lndr

Forum username: Lndr
Real name: Leander
Posts: 672
Active years: 2003—2013
Primary forums: Photo/Video Showcase, Photography Gear and Technique, General Chat, Critter Identification, Trip Reports
Specialization: Nikon DSLR systems, Subal housings, macro photography, critter identification

Biography

Leander, known on Wetpixel as “lndr,” was a long-tenured community member who joined in August 2003 and remained intermittently active until 2013. Leander was a dedicated Nikon shooter who used Subal housings throughout the forum years, progressing through multiple camera and housing generations, and was active in both the technical and creative sides of the community, contributing to gear discussions, trip reports, critter identification, and photo showcases.

Community Role

lndr was a consistent and diverse contributor, with participation spread across many forum categories. Unlike some members who concentrated in a single area, Leander engaged broadly: Photo/Video Showcase (25%), Photography Gear (11%), General Chat (8%), Critter Identification (7%), Trip Reports (6%), and Shooting Technique (6%). Leander started 106 threads — a notably high ratio relative to 672 posts — frequently initiating new discussions rather than primarily responding to others.

Leander’s posting style was inquisitive and practical, often seeking hands-on advice from experienced members, and building strong relationships with prominent community figures including Alex Mustard, who provided detailed advice on gear questions.

Notable Contributions

Nikon DSLR and Subal Housing Expertise

Leander was an early adopter of the Nikon D2X with a Subal ND2 housing, starting a detailed discussion thread in October 2005 about the GS viewfinder option and handling characteristics. Alex Mustard responded with extensive advice, noting that people were calling the D2X “the new F90X” of underwater photography. The thread became a useful resource on Subal viewfinder options and D2X underwater handling (^[1]).

In May 2007, Leander explored transitioning to a Nikon D200 in a Subal ND20 housing to get a smaller, more maneuverable rig than her “massive beast” ND2 housing. The thread covered battery life concerns, strobe choices (comparing Ikelite DS125 and Sea & Sea YS-90), and the merits of modelling lights (^[2]).

Autofocus Technique Discussion

In February 2008, Leander started a highly informative thread on autofocus technique, admitting to always using manual focus and wanted to learn AF methods. The thread drew detailed responses from Alex Mustard, who described his AF approach with the D2X including AFC with diamond pattern, and other experienced shooters who shared camera-specific AF strategies and the importance of focus lights (^[3]).

Trip Reports and Wildlife

Leander contributed trip reports from destinations including the Solomon Islands and the Maldives. The Solomon Islands thread (February 2004) described diving on the Spirit of Solomons, a liveaboard operated by Bilikiki, and the discussion included participation from Eric Cheng, who expressed interest in organizing a group trip there (^[4]).

The “Shooting Mantas” thread (June 2007) sought advice for an upcoming Maldives trip and received detailed technique advice from Robert Delfs (frogfish), who recommended fisheye lenses, Magic Filters, and specific approach strategies for swimming with mantas (^[5]).

Photography Exhibition

In February 2007, Leander opened a first exhibition of underwater photography, displaying 18 photographic prints (including two large format at 23x33 inches) and one canvas. Leander described the public response as “amazingly enthusiastic,” particularly from non-divers excited about the marine life subjects (^[6]).

Critter Identification

Leander was an active contributor to the Critter Identification forum (28 threads), posting identification requests for specimens including cowries and pycnogonids, reflecting an interest in marine biology alongside photography.

Dive Equipment

Leander started a practical discussion about Poseidon regulators in January 2004, seeking a side-exhaust regulator to keep bubbles away from her camera viewfinder, one of the earliest threads combining dive equipment and photography practicality (^[7]).

Equipment

• Cameras: Nikon D2X, Nikon D200 (previously Nikon N70 film)
• Housings: Subal ND2, ND20 (previously Subal N70 housing)
• Lenses: Nikon 12-24mm, 10.5mm fisheye, macro lenses
• Strobes: Ikelite DS125, Sea & Sea YS-90

Activity Profile

• Peak years: 2004—2008
• Forum focus: Photo/Video Showcase (25%), Photography Gear (11%), General Chat (8%), Critter Identification (7%), Trip Reports (6%), Shooting Technique (6%)
• Threads started: 106
• Activity score: 990

Timeline

• 2003-08: First appearance on Wetpixel forums
• 2004-01: Discussed Poseidon regulator for photography (^[8])
• 2004-02: Trip report from Solomon Islands (Spirit of Solomons, operated by Bilikiki) (^[9])
• 2005-10: Researched Subal housing for Nikon D2X (^[10])
• 2007-02: Opened first underwater photography exhibition (^[11])
• 2007-05: Explored transition to D200/ND20 system (^[12])
• 2007-06: Sought manta photography advice for Maldives trip (^[13])
• 2008-02: Started autofocus technique discussion (^[14])
• 2013-06: Last recorded forum activity