5D MK2 - can't get straight images!

[karenoliver]

I am sure this isnt my fault because with my film camera I don't have the issue. I use my 5D and quite often the frame of the shot is either leaning to the right or left, its like I can't get it straight. Yet, it look straight when I take the photo. If however, I use the live view and grid I have to tilt my camera to get the lines to match up with verticle lines for example. The tiltig btw is not straight and its almost like the camera is out of sync in some way, Is anyone else getting this problem or is it just me?

Karen

[KeithT]

Hi Karen. I shoot with the classic 5d and Panasonic LX3. In over thirty years of photography I have always had trouble shooting straight horizons...lol. My answer to this has been the faithful old "grid focucs screen" which I now put in all my cameras if the camera doesn't do it electronically. Another trick I used to use to level things up was to use the top, or side of the viewfinder frame and recompose, but the grid screen really comes into it own for keeping shots level and aids composition. Having said that, your grid should give you a good level so if it doesn't, you must start asking yourself if the sensor has been installed properly by the manufacturer. Of course, you could be experiencing some barrel distortion from your lens at wide angle too, which would give you a degree of curve. If so that's a lens anomaly.

[karenoliver]

Hi,
Thanks Keith, it might well be wider lenses causing the problems but I do think the sensor may be aligned incorrectly. Following the grid outline in live view makes me tilt the camera to ridiculous angles to get something like a wall in front of me straight. I'll have a look for a grid focus screen to installl as I can only use the grid focus on the 5D mk2 when in live view mode. I do straighten up in PS but its just something I don't want to have to do all the time. Thanks for your reply :-)
Karen

[ap4a]

I'd invest in a hotshoe spirit level (around £10-£25 depending on brand), and try with that. If you then still have an issue I'd return the camera.

[KeithT]

Karen, Digital Rev do the grid screens for a tad under thirty quid. http://www.digitalrev.com/en/canon-e...k-ii-7651.html

I have never found them much cheaper than this. The EG-D screen is the one for the MK11.

PS. The spirit levels are OK if you are using a tripod, but no good if you are hand holding your camera and composing through the viewfinder.

[karenoliver]

Thanks both, will have a look at the hotshoe and grids.

Karen

[ap4a]

Originally Posted by KeithT

PS. The spirit levels are OK if you are using a tripod, but no good if you are hand holding your camera and composing through the viewfinder.

For testing whether or not the sensor is out I'd expect to be using a tripod with it, rather than trying to handhold.