Beamsplitters & Others

[JakeKristy@xxxxxxx]

On 17 Nov. '95 I caught the end of Tim Smith's b.s. summary.  He had
apparently opened that flaming can of beamsplitter worms.

Tim, it sounds as though you got plenty of advice (of which I read none), but
let me be passionate contributor #n.

(IMHO) the system I used, the Asahi Pentax b.s. and viewer, was my early
introduction to the word "limitations."  I was more than disappointed with
the images I got from it, and was almost exiting the world of stereoscopic
imaging when. . . someone (Dr. Themelis) introduced me to the Stereo Realist
camera.  Needless to say, I mothballed and later sold the b.s. system (for
$150!).

If I had been using a pair of cardboard pinhole cameras to start out in
stereophotography, I would have expected "limitations" to be the name of the
game.  But since I had paid *more than $100* for the b.s., I expected some
respectable and consistent results.  I was never inspired by the b.s.; and,
if you are not, please do not give up on the art/science of stereoscopic 3-D.
 Tally ho, carry on, etc.  (BTW, I am about to have some experimental fun
with a pair of cardboard pinhole cameras.  Now, if this system doesn't give
me astonishing stereo results, I will understand and will carry on, $16
poorer, but technically and artistically richer.)

As for your twin Nikon Fs, I would suggest that you use
simple-inside-the-film-box metering and full manual control.  To view, I
would start with the plastic (but excellent) 2x2x2 viewer available from
Dalia and Dr. T (I believe).  It has adjustable interocular distance.  For
print viewing, you have to try the ViewMagic; it's so easy to use, it's like
a gust of fresh atmosphere.

--Chris
(The Creed: I love this medium.  I love to experiment with all techniques and
hardware available.  I love some techniques and hardware more than others.)


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