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

Growltiger · Apr 15, 2014

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?

pdk42 · Apr 15, 2014

It works like a real spirit level. If you tilt to the left, the bubble rises to the right.

Growltiger · Apr 15, 2014

But what about the up/down working the opposite way?

usayit · Apr 15, 2014

Think of it as the spirit level is glued ontop of the hotshoe...

jnewell · Apr 15, 2014

It works correctly but I find its implementation very counterintuitive. Sony and Panasonic have much more intuitive levels - for my eye and brain.

lightmonkey · Apr 15, 2014

just line it up with the frame

fortwodriver · Apr 15, 2014

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...

Harvey Melvin Richards · Apr 15, 2014

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.

beameup · Apr 18, 2014

I've put a little hot-shoe cover/bubble level on the E-M1 which comes in handy when "shooting from the hip".

zpierce · Apr 18, 2014

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.

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

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