TimG

Forum username: timg
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (later relocated to a dive island)
Posts: 5,082 across 2,601 threads
Threads started: 154
Active years: 2004–2026
Camera: Nikon D300, Nikon D800, Nikon D500; Nikkors 105mm, 60mm, 10-24mm, 8-15mm; Tokina 10-17mm
Housing: Subal ND500 (Type 4 port system)
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique (1,863 posts), Lights/Strobes (641), Beginner Forum (~500), Classifieds (494), Trip Reports (281)
Specialization: Subal housings, fiber optic and TTL strobe systems, travel logistics, Nikon DX/FX lens configurations

Community Role

TimG is among the longest-running active contributors in Wetpixel’s history, with continuous participation spanning from July 2004 through January 2026 — over two decades. With an activity score of 5,546 and more than 5,000 posts, he ranked as one of the forum’s most prolific voices on practical gear matters, particularly lighting systems and Subal housing configurations.

His engagement pattern reveals a technically-minded generalist who contributed across nearly every forum category. The largest share of his posts (37%) fell in Photography Gear and Technique, but his 641 posts in Lights/Strobes/Lighting made him one of the most active contributors to that specialized forum. He also maintained a significant presence in the Beginner Forum (~500 posts), showing a sustained commitment to mentoring newer underwater photographers. His 494 posts in Classifieds and 281 in Trip Reports point to an active shooting and gear-cycling practice over many years.

TimG’s activity grew substantially over time, peaking in 2022 with 723 posts — his most prolific year despite nearly two decades in the community. This late-career surge coincided with his relocation to a dive island, which he mentioned when discussing travel gear and rinse tank options (^[1]). His activity remained strong through 2025 and into early 2026.

Notable Contributions

Fiber Optics and TTL Expertise

TimG started and actively participated in the “Fibre optics and TTL” thread (64 replies), which became a key community resource on optical triggering systems. He engaged directly with Pavel Kolpakov and Adam Hanlon on topics including the Subal V2 TTL system and TRTL board compatibility with different strobe models. His questions often prompted detailed technical responses that benefited the wider community (^[2]).

Subal Housing Advocacy and Custom Parts

TimG was one of Wetpixel’s most dedicated Subal users and founded the “Subal User Group” thread in January 2023, creating a dedicated space for Subal owners to share advice and source parts. He noted that “there are a good few dedicated Subal users amongst WP members” and proposed the group with characteristic humor: “Harley have their HOGs. Subal can have their SUGs” (^[3]).

He also organized a custom zoom ring project with Subal for the Nikkor 8-15mm with Kenko 1.4x teleconverter combination. After gauging community interest, he worked with Subal to produce a custom zoom ring for their Type 4 port system. He received the ring in January 2019 and reported it “fits really nicely” with teeth extending the full length for easy meshing with housing controls (^[4]).

DX vs. FX Format Discussion

In May 2017, TimG started the “DX to FX and back again” thread, asking whether anyone had experience moving from full-frame (Nikon D800/D810) back to DX (Nikon D500). The thread drew detailed responses from Pavel Kolpakov, Alex Mustard, and others, becoming a valuable resource for photographers weighing the DX/FX tradeoff for underwater work. TimG shared his own experience: “I found the move from the D300 to the D800 amazing in terms of resolution, crop-ability and the richness of colours” and described his shooting preferences across Lembeh macro and wide-angle leisure trips (^[5]).

Travel Logistics and Practical Gear

TimG was a consistent contributor to practical travel topics. He started the “Cinebags Underwater - CB70 Square Grouper” thread (32 replies), sharing his experience with improvised rinse tanks and soliciting real-world feedback on zipper durability and salt resistance for dedicated camera transport bags (^[6]).

He also tracked the discontinuation of the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens in July 2022, noting “End of an era” and wondering whether a mirrorless equivalent would follow — a concern shared by many DX underwater photographers (^[7]).

WetpixelTravel Issues

In August 2023, TimG started the “WetpixelTravel issues” thread (33 replies), which became a significant community discussion about problems with Wetpixel-organized dive trips. The thread documented allegations of unpaid operators, missing gratuities, and unbooked trips, and included discussion of UK consumer protection law and potential legal remedies (^[8]).

Activity Profile

• Peak year: 2022 (723 posts)
• Forum concentration: 37% Photography Gear and Technique, 13% Lights/Strobes, 10% Classifieds, 9% Beginner Forum, 8% Shooting Technique/Workflow
• Threads started: 154 (indicating frequent initiative in raising new topics)

References