Marelux

Type: Housing, strobe, and accessory manufacturer
Founded: 2021 (introduced December 2021)
Headquarters: Marelux Precision Inc. (USA); manufacturing in China
Key people: Vladimir Mladenovic (ambassador, shareholder), Jun Ouyang, Phil Rudin (product specialist)
Key products: Mirrorless camera housings, Apollo strobe line, SOFT/SOFT Pro snoots, cross mounting bar, dome ports

Overview

Marelux is an underwater housing and accessory manufacturer that entered the market in December 2021, introduced to the Wetpixel community by underwater photographer Vladimir Mladenovic. (^[1]) The company was founded by professional underwater photographers and engineers who, after a decade of using existing brands, set out to build housings designed specifically for photographers’ needs with modern innovations. (^[2])

Marelux made a strategic decision to specialize exclusively in mirrorless camera housings, recognizing what reviewer Phil Rudin described as “the 2020s decline of the DSLR market.” (^[3]) This was notable as the first new aluminum housing manufacturer to enter the market since Nauticam, approximately a decade earlier. (^[4])

The company’s stated philosophy emphasizes highest quality, best ergonomics and design, technological innovation, competitive pricing relative to established brands, and strong after-sales support worldwide. (^[5]) Marelux entered a market where rising prices from premium manufacturers like Nauticam had created an opening; forum discussions in 2022 noted photographers actively seeking alternatives due to Nauticam’s price hikes, with Marelux frequently mentioned as an option. (^[6])

Product Line

Camera Housings

All Marelux housings are machined from solid blocks of aluminum, depth rated to 100 meters, and equipped with leak alarms. They feature a twin locking system, adjustable handle spacing, and come packaged in hard cases with a 2-year warranty. Housings are available in six standard colors: Standard Black, Burgundy, Mocha, Oliver Green, Silver Gray, and Yale Blue. (^[7])

Sony housings:

• MX-A7RIII, MX-A7RIV, MX-A7SIII, MX-A7IV, MX-A1 (^[8])

Canon housings:

• MX-R5, MX-R5C, MX-R6 (with additional Canon models planned for 2023) (^[9])

Nikon housings:

• MX-Z6II, MX-Z7II (^[10])

Compact housings:

• Olympus TG-5/TG-6 housing with dual fiber optic ports (^[11])

Video/Cinema housings:

• Sony FX3, Arri ALEXA Mini LF and Mini, plus housings for monitors and recorders including the Atomos Shinobi 5-inch HDR monitor ($2,088) (^[12])

A key differentiator is that all Marelux port systems are cross-compatible across their Canon, Nikon, and Sony mirrorless housings, allowing photographers to switch camera brands without replacing ports. (^[13]) Marelux also offers adapter rings for Nauticam N120 ports ($200) and Sea & Sea ports ($200), enabling use of existing port investments including the Nauticam WACP-1 wet lens. (^[14])

The MX-A1 housing was priced at $3,198 for Standard Black with a $200 upgrade for other colors, positioning it competitively against Nauticam’s $4,540-$5,159 range while offering aluminum construction comparable to Aquatica and Sea & Sea housings in the $3,100-$3,295 range. (^[15]; ^[16])

Dome Ports

Marelux offers dome ports in three sizes using high-quality coated optical glass:

• 140mm dome port (for Canon/Nikon 8-15mm fisheye zooms, with removable dome shade to prevent vignetting at 8mm) (^[17])
• 180mm dome port ($1,366) (^[18])
• 230mm Fisheye Port II ($2,276) with beveled anti-reflection rings inside the port opening to reduce ghosting and flare (^[19])

Dome ports ship with rubber body caps, neoprene covers, rigid zipper transport cases, microfiber cleaning cloths, and spare O-rings. (^[20])

Flash Triggering

Manual flash trigger: The Marelux fiber optic flash trigger mounts over the camera hot shoe and is compatible with Inon Z-330/Z-240, Backscatter MF-1, Sea & Sea, Retra, and other fiber optic strobes. It activates automatically with the camera and offers rapid recycle times supporting 6-10 frames per second. The Sony/Nikon trigger retails at $198. (^[21])

