[MF3D.FORUM:1248] Re: Loss of detail in projection (was Re:PSA Albuquerque report, Part II)

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxx>]

I think this discussion has gone past MF3d so
perhaps we can move it to another list... But
I do want to make a point about the proportionality
theory that DrDave advocates.  He says:

>If you start out with an image that is ten times better 
>in a hand viewer it should stand to reason that it 
>would be ten times better in projection. 

Perhaps I am taking this out of content but it
does not stand to reason for me.  We've all heard the
statement that "this slide looks better in projection
than it does in the viewer"  Some slides look better
in projection and others (the majority) look worse.
So a slide that looks better in a viewer will not
necessarily look better in projection or in the web
or in another viewing medium.  Different viewing
methods tend to favor different qualities in a stereo
image.  

To tie this with MF, I agree that due to the
lower magnification, MF slides look sharper and
smoother in a viewer.  But sharpness is not a quality
that stands up in stereo projection.  Because of 
the layers of filters, the screen and the smaller
image that the average viewer sees, sharpness goes
down the hill.  So the quality that impressed you
in the viewer, is secondary in projection.

Same applies for grain.  Film grain is very obvious
and annoying in the stereo viewer but it is not a 
factor (within limits) in stereo projection.  So
a film with smaller grain size will not necessarily
look better in projection than one with larger grain
size because grain cannot be seen.

The proportionality theory breaks down if the factor
you are comparing is not important any more.

George Themelis