DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

360 Degree Indexer

Started 9 months ago | Discussions
Ericjt New Member • Posts: 20
360 Degree Indexer

I have the combination of a Neweer levelling base with the Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head atop it. Neither have 360 degree markings around their perimeters, which I find are useful when doing manual multi-shot panoramas.

Does anyone know of a product such as a 360 degree marked disc l could sandwich between the base and fluid head that would give me the perimeter markings I am after? TIA.

Jeffry7 Contributing Member • Posts: 899
Re: 360 Degree Indexer

You may want to look for a metal, 360 degree, protractor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373757967750?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=qoq2og29t4c&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=EDiLA74EScG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

As an alternative, turn on the rule of thirds guide in your camera. After a shot, rotate until an object has moved from one vertical line to the other. Repeat.

Jeffry7 Contributing Member • Posts: 899
Re: 360 Degree Indexer
OP Ericjt New Member • Posts: 20
Re: 360 Degree Indexer

Thx for the suggestions....I typically shoot with the grid lines on, however sunny days make live view a bit difficult at times, so an indexer would assist in the pano movements.

Also, thx for the pointers to potential product solutions....I may have found a solution in my workshop.

I recalled a 360 degree plastic protractor that had been collecting dust. So I drilled it to fit the Neweer levelling base mounting shaft. Works fine but time will tell if the plastic can withstand my field work.

Thx again everyone.

Jan Steinman
Jan Steinman Senior Member • Posts: 1,015
Re: 360 Degree Indexer

Ericjt wrote:

Does anyone know of a product such as a 360 degree marked disc l could sandwich between the base and fluid head that would give me the perimeter markings I am after? TIA.

If you're serious about panography, you might consider a head designed for it. You should be doing "nodal alignment" to avoid fuzzy areas between frames.

They're old, and fairly cheap — I like the Kaidan panoramic tripod heads. The cheaper ones are marked in degrees, but better ones have "click stops" that you can use for more precision and easy repeatability.

Most importantly, they have a calibrated slot running fore and aft, so you can rotate your lens about its nodal point.

-- hide signature --

Jan Steinman

 Jan Steinman's gear list:Jan Steinman's gear list
Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 Pro Olympus E-3 Olympus E-300 Olympus Air Olympus PEN-F +50 more
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads