This question has puzzled me for some time now. Architecture photographers, what do you use to make sure the camera is perfectly level, horizontally and vertically?
Although this is not strictly a medium format question, since this forums is the place many architecture photographers gather, I thought this would be a good place to ask this question. For my architecture projects, I currently use Nikon D3x with Nikon T/S lenses. To level the camera, I have tried using the spirit level on the tripod head (Manfrotto 410), 2 way hotshoe levels, and now a large tradesman level. The D3x also has a built-in digital level.
But which one do I trust??? I have the most trouble with the vertical axis. For the horizontal axis, the measurements have been more consistent among all the different levels. Most of the time I just place the tradesman level on the camera hotshoe, and adjust from there.
But when the D3x is turned to portrait orientation, there is not a flat surface on top to place the tradesman level. I can't trust the hotshoe bubble level because they don't fit the camera snugly. They are easily off. I have many of these little hotshoe bubble levels. They just don't seem to be made to very high tolerance. The built-in digital level doesn't show tilt…
I would love to hear how you guys critically level the camera, especially for the vertical axis when the camera is turned sideways. If I have this done perfectly while shooting, there is one less step in post, which is always a good thing!
Many thanks! If anyone is interested, here is a link to my architecture portfolio:
http://www.hubertphoto.com/#/Architecture/...ure%20Gallery/1Hubert