Marelux Housing: What & Why It Matters

 Marelux is a relatively new but rapidly growing brand in the underwater imaging gear world, primarily housing systems for mirrorless and high-end photo/video cameras.

Some key traits of Marelux housings:

• High-quality materials & build: Made from anodized aluminum alloys, with robust sealing, premium finishing, and designed to withstand underwater conditions (pressure, water intrusion, corrosion).
• Ergonomics & usability: The designs tend to incorporate thoughtful button layouts, locking systems (ports, extension rings), quick-release features, built-in moisture/vacuum sensors, etc. The idea is to make a housing that’s not too bulky, not too heavy, and still fully functional for active underwater work.
• Wide compatibility and modular accessories: Marelux offers housings for popular mirrorless cameras (Canon R5/R6, Nikon Z6II/Z7II, Sony A7 series, etc.), plus a range of ports, dome ports, macro ports, “flash trigger” or optical triggering accessories, vacuum sensors, etc.
• Depth rating & optical performance: Many of their housings are rated to ~100m, which is well into recreational and even semi-technical dive depths. Also features like large port diameters that allow use of wide lenses without loss of field, domes, etc.

Thus Marelux housing has become relevant for anyone in underwater photography or cinematography who wants modern, reliable systems especially with mirrorless bodies, which are lighter and increasingly capable.

Base Films & Underwater Cinematography in KSA / Middle East

Base Films is a production company specializing in aerial and underwater filming, based in the UAE but operative in KSA (Saudi Arabia) as well.

Some of what Base Films offers:

• Underwater filming services with experienced underwater videographers / cameramen — work for documentaries, TV, film.
• They use high-end cameras (e.g. ARRI, RED) and underwater housings (Gates housings are specifically mentioned) in their workflow.
• Their underwater unit consists of people with both marine knowledge and technical camera / lighting / housing expertise.

Underwater Cinematographer KSA: People, Opportunities, Challenges

In Saudi Arabia, the interest in marine environments — especially the Red Sea coast — is growing both for conservation/tourism and as a backdrop for creative media projects. Underwater cinematography has begun to find its voice in shorter documentaries and local filmmakers starting to explore marine life, culture (fishing, diving, etc.), and more.

Some names/projects:

• Saleh Bukhamseen is one such Saudi underwater cinematographer. His short documentary “The Whalers” won the Science Award at the 2022 Nice International Film Festival. The film documents the lives of fishermen in Saudi Arabia and highlights the marine world of the Kingdom.
• Osama Jouhairi, associated with the Jeddah Freediving School, intersects freediving, underwater photography and cinematography. He has shot underwater scenes for TV (e.g. a show “Seen”).

Challenges:

• Access to equipment: Advanced underwater housing systems are expensive, not always easy to import, maintain, or repair locally.
• Logistics and safety: Underwater shoots require dive safety (diver training, support boats, permits, etc.), water clarity, scheduling so that light and marine conditions are favorable.
• Regulatory and environmental concerns: Permissions from coastal authorities, marine protected areas, ensuring minimal environmental impact, etc.

Opportunities:

• Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, including through tourism and culture. The Red Sea coast, NEOM, and other coastal developments are being promoted — underwater scenes are very attractive for promotion, documentary, adventure tourism marketing.
• More funding is coming into film/TV/documentary sectors; more international productions are considering KSA as a location.
• Infrastructure is improving: growing local production houses, increasing availability of skilled crew, gradually more access to high-end equipment (import, rental, service).

What Role Could Marelux Housing Play in the KSA Underwater Cinematography Scene

Given Marelux’s features, there’s strong synergy for its adoption in KSA. Here are how Marelux housing could be influential, and what considerations there are.

Advantages

1. Lighter mirrorless setups: For underwater work, weight above and below water matters. Mirrorless bodies (e.g. Sony, Canon R / etc.) used with Marelux housings allow more portability, mobility, possibly lower costs in crew (less need for huge support).
2. Robust and modular: For dives in the Red Sea or other Saudi waters where sometimes marine conditions (currents, visibility) can vary, having a housing with good sealing, vacuum sensor, reliable ports is critical.
3. Depth capability: For sites deeper than shallow reefs, up to ~100m rating gives safety margin; though often not used for extreme depth, helps in robustness.
4. Large accessory ecosystem: For cinematic work, one often needs strobes, lights, wide dome ports, etc. Marelux supports these accessories. This allows cinematographers in KSA to build flexible rigs.

Challenges to adoption

• Cost: High-end housings like Marelux are expensive (see MX-R5C etc.). Import duties, shipping, servicing add to cost.
• Support & service: If something fails (a leak, a seal, mechanical issue), is there local service/repair/parts supply in KSA or nearby? Without this, risk is higher.
• Training/experience: Using these systems well requires skilled divers and cinematographers who know underwater lighting, color correction, working with the housing (ports, dome management, seals, etc.). Mistakes can cost cameras or lose shots.
• Environmental/Regulatory constraints: Shooting in marine protected areas might have limitations; permits, environmental regulations may require certain tests etc.

How Marelux Housing + Underwater Cinematography Could Fit Into Base Films’ Work in KSA

Base Films already works in KSA and has diving / underwater filming units. They are currently using established housings (Gates, etc.), drone platforms, etc.

If Base Films or similar companies choose to integrate Marelux housings, potential benefits include:

• Flexibility & alternative gear: Perhaps using Marelux for smaller-scale shots (mirrorless) or where lighter rigs are beneficial (e.g. freediving, shallower water, documentary segments) while retaining heavier cinema rigs for big visuals.
• Cost-effectiveness: For certain shoots, renting or buying Marelux housings could be cost-efficient vs full cinema water housings.
• Local capacity building: Workshops could be held training local cinematographers / divers in using Marelux gear, underwater lighting, etc. Promoting such capacity may help build an ecosystem of underwater film production in Saudi.
• Collaborations: Projects that highlight marine conservation or tourism (promotional films, documentaries for Red Sea, NEOM, etc.) could make use of this gear. With improved water clarity post-conservation, marine biodiversity, coral reefs, deep water can be visually compelling subject matter.