Keeping tripod settings the same

[stanw]

Just looking for any suggestions as to how I can ensure that each and everytime I use my tripod, it is configured exactly the same way.

1. What do you guys do?

2. Is there a way to ensure that the tripod is level, without using an actual level?

Thanks.

 

[ozduc]

What brand and model tripod do you have?

 

[Andrew Brinkhaus]

Your basically saying you don't want to take the 30 seconds at the beginning of each setup to calibrate your tripod?

 

[stanw]

It's not that I do not want to calibrate it -- I am not a camera person (I edit in FCP), though I work at a school and am shooting video at a school and want to just ensure that when we shoot lectures that it is always the same. Unfortunately, I only know enough to set the white balance, zebra, and focus. We have no budget and we are working with a timeline to get it done.

I will be using a Bogen / Manfrotto 3058.

Thanks.

 

[Noel Evans]

Well basically you cant. There will always be variations. The bogen heads have a ball level. Just loosen the head and set it.

 

[sundance44ANCE44]

Your Tp Must Have A Center Release And A Bubble Level, That Would Take All Of 5 Secs To Adjust. Mark The Floor With Those Little Orange Sticky Things So You Can Position The Legs In The Same Spot Each Time If Its That Important.