Level and Rigid Question?????

[Tom Swaman]

I apologize if this is a duplication. I asked a question in a post without response so I am trying to make this a bit more visible by making this into a thread.

We have all sorts of information here on tripods, and tripod heads. I am specifically inquiring about experience with leveling tripods, leveling collars or other devices besides ballheads, geared heads or pan heads that self-level. Are these any good? Which ones are best? How much stability in a rigid tripod is sacrificed by using these devices?

Thanks for the information and happy weekend to all,
Tom

[jfrancho]

I apologize if this is a duplication. I asked a question in a post without response so I am trying to make this a bit more visible by making this into a thread.

Exactly the right tact! I'll be staying tuned for responses with you.

[Latinbob]

I have a leveling base that goes with my Manfrotto tripod. I picked up off some junk tripods at work and it had been used for large video camera. I thought I would really like it, but I found it easier to just level the tripod itself. The leveling base is very heavy too, and didn't make the tripod any easier to carry!

I'd like to hear more about other people's experiences too. Maybe I didn't give it a chance.

Bob

[Tom Swaman]

Bob,

Would it be possible for you to supply the Manfrotto part number so that we might investigate?

Thank you,
Tom

[cyclohexane]

I hear the Gitzo one for the Systemic tripods works pretty well (Thom Hogan was praising it on DPReview sometime ago) but I don't have any practical experience with it other than knowing what it looks like.

[jazzology]

If you don't have an accurate bubble... none of the other stuff matters. A 600 dollar ballhead without a level indicator on the camera as well as platform, is asking for trouble if you are looking for level pano shots. A 25$ kirk twin axis level that fits in a hotshoe mount matched to a bubble on the tripod base is the only way to get a level 360 degree pan. For static shots, I just eyeball the horizon with the grid lines in the viewfinder...east to fix in post if it's not perfect.

j

[Tom Swaman]

J-,

Thanks. I agree and I always use those levels and more. Thos accessory shoe mounting levels have been around for years and these were either made by HAMA or JOBO in Germany. I have seen these resold everywhere from about $15 U.S. to about $60 U.S.

Now, forgetting panoramas for a moment, do you have experience with how these self=levelling devices affect the rigidity/vibration iof the set-up??

Thanks again,
Tom

[Tom Swaman]

Michael,

I have read Thom Hogan's article on tripods several times. At my age, memory is short. I will look this up and it is very timely of you to mention this since I am waiting delivery of a new set of Gitzo Systematics legs.

Thanks, Michael,
Tom

[Mr. Pickles]

Keep in mind that with all the tripod leveling, camera hot shoe leveling, etc., there are still issues that are left...

For panos, is the hot shoe itself directly inline with the sensor in BOTH directions (some cameras it is not).

Not as significant, but can throw off you level thinking, the sensor is NOT actually level and this has been known to be a common problem.

[Tom Swaman]

Mr. Pickles,

As you can see from the above, I never mentioned panning, panoramas or stitching pictures. In fact, the reasons for my posting this thread are to find out about the impact these devices have on the tripod stability/rigidity, mainly for shooting vibration free images. I understand the panning issues and what you stated is very important and very trul. I always use a series of linear levels in addition to a hot shoe level. In fact, I rely on the linear level and not on either the tripod seat level, ball head seat level or the accessory shoe level. When shooting vertically, I actually use a plumb-bob. With film I used a film plane level and took care to insert the film after leveling without jarring the focal plane.

So, what about the impact of levelers on stability, rigidity and/or vibration??

Mucho gracius,
Tom

[cyclohexane]

Thom doesn't mention the Gitzo leveling base in his article on tripods, or at least he didn't the last time I checked. He was talking about it on DPReview though, and said that when used properly it adds to the stability of the tripod. Unfortunately I don't remember when he said this nor do I have an account at DPReview, otherwise I could run a search.

[Tom Swaman]

Michael,

You are too young to not remember everything.

TeeHee,
Tom

[cyclohexane]

Heheheheh, yes, but Thom was on a major posting spree that time. I'll dig it out if I see it and post the link.

[richardpcrowe]

I use a bubble level designed for motor home use in order to level my camera/tripod in order to get the most level circumstances for shooting panos.

This level is square plastic with a bubble and a circle in the center which indicates when the rig is level.

It doesn't have a hotshoe mount but, it does have a flat bottom and I just put this on the top of my hotshoe.

I was using the one which I use for my RV but, finally got one for the camera case. It cost $2.69.

Surface Level | RV Supply Warehouse

[cyclohexane]

Found one mention of the Leveling Base by THom. He says here that the Gitzo leveling base is the best way to attach a ballhead to the tripod:

The Gitzo Leveling Base. It has a lever that applies the final bit of pressure you're lacking.

Unfortunately, he's mostly covering the act of keeping the ballhead screwed down. He does, however, mention the Gitzo Leveling Base in his updates to the "Tripods 101" article.

Still trying to find the post where he discussed using it.

[Tom Swaman]

Michael,
I guess this subject is a bit screwier and elusive than originally apparent?

Tom