C/V Spirit Level

Do you believe it could accomodate both a 21/24mm viewfinder and a Voigtlander accessory meter on an M3?

A "spirit level" for a camera accessory shoe is not exactly a "new" idea, by my reckoning. In the early-mid 1930s, Leitz offered a bubble level (in back paint or chrome finish) to be used to level the camera for panoramic shots or with wide angle lenses. The Leitz bubble levels were called FIBLA or DOOLU (I forget which one was earlier) and fit in a camera accessory shoe or in the accessory shoe of a waist level type viewfinder (the AUFSU).

There was also a bubble level built into the top of the accessory VF provided with the 15 mm F/8 Hologon-M. The only difference is that the C/V model is eye level rather than waist level (ie., requiring the viewer to look down).

I bought an original black paint (on brass) DOOLU (or FIBLA, whatever) for $ 100 on eBay, a few years back. It works perfectly well. But I really don't have much use for it. It makes a nice collectible.

I've been down this route and sold the lot. The conclusion I reached was: who wants to add all this debris to the top plate of a camera one of whose main virtues is compactness?

How well does it work with the camera in the vertical position?

Ralph, this really is too much stuff.

Take heart. I love to quote Garry Winogrand. His response: "What tilt?"

I've never used bubble levels or grid screens and can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would. I just use the sides or top/bottom of the frame as a guide, and when it looks level, it *is* level. I mean, why not just take your eye away from the finder for a half second, and look at the actual horizon if you really can't figure out through the finder if it's level or not? That said you can buy a little (about the size of a quarter) flat plastic stick-on bubble level for about $2.00 at Home Depot and stick it on top of the accessory finder.

The double-shoe thingy is great though. I keep both the 28 and 21 finders on it so I can switch between the Tri-Elmar and the 21 without having to switch finders. Also, the 28 finder sits to the left, so I can get my eye to it quicker and my nose doesn't make an oily print on the camera's rubber eyepiece (which next time transfers to my glasses).

There should be a spirit level indicator with LED readouts inside the viewfinder. Or not. ;)

I think the spirit level is much more useful for the 15mm and 12mm. With those lenses, even the most minute tilt (not noticeable when framing the picture) often leads to really exaggerated perspective in the final photo.

Wouldn't one of these bubble levels work in both orientations?

I use the Hama single bubble level, and it works for both vertical and horizonntal orientation, and, its tiny and light to carry. To me it's a tripod-only accessory. The CV spirit level is very cool, but I think it's way over done. It also seems a bit ridiculous with the rangefinder window on the left, the viewfinder center-high and the spirit level pointing diagonally inward. Where do you look first? Second? And, Last? Oops, there goes the decisive moment (snicker-snicker).

I have to say that I now have mixed feelings about having posted this for the benefit of those who might have been interested in the item, but whose curiosity wasn't satisfied by the description and images on Camera Quest. To me, it seemed obvious that the C/V spirit level wasn't something of universal applicability or of universal interest. Perhaps the lack of a decisive-moment-only filter that would prevent the use of a Leica for general photographic purposes is another shortcoming in the design. ;-)

The only practical use or benefit for the C/V spirit level is with hand-held, landscape-orientation shots. In those situations, being able to see the level without moving one's head (and thus the camera, too) is pretty handy. For tripod-mounted shots, the dual-vial levels are a better solution. Neither device is useful for timing-sensitive shots, of course. But then, anyone who would use a Leica M where timing wasn't critical should obviously be shot or hanged. ;-)

Ralph

Don't worry, I for one appreciated the post. Keeping, say, a 21mm lens truly horizontal is much harder on a r/f than with an SLR. I use the Hama spirit level when I need too, but I do think the CV version is more elegant.

Robin: Thanks, and actually, I'm not worried at all. Occasionally, however, it's appropriate to hold a mirror up to the rude and narrow-minded and see if they like their reflections.