[MF3D.FORUM:614] Re: Dual Cameras

["Stuart Johnson - GCSPHOTO" <GCSPHOTO@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill G writes:

>          I have been contemplating this exact issue.  Maybe you can offer
me
> some insight.  I have two M7's now, and my missing link is the inability
to
> snap both shots at once when the camera spacing needs to be 65mm.  (Due to
> the cameras inability to get this close)  I was wondering when shooting
> landscapes shots, how critical this is... From what you write above, it
> sounds like even the slightest leaf or branch being out of place will play
> havoc with ones ability to fuse subjects.  I kind of suspected this, but
> have no base for comparison, since I never had the ability to try this
both
> ways.   Do you find that snapping both shots at once is critical some of
the
> time, most of time or almost all the time?  Thats what I am trying to get
> the feel for....  Any input in this area would be very helpful...
>
> I can probably guess this dual firing is very critical...

Bill,  I must have 'missed' something in a prior thread regarding this
obsession with 65mm spacing of the cameras.  It seems that you are trying to
maximize your ability to shoot extremely close to your subjects.
If this is the case then you probably are right.  However, I seldom find
myself boxed in to requiring this ability in most anything I shoot.  For the
most part depending upon my base I just 'accepted' the rough-calculated
minimum and dealt with it.  It is my opinion that a left and right image
taken at or approximately the same times is FAR more critical than worrying
about capturing such a close near object (3 feet for example).

As far as shooting simultaneously, just get used to firing both cameras with
cable releases at the same time.  It's close enough!  However, your cameras
may come ready with an electronic cable release (like the Hasselblads do)
and thus you can wire two cables together using one button.

I'm willing to guess that if you were to get those two mamiyas close
together on a flat bar (just have a metal shop make one to your desired
specs or visit a big hardware store for the parts and do it yourself) and
use something closer to a 50 or 60 mm lens, and using a dual release cable,
that you would find satisfaction in the results.  Why not give it a try?
Also, you may STILL get some things close to 3 feet by having them 'come
through the window' in ways that are pleasing and interesting.  Try to have
these subjects come from mid-distance and into the middle of the image.
You'll see some surprising results!

Good luck!

    -Stuart