P3D Level Realist

[Michael Georgoff <Michael_Georgoff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

After considering my problems with getting level shots on my Realist 3.5, I
came up with a novel solution (short of getting a Kodak with a bubble level
in it)...

Last night I bought a Zircon Electronic Level, disassembled it to it's
component parts and installed it in my Realist with considerable
modification.  The Zircon Electronic Level uses technology to replace the
old bubble-level with high-tech electronics, automatically sensing true
level. (Zircon also developed the electronic stud-finder, perhaps familiar
to those out there who are handy around the house and often need to find
studs behind drywall, etc.)

Now, since this bit of electronic wizardry will accurately detect level,
I've wired it's circuitry to a series of LEDs, an audio circuit that plays
pre-recorded voices, and a solenoid.  If the camera is not level, the red
LED which I've mounted in the viewfinder window will activate, as well as an
audio voice recorded by a cab driver from the Bronx repeating "Yo! Not
level, ya palooka!".  The solenoid locks the shutter to prevent firing.

If the shot IS level, the display inside the viewfinder lights a green LED,
the audio voice switches to a pleasant female voice which announces "You
have achieved level.  You may now expose emulsion."  And the solenoid
shutter lock disengages, allowing me to take the shot.

It was a lot of work, but well worth it.

Michael Georgoff
Seriously, California


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