Reliable. Light & Compact. Sony + Gates Performance. FX6
The FX6 Underwater Housing is, in every respect, what you’ve come to expect from Gates: simplicity and durability yet easy setup and operation; full camera control; perfect buoyancy / trim; field serviceability; Seal Check “know before you go” peace of mind; and Gates exclusive Lens Gear Drive system supports a vast array of lenses — mirrorless, cinema, anamorphic, and more.
Gates FX6 Housing goes further with an easy to see angled rear LCD window, and a side control window for a clear view of camera functions accessible in-water. Available FX6 useful options include surface SDI video, top-mounted External Monitor, and topside camera / lens control via Sony RM-30P + Gates MultiCon surface tether system. Perhaps most important, Gates FX6 Housing is an affordable, performance-to-price workhorse.
Protecting your ROI? FX6 Housing carries forward Gates system-wide, plug-and-play Precision Port and Stackable Port Ring system. Gates legendary customer support is, naturally, behind the FX6 Housing. Gates professionals know that failure is not an option. They know: Don’t take a chance….take a GATES!
Compatible cameras:
Sony ILME-FX6V
FX6 KEY FEATURES
Compact, Travelable.
Among it’s many strengths, the FX6 Housing is well-fitted to the Sony FX6 camera. This means a small, low profile system that’s easy to manage both above and below water.
Fully Integrated Monitor
14 assignable controls means direct, fast access to your favorite functions underwater. Deeper menu functions are easy, too through the REDMOTE controller which is perfectly positioned at the housing rear.
Extensive Lens Support
Gates innovative and highly flexible Lens Gear Drive system means Pro Explore can accept any DSLR lens and compact cinema PL glass (like Zeiss CP.3)
Full Camera Control you can See
FX6 side control window is a clear view of all key camera functions accessible while underwater.
Clean, Uncomplicated Reliable Design
A Gates mantra: simplicity = reliability: Convenience details are nice, but not at the expense of function, purpose, results.
Seal Check Lite
The Gates Seal Check Lite is included with Pro Action and assures housing integrity before entering the water. A mere 11oz / 320g it packs easy and travels lightly.
Adjustable Buoyancy / Trim
Gates trim system lets you establish perfect buoyancy and balance underwater — the key to stable, fluid shots.
2 Year Warranty
Legendary Factory-Direct Support
Gates is synonymous with reliability and support, and only Gates offers a 2-year, renewable warranty on all housings.
SPECIFICATIONS
Controls
- 3x Direct Mechanical Lens Gear Drives
- POWER switch
- REC Start / Stop
- Variable ND Filter
- ND Auto
- Multi Function Dial
- Multi Function Dial Select
- Push Auto Focus
- ISO / GAIN Button
- WHT BAL Button
- SHUTTER Button
- MENU Button
- CANCEL / BACK Button
- IRIS Button
- DISPLAY
- S&Q / ASSIGN 1 Button
- ASSIGN 2 Button
- ASSIGN 3 Button
- WB SET
- MONITOR Buttons
- PEAKING
- ZEBRA
- Assign #9 Button
Dimensions:
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III Hard Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Depth Rating
- 300 feet / 92 meters
Weight in Water
- Adjustable Buoyancy / Trim
Weight in Air
- Variable depending on system setup
Warranty
- 2 Years Renewable. Gates Warranty Details
Camera Equipment Required
PORT OPTIONS
The best camera in the world can’t make up for poor optics. Poor optical design and materials introduce ‘image killers’ – distortions, aberrations, degraded resolution, or vignetting. Gates family of Precision Ports are sharp and clear: the finest optics for the finest underwater images. No image killers. Professional to amateur, super wide to macro, Gates Precision Ports suit a wide range of needs, conditions and experience. Of course all ports are backed by our legendary customer support and the same standard of excellence expected of all Gates products.
60-Series Ports Compatible with Pro Action Housing
SP60-6 Dome Port
The SP60-6 is a 6in / 152 mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
FP60 Flat Port
A simple, versatile port option for macro work or lenses that don’t perform well with a dome port.
