[MF3D.FORUM:232] Re: Sputniks

[Greg Erker <erker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>I agree Greg, but these are characteristics of the MF format... my
>comments were geared toward the specific inquirey regarding Sputniks. I
>think your approach of twin Ricoh 225s is both a cheaper and a higher
>quality solution to getting started in MF stereo...

  Definitely higher quality but I don't
know about cheaper. Sputniks on ebay go
for $250 to $300 (haven't looked recently).
Ricohmatic 225's go for $100 to $150 ea.
Plus the money I paid Sam to link the
shutters (though not a lot per hour for
his work) and the parts and 10's of hours
of labour I put into the project. (And
extra Diacords and 225's I bought to
get some well matched lenses).

  So not a project for the faint of heart
or thin of wallet :)

  For getting started with less than $100
for the camera I'd vote for a pair of
Ricohflex's (geared lens ones) or Lubitels.
Maybe buy 3 and keep the best matched two
and auction the 3rd one on ebay.

  For $100 to $200 range I'd suggest
Ricoh Diacords (L or G's) or Yashica D's
(with Yashinon lenses. I think that's the
4 element ones).

  For $200 to $300 you can get a real
stereo camera (matched lenses, sync'd
shutter), the Sputnik. Even though the
lenses aren't the best. Or you can go
with better TLRs. Ricohmatic 225's, Minolta
Autocords, Yashicmat 124's, Rolleicord IV's
etc.

  And if you are very handy you can
probably build your own MF 3D camera
for moderate dollars but lots of work.