Re: More camera ideas and questions

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Stephen wrote:
> Lester wrote:
> 
> > I shot a few sheet of 4x5 film in my 1st MF camera, but decide to use
> > a 6x12 film holderinstead, because 4x5 film cost a lot more then 120
> > film. Yes, it is very easy to mount the pair.
> 
> A stereo pair on 4x5 is a bit more expensive than 120. Around here
> it's about $4.50/stereo pair on 4x5 ($2/sheet of film plus $2.50
> processing) compared to around $2.25/stereo pair on 120. If you think
> that's pricey try my twin 4x5 camera
> (http://jimkearney.ne.mediaone.net/~slk/projects.html ) at $9/stereo
> pair!
> 

Since I already have 4x5 holders and 4x5 film I figure that the 4x5
route is cheaper to start off with.  Later when I have the money to
buy, or time to build, I'll use a 6x12 rollfilm holder.

> But another limitation is caused by the tight image spacing on the 4x5
> sheet. My 4x5 filmholders have an aperture 120mm wide. If you use 58mm
> wide images, with a 4mm space between them, your lenses should be 60mm
> apart to place the window at approx. 2 meters. Since ortho lens
> spacing is 63.5mm your camera will take pictures that are slightly
> hypostereo. How much of a qualitative difference this will make I
> don't know. Probably not much.
> 

Is there any reason not to put the lenses at the ortho spacing and let
the window fall where it will?  I seem to remember doing these
calculations a while ago, but I don't have my notes or the formula
handy.  Given that the 4x5 lens I'd be most likely to use has a
shutter that is 3 inches in diameter getting a 75mm spacing is more
likely.

> Good lenses for 2"x3" can be picked up for around $100-$125. Graflex
> made 2"x3" press cameras with Graflex Optars (pretty good) and Kodak
> Ektars (very good) in the 90-100mm range. You shouldn't have to buy a
> whole camera; the lenses are often sold on their own. These are lenses
> in shutter. My 4x5 stereo camera uses two Graflex Optar 135mm lenses
> which are decent and only cost $50-$75.
> 

I have Graflex Optar 135mm lens (my first LF lens), and had planned on
getting a second for 4x5 full sheet stereo (either two 4x5 holders, or
8x10 with a cut darkslide to allow multiple exposures on a single
sheet and lots of rise on the back or a revolving/repositionable
back).  I'm not sure if I'll go that route anymore (I'd have to build
a viewer).  I keep forgetting that there were 2x3 press cameras.  Too
use to the MF TLRs and SLRs.  I'll keep an eye out for 2x3 press
lenses.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Humans explore the Universe with five
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              |   senses and call the adventure science."
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds/ | - Edwin P. Hubble