Tick-Off Your Tripod at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old April 23rd, 2003, 12:40 AM   #1
Retired DV Info Net Almunus
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,943
Tick-Off Your Tripod

This is a very small tip but one which I've found useful.

I've always been inept at extending my tripods' legs to any reasonable semblance of equality. Yes, the ball heads help to compensate for such errors. But I'd much rather be able to extend the legs quickly and evenly for proper stability on level surfaces.

My solution: place small tick-marks on the legs at 6" intervals. I used a fine-tipped silver paint pen, the markings of which can easily be removed without damaging the legs' finish if needed.

It's worked well for me and maybe you'll find it handy, too.
__________________
Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission.

Hey, you don't have enough stuff!
Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really!

See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com
Ken Tanaka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2003, 05:47 AM   #2
Warden
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 8,287
Along these same lines, I get rather frequent email requests from people wanting to know how to use the bubble level to level their tripod. It's actually very easily but many people struggle with it.

Kens suggestion works very well until you get on uneven ground. So, what's the easy way? Set up the tripod and look at the bubble, it will point (dip to the low side) to the leg that needs to be raised. If it points between two legs, then both legs need to be raised. Simple.

I've seen rookies take 5 minutes setting up a tripod and still not get it level. Following the tip should allow anyone to level a tripod in 30 seconds or less, with practice maybe 10 seconds.
__________________
Jeff Donald
Carpe Diem




Search DVinfo.net for quick answers | Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors
Jeff Donald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2003, 07:16 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 508
Sounds good to me. :)
Barry Rivadue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2003, 10:31 AM   #4
Capt. Quirk
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia
Posts: 3,596
As always, good advice and tips :) Those pans will really show whether you are level or not, but usually after the shot is done.
K. Forman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 26th, 2003, 06:59 AM   #5
Obstreperous Rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Marcos, TX
Posts: 27,368
Images: 513
Jeff Donald wrote:

"If it (the bubble level) points between two legs, then both legs need to be raised."

Conversely, you can just lower the opposite leg. Same result and a little easier.
__________________
CH

Search DV Info Net | 20 years of DVi | ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!
Chris Hurd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 26th, 2003, 01:52 PM   #6
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Waterbury, CT
Posts: 101
Actually...

It's quicker to extend the legs evenly before you open the tripod.

If you're on uneven ground, tighten only the top, fatter leg section fully extended. Then let the legs extend to even using the bubble themselves, then tighten them off.

Takes no time at all, and no marking up your 'pod.


BTW, this is my first-ever message to DVi, so excuse my ignorance ;-)
__________________
Dumb Guy.
Brendan Getchel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 26th, 2003, 02:28 PM   #7
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Tickfaw, LA
Posts: 1,217
As long as you are close, and have a ball leveler, isn't that enough?
__________________
Nathan Gifford
Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions

For quick answers try our Search!
To see me and Rob Lohman click here
Nathan Gifford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 26th, 2003, 02:38 PM   #8
Retired DV Info Net Almunus
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,943
Brendan, you are, indeed, correct!
__________________
Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission.

Hey, you don't have enough stuff!
Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really!

See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com
Ken Tanaka is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:35 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network