Wolfgang (Architeuthis)

Forum username: Architeuthis
Real name: Wolfgang
Posts: 862
Active years: 2017—2024
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique
Specialization: Cross-system lens adaptation, MFT-to-full-frame migration, optical comparisons, housing system evaluation

Biography

Wolfgang, known on the Wetpixel forums as Architeuthis, was born in 1956 and has been diving since 1982. His interest in photography began in childhood, when his grandfather gave him a used medium-format camera, leading him to set up a darkroom in his attic with a friend. He later used a Minolta 35mm SLR system, specializing in tele-macro nature photography with a 200mm Sigma lens, extension bellows, and rings — long before autofocus existed ([1]).

Underwater, Wolfgang began with a Sony VX-1000 digital video camera in the late 1990s. His wife Lisi (also a diver and photographer) used an Olympus E-PL6 with macro lens. He joined Wetpixel in January 2017 specifically to research wide-angle underwater setups to complement his wife’s macro system. His username references the giant squid genus Architeuthis, reflecting his deep connection to the ocean.

Wolfgang dives regularly in the Red Sea (Egypt, including the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez) and other destinations. He and his wife share a two-photographer underwater system, a distinctive aspect of his forum presence.

Community Role

Wolfgang became one of Wetpixel’s most analytically rigorous contributors, known for systematic technical comparisons and thoroughly researched posts. His threads characteristically included detailed tables, calculated fields of view, compatibility matrices, and references to manufacturer port charts. He approached underwater photography decisions with an engineer’s methodology, always backing recommendations with data.

He was particularly valuable during the industry-wide transition from Micro Four Thirds to full-frame mirrorless systems (2018—2023), documenting the practical challenges of migrating an entire underwater system while preserving investments in ports, lenses, and accessories. His willingness to share detailed correspondence with manufacturers (Nauticam, Isotta) and report findings back to the community made his threads essential reference material.

Wolfgang was also notable for his collaborative approach, frequently helping other members with detailed, personalized advice. He signed most posts with “Wolfgang” and addressed other members by name, maintaining a courteous and collegial tone.

Notable Contributions

Canon EF Lenses on MFT Cameras

Wolfgang’s most influential thread explored using Canon EF-mount lenses on Micro Four Thirds cameras via the Metabones Speed Booster, after Nauticam released an N85-to-N120 port adapter for this purpose. The 123-reply thread became a comprehensive resource on cross-system lens adaptation underwater, covering fisheye zoom lenses (Canon 8-15mm, Tokina 10-17mm), compatibility issues, and the trade-offs between adapted lenses and native MFT glass. Wolfgang purchased a used Tokina 10-17mm from eBay and paired it with the Metabones adapter on his Olympus E-M5 II ([2]).

Sony 20-70mm f/4 G for Underwater Use

In 2023, after acquiring a Sony A7R V, Wolfgang started a 121-reply thread investigating whether the Sony 20-70mm f/4 G could serve as a standard zoom lens underwater. The thread became an extensive discussion of zoom lens performance behind dome ports, comparing the 20-70mm against the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM series. He brought his MFT experience with the Olympus 12-40mm behind a Zen DP-170 dome as a baseline comparison ([3]).

WACP-1 Lens Compatibility Matrix

Wolfgang compiled a systematic comparison of all full-frame zoom lenses compatible with the Nauticam WACP-1 (Wide Angle Conversion Port), creating detailed tables of converted fields of view and identifying which lens/camera combinations received Nauticam’s top rating. The 87-reply thread became a reference for photographers choosing lenses for the WACP-1 system across Canon, Nikon, and Sony platforms ([4]).

Nauticam vs. Isotta Housing Comparison

In 2021, Wolfgang authored a thorough 71-reply comparison thread evaluating whether to switch from Nauticam to Isotta housings when adding a full-frame system. He methodically examined ergonomics, vacuum systems, mechanical complexity, port compatibility, viewfinder interchangeability, and zoom gear compatibility. His research included direct correspondence with Isotta (Ms. Elisa) about Nauticam N120 port compatibility and resulted in one of the most comprehensive housing brand comparison threads on the forum ([5]).

Expert Macro Lens Advice

Wolfgang contributed detailed technical advice in numerous threads about MFT macro lens choices, including comparisons of the Olympus 60mm, Olympus 30mm, and Panasonic 45mm macro lenses. He shared his experience that the Panasonic 45mm provided better autofocus performance on contrast-based AF cameras (E-M5 II) while the Olympus 60mm excelled on PDAF bodies (E-M1 II), and that the 60mm’s longer working distance was preferable in clear waters while shorter lenses worked better in murky conditions like the Gulf of Suez ([6]).

Gear History

Activity Profile

Wolfgang’s 862 posts across 56 threads started show a pattern of high-quality, in-depth contributions rather than casual posting. His threads consistently generated substantial engagement (four threads with 70+ replies), indicating that his systematic approach to research resonated with the community. He was most active in 2021—2023, during his evaluation of full-frame migration options.

His participation extended beyond gear discussions to include critter identification (particularly Red Sea species), conservation topics (anemone bleaching), travel recommendations (Raja Ampat, Red Sea), and community concerns such as the “Preservation of Wetpixel” discussion in 2023.

Timeline

Sources

  1. member introduction, 2017-01-03 (forum) ↩
  2. thread 61629 (forum) ↩
  3. thread 70610 (forum) ↩
  4. thread 68214 (forum) ↩
  5. thread 68256 (forum) ↩
  6. thread 69365 (forum) ↩
  7. member introduction (forum) ↩
  8. thread 61629 (forum) ↩
  9. thread 68214 (forum) ↩
  10. thread 68256 (forum) ↩
  11. thread 69365 (forum) ↩
  12. thread 70610 (forum) ↩
  13. thread 71301 (forum) ↩
  14. Member introduction (forum) ↩
  15. Canon EF lenses on MFT cameras? (forum) ↩
  16. Sony 20-70mm f4.0 G for UW? (forum) ↩
  17. Performance of WACP1 with different lenses/camera systems (forum) ↩
  18. Nauticam to Isotta housing comparison (forum) ↩
  19. Olympus 60 vs 30 Macros (forum) ↩
  20. TG-6 vs MFT cameras (forum) ↩
  21. Preservation of Wetpixel (forum) ↩