80-Series Ports
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of medium to macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
SP80-8 Dome Port
The SP80-8 is an 8in / 203mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Medium to macro, too, when paired with compatible macro zoom lenses. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
SP80-10 Dome Port
The SP80-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it’s smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP80-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like Arri Master Primes and Ultra Primes.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
SPECIALIZED PORT / ADAPTERS
MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
In collaboration with Venus Optics, the Gates MLA60 Probe Lens Adapter allows full submersion of the Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens for truly unique macro imaging perspective. A long, tubular barrel with tiny lens tip can extend into the smallest of spaces, yet provide a remarkable 84° FOV, 2:1 magnification, and infinity focus. Further, the Laowa 24mm Macro covers full frame *and* larger sensors like RED Monstro from a standard Canon or Nikon mount.
Learn more about the MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
CUSTOM PORTS
Corrective Optics and Specialty Ports
Gates Precision Ports extend to custom designs for specific applications like underwater UV imaging or Corrective Optics (CO) that adapt a specific lens for underwater imaging, and eliminating distortions / aberrations. Contact Gates to discuss your particular application.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Seal Check Lite
The Gates Seal Check Lite is an essential part of the Gates kit, and assures housing integrity before entering the water. A mere 16oz / 450g it packs easy and travels lightly.
Spare Kits
O-rings, tools, hardware
2-Year Warranty.
Legendary factory direct support.
Like any other valuable accessory, Gates 2-year renewable warranty and unparalleled support are part of the DEEP KOMODO kit.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Monitor Shades and Stackable Extensions
Block out unwanted light with 2in / 5cm Shade and / or stacking 1.6in / 4cm Shade Extensions.
Surface Command / Control
Need topside DP authority? FX6 is provisioned for:
* SDI Video Feed
* Camera Control w/ Sony RM-30BP Remote Commander
Learn more….
External Monitor
Low profile, tilt / swivel, top-mounted external monitor for clear framing and focus. Several models compatible, see External Monitors tab.
Water Alarm
An extra measure beyond Seal Check, the Gates Water Alarm provides both visible and audible warnings. The siren is coupled directly to the housing shell and resonates directly to the water, rendering it unmistakable to a diver.
Easy Grip Lens Control
A big, fat grippy knob extension makes fine lens control easy, especially with thick dive gloves.
Body Cap
Need added protection for travel or harsh setup environments? This body cap bayonets into place just like SPR’s and Ports.
Carry Handle
Easy grip, transport and handling.
Stackable Port Rings (SPR’s)
Using lengthy lenses? SPR’s come in 0.6 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 4.0 sizes for optimal port positioning.
Customization
Special modifications are routine. You really can have it ‘just the way you like’.
SUPPORTED EQUIPMENT
Batteries
Sony BP-U35
Sony BP-U70
Sony BP-U60
IDX SB-U50 PD (D-Tap clearance)
LCD Display
- Sony LCD Monitor
(included with FX6 camera)
Lenses
- Sony E-Mount Lenses, and Compact Cinema Glass (0.8 MOD or 32 Pitch)
- Laowa Macro Probe (with Gates MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter)
- Max Lens Envelope:
- Max lens overall OD: 5.6 in / 142mm
- Max lens gear OD: 3.85in / 97mm / 120 Teeth
- Min lens gear OD: 2.0in / 50mm / 66 Teeth
SUPPORT
Gates FX6 Setup Video
Setup, Use and Care Guides
Surface Command / Control
- Surface Command / Control Cable Options – Gates FX6 Housing (To Be Released)
General Reference
Port and Lens References
- These Sony lenses are a recommended choice for underwater imaging with Gates FX6 Housing.
