Sinar F2 rear standard angle of tilt indicator issue

[AlexGard]

problem with sinar f2 which I've only noticed last couple of days which is surprising because I don't use rear movements (yet) so always ensure that my rear standard is levelled. Please see attached my dodgy diagram of issue. The rear standard is in the zeroed/locked position but the angle indicator suggests that there is still 2 degrees of rear tilt. When I tilt the standard so that it is aligned with 0 degrees on the angle indicator the standard is obviously not vertically zero, so the little wedge shaped indicator is somehow out by 2 degrees... strange that I haven'
t noticed this before... is this a manufacturing flaw (unlikely) or has something happened recently to move this indicator? it seems like it's pretty rigidly fixed to the standard so I don't see how it's happened.

107574

edit: sorry for the dodgy paint illustration, I should also point out that the indicator is actually 'tilted' 2 degrees on a rotational axis, not moved forward on a horizontal axis like the illustration suggests

[Cletus]

Same thing on my Sinar (F1) and I just use a small level to get the standards perpendicular and parallel. I doubt whether you and I are the only Sinar owners with this problem. I would be interested to hear if someone knows how to adjust this, or 'zero out' the little indicators though.

Maybe Leigh knows how to fix this and would comment?

[Leigh]

107579 Click on the image for a larger version.

This is on the first page of the Sinar F2 service manual, which is huge (124 pages).
I suggest downloading a copy. It can be found online for free.

- Leigh

[itoyo]

I have the same issue with a Sinar F2 I use. I don't use to rely for critical set up on camera levels or zero detents, that's why I carry a small level to check alignment of standards. But up to know I didn't knew about that service manual!

[AlexGard]

thanks a bunch leigh. very helpful. :) I did not receive a manual when I purchased the camera

[AlexGard]

even after loosening the screws and straightening the indicator/spirit level and then retightening the screws, it seems that the indicator/spirit level still can 'slip' somewhat and become misaligned again almost too easily. seems to be a disappointing flaw in an otherwise very robust and solid camera. but then I suppose the camera isn't really designed to be lugged around a lot...

[VictoriaPerelet]

Leica (who owns Sinar) has very usefull gadget - digital level and range finder (1mm accurate) which is rugged and waterproof. Perfect for focusing also.

http://www.allenprecision.com/media/catalog/product/L/e/Leica_E7400x.jpg

Heres amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Geosystems-DISTO-E7400x-Distance/dp/B0082HE266/ref=dp_ob_title_hi


You just hold it by standard and adjust tilt. I use F2 in the field all times. My guess is that it can be utilized for direct scheimpflug calculation...
Sent from my iPad

[AlexGard]

there is an iphone app that does the same thing (called Tilt Calculator) but I was having a hard time deciphering it this morning... I think I understand basically how it works but I wasn't sure where or how you input a couple of the values. I was pretty tired when I was reading the how-to and got frustrated and gave up on trying to figure it out...

[Tin Can]

How does this help focus a LF camera?


Leica (who owns Sinar) has very usefull gadget - digital level and range finder (1mm accurate) which is rugged and waterproof. Perfect for focusing also.

http://www.allenprecision.com/media/catalog/product/L/e/Leica_E7400x.jpg

Heres amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Geosystems-DISTO-E7400x-Distance/dp/B0082HE266/ref=dp_ob_title_hi


You just hold it by standard and adjust tilt. I use F2 in the field all times. My guess is that it can be utilized for direct scheimpflug calculation...
Sent from my iPad

[AlexGard]

yes, I am having trouble finding instructions on how to apply that to a LF camera... could you explain>?

[Jac@stafford.net]

There are a few Apple iPhone applications that do the same thing - for free.

[VictoriaPerelet]

yes, I am having trouble finding instructions on how to apply that to a LF camera... could you explain>?

For View Cameras with movements - there are many articles on main page of this site. This reference is de facto standard:

http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/index.html

There are helper excel spreadsheets on main page. Most probably there's app for that.:rolleyes:

Also for wide lenses - focusing attachments with range scale are useful:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/92863-REG/Schneider_08_025613_Focusing_Mount_for_Super_Angulon.html

You have to calibrate and fix stands on your Sinar 1st, digital back is very useful for focus calibration, good loupe will work also.

If you use Sinar Handy - just use laser rangefinder.


There are a few Apple iPhone applications that do the same thing - for free.
I'm sure there are:). Problem - there's no rangefinder laser on iPhone ...

Sent from my iPad

[mihag]

Leica (who owns Sinar) has very usefull gadget - digital level and range finder (1mm accurate) which is rugged and waterproof. Perfect for focusing also.

http://www.allenprecision.com/media/catalog/product/L/e/Leica_E7400x.jpg

Heres amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Geosystems-DISTO-E7400x-Distance/dp/B0082HE266/ref=dp_ob_title_hi




OT: Leica Camera AG Germany (who owns Sinar) has nothing to do with the gadged pictured above. It's made by Leica Geosystems AG Switzerland: http://www.leica.com/

:)

[itoyo]

good loupe will work also.



Yeahm if you mess with the instruction manual you always have the good ole loupe...

[Cletus]

not a bad idea, but cost a little more than half of what I paid for my camera! Thanks for the tip though I think I'll stick to my little $5 bubble levels...


Leica (who owns Sinar) has very usefull gadget - digital level and range finder (1mm accurate) which is rugged and waterproof. Perfect for focusing also.

http://www.allenprecision.com/media/catalog/product/L/e/Leica_E7400x.jpg

Heres amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Geosystems-DISTO-E7400x-Distance/dp/B0082HE266/ref=dp_ob_title_hi


You just hold it by standard and adjust tilt. I use F2 in the field all times. My guess is that it can be utilized for direct scheimpflug calculation...
Sent from my iPad

[foster_jb]

I often shoot 6x9 and want my standards to be "perfect" for this smaller, less forgiving film format, so I use an electronic level. I find it is easier to get exact accuracy than with simple bubble levels, and it is not prohibitively expensive, at least not compared to the Leica! It is small, very light, and also magnetic, so it will hold right on to your lensboard, depending on what it is made out of. And, if the battery ever does run out and you don't have one on hand, it also has "traditional" bubble levels built in. The readout is accurate to 0.05 degrees.

http://www.amazon.com/Digi-Pas-DWL-80Pro-Pocket-Digital-Electronic/dp/B001MZ824S (http://www.amazon.com/Digi-Pas-DWL-80Pro-Pocket-Digital-Electronic/dp/B001MZ824S)

The only downside to it, is that after you buy it, you will likely become rather frustrated and disappointed to know just HOW FAR off all your zero detents REALLY are! I remember being pretty surprised...

[Ozzz]

[Deleted for duplication]

[Ozzz]

107579 Click on the image for a larger version.

This is on the first page of the Sinar F2 service manual, which is huge (124 pages).
I suggest downloading a copy. It can be found online for free.

- Leigh

Hi Leigh, would you mind pointing me to where I could retrieve a copy of the F2 service manual? I've tried looking for one online but was only able to locate one for the Sinar P series not the F series. Thanks.