tom thomas
27-Aug-2010, 14:49
I've read several threads about using levels on LF cameras as well as trying to replace damaged ones. I got curious about getting one for my use. I'd seen a $45 rectangular level that mounts on a camera flash mount at the local pro shop but I didn't want to put that much money into one.
I thought what I found today might be helpful for others in the forum. I "googled" circular bubble levels yesteday and spotted some potentials including at least one model that is screw-mounted. Sears had one that looked interesting on the internet.
I went to Sears today and found a real nice Craftsman Circular Level for $1.49 (MADE IN U.S.A..) (about 1 Euro 10 or so) It is 1 3/8 inch diameter, clear acrylic and guaranteed for life by Sears. It looks perfect for leveling even view cameras (get two) without having to spend big bucks. I was so pleased that I bought three (all they had) at about the price of one unexposed 4X5 negative in France.
I don't want to alter the historical/collector appearance of my Graflex 45 so I'll just set one on top behind the rangefinder after I've stabilized the tripod. If I forget and drop it when I'm finished, it's large enough to spot on the ground and if it falls in the Grand Canyon, cheap enough to carry a spare.
If I want to attach it, I have some double sided carpet tape that is tenacious yet very thin and easy to cut with scissors or razor knife. Should be fairly easy to remove without damaging the leather on the camera body.
Would others find a circular bubble level like this one helpful? Google it and you can see the one Sears offers too. For anyone in Europe or overseas need/want one, the level is so cheap (how much could customs be on 1 Euro 10), light, easy to ship that perhaps someone would volunteer to help them out. I would but I'm going to Europe myself next week for 3 months. I'm taking all three of mine so I'll have at least one extra should someone need it while I'm there. Drop me a private em.
Tom
Ah, France beckons, I can smell the sweet scent of lavender already. If I weren't so deaf, I would be able to hear the cicadias (cigalle) too. I can still imagine what they sound like though. I'll turn up my hearing aids for them I guess.
Tom
I thought what I found today might be helpful for others in the forum. I "googled" circular bubble levels yesteday and spotted some potentials including at least one model that is screw-mounted. Sears had one that looked interesting on the internet.
I went to Sears today and found a real nice Craftsman Circular Level for $1.49 (MADE IN U.S.A..) (about 1 Euro 10 or so) It is 1 3/8 inch diameter, clear acrylic and guaranteed for life by Sears. It looks perfect for leveling even view cameras (get two) without having to spend big bucks. I was so pleased that I bought three (all they had) at about the price of one unexposed 4X5 negative in France.
I don't want to alter the historical/collector appearance of my Graflex 45 so I'll just set one on top behind the rangefinder after I've stabilized the tripod. If I forget and drop it when I'm finished, it's large enough to spot on the ground and if it falls in the Grand Canyon, cheap enough to carry a spare.
If I want to attach it, I have some double sided carpet tape that is tenacious yet very thin and easy to cut with scissors or razor knife. Should be fairly easy to remove without damaging the leather on the camera body.
Would others find a circular bubble level like this one helpful? Google it and you can see the one Sears offers too. For anyone in Europe or overseas need/want one, the level is so cheap (how much could customs be on 1 Euro 10), light, easy to ship that perhaps someone would volunteer to help them out. I would but I'm going to Europe myself next week for 3 months. I'm taking all three of mine so I'll have at least one extra should someone need it while I'm there. Drop me a private em.
Tom
Ah, France beckons, I can smell the sweet scent of lavender already. If I weren't so deaf, I would be able to hear the cicadias (cigalle) too. I can still imagine what they sound like though. I'll turn up my hearing aids for them I guess.
Tom