We need to replace our Zeiss NI 2. The compensator is bad and parts are not available. What is a recommendation for a good optical level. We have 3 digital levels but need a GOOD optical level for a few low light projects where the instrument could get wet. I have been looking at a Leica 32 power and a Nikon 34 power level.
Steve Corley, post: 396196, member: 23 wrote: We need to replace our Zeiss NI 2. The compensator is bad and parts are not available. What is a recommendation for a good optical level. We have 3 digital levels but need a GOOD optical level for a few low light projects where the instrument could get wet. I have been looking at a Leica 32 power and a Nikon 34 power level.
That's too bad. That is/was the best self leveling level ever made. Fast level up and really dependable. I ran many miles of levels with one of these when I worked for the U.S.B.R and also the one I purchased for my own business, and never had any compensator hang ups with either one. When running profile checks on a 230kv power line when I was with the U.S.B.R., I ran 7 miles one day and checked 0.02 at the bench mark (USGS or C&GS) at the end of the day. Really an amazing instrument.
[SARCASM]Your photo suggests you snapped it with the one and only corded, desktop phone with built in camera I've ever seen. Is that gov't spec like the level? [/SARCASM]
Did you have a micrometer for it? If so I'd be interested in buying it
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Charles L. Dowdell, post: 396216, member: 82 wrote: never had any compensator hang ups with either one
I've seen the compensator hang up on an Ni2, but as long as I tapped the level body and saw the crosshairs swing and settle, it wasn't a problem.
Jim Frame, post: 396252, member: 10 wrote: I've seen the compensator hang up on an Ni2, but as long as I tapped the level body and saw the crosshairs swing and settle, it wasn't a problem.
The only compensator issues that I ever had with a Zeiss, was when working on really windy days and the wind would cause vibrations in the tripod or the instrument itself making the compensator want to jump up and down before it would settle down to where you could get your rod reading. Like I said, in all the Ni2's that I've ran, I never had a compensator hang up. We had a Kern that was terrible in that respect. It finally got so bad, that no matter how hard you tapped on it, it wouldn't free up and got to where your readings were doubtful. I've ran Wild's, and even though they are a good level, they are slow to level up compared to the Zeiss. I've also had the compensator hang up on the Wild's.
Steve: have you tried asking other districts? When I worked in the Pittsburgh district in the early 80's that is the instrument we used as well. Kara has a couple of used Ni2's.
I would really like to have a "tilting" level (i.e. no compensator) such as a Wild N2 or N3 as a backup to our digital level for situations with a lot of vibration like crossing bridges and hydro plants, etc.
Just spoke with Donna George at Allen Precision and she said they were donated an old surveyors equipment and had a several very nice levels. She tried to give me one so the price is probably right. Give her a call.
If you want to stay with a Zeiss NI-2, there are plenty of used examples around; as mentioned check the various equipment dealers (Kara Instruments, Allen Precision, etc.- as last resort, even Ebay).- but if USACE procurement can only purchase new levels via BPA/purchase orders, you might have to check if you can use the local gov't purchasing card for a used one.
Mojave Instruments has 2 in stock, see: http://www.mohaveinstrument.com/NewFiles/SaleSpecials.html
A suitable replacement with automatic compensation would be a Wild/ Leica new-style NA2/NAK2. If needed one without compensation try the Wild/Leica N3, or older N2
Not to give free advertising, but there is an outfit here in suburban NY that may be able to help you.
Swisstek Inc.
Brewster NY
You can google them to get contact info.
If your interested, I can part with one of these...
