starlite SDI monitor / recorder (not included), a compact, smartphone-size 5.0” / 125mm color LCD. Accessible on the Starlite LCD via the ST5 housing are 'Smart Corners' with direct access to a variety of functions including histogram, vectorscope, waveform and peaking. The Startlite ST5 is a swivel-base mounted External Monitor for viewing, framing and focus at any angle -- even in bright sunlight. The ST5 is powered by connection to the ALEXA Mini camera, eliminating extra batteries and size.
Of course, the Starlite ST5 External Monitor housing comes with Gates 2 year renewable warranty and ‘bulletproof’ construction. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark since 1969.
Compact Size, Widescreen Display
5" / 125 mm widescreen display.
SDI Interface
is robust and reliable.
Assignable Button Control
Corner controls on the touch screen provide user-assignable functions.

2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Display
- Transvideo Starlite HD5 or HD5+ (not included)
- Widescreen 5 .0 inch / 125 mm color LCD
- 1280 x 720 resolution
Controls
- Power
- Assignable x4
Dimensions
- 6.6" W x 5.5" D x 4.1" H (including shade & swivel mount)
- 16.7cm W x 14cm D x 10.4cm H
Input Formats
- HD-SDI / 3G-SDI
- Frame rates: 24P, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60i
Material
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Weight
- Dry: 3.75 lbs / 1.60 kg (w/batteries)
- In Water: 6 oz / 170g negative
Depth Rating
- 250 feet / 76 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
Cable / Connections
- Marine-grade multi conductor cable
- Gates Pass Through bulkhead connector
Power / Run Time
- N/A -- power is received from camera
Resources
Replacement Cables
- 5000-94-080 CABLE ASSY, STARLITE, HDSDI-PWR (For all compatible housings except DEEP WEAPON / DEEP DRAGON)
Standard Cable Length 31 in / 79 cm. Custom length available.
NVS Underwater Monitor Housing
Compatible Housings: ARRI ALEXA MINI / MINI LF ARRI ALEXA DEEP WEAPON-RAPTOR SONY Z90
1000 nits bright LCD. 4K/60P recording in ProRes RAW. Extensive focus / exposure tools. All in a compact, neutrally buoyant package. That's the Gates NVS External Monitor Housing.
Designed specifically for the Atomos NINJA V, SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI, Gates NVS Underwater Monitor Housing accommodates all three with field-configurable changes. Touch screen buttons are readily accessible below the shaded 5" display, and the mounting base will tilt / swivel to any position for the perfect viewing angle. Battery powered or driven by the camera v-lock (SHINOBI SDI only), NVS preserves a streamlined, low profile to the housing for minimal water resistance.
Of course, Gates NVS Underwater Monitor Housing comes with 'bulletproof' construction, a 2 year renewable warranty‘ and legendary Gates customer support. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark for over 50 years.
Compact Size, Widescreen Display
5" / 125 mm widescreen display is a bright 1000 nits.
ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI LCD's
are all supported via field-configurable changes. Contact us for details.
Touch screen controls
are easibly accessible below the shaded LCD.

2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Display
- ATOMOS NINJA V (+ Master Caddy), SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI LCD's
- Widescreen 5 .0 inch / 125 mm color LCD
- 1920x1080 resolution
Controls
- Power
- Touch Screen x12
Dimensions
Input Formats
- HDMI (NINJA V, SHINOBI) and HD-SDI (SHINOBI SDI)
- View all LCD specifications at ATOMOS.com
Material
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Weight
- Dry: 3.7lbs / 1.7 kg 4.8lbs / 2.2kg with LCD & Battery
- In Water: Slightly positive to slightly negative (battery dependent)
Depth Rating
- 200 feet / 61 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
Cable / Connections
- Marine-grade multi conductor cable
- Gates Pass Through connectors
Power / Run Time
- Variable. Consult ATOMOS specifications for details.
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source(s)
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970) or
- Camera / Camera battery via D-Tap
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-186 BCP ASSY, SDI+PWR SML PENTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 24-28 in / 61-71 cm. Custom length available.
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-190 BCP ASSY, SDI SML PENTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 16-18 in / 41-46 cm. Custom length available.
Z90 Housing (for Sony PXW-Z90 Camera)
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-219 BCP ASSY, SDI BLKHD ADPTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 25-28 in / 63-71 cm. Custom length available.
DEEP WEAPON Housing
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source(s)
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970) or
- Camera / Camera battery via D-Tap
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94—218 BCP ASSY, SDI+PWR LG PNTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 25-28 in / 63-71 cm. Custom length available.
AX700 / Z90 Housing (for Sony FDR-AX700 or PXW-Z90 Camera)
- LCD: ATOMOS NINJA V or SHINOBI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor HDMI Cable: specify 5000-94-182 BCP ASSY, HDMI BLKHD ADPTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 30-36 in / 76-91 cm. Custom length available.
Port Options
The best camera in the world can't make up for poor optics. Poor optical design and materials introduce ‘image killers’ – distortions, aberrations, degraded resolution, or vignetting. Gates family of Precision Ports are sharp and clear: the finest optics for the finest underwater images. No image killers. Professional to amateur, super wide to macro, Gates Precision Ports suit a wide range of needs, conditions and experience. Of course all ports are backed by our legendary customer support and the same standard of excellence expected of all Gates products.
Gates Lens Compatibility Reference
ALEXA MINI Port Options System Chart (same for MINI LF)
Gates Recommended Lenses for Flat and Dome Ports
At a remarkable 12.6 in / 320 mm diameter, the SP110-12 stands alone, a new standard in underwater optics. Optical glass with anti-reflective coating, SP110-12 is designed for rectilinear cinema lenses, yet equally at home in natural history applications where split shots and close focus are key parameters. ARRI Master Primes, Fujinon Cinema Zoom's and Anamorphic Lenses all benefit from this superior, 'no compromises' Dome Port. The SP110-12 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only. For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP110-12 excels at rectilinear imaging, particularly with PL mount cinema lenses. The SP110-12 is made of optically pure BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.SP110-12 Dome Port
Superior Rectilinear Compatibility
AR Coated Glass
Material Options
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
Dome Spherical Diameter
Depth Rating
SP80-10 Dome Port
The SP80-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it's smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP80-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like Arri Master Primes and Ultra Primes.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
Superior Rectilinear Compatibility
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP80-10 excels at rectilniear imaging, particularly with PL mount cinema lenses.
AR Coated Glass
The SP80-10 is made of optically pure BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Material Options
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 10in / 254mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
SP80-8 Dome Port
The SP80-8 is an 8in / 203mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Medium to macro, too, when paired with compatible macro zoom lenses. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
Material Options
- Acrylic / Perspex
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 8in / 203mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of cinema zooms and macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
Material
- Optical grade Acrylic / Perspex (standard)
- Anti-reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass (optional)
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture:
- 7.4in / 189mm
Shades
- W075 (standard)
- Macro (optional)
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
Optical Notes
- Flat ports reduce Field of View (FOV) 20% underwater.
Specialized Port / Adapters
MLA80 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
In collaboration with Venus Optics, the Gates MLA80 Probe Lens Adapter allows full submersion of the Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens for truly unique macro imaging perspective. A long, tubular barrel with tiny lens tip can extend into the smallest of spaces, yet provide a remarkable 84° FOV, 2:1 magnification, and infinity focus. Further, the Laowa 24mm Macro covers full frame *and* larger sensors like RED Monstro from a standard Canon or Nikon mount.
Learn more about the MLA80 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
Unique 'Goby-Eye' Perspective
The Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens offer remarkable 2:1 Magnification, wide 84° at the tiny lens tip and infinity focus.
Full Housing Integration
The MLA80 directly adapts iris / focus functions to the housing controls.
7in / 178mm probe extension
Collaboration with Venus Optics allows for full submersion of the 24mm Macro Probe while retaining generous barrel extension.
Required Components
- Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens
- Housing dependent. Contact Gates for details.
MLA80 Construction
- Anodized Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- ABS Polymer gears (3D Printed)
Weight, Packing
- TBA
Depth Rating
- 100 feet / 30 m
Warranty
- 2 Years . Gates Warranty Details.
- Laowa lens covered by separate warranty. Contact Venus optics for details.
Custom Ports
Custom Ports
Gates Precision Ports extend to custom designs for specific applications like underwater UV imaging or Corrective Optics (CO) that adapt a specific lens for underwater imaging, and eliminating distortions / aberrations. Contact Gates to discuss your particular application.
Included Accessories
Seal Check II
The Gates Seal Check II is included with every MINI LF Housing and assures housing integrity before entering the water.
Underwater Monitor Housing
A Gates Underwater Monitor Housing is included with the MINI LF Housing. Click here for options.
Optional Accessories
Stackable Port Rings
SPR's are the ultimate in flexibility. Any Cinema and DSLR lens supported. SPR80 size for lightweight travel, SPR110 for cinema and LCS motors.
HD-SDI / UHD-SDI Surface Feed
Need topside DP monitoring? High speed digital SDI video feed is available. 50 to over 300 feed, the link includes gold contact connectors and certified coaxial cable.
Knob Extensions
Finer control of focus and iris, even with gloves.
Water Alarm
An extra measure beyond [infopopup:seal-check], the Gates Water Alarm provides both visible and audible warnings. The siren is coupled directly to the housing shell and resonates directly to the water, rendering it unmistakable to a diver.
Tripod Adapter
Use your own underwater tripod with this adapter.
Surface and / or Underwater Command / Control of Astera Titan Tubes, the "the ultimate LED tube for filmmakers, TV studios and any creative person." Underwater Titan Tube (UT2)
Learn more....
Support
Setup, Use and Care Guides
- MINI LF Housing Setup, Use & Care Guide
- MINI LF Housing List of Assignable Functions
- Gates Underwater Housing General Care and Maintenance Guide
SURFACE COMMAND / CONTROL
- GATES Surface Command / Control Cable Options - MINI-MINI LF - MultiConn Type
- GATES Surface Command / Control Cable Options - MINI-MINI LF - Pass-Thru Type
PORT AND LENS REFERENCES
- MINI LF Port Options System Chart
- Gates Lens Compatibility Reference
- Gates Recommended Lenses for Flat and Dome Ports
GENERAL REFERENCE
ALEXA MINI Housing Supported Equipment
CAMERA
ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
ARRI ALEXA Mini
ARRI GPIO
ARRI General Purpose IO Box GPB-1 (Part No K2.0007642)
LCD's
Transvideo Starlite HD5 and HD5+ (in Gates ST5 External Monitor housing)
Batteries (V-Lock Type)
A wide variety of V-Lock batteries are compatible beyond this list.
Certain batteries may require extended rear shells.
Contact Gates for details.
V-Lock type
IDX
Duo 150, DUO 95, ENDURA ELITE, E-HL9, E-HL9S, E-7S
BLUESHAPE
All GRANITE and GRANITE TWO Streamlined, Medium and Big Size.
All GRANITE MINI
PAG
9307V, 9304, 9303, 9310, 9310V, 9305V
SWIT
8192S
ANTON-BAUER
Contact Gates


















































































Gates Seal Check II -- Verify Housing Integrity before Entering the Water