[MF3D.FORUM:1630] Using front shift to simulate camera movements?

["Bill Glickman" <bglick@xxxxxxxx>]

      I am trying to develop a MF camera system that allows one to set
interocular bases at any seperation without physical limitations.....As we
all know, this is physcially impossible sometimes with two non- shift
cameras.  My idea was to use two cameras side by side, but each one would
have the capability to shift the lens horizontally.   This has a very
dramatic effect vs. spacing the cameras.  For example, I can simulate 24"
interocular distance with only 3mm of front shift on one camera.  I have
tested this, it works.  So a small amount of lens shift would simulate
interocular spacing fro 0 to 500 + ft.

      I have found that myself and my audience all prefer very small OFD's,
say 1.3mm, hence the need for bases much tigher than any two cameras can
every physically acheive.   A fixed stereo camera (sputnicks) don't appeal
to me because I want the flexibility of adjusting the interocular distance
when required.

        Although this sounds good in theory, I am curious if this will
produce the same stereo effect as utilizing two cameras at the proper
interocular distance.  I don't plan to use it for excessive bases, only for
24" and less.  Has anyone every tried this before?  Any input?

Bill G