| Lens | Control | Flex Gear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-24 f/2.8 GM | Focus | 3000-94-198 | |
| Zoom | 3000-94-208 | ||
| 14-30 f/4 | Focus | 3000-94-223 | To be verified |
| Zoom | 3000-94-210 | To be verified | |
| 16-35 f/2.8 GM | Focus | 3000-94-207 | |
| Zoom | 3000-94-207 | ||
| 16-35 f/2.8 GM II | Focus | 3000-94-207 | |
| Zoom | 3000-94-208 | ||
| Iris | 3000-94-209 | Optional for manual iris | |
| 14-24 f/2.8 | Focus | 3000-94-218 | To be verified |
| Zoom | 3000-94-207 | To be verified | |
| Iris | 3000-94-223 | Optional for manual iris; to be verified | |
| 24-70 f/2.8 GM II | Focus | 3000-94-207 | |
| Zoom | 3000-94-208 | ||
| Iris | 3000-94-209 | Optional for manual iris | |
| 24-70 f/2.8 GM | Focus | 3000-94-199 | To be verified |
| Zoom | 3000-94-199 | To be verified | |
| Iris | 3000-94-223 | Optional for manual iris; to be verified | |
| 100 f/2.8 Macro GM | Focus | 3000-94-207 | |
| Iris | 3000-94-207 | ||
| 24 f/2.8 Macro GM | Focus | 3000-94-209 | |
| Iris | 3000-94-210 |
| Lens | Control | Flex Gear |
|---|---|---|
| 100 f/2.8 Macro GM | Focus | 3000-94-207 |
| Iris | 3000-94-207 | |
| 24 f/2.8 Macro GM | Focus | 3000-94-209 |
| Iris | 3000-94-210 |
Gates Recommended Lenses for Flat and Dome Ports
Gates FX6 User File
This User File is a helpful starting point for FX6 camera settings for use underwater with Gates FX6 Housing.
Download Link: FX6 User File Sample Download Release Date: 6-9-2025
FX6 User File Details and Install 
FAQ’s
Two options are available. The FX6 Base Housing and FX6 Housing Prime Kit.
- Gates FX6 Housing.Base Housing. Add SPR’s and Ports to suit.
- FX6 Housing with integrated camera mount & LCD cradle.
- Lens Gear Drive Kit
- Seal Check Lite
- Tool Kit / Lubricant Kit
- Spare Main Seal O-Ring
- Gates FX6 Housing Prime Kit. FX6 Housing Kit supports the Sony suite of most popular lenses: 12-24 f2.8 G / 16-35mm f2.8 G / 16-35mm f2.8 GII / 24-70mm f/2.8 GM / 24-70mm f2.8 GM II
- FX6 Housing Base Housing as noted above
- SPR60-200 Stackable Port Ring
- SP60 AR Coated Glass Dome Port
- The new Gates Lens Gear Drive (LGD) system is an evolution to a smaller, more compact and rigid system, while retaining broad lens compatibility with Sony E-Mount lenses as well as compact manual prime / zoom lenses. Like LAOWA Ranger FF and Nanomorph LF anamorphic lenses.
- Compact, Travelable. Gates FX6 is a super compact, fully featured rig.
- Full camera control you can see. Access to all controls needed underwater, and with a clear view through the side panel.
- Integrated Rear LCD View Window. At a comfortable 15° view angle, the Sony FX6 LCD (included with the camera) is easy to see through the rear view window.
- Seal Check Lite. “Know before you go” peace of mind.
- Adjustable buoyancy / trim. Establish perfect buoyancy and balance underwater – the key to stable, fluid shots.
- Surface Command / Control. FX6 is provisioned for 2 surface tethers: SDI video feed or remote camera control with the Sny RM-30BP Remote Commander.
- External Monitor Option. Need a top mounted monitor with full tilt / swivel capability? You can do that with the Gates FX6, adding either 5” EM5 Ultra (for SmallHD Ultra 5 LCD) or EM7 CINE (SmallHD CINE 7 LCD).
- Reliable, ‘bulletproof’ design. Clean, uncomplicated. And field serviceable.
- Variable ND. No other camera offers a variable, smooth ramping Neutral Density filter. A powerful tool for underwater exposure control where lighting conditions change dramatically within and between shots.
- Auto Focus / Subject Tracking. Sony FX6 able to identify a subject and then track it during a shot, maintaining sharp focus. No focus guessing or soft images with moving targets. Remarkable technology.
- White Balance. The drastically color loss underwater is readily handled by the FX6. Particularly in S-Log format, where color and highlight / shadow detail (a.k.a. dynamic range) are solidly preserved directly from the full frame sensor.
- Low light / Dual ISO sensor. Shooters can quick shift between two native ISO’s: 800 and an astounding 12,800. This means exceptional low-light performance for deep reefs, caves / wrecks, moonlit coral communities, and more.
FX6 Images
