[MF3D.FORUM:666] Re: Cameras

[Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

Welcome to the list, Chris!

Chris Schneberger wrote:
> 
> Can anybody recommend a medium format stereo camera,
> preferably one that can do double exposure?

Very few models of medium format stereo cameras were ever made.

I've only recently been picking up bits and pieces about the
history of MF stereo cameras, so I apologize in advance for
being uncertain on many points.  Perhaps some of the more
collectible-knowledgeable folks here can help straighten out
my inaccuracies.

Two early models were the Heidoscop and the Rolleidoscop.  I
believe almost all Heidoscops were glass plate cameras.  A few
were converted for roll film use.  The Rolleidoscop may have
also been originally a glass plate camera, but most models
seem to have the 120 roll film back.  (The "baby Rolleidoscop"
is 127 format).  Rolleidoscops were made from roughly 1926 to
1941, and I think Heidoscops were a bit earlier.

There is a Heidoscop on ebay at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=346298898

and a Rolleidoscop recently went un-sold at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=341799854

That Rolleidoscop was probably the same camera listed at:
http://members.aol.com/camron8888/3d.html for $2,100 (and
though I don't know for sure, it is probably the same
camera that was sold on ebay a few months ago in "real
user condition").

The Gomz/Lomo folks made a medium format stereo camera from
roughly 1955-1971.  Commonly referred to as the Sputnik, it
is usually seen with a Cyrillic spelling name plate that looks
something like CnyTHNK (the next-to-last letter appearing as
a backwards "N").  For more information on the Sputnik, see
http://www.pauck.de/marco/photo/stereo/sputnik/sputnik.html

Sputniks are frequently hawked on ebay as RARE, but in fact
a sizeable number of them were made.  The market price has
begun to reflect a growing awareness of that reality--as well
as, perhaps, the several, um, "challenges" to obtaining good
results with the Sputnik.  For a recently introduced aid in
that regard, see: http://www.rmm3d.com/shooting/fix_kit_instr.html

As far as being able to make double exposures: don't worry.
You'll probably have far more than you need or want.  ;-)
These MF stereo camers do not make any effort to prevent
you from double-exposing.

> And is there a catalog somewhere of various medium format
> stereo cameras?

Not to my knowledge.  But a good list is at:
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/linmar/StereoCameras/35mm-rollfilm/35mm-rollfilm.htm
(warning: very long page, very slow to load over a modem
connection due to LOTS of pitcures, and the 35mm format
cameras appear first).  Note that the ISO Duplex and the
Rocca use 120 film but produce images much smaller than
"medium format."  The Gilde is the only currently produced
MF stereo camera.  Being a hand-made specialty item, I
understand its prices are in the five-figure range.

What type of MF stereo images do you plan to shoot?  Stereo
slides, or Holmes-style cards?

Paul Talbot