Underwater Camera Pioneer Elwyn Gates Dies, Industry Pays Tribute to a True Innovator

The global diving and underwater imaging community is mourning the loss of Elwyn Gates, founder of Gates Underwater Products, whose innovations helped shape modern underwater cinematography and photography.

The company confirmed his passing in an official tribute published by Gates Underwater Products, describing Gates as a pioneer, inventor, husband, father, and a defining figure in the evolution of professional underwater camera systems. His work influenced decades of underwater filmmaking, exploration, and technical documentation across diving, science, and broadcast media.

Elwyn Gates founded Gates Underwater Products in the late 1960s, at a time when underwater filming was still in its infancy. His designs focused on reliability, depth capability, and practical usability for working divers and filmmakers, long before digital systems became standard. Gates housings went on to be used extensively in documentary production, scientific research, and commercial underwater filming, earning a reputation for engineering precision and durability.

Over the years, Gates’ equipment supported projects ranging from marine biology research to large-scale film and television productions, helping bring the underwater world to audiences far beyond the dive community. His emphasis on function over gimmicks earned him widespread respect among professionals who depended on their gear in demanding conditions.

In its tribute, Gates Underwater Products highlighted not only his technical achievements but also his personal legacy, noting his passion for the ocean and his commitment to advancing underwater imaging through thoughtful engineering rather than shortcuts or trends.

While Elwyn Gates may not have sought the spotlight, his influence is deeply embedded in the tools many professionals still rely on today. For generations of divers, filmmakers, and underwater explorers, his work helped make it possible to document the ocean with clarity, reliability, and respect.

The Scuba News extends its condolences to his family, friends, and the team at Gates Underwater Products. His legacy will continue every time a camera descends beneath the surface inside a housing designed with purpose and precision.