Quick leveling for static shots at DVinfo.net

Ofer Levy · October 31st, 2008, 06:00 PM

I won’t be surprised if this is a common practice and you all know that but it is new to me so I thought I will share it.

I am working on a project filming static subjects (bats). I need to change position every few minutes and also keep changing lenses. Trying to level the camera using the bubble level on the tripod proved to be too difficult and time consuming.

I bought this cheap tiny bubble level and attached it with a small piece of Velcro as seen in the picture.
It is so much easier and quicker to level the camera now – I just release the big screw in the tripod bowl.
This will work only for static shots – not for panning as the tripod+camera combo can not be leveled this way.
Cheers,

Ofer Levy Nature Photographer

Dale Bohlke · November 4th, 2008, 02:59 PM

It's interesting to see someone with a similar solution. Since I use a mike attached to the hot shoe I put the level on top of a Series 7 battery. I tried Velcro but it pulled off so now I just use packing tape and replace the tape as needed.
Dale

Bob Thompson · November 5th, 2008, 03:52 AM

This manfrotto ball camera leveller works beautifully and is very quick at levelling a head

Manfrotto 438 - BALL CAMERA LEVELLER 3/8

Bob

Annie Haycock · November 5th, 2008, 05:46 AM

I use a level that was designed for use in the hotshoe of my stills cameras. It slides into the accessory shoe of the Canon XH-A1 (but not the accessory shoes on Sony cameras because Sony has to make things different sizes). However, I now have a deadcat on the microphone, and this does partially obscure the accessory shoe.

October 31st, 2008, 06:00 PM	#1
Ofer Levy Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney-Australia Posts: 443	Quick leveling for static shots I won’t be surprised if this is a common practice and you all know that but it is new to me so I thought I will share it. I am working on a project filming static subjects (bats). I need to change position every few minutes and also keep changing lenses. Trying to level the camera using the bubble level on the tripod proved to be too difficult and time consuming. I bought this cheap tiny bubble level and attached it with a small piece of Velcro as seen in the picture. It is so much easier and quicker to level the camera now – I just release the big screw in the tripod bowl. This will work only for static shots – not for panning as the tripod+camera combo can not be leveled this way. Cheers, Ofer Levy Nature Photographer Attached Thumbnails

November 5th, 2008, 05:46 AM	#4
Annie Haycock Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales Posts: 734	I use a level that was designed for use in the hotshoe of my stills cameras. It slides into the accessory shoe of the Canon XH-A1 (but not the accessory shoes on Sony cameras because Sony has to make things different sizes). However, I now have a deadcat on the microphone, and this does partially obscure the accessory shoe. __________________ Canon XH A1; Canon XF100; Nikon D800

November 4th, 2008, 02:59 PM	#2
Dale Bohlke Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Ulm, MN Posts: 28	It's interesting to see someone with a similar solution. Since I use a mike attached to the hot shoe I put the level on top of a Series 7 battery. I tried Velcro but it pulled off so now I just use packing tape and replace the tape as needed. Dale

November 5th, 2008, 03:52 AM	#3
Bob Thompson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 340	This manfrotto ball camera leveller works beautifully and is very quick at levelling a head Manfrotto 438 - BALL CAMERA LEVELLER 3/8 Bob