TTL boards (via UW Technics partnership): In November 2022, Underwater Technics began shipping TTL circuit boards developed in cooperation with Marelux Precision Inc. for Canon cameras in Marelux housings (product #11080-HSS). The board offers optical and electrical TTL triggering, front and rear curtain sync, HSS up to 1/8000s with Retra Pro strobes, and full Canon flash menu control. User-installable in 2 minutes. UW Technics also developed TTL converters for Marelux Sony housings, priced at $460. (^[22]; ^[23])

SOFT (Smart Optical Flash Tube) Snoot

The original SOFT shipped in March 2022 at $470, with mounting docks at $80 each for specific strobe models (Sea & Sea YS-D2/D3, Inon Z-240/Z-330, Retra Flash Pro X). (^[24])

Key features include a built-in battery-powered aiming light (180 lumens, 16+ hours on a single 18650 battery), an adjustable iris controlled by an external dial for real-time beam shaping (8-50mm spot diameter), and an underwater quick-disconnect system. The aiming light automatically switches off when the strobe fires, then re-engages after 1.2 seconds. (^[25])

Specifications: body length 210mm, weight on land 972g (main body), depth rating 100m, focal length 130mm, best shooting range 120-180mm. (^[26])

Community reception was mixed. Users praised the iris adjustment mechanism and independent aiming light but noted the significant size and weight as drawbacks. One user reported it was “extremely unwieldy” and required letting air out of the BC when handing it to a dive guide, though it “did work as advertised.” (^[27]) Phil Rudin found the SOFT superior to the Backscatter MF-1/OS-1 combination for full-frame cameras at working distances of 120-180mm, while acknowledging the Backscatter was better suited for compact cameras at closer distances. (^[28]) Community members created DIY buoyancy solutions to address the weight issue, using closed-cell foam custom-machined to fit the SOFT body. (^[29])

SOFT Pro Snoot

The SOFT Pro, reviewed by Kate Jonker in February 2023, was a significantly improved second generation: 5.5cm shorter (155mm body length) and 182g lighter (790g on land) than the original. (^[30])

New features included both white and red aiming lights with adjustable brightness (the red light proved valuable for photographing timid fish), adjustable post-flash aiming light duration (0.2s or 1.2s options for slow shutter speed work), a tighter minimum spot size of 3mm (vs 8mm on the original), and an 18350 battery. The spot size range of 3-50mm at 150mm working distance was achieved entirely via the built-in adjustable iris aperture, eliminating the need for interchangeable masks used by competing snoots. (^[31])

Jonker’s review was highly positive, calling it “a game-changer for underwater photography” and praising the ability to adjust beam size while looking through the viewfinder. (^[32]) In forum comparisons between the SOFT and Backscatter MF-2, users generally preferred the MF-2 for its smaller size, built-in strobe, and brighter 1000-lumen guide light despite acknowledging the SOFT’s superior iris mechanism. (^[33])

Apollo Strobe Line

In July 2023, Marelux announced the Apollo strobe series, its first entry into the strobe market. The line featured a novel triple linear flash tube design with proprietary Marelux-developed tubes, 18650 lithium battery power, and wireless flash triggering via the Lumilink system. (^[34])

The announcement generated significant community interest and debate. Key innovations included:

• Wireless triggering: A sending unit fits into the housing’s optical port and signals receivers on both sides of the strobe, supporting M, MTL, and HSS modes without fiber optic cables (TTL and Olympus RC still require fiber). (^[35])
• MTL (Multiple-frame TTL) mode: Regulates flash output across burst shooting to maintain even exposure across consecutive frames. (^[36])
• Triple 18650 battery design: Debated by the community; some welcomed the use of standard replaceable cells while others raised concerns about lithium battery airline transport limits and long-term durability under high-current discharge. (^[37])

The Apollo line underwent significant revision before shipping. Originally announced as Apollo 22/33/44, by December 2023 the naming was changed: the Apollo 33 became the Apollo III with a higher-than-expected GN of 44 (up from 33), the Apollo 44 became the Apollo X, and the Apollo 28 became the Apollo S. (^[38])

Apollo III final specifications: GN 44 (on land, ISO 100), 110-degree beam angle (140 with dome diffuser), 6200K color temperature (5500K with diffuser), 0.6-second full-power recycle, 3x18650 batteries, 800 full-power flashes, 960g without batteries, 125g in water, dual aiming lights (250 lumen white / 180 lumen red), depth rating 100m. Retail price $1,199. (^[39])

