Marelux: who’s behind the green seals?

Marelux was founded by a group of passionate underwater photographers, not by optical manufacturers. This background is reflected in every design detail. Practical details designed by divers, for divers

With a fresh perspective on the market, the brand made a clear observation: existing high-end camera housings were high-performing, but often bulky, cumbersome to handle and almost always black.

From its very first models, Marelux captured the attention of specialist retailers in North America and Europe with its MX-R5 for the Canon EOS R5, followed by the MX-A1 for the Sony Alpha 1. Today, the brand is distributed internationally, with a growing presence in specialist underwater photography shops.

Lime green O-rings: a simple idea, a real impact

On all Marelux housings, the O-rings are a distinctive fluorescent green. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics: a grain of sand, a hair, or a smear of sun cream on a black O-ring can very easily go unnoticed. On a bright green seal, even the tiniest foreign object stands out. This attention to detail perfectly illustrates the brand’s philosophy: thinking about what really happens underwater, not just in a catalogue.

The pull-to-release vacuum system

Marelux has redesigned the decompression valve of its vacuum system: whereas most competitors use a push-button (which is easy to trigger accidentally when replacing the cap after pressurisation), Marelux has opted for a pull-to-release system. To release the pressure, you must pull — not push. It is impossible to cause an accident through clumsiness during preparation. Combined with the moisture detection alarm fitted as standard on all models, this provides a solid line of defence for your housing.

Available in several colours

Black housing, brushed aluminium, Yale blue, olive green, burgundy, silver grey... Marelux offers up to six finishes depending on the model. Beyond the aesthetic choice, this allows you to instantly spot your equipment in a rinse tank or on the deck of a boat amongst several divers. A practical advantage that photographers on diving trips appreciate.

Top models to look out for:

MARELUX MX-R5 / MX-R5 II — Canon EOS R5 & R5 Mark II

The MX-R5 is the grip that put Marelux on the international map. Designed to get the most out of the Canon EOS R5’s 45MP sensor, it provides access to all the camera’s controls at depths of up to 100m, with ergonomics designed for use with diving gloves. Compatible with Nauticam N120 ports via an adapter ring, it integrates into an existing system without having to start from scratch. → See also: Ikelite housings for Canon

MARELUX MX-A1 — Sony Alpha 1

For divers specialising in underwater wildlife photography — pelagic fauna, sharks, cetaceans — the Sony A1, with its real-time autofocus and 30 fps frame rate, has become the benchmark. The Marelux MX-A1 housing harnesses all its capabilities, with a fibre-optic flash trigger compatible with INON, Sea & Sea, Retra and others. → See also: Sony mirrorless cameras

MARELUX MX-FX3 — Sony FX3 Cinema

Marelux hasn’t limited itself to photography. The MX-FX3 is aimed at underwater videographers working with the Sony FX3 or FX30, compact cinema cameras highly sought-after for documentary productions and high-quality diving vlogs.

MARELUX MX-RX100M7 — Sony RX100 VII

For recreational divers looking for a high-quality aluminium housing for a high-performance compact camera: the MX-RX100M7 goes down to 100 m with the Sony RX100M7, one of the most popular expert compact cameras in underwater photography. A gateway into the Marelux world without having to go via a hybrid camera.

• In addition to housing units, Marelux has developed an ecosystem of accessories designed to work seamlessly together:
• Extension rings: compatible with Nauticam N120 and Sea & Sea, so you can reuse your existing ports
• Zoom and focus rings: for the Sony FE 16-35 f/2.8 GM, Sony FE 90 mm macro, and other popular diving lenses
• FlexiBuoy: modular buoy to balance the buoyancy of your rig without additional weights
• MiniBatt MB1500: integrated 1500 mAh external battery to power connected accessories
• Marelux II crossbars: compatible with the 1-inch standard for standard underwater camera arms
• Quick-release plates: mount and remove the camera in seconds
• Marelux hydrophone: for recording underwater sounds — a niche that few brands cater for

→ See also: underwater camera arms and mounting systems | Nauticam housings | INON & Sea & Sea underwater strobes 

Before diving with your Marelux housing: essential checks

O-ring maintenance

Even with the clearly visible green O-rings, an inspection before every dive remains essential. Clean the seals with fresh water, apply a thin layer of specific silicone grease (never petroleum-based Vaseline), and check that there are no particles in the groove. The Marelux vacuum system confirms watertightness before immersion — but does not replace this manual check.

After the dive

Rinse immediately with fresh water, with the housing closed, for at least 5 minutes. Avoid opening the housing immediately after emerging from the water — the temperature change causes condensation. Allow it to return to room temperature before opening.

Compatibility with your existing flash

Marelux housings are fitted with standard fibre-optic outputs (dual, on the top panel) and are compatible with the Marelux trigger for fibre-optic triggering. Compatibility has been verified with INON Z330, Z240, Sea & Sea YS-D2J and YS-D3, Retra Flash Pro X, Ikelite DS161, Backscatter MF-1, Kraken, Weefine and others. Check with your dealer for less common strobes.

Marelux embodies a clear vision: underwater camera housings designed by divers who take photos, for divers who take photos. If you’re still undecided between several brands, please don’t hesitate to contact the Diveavenue.com team — we know the products we sell and will be delighted to guide you towards the right setup for your housing, your lenses and your diving style.