Source for camera spirit levels?

keithostertag · Jul 28, 2016

I have an old Cambo 5x7 which has two broken spirit levels. Anyone know a good source for them?

Not sure if the proper name is "spirit level" or "bubble level"... maybe those terms are synonymous?

Are these "generic", or do I need a Cambo brand in order to fit the standard and screw holes?

I know I don't need them, but if they are inexpensive and available I would feel better having them....

Thanks,
Keith Ostertag

AgX · Jul 29, 2016

Look at a DIY store for tools with a spirit level. If there is one with a small levelling tube, buy it, take out the tube and cement it on your adjusting plate.

RSalles · Jul 29, 2016

Hi Keith,

I bought 2 sets last year for my Sinar - the F2 and the Norma - at ebay: 17USD each set of 3, virtually equal to the original one.
As this one, but transparent:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-Level-bu...-F1-cameras-/140499522687?hash=item20b66c947f

DREW WILEY · Jul 29, 2016

There's no guarantee that you filmholder will be positioned exactly level when you insert it, that the film will rest in the holder slots dead level, or
even that the holder frame on the camera itself always seats itself level, even if the top of your standards are. Otherwise, just realize you get what
you pay for in miniature bubble levels. Very few of the cheap one are themselves accurate.

AgX · Jul 29, 2016

A spirit level is as accurate as you adust it.
Only problem would be the bubble size. I often came across too small bubbles. In this case add new marker lines, so that the bubble can be adjusted just between the two them.

keithostertag · Jul 29, 2016

Thank you gentlemen! I hadn't thought of obtaining the tubes only... might take some careful adjustments to get them glued with adequate precision... but I think I will try. Thank you very much for these ideas!

AgX · Jul 29, 2016

I'd thought the baseplate of that level had some swivelling to adjust the level. If not use fast curing epoxy cement, yielding you a minute or two to correct.

bdial · Jul 29, 2016

McMaster-Carr has a number of options;
http://www.mcmaster.com/#levels/=13hufrq
They also have vials.

Ian Grant · Jul 29, 2016

Here in the UK Poundland (everything is £1 - approx $1.32 at the moment) sell a Spirit leve incorporating 3 of those ones RSallen linked to in the ebay sale, a very considerable saving.

Ian

DREW WILEY · Jul 29, 2016

Ditto. McMaster is an excellent source for either small quick-ship quantities or a wide selection of industrial miscellany. I once sold Starrett gear to
machinists and mechanics, and now work at the largest Stabila dealer in the country (among many many other product lines), so know the distinction
in levels quite well. True machinists levels can be so deliberately fussy and accurate that they're just too slow for casual camera usage. At the other
extreme, the kinds of little levels they sell at Home Cheapo or the retired guy's woodworking stores are so ridiculously easy that they can still be way
often when that oversized bubble visually appears level. I don't bother either way, even though the levels in my Sinar Norma are still intact. Rather,
I keep a pendulum inclinometer in my architectural photography kit. Then you just have to find a building that's square and actually level! I even sell
special measurement calculators for making correction cuts on materials relative to the fact that most building and rooms are somewhat off. Nice now that I mostly do photography for myself, and can seek out interesting old dilapidated buildings that even have to look straight and square.

FredrickSummers · Aug 16, 2016

Anyone care to share some pictures on how they are attaching these to their camera? I'd like to add a level to my front standard (Wista SP, no detent for tilt). /threadjack

AgX · Aug 16, 2016

McMaster-Carr have dedicated holders for the tubes. One can screw/glue these holders to the camera. If necessary shims could be used.

If one uses a selfmade holder one can use fast curing epoxy cement to fix the tube to the holder in final position. By this one can adjust levelling of the tube during curing.

FredrickSummers · Aug 16, 2016

AgX said:
McMaster-Carr have dedicated holders for the tubes. One can screw/glue these holders to the camera. If necessary shims could be used.

If one uses a selfmade holder one can use fast curing epoxy cement to fix the tube to the holder in final position. By this one can adjust levelling of the tube during curing.

Thanks. I was just curious to see some

Alan Gales · Aug 17, 2016

A couple of the bubble levels were dry in my old Sinar P. I went to the hardware store and bought a new torpedo level for cheap. It worked great. I have since sold the Sinar camera but now use the level on my Ries tripod and Wehman 8x10 camera.

It's an alternative if you can't find the bubble levels you need.

AgX · Aug 17, 2016

You mounted the complete level on your cameras?

Diapositivo · Aug 17, 2016

May I contribute the stupid answer of the day: use a tripod head with levels (or a tripod body with a level and a tripod head with levels). Those should be well-adjusted in the factory and when the tripod head is levelled, all the system should be levelled.

I understand this is a more expensive solution, though, and relies on the quality of the tripod head. But who knows, maybe you were just considering buying a new tripod head.

Alan Gales · Aug 17, 2016

AgX said:
You mounted the complete level on your cameras?

No. I just use the level and then put it in my back pocket or camera bag when I'm done with it. I'm used to using levels since I worked sheet metal in the construction industry. I always carried a torpedo level in my tool pouch.

I guess a torpedo level would look funny duct taped onto a Sinar P!

Luckless · Aug 17, 2016

One advantage of using a torpedo level over spirit level tubes fixed on the frame is that you can do a quick check on the torpedo level's alignment: Turn the torpedo level 180. If it shows 'level' on one side, but skewed slightly when you measure when it has been turned around completely, then you know that your 'level' has taken one too many knocks and is no longer in alignment.

They're also a very handy tool to have in your gear bag in general.

Source for camera spirit levels?

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