Apollo X: Retailed at $999 with GN estimated at 36-38. Apollo S (formerly Apollo 28): Retailed at $749 with 2x18650 batteries, smaller form factor. (^[40])

The Apollo launch was marked by delays and communication issues. Originally promised for shipping in late August/early September 2023, the strobes were not shown publicly until DEMA 2023 in November, with wider shipping pushed to Q1 2024. Price changes during the pre-order period (the Apollo 33 went from $899 to $999 to $1,199 as it became the Apollo III) and evolving specifications frustrated some customers who had pre-paid. One forum member described the experience as “not exactly confidence inspiring” and noted the naming and spec changes suggested “when they announced with promised ship dates they didn’t even have a working product prototype.” (^[41])

Disputed: Phil Rudin acknowledged the delays were frustrating and that “in retrospect the announcement of the Apollo line was probably premature and so was accepting payments,” but attributed the changes to design improvements that “boosted power” and made the strobes “more easy to assemble in the factory.” (^[42])

Accessories

• Cross Mounting Bar: An adjustable bar (25-33.6cm center slot width) that mounts between housing handles, providing overhead mounting points for focus lights, snoots, GoPros, and other accessories. Praised in forums for its design that offsets from the housing to allow access to vacuum pump ports. Compatible with non-Marelux housings; confirmed to fit Sea & Sea MDX-850. (^[43])
• Double ball mount, Y-ball heads, accessory mounting handle (^[44])
• Vacuum valve system with moisture and vacuum detection ($166 including M16 valve and pump) (^[45])
• Port adapter rings for Nauticam N120 and Sea & Sea ($200 each) (^[46])
• Camera conversion kits (e.g., Sony A7S III kit for $248 allows using MX-A1 housing with both cameras) (^[47])
• Hydrophones and monitors (^[48])
• Color filters and dome diffuser for SOFT/SOFT Pro snoots (^[49])

Reviews and Reception

MX-A1 Housing Review (Phil Rudin, March 2022)

Phil Rudin’s review of a prototype MX-A1 for the Sony Alpha 1 was generally positive. He found the housing “very well balanced and easy to use” in the water, with controls that “fall easily at your fingertips.” He praised the robust design, the metal camera tray for heat dissipation during video, and the front-loading port system that allowed lens changes without opening the housing. (^[50])

Issues found on the prototype included misalignment of the AF/drive mode stacked dial and an intermittent up-arrow control problem. Rudin noted these had been corrected on the production Sony A7 IV housing he also had access to. (^[51])

Forum user “colddarkdiver,” an early buyer, described his MX-A1 as “a really beautiful housing that is carefully engineered and manufactured.” Another user (“markf”) initially reported the same drive/focus dial issues but resolved them by following the manual’s instruction to remove the rubber EVF eyepiece before seating the camera. (^[52])

SOFT Pro Review (Kate Jonker, February 2023)

Kate Jonker’s field review in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa was highly favorable. She praised the compact size improvements, the dual white/red aiming light, the adjustable iris system that eliminated mask changes, and the overall build quality. (^[53])

UWP Magazine Coverage

Marelux products received regular coverage in Underwater Photography (UwP) magazine, with Phil Rudin contributing reviews of the MX-A1 housing (issue 125, March 2022), the SOFT snoot (issues 127-128, July-September 2022), and the SOFT Pro (issue 131, March 2023). (^[54]; ^[55]; ^[56]; ^[57])

Competition Sponsorship

Marelux quickly established itself as a sponsor in the underwater photography competition community:

• Ocean Art 2022: Provided a SOFT Snoot as a gear prize. (^[58])
• Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) 2023: Joined as a double category sponsor for Wide Angle and Macro categories, providing UPY’s “biggest ever cash prizes” for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Jun Ouyang from Marelux said: “We are delighted to be supporting a contest that is so highly regarded by the underwater photography community.” (^[59])

Ambassadors

Marelux assembled a team of well-known underwater photographers from around the world as brand ambassadors:

