Linhof MT Bubble Level Options

[v.kapoor]

I've been having trouble leveling my Linhof and the Vello levels sold by B&H don't slide in and out of the hotshoe easily.
Does anyone have recommendations for accurate bubble levels for the MT?

Thanks!

[Bob Salomon]

Shoe mounted levels are not that accurate. Get a good level from a machinist supply dealer and just place it on top of the shoe. That way you can check level in left to right and front to back!

[v.kapoor]

Interesting. Bob any thoughts on the Linhof levels, despite their price?

Any thoughts on this small pocket level by Milwaukee? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...2/30218…
Just concerned about accuracy, obviously!

[Bob Salomon]

Interesting. Bob any thoughts on the Linhof levels, despite their price?

Any thoughts on this small pocket level by Milwaukee? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...22-5102/30218…
Just concerned about accuracy, obviously!

The machinist level would be more accurate. The link didn’t work.

[v.kapoor]

Here you go: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...5102/302186879

[Bob Salomon]

Here you go: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...5102/302186879

Not the best but it should do. Might be too large though.

I used the level in my iPhone.

[v.kapoor]

I've been using the iHandy bubble level app, but honestly it's been tricky with my ballhead.
Where do you normally place the iPhone when measuring both axises?

This would be much easier if I were using a pan/tilt head... but I use a ballhead for portability.

[Bob Salomon]

I've been using the iHandy bubble level app, but honestly it's been tricky with my ballhead.
Where do you normally place the iPhone when measuring both axises?

This would be much easier if I were using a pan/tilt head... but I use a ballhead for portability.

Unscrew the accessory shoe and you will have a flat surface. The nut that holds the screw on is on the bottom of the top plate.

[Tin Can]

Ditto!

But I also think most levels are not accurate at all. The iPhone one works darn good.

I try to use only my crappy eyes as I used to 'see' level easily. Now I see level good enough.

I look at a 'flat' board and it's warped the same on both sides...

I have checked Linhof, Horseman, Sinar, DSLR and aftermarket levels with all kinds of levels from Drew's super duper to a 4 ft plastic level. The longer it is is usually better, but cameras are not 4 feet in any dimension. Then there is damage to the surface of any level. A nick or dent makes it junk until fixed.

Usually...

Then as Drew says the film is not necessarily aligned to level in the traps nor flat to the septum.

This is called 'fudge factor' or nominal or whatever. Nothing is perfect.

Not the best but it should do. Might be too large though.

I used the level in my iPhone.

[v.kapoor]

Unscrew the accessory shoe and you will have a flat surface. The nut that holds the screw on is on the bottom of the top plate.

Thanks Bob!