Nikon D40 - Sloping Horizons Problem
Posted by: Ron Brinsdon on 11 June 2010
I used a D70S for a number of years with no problems. Having decided to go all digital I sold my old Nikon MF/AF film gear (except for an F2A - retained for sentimental reasons)and bought a D40 kit as a second body. Over many years I must have developed (no pun!) a camera "grip" in that if the ground was level, my horizons would generally be level without too much deliberation. This has all changed with the D40! I now have to make an effort to "tip" the camera from my once second-nature viewing grip to ensure a level horizon.
It could be that I was, without really thinking about it, relying on the grid-lines in the D70S viewfinder, the grid-lines being a feature the D40 does not have.
I have searched a few sites (including Rockwell who I respect highly) expecting this to be a noted problem with the D40 but with no success. Have any other current or former D40 users experienced this "sloping" with landscape shots? Usual lens combo on D40 is an 18-200VR, and once again, no problems with the D70S.
Many thanks
Ron
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Flame
Hi Ron and congratulations on your new camera. I just recently sold my D40x (essentially a D40 with 10MP sensor). Throughout almost 4 years of use I did not have a problem leveling the horizon except when on a boat. I think you are used to the weight distribution of your old camera and having some difficulty adjusting. I guess that with more shots under your belt with the D40 getting level horizons will become second nature.
Regards...
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by count.d
Hi Ron, I've never heard anyone have this problem, but you've found a new mate to share your problem with, as I do it all the time. When using "35mm" SLRs, I find a few shots come out with unintentional slightly off horizontals (always the same direction). Not a big issue as they're easily corrected though. I don't know why, must be a warped mind or something.
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Ron Brinsdon
Thanks guys,
If it is not a noted problem then it must be me or the beer.
The weight distribution just might be a factor as the 18-200VR is quite heavy in comparison to the body. It could be a benefit in desguise as I will now have to make an even more conscious effort with the framing when time allows.
As Flame pointed out, more shots should help and, interestingly count.d - all my slopes go the same way too!
Have a good one
Ron
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Derek Wright
There has been problems or incidences of the camera sensor being fitted at a slight angle on some makes of cameras.
To check this out put the camera on a tripod and line up with known level lines - brick wall or side of house and take a few images
If the problem still occurs in the omages then the problem is in the camera so send it back to the manufacturer to be checked out and re aligned.
If the problem does not occur then reprogram the interface between the floor and the shutter release <g>
Does the incline correspond with the direction the shutter is being pressed ie the camera is dipping down on the shutter release side of the lens
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Phil Cork
Have you checked in the settings? On many Nikons (my D200 & D3000 included) you can turn on gridlines in the viewfinder.
Phil
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Ron Brinsdon
More food for thought here - but
Derek, no it goes the opposite way ie slopes down to the left. I will try the tripod test at some point.
Phil - there is no user set option for the gridlines unfortunately.
Offline now 'till Monday
Ron
Posted on: 11 June 2010 by Derek Wright
Ron
If the horizon is lower on the left side of the image - it is because the camera was tilted to the right when taking the picture ie following the shutter release action
