Ultra Low Light Underwater Imaging
Exploring frontiers in the underwater realm, the new Gates ME20 Housing pairs Canon ultra low light technology with Gates legendary reliability.
The new Gates ME20 Housing system is designed to push the boundaries of underwater motion imaging, revealing natural bioluminescence, moonlit reefs, dark caves and other light challenged scenes without the aid of additional, artificial lighting. Such breakthrough imaging is enabled by the Canon ME20F-SH camera, capable of incredible low light performance up to 4 million ISO.
The seasoned professional will recognize many signature features in the Gates ME20 Housing: precision mechanical FIZ control of any PL or Canon EF lens; durable machined aluminum and 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!
Key Features
Atomos NVS or Starlite HD5 Compact External Monitor Housing (included)
Designed specifically for the Transvideo Starlite HD5 (not included), the ST5 is a compact 5" / 125mm HD display with Corner Controls for peaking, vectorscope and more. Other monitor options available.
Clean, uncomplicated design
User friendly controls are 100% mechanical -- no complicated mechanisms or electronics to fail.
Simplicity = Reliability
Adjustable Grips
Adjust the handles for perfect grip and convenient access to controls.
Precision Ports™
Quality optics means clarity, sharpness and NO vignetting (cutoff dark corners) to spoil your images.
Integrated Recorder
The Atomos Ninja V is provisioned into the ME20 Housing. (Atomos not included).
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
The ME20 accommodates a wide variety of Canon lenses.
Adjustable Buoyancy and Trim
Add /remove trim weights for ideal buoyancy and balance -- a key to stable, fluid shots.
Customization
Have a unique application? Shooting style? Special setup needs? Gates routinely custom modifies housing to your requirements -- just the way you want it.
Seal Check II
The Gates Seal Check II is included with the Flex 4K and assures housing integrity before entering the water.
2-Year Warranty.
Legendary factory direct support.
Gates is synonymous with reliability and support, and only Gates offers a 2-year, renewable warranty on all housings.
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(on Gemini Recorder)
- Assignable x 2
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Focus
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Iris
- Direct lens coupled (manual) Zoom
Dimensions: Basic Shell
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
- 17 lbs / 7.8 kg (Housing only, transport)
Weight in Water
- Fully adjustable buoyancy / trim
Batteries
- Gates 8 cells Lithium Ion battery. Over 2 hours run time.
Included Items
- ST5 or NVS External Monitor shell (Transvideo or Atomos LCD not included)
- Gates [infopopup:seal-check] system
- Pelican Case
- Tool Kit / Spare Kit / O-Ring Kit
Equipment Required
Monitor Options
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. Adjust EM7 CINE for the perfect viewing angle. A true professional touch. Neutrally buoyant design means no fighting a rig that wants to flip over. 
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
Tilt / Swivel base mount
No 'Turtling'
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
Starlite ST5 External Monitor Housing
(Monitor housing is included with MINI Housing. Transvideo Starlite HD5 is not included)
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.
External Power
The ST5 draws power from the camera for a more compact size and no additional batteries needed.
Display
- Transvideo Starlite 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
SU&C Guides
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
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.
Tilt / Swivel base mount
adjust NVS for the perfect viewing angle. A true professional touch.
No 'Turtling'
Neutrally buoyant design means no fighting a rig that wants to flip over.
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.
TVL55 External Monitor
The TVL55 External Monitor is a compact, feature-rich external monitor option for Gates broadcast and cinema caliber underwater imaging systems. Designed specifically for the TV Logic VFM-058W field monitor (not included), the TVL55 is a full 1920x1080 resolution on a 5.5" / 14cm diagonal display. A variety of focus and exposure tools are available like false color, zoom, peaking, vectorscope and waveform. Three assignable buttons give quick access to your favorite, most used functions. Of course the TVL55 is backed by Gates 2 year professional, renewable warranty and legendary customer service.
Designed for TV Logic VFM-058W Field Monitor
with access to full menus and assignable controls.
Water Blocked Cable
has a tough polyurethane jacket. A Gates original design.
Full 1920x1080 Resolution
on a 5.5in / 140mm diagonal display.
Focus and Exposure Tools
Vectorscope, waveform, peaking, false color and zoom.
2.5 Hour Run Time
from two Canon LP-E6 low profile LiOn batteries.
2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Compatibility
- TV Logic VFM-058W Field Monitor (not included)
Contols
- Assignable x 3
- Menu / Menu Roller
- Power
Dimensions
- 7.5"W x 6.8"H x 4.3"D
- 19cm W x 17.2cm H x 11cm D
Connections
- Gates HD-SDI Bulkhead Connector
Power
- Two Canon LPO-E6 low profile batteries.
- Run time 2.5 hours.
- Other battery options available by custom order.
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
- Marine grade cable with polyurethane jacket and water block
Weight
- Dry: 4.1lbs / 1.7 kg
- In Water: 1 oz / 28g negative.
Depth Rating
- 450 feet / 137 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
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
Gates Recommended Lenses for Flat and Dome Ports
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of medium to macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
Versatile
The FP80 supports a wide range of lenses for medium to macro imaging.
AR Coated Glass
BK7 glass element with Anti Reflective (AR) coating is optional.
Shade
Shade choices include W075 (standard) and Macro (optional)
Field Replaceable
The FP80 element is user-changeable in the field.
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.
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.
Versatile
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP80-8 supports a wide variety of lenses
AR Coated Glass
The SP80-8 is available with either Acrylic / Perspex dome or BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Field Serviceable
Field Serviceable and replaceable dome (acrylic / Perspex only)
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
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.
Versatile
The SP80-10 is compatible with hundreds of lenses. Click link above for Gates Compatibility Reference
Material Options
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 10in / 254mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
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. The SP110-12 is compatible with hundreds of lenses. Click the link above to Gate Lens Compatibility Reference.
SP110-12 Dome Port
Superior Rectilinear Compatibility
AR Coated Glass
Versatile
Material Options
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
Dome Spherical Diameter
Depth Rating
Custom Port
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 DEEP DRAGON and assures housing integrity before entering the water.
ST5 or NVS External Monitor Case
The ST5 or NVS External Monitor housing is included with the ME20 Housing.
Learn more on the "MONITOR OPTIONS" tab.
Travel Case
Travel Case(s) have rollers and retractable handles.
Spare Kits
O-rings, tools, hardware
Carry Handle
Easy grip, transport and handling.
Optional Accessories
Port Rings
Support a variety of PL and DSLR lenses.
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....
Customization
Special modifications are routine. You really can have it ‘just the way you like’.
Body Cap
Need added protection for travel or harsh setup environments? This body cap bayonets into place just like SPR's and Ports.
Support
- ME20 Housing Feature Sheet
- ME20 Housing Setup, Use & Care Guide (To Be Released)
- Gates Lens Compatibility Reference
- Gates Recommended Lenses for Flat and Dome Ports
- Gates Underwater Housing General Care and Maintenance Guide
- Housing Hire / Rentals
- Find a dealer
- Contact Gates
ME20 Housing Supported Equipment
CAMERA
Canon ME20F-SH or ME200S-SH
Displays
Transvideo Starlite HD5 (in Gates ST5 External Monitor housing)
ATOMOS Shinobi SDI (optional, in Gates NVS External Monitor housing)
Recorder
ATOMOS Ninja V LCD / Recorder
Gates Seal Check II -- Verify Housing Integrity before Entering the Water
