... angle indicators !
I need an angle indicator, for tilt-angle measurements on my LF camera, and for levelling my tripod, as I consider that an angle indicator is more accurate than a simple vial level.
Finally, I found one on a web site in Chicago, I don't give name.
Description of the protractor :
<ul>
<li> housing is molded high-impact plastic,
<li> base edges are 3" length x 3 1/2" height,
<li> a 4" diameter dial, and one vial,
<li> four quadrants from 0 to 90°, accuracy ±0.5°,
<li> a magnetic base to fix it on ferrous surfaces.
</ul>
Price seems not so expensive : $17.44.
I must add that I live in France, near Paris.
Well, I finally ordered two items of it, I gave my credit card number, shipping address... all was OK.
Yesterday, I received the following e-mail (I quote it integrally) : "The part number 20025A36 is magnetic, and therefore is classified as hazardous material. We do not ship this item when the final destination is outside the United States. This order has been cancelled. I am sorry for the inconvenience.
I answered that it was IMHO totally stupid, and that I didn't understand why a 3" magnetic base was an hazardous material, as if it could put out of order the navigation instruments of a plane, or fool the compass.
The second answer was in the same tone as the first one : "As stupid as it may seem, it is what it is. We do not export this item either by air or ocean."
What do you think about that ? Do you think that such an instrument is a strategic one, or maybe a secret weapon ?
Is it current to have orders cancelled with such explanations ?
Last, but not least : Help ! how could I order these angle indicators ?
See if the item you want is the one found at www.harborfreight.com by searching "angle finder". If it is, their price is a lot better, too, although perhaps the one you were looking at is a better quality item.
Should they refuse to send it to you, let me know and I'll send you one.
Go to your local hardware store and look in the section where they sell tape measures, rulers. carpender levels ect. That's where I got mine, and your description sounds exactly like mine. $cheap. ACE Hardware # 25865 Surely you have hardware stores in France.
Sure, Dee, we have hardware stores in France, but even in the biggest one (BHV in Paris, Castorama, Leroy-Merlin), I didn't find anyone.
That's why I tried on the web.
Nice example of Gallic gall. Our friend is quick to label as "stupid" a restriction that inconveniences him, without noticing that the inability of vendors in his own country to provide him with this low-tech tool is equally, well, idiosynchratic.
Well, the response from the vendor is certainly one of the more stupid I've ever heard - smacks of pure Xenophobia.
In addition, many in other countries aren't quite so obsessed with the Trading Spaces home handyman mentality as in the US (okay, maybe the Brits) - lots of things you can find in massive US hardware stores (where folk buy enough "stuff" to equip a medium sized contractors in order to build a gazebo...) can often only be found in specialist suppliers in many other places.
I would like to answer to "Nature Photo" (as I don't know his real name), who is probably very proud of his highly patriotic answer :
"Nice example of Gallic gall. Our friend is quick to label as "stupid" a restriction that inconveniences him, without noticing that the inability of vendors in his own country to provide him with this low-tech tool is equally, well, idiosynchratic.
First, this restriction is maybe totally justified, but I can't accept the explanation "As stupid as it may seem, it is what it is".
Second, as this "low-tech tool" is manufactured in the USA, vendors in France were probably as unable to provide this tool as I was, and probably for the same, stupid-labeled, reasons.
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