Bubble level hotshoe cover

angloasturian · Oct 28, 2010

Alternative to VF1

If, like me, you've lost the hotshoe cover for your E-P1, instead of buying a replacement (Olympus: 7 USD, generic considerably less) you might be interested in a post by Ian Tinsdale on E-P1net (Oct 14) called 'Alternative to VF1'

An alternative to the VF-1

As you can see it's a hotshoe - mounted bubble level. I've found several on the bay - all from China. This is the cheapest:

Camera Hot Shoe Hotshoe Bubble Spirit Level Cover Cap

Seems like a good idea.

Gwendal · Oct 28, 2010

Basically sold for the price of the stamp - I really wonder how they do it. Anyway, great idea and thanks for the tip ! Also saw for a fraction more you can have the same thing with two or three axes instead of one - it gets more bulky and visible then, but your camera is sure to draw even more attention with that glowing green thing on top...

angloasturian · Nov 14, 2010

I just thought I'd mention that the cover arrived a few days ago (about 2 weeks shipping time). It fits perfectly and I can confirm it works brilliantly on my E-P1 - I took lots of test shots from the promenade of the horizon (sea), resting the camera on the balustrade, elbows on balustrade, camera against lamp, hand - held etc - and they all came out fine. If anybody's interested the link is in my post 'Alternative to VF1' on Oct 28th.

Krang · Nov 14, 2010

Here's the link for that post -> https://www.mu-43.com/f67/alternative-vf1-6841/

oldracer · Nov 14, 2010

Thanks for pointing this item out. I have a Jobu Design Double Bubble Level, which has the advantage of being a two-axis level, but it is too bulky to leave on the camera. I just ordered one of these and will use the Jobu only when I need to level a vertical shot.

IMHO a level is essential for working with the ultrawide lenses like the Oly 9-18. Not for every shot, but definitely for many architectural indoor and outdoor situations.

Brianetta · Nov 15, 2010

Does the E-PL1 lack the built in meter that the E-P1 has?

xyzzy · Nov 15, 2010

Brianetta - the E-PL1 indeed does not have the orientation sensor the E-P1 and E-P2 have ...

BBW · Nov 15, 2010

Missed this! Now that is a very nice, low key but worth while looking hot shoe bubble! I've never seen one so subtle before. Seems like a very handy item.

P.S. I've merged the two threads because now we can all easily see the links and choices.

Fiddler · Nov 15, 2010

That's a great little thing - I'll be getting one.

All the best,

Colin

scantron · Nov 18, 2010

This looks really simple and useful. I think I might have to cough up the *ahem* $3 and get one! It would be helpful to have it mounted there just in case.

gjtoth · Nov 18, 2010

I have these for my other two cameras and, being made of rubber vs. plastic, they tend to stay where you put them and don't slide out as easily as the standard plastic model. Even though I don't need the bubble part, I'll probably spring for one just because of the rubber part. I got mine from http://www.meritline.com/

Kingsfan · Nov 23, 2010

always been interested in one of these, didn't realize they were so cheap!

Log in / Register

Welcome to Mu-43.com—a friendly Micro 4/3 camera & photography discussion forum!

Bubble level hotshoe cover

angloasturian Mu-43 Veteran

Gwendal Mu-43 Veteran

angloasturian Mu-43 Veteran

Krang Mu-43 Veteran

oldracer Mu-43 Hall of Famer Subscribing Member

Brianetta Mu-43 Veteran

xyzzy Mu-43 Regular

BBW Super Moderator Emeritus

Fiddler Mu-43 Veteran

scantron Mu-43 Regular

gjtoth Mu-43 Rookie

Kingsfan Mu-43 Top Veteran