Leveling a tripod head at DVinfo.net

Bob Reed · July 17th, 2003, 07:07 PM

I recently bought a Manfrotto 3205GN tripod (with a 3130G microfluid head). I like the solidness of the unit (for the price) but I was wondering if there is an adapter made that would enable me to quickly level the head then lock it into position so I can pan smoothly across a horizon? Of course, I can do this by varying the leg extension length, but that's time consuming and involves a fair amount of trial and error on uneven ground.

Although this is a fairly basic tripod, it would be perfect for my needs if I could more easily make the head perfectly level.

Any ideas?

Charles Papert · July 18th, 2003, 05:48 AM

Bob,

I'm not familiar with your head/legs combo but I assume that it doesn't have a ball leveling head.

The procedure for leveling via the length of the legs is fairly simple once you get the hang of it. This is the same setup used for feature film tripods.

I am assuming that your head has a bullseye bubble level built into it--if not, attaching such a thing to the head will make life much easier.

Loosen two of the legs and jockey the head until the bubble rolls exactly in the direction of the third leg. Tighten the locks on the two legs. Then loosen the third leg and slide it down until the bubble rolls into the center. That's it!

July 17th, 2003, 07:07 PM	#1
Bob Reed New Boot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ellicott City, Maryland Posts: 20	Leveling a tripod head I recently bought a Manfrotto 3205GN tripod (with a 3130G microfluid head). I like the solidness of the unit (for the price) but I was wondering if there is an adapter made that would enable me to quickly level the head then lock it into position so I can pan smoothly across a horizon? Of course, I can do this by varying the leg extension length, but that's time consuming and involves a fair amount of trial and error on uneven ground. Although this is a fairly basic tripod, it would be perfect for my needs if I could more easily make the head perfectly level. Any ideas?

July 18th, 2003, 05:48 AM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Bob, I'm not familiar with your head/legs combo but I assume that it doesn't have a ball leveling head. The procedure for leveling via the length of the legs is fairly simple once you get the hang of it. This is the same setup used for feature film tripods. I am assuming that your head has a bullseye bubble level built into it--if not, attaching such a thing to the head will make life much easier. Loosen two of the legs and jockey the head until the bubble rolls exactly in the direction of the third leg. Tighten the locks on the two legs. Then loosen the third leg and slide it down until the bubble rolls into the center. That's it! __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com