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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Level feature design error?

Discussion in 'Olympus Cameras' started by Growltiger, Apr 15, 2014.

Top Rated
  1. Growltiger

    Growltiger Mu-43 All-Pro

    1,074
    Mar 26, 2014
    UK
    I like the level feature so I can be sure I am holding the camera level. But I found I had trouble knowing instinctively which way to tilt the camera. Now I've realised why - the camera design is illogical.

    If the camera is tilted to the left the bar is to the right. So if the bar is to the right you should tilt the camera to the right. i.e. the SAME way.

    If the camera is aimed down, the bar is downward. So if the bar is downward you should aim the camera upward. i.e. the OPPOSITE way.

    Is there any way to correct this?

    Is there a way I can learn to think of it that will make it seem logical?
     
    Growltiger, Apr 15, 2014
    #1
  2. pdk42

    pdk42 One of the "Eh?" team

    4,854
    Jan 11, 2013
    Leamington Spa, UK
    It works like a real spirit level. If you tilt to the left, the bubble rises to the right.
     
    pdk42, Apr 15, 2014
    #2
  3. Growltiger

    Growltiger Mu-43 All-Pro

    1,074
    Mar 26, 2014
    UK
    But what about the up/down working the opposite way?
     
    Growltiger, Apr 15, 2014
    #3
  4. usayit

    usayit Mu-43 Hall of Famer Subscribing Member

    2,963
    Jul 2, 2010
    Some call it the arm pit of NYC.
    Think of it as the spirit level is glued ontop of the hotshoe...
     
    usayit, Apr 15, 2014
    #4
  5. jnewell

    jnewell Mu-43 All-Pro

    1,752
    Jun 23, 2011
    Boston, MA
    It works correctly but I find its implementation very counterintuitive. Sony and Panasonic have much more intuitive levels - for my eye and brain.
     
    jnewell, Apr 15, 2014
    #5
  6. lightmonkey

    lightmonkey Mu-43 Veteran

    480
    Dec 22, 2013
    just line it up with the frame
     
    lightmonkey, Apr 15, 2014
    #6
  7. fortwodriver

    fortwodriver Mu-43 Top Veteran

    984
    Nov 15, 2013
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Frank
    I'm sure if they wanted to they could probably offer an option to swap that feature "direction" much like they do with the focus ring direction...

    I think my 7D was just as bad though...
     
    fortwodriver, Apr 15, 2014
    #7
  8. Harvey Melvin Richards

    Harvey Melvin Richards Photo Posting Junkie Subscribing Member

    6,636
    Feb 15, 2014
    Southwest Utah
    As a long time bubble level user, I still fight with the level on my E-M10. I also turn the knobs and focus the wrong way all the time. I know I can change the knobs and focus, but it would probably further confuse me.
     
    Harvey Melvin Richards, Apr 15, 2014
    #8
  9. beameup

    beameup Mu-43 Regular

    120
    Oct 23, 2013
    I've put a little hot-shoe cover/bubble level on the E-M1 which comes in handy when "shooting from the hip".
     
    beameup, Apr 18, 2014
    #9
  10. zpierce

    zpierce Super Moderator Subscribing Member

    671
    Sep 26, 2010
    Minneapolis, MN
    Zach
    I found it a bit counterintuitive at first as well. I just trained my brain to tilt in the direction of the dots to straighten it out. That mental leap fixed it for me.
     
    zpierce, Apr 18, 2014
    #10