Levelling A Super Wide-Angle

[mkochsch]

I think I just found the perfect level for the VC15 (or VC12). A credit card

sized spirit level. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow and fun tack it onto the

back on my M.

 

http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=1&p=48816&cat=4,104,53217

[george_b1]

Apparently the level will provide lateral "side-to-side" information; however, "the top-to bottom" correction (whether the lens is pointed toward the ground or toward the sky) appears to be lacking.

 

IMO, a spirit bubble attached the the camera's top plate is still the answer.

[michael_darnton1]

For top to bottom correction, I just aim the center of the finder at something exactly my camera height in the distance. No muss, no fuss. . . no spirit levels, always precisely right.

[michael_darnton1]

...and to frame, I crank myself up and down. For instance (sorry, not RF shot) <p><p><a href=" title="violin workshop by Michael Darnton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2204/2261388550_b11a19962b.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="violin workshop" /></a>

[canfred]

Here is the best level for this purpose.<div></div>

[ronald_moravec1]

I also recommend the Linhof.

[jeroen dommisse]

There are many leveling options, here's one from Hama:

<p>

<img src="http://www.hama.de/bilder/00005/abb/00005411abb.jpg"/>

[johnnycake_.1]

A 'Doolu?'

 

...made by E.Leitz Germany.<div></div>

[mkochsch]

I also had a round bubble level plasticene'd to the top plate beside the rewind crank (it was a tiny bit too bit and would pop off now and then). I like the suggestion of cranking myself up and down M. Darnton....maybe I should get a tripod crank installed on my right hip. ;^))

~m

[pc_b]

Once had a linhof level badly non-level. Freaking expenive those thingies. Brought it back and bought a plastic Hama that wouldn't scratch things in my bag like the Linhof did.

The Hama levels are great - unless your flash socket is out of alignment/warped/dinged (this happens).

For M Leicas (plus flash/accessory viewfinders) the credit card is a simple and fast-working solution, and if you have it rest on top of the camera in parallel with the lens you may even assess the tilt angle...

 

Cheers, Pete

 

P.S.: Michael, in my eyes, you aimed to low on that shot...

[bobmichaels]

"For top to bottom correction, I just aim the center of the finder at something exactly my camera height in the distance. No muss, no fuss. . . no spirit levels, always precisely right."

 

Michael D's method works every time for me. Nothing to carry and it's the only method that works without a tripod.

 

Most frequently, I make use of the non level distortion as an artistic tool rather than try to make it not happen.

[james_elwing]

eye level works OK on the 15, but the VC12 is always out & I need bubble. The odd VC bubble on the double accessory shoe is quite disconcerting, always moving the opposite way, like pointing a Rolleiflex

[Robin Smith]

"Michael D's method works every time for me. Nothing to carry and it's the only method that works without a tripod."

 

I don't see how it works for keeping the horizon level? I use a Hama level and have wondered about the VC bubble.

[matthew_allen1]

Michael Darnton,

 

Are you channelling JFK? Nice shot.

 

Matthew

[robert_haller]

... or forget about leveling completely and hold it square as you want ... - gives the pics a fresh edge don?t you tink ...

 

All with the 15mm WideHeliar and light-years away from perfect leveled ...

 

http://robhall.webng.com/RoSi%20advanced%20Project%20B/index.html