• Renee Capozzola — Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021 Overall Winner (^[60])
• Scott Portelli — Wildlife and underwater photographer (^[61])
• Keigo Kawamura — Japanese underwater photographer (^[62])
• Aleksander Nordahl — Norwegian photographer (^[63])
• Vladimir Mladenovic — Shareholder and ambassador (^[64])
• Kate Jonker — South African underwater photographer and writer (^[65])
• Phil Rudin — Named “Product Specialist” by August 2023, contributing extensive coverage of Marelux products on Wetpixel and in UwP magazine (^[66])
• Geo Cloete — Active forum contributor and Marelux advocate (^[67])

Market Position

Marelux entered a competitive housing market dominated by Nauticam at the premium end and Ikelite at the value end, with Sea & Sea, Aquatica, Isotta, and Subal occupying various mid-to-high tiers. Forum discussions in 2022 show Marelux benefiting from Nauticam’s price increases: one user described switching from a planned Nauticam R5 purchase to Marelux specifically due to price hikes, noting that “it wasn’t just the housing cost” but also Nauticam’s expensive flash triggers, extensions, and zoom adapters. (^[68])

Marelux’s port cross-compatibility across camera brands and affordable adapter rings for existing Nauticam and Sea & Sea investments lowered switching costs. By 2023, the company had expanded from housings alone into a full ecosystem including snoots, strobes, cross bars, and accessories, distinguishing it from housing-only competitors.

Timeline

• 2021-12: Marelux introduced by Vladimir Mladenovic at Wetpixel; initial housing lineup announced for Canon R5/R6, Nikon Z6II/Z7II, Sony mirrorless bodies, plus Sony FX3 and Arri ALEXA Mini LF video housings. (^[69])
• 2022-03-01: Phil Rudin announces MX-A1 review in UwP Magazine issue 125, noting Marelux is “the first new aluminum housing manufacturer I can remember since Nauticam.” (^[70]; ^[71])
• 2022-03-08: SOFT (Smart Optical Flash Tube) begins shipping at $470 with docks for five strobe models. (^[72])
• 2022-03-20: Phil Rudin’s full MX-A1 housing review published on Wetpixel; also confirms UW Technics TTL converters now available for Marelux Sony housings at $460. (^[73])
• 2022-03-21: Marelux announces 140mm dome port with removable shade for Canon/Nikon 8-15mm fisheye zoom. (^[74])
• 2022-05: First community members report purchasing and receiving Marelux MX-A1 housings; early adopters resolve control alignment issues via manual instructions. (^[75])
• 2022-07: SOFT snoot reviewed in UwP Magazine issue 127. (^[76])
• 2022-09: SOFT and 140mm dome reviewed in UwP Magazine issue 128. Phil Rudin shares SOFT vs Backscatter MF-1/OS-1 comparison on Wetpixel forums. (^[77]; ^[78])
• 2022-09: Marelux SOFT Snoot offered as prize in Ocean Art 2022 competition. (^[79])
• 2022-11: Marelux exhibits at DEMA Show 2022, covered in video by Tom St. George. (^[80])
• 2022-11: Marelux joins UPY 2023 as double category sponsor for Wide Angle and Macro, providing record cash prizes. (^[81])
• 2022-11-29: UW Technics ships TTL Converter #11080-HSS for Canon cameras in Marelux housings, developed in cooperation with Marelux Precision Inc. Supports HSS up to 1/8000s with Retra strobes. (^[82])
• 2023-02-15: Kate Jonker’s review of the SOFT Pro snoot published on Wetpixel, highlighting significant size and weight reduction over the original SOFT. (^[83])
• 2023-03: SOFT Pro reviewed in UwP Magazine issue 131. (^[84])
• 2023-07-26: Apollo strobe line announced with three models (Apollo 22, 33, 44), available for pre-order. Apollo 33 listed at $899 with estimated late August/early September shipping. (^[85])
• 2023-08: Apollo pricing adjusted: Apollo 28 (formerly 22) listed at $749, Apollo 33 confirmed at $899, Apollo 44 pricing TBD. Phil Rudin named Marelux “Product Specialist.” (^[86])
• 2023-11: Apollo 33 physically shown for the first time at DEMA 2023. Phil Rudin reports 12 power levels, $899 retail, and wide shipping expected Q1 2024. (^[87])
• 2023-12: Major Apollo line revision announced: Apollo 33 rebranded as Apollo III with GN increased to 44 (from 33) at $1,199; Apollo 44 becomes Apollo X at $999; Apollo 28 becomes Apollo S. (^[88])

References