Re: The Rolls of MF Stereo

[Steve Spicer <s.spicer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 19:42 18/02/99 -0700, you wrote:

>the one and only
>Rolleidoscop. Man, what a work of art! ...
>This one's in good shape and the Tessars are flawless. I love the little
>bubble level inside the viewfinder. 


The bubble leavel is useful too, as it takes a while to "learn" the
viewfinder dynamics (...keep moving the camera the wrong way). The finder
doesn't quite cover into two of the corners, and it is dull. It need one of
the modern Intenscreens, but I'm too scared I'd lose the bubble finder if I
took the old glass out (they are one in the same lump of glass).

Also flash sync is missing - although I do have an "ooftan-grouzer" that
fits to the shutter release to derive a sync signal. Touchy to adjust but.


> The inside is lined with
>velvet to reduce reflections. 

Yep - and I had the same reservations as you about loose flock on the film,
but it doesn't seem to happen. The uncoated pre-colour film Tessars in this
camera continue to amaze me, even under the harshest conditions.


>Ain't it amazing that one
>Country can produce such a masterpiece of technical achievement

I suspect the Seton Rochwite "respected" the Rolleidoscop too. Check the
simliarities...

 - center placed finder with mirror system
 - left hand shutter release
 - early R'scops had a ring to control either speed or aperture placed 
   around the center finder lens (don't recall which)
 - later R'scops have a hinged flip-up lens cover
 - focus control is in almost identical position on the body

"You be the judge" to quote Robin Williams.


>I'm not Commie-bashing here, I
>still think the Belplasca is the best vintage 35mm stereo camera around.

Yep.

Regards, Steve
(who?....oh....Steve).
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