[MF3D.FORUM:1188] Newbie seeks advice

[Linda Nygren <lnygren@xxxxxxx>]

Hi, folks. Many of you may know me from the p3d list, but I am just
about to try a little medium format for the first time and could use
some guidance. I do primarily Realist format (prints and slides), a
little with a Nimslo for R-format closeups and have done a little with
twin SLR's (Olympus OMs) and rangefinders (Olympus 35 RC's). 

I was recently at my parents home in WV helping them prepare for an
upcoming move, and I ended up bringing home my Dad's old Super Ricohflex
ca 1955. I have thought about trying medium format stereo so I found
another Super Ricohflex on ebay and am trying to figure out what to do
next. The second camera arrived today.

I have ordered some 120 film from B&H which should arrive shortly, and I
have put the two cameras on a bar on my tripod. The interlens spacing
seems to be about 84mm at the closest in this arrangement. The lenses
are 80mm/3.5. The basic shutter mechanics and focusing seem to work OK.
The images seem to be reversed and pseudostereo if parallel freeviewed
in the viewfinders? 

I am not sure how to determine stereo base in this format compared to
35mm photography. I believe that the larger film format makes a
difference so that you can't just extrapolate from the focal length of
the lenses, right? Do viewer optics also play a role? I have never used
120 film or this type of camera, so any advice would be appreciated. I
do have a tattered copy of the camera instructions here to peruse also.
(My motto: When all else fails, read the instructions.)

I also do not have a viewer or mounts yet. I know there are a few good
options for viewers out there, and it sounds like RMM is the best
(only?) source for slide mounts? Thanks in advance for your help